Heating assembly and aerosol generating device

Abstract

A heating assembly (100) and an aerosol generating device (1000). The heating assembly (100) in embodiments of the present application is used for heating an atomization medium, and the heating assembly (100) comprises: an accommodating tube (10), a heating element (20) and a support frame (30), wherein the accommodating tube (10) is used for accommodating the atomization medium; the heating element (20) comprises a heating portion (21) and a fixing portion (22) arranged at the axial end of the heating portion (21), and the heating portion (21) is sleeved outside the accommodating tube (10); the support frame (30) is arranged outside the heating element (20), and the support frame (30) is fixedly connected to the fixing portion (22) and is fixedly arranged relative to the accommodating tube (10).

Description

Heating components and aerosol generating devices

[0001] Priority information

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to patent application No. 202410790561.X, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on June 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of atomization technology, and more specifically, to a heating element and an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0004] In related technologies, aerosol generating devices typically use heating elements such as heating wires or heating sheets to heat the atomizing medium to generate aerosols. However, heating elements are prone to high-temperature creep after long-term high-temperature operation, and problems such as thermal deformation, thermal vibration, and thermal expansion occur randomly and are difficult to control, resulting in the heating elements failing to meet the requirements for repeatable operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a heating element and an aerosol generating device, and is used to improve the working stability of the heating element under temperature changes.

[0006] The heating assembly of this application embodiment is used to heat an atomizing medium, and includes: a receiving tube for containing the atomizing medium; a heating element including a heating part and a fixing part disposed at the axial end of the heating part, the heating part being sleeved outside the receiving tube; and a support frame disposed outside the heating element, the support frame being fixedly connected to the fixing part and fixedly disposed relative to the receiving tube.

[0007] In the heating assembly of this application embodiment, a fixing part is provided at the end of the heating element along the axial direction of the heating part. The heating element is fixed to the outside of the heating element by the fixing part and the support frame, so that the heating element is subjected to uniform and stable force in the axial direction of the heating part. Furthermore, the heating element is subjected to the prestress applied by the support frame through the fixing part during assembly and debugging, so that the heating element can be effectively buffered when changing between cold and hot states, effectively suppressing the problem of high temperature creep and achieving the requirements of repetitive work.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support frame is configured to support the tensioning heating element of the fixing part.

[0009] In this way, the heating element is tensioned by supporting the fixing part with the support frame, thereby preventing the deformation of the heating element under changes in hot and cold states and improving the reliability of heating.

[0010] In some embodiments, the support frame includes a support cover sleeved over the heating element and a fastener disposed at the end of the support cover along the axial direction of the support cover. The heating element is connected to the fastener. The fastener is fastened to the outer wall of the receiving tube along its own radial inner side and is engaged with the support cover along its own radial outer side.

[0011] Thus, the support cover is placed over the heating element, thereby providing support and protection for the entire heating assembly. By setting fasteners at the axial ends of the support cover, the fasteners are connected to the heating element, with the inner side being securely connected to the outer wall of the receiving tube and the outer side engaging with the support cover, thus achieving axial positioning of the heating element, fixing the heating element, and providing axial prestress to the heating element.

[0012] In some implementations, the fastener and one of the support covers form an engagement groove, and the other has a limiting rib that engages with the engagement groove.

[0013] In this way, by forming a locking groove between one of the fasteners and the support cover, and a limiting rib that engages with the locking groove on the other, the fasteners and the support cover are connected by engaging the locking groove and the limiting rib, thereby ensuring a firm and reliable connection between the fasteners and the support cover.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one contact surface where the engaging groove engages with the limiting rib forms an angle with the axial direction of the support cover.

[0015] Thus, by engaging at least one contact surface of the locking groove and the limiting rib, an angle is formed with the axial direction of the support cover, so that the radial locking force of the support cover and the fastener can be converted into a tensile force along the axial direction of the support cover. As a result, the support frame can apply a tensile force along the axial direction of the heating element to ensure that the heating element is in a taut state and can withstand the deformation differences caused by repeated hot and cold cycles.

[0016] In some embodiments, the fastener is annular, with engagement grooves and limiting ribs surrounding the fastener circumferentially.

[0017] In this way, by having the locking groove and the limiting rib surround the fastener around its circumference, the area and strength of the locking connection are increased, and the stress of the annular fastener is uniform in the circumferential direction, which is conducive to applying a uniform and stable circumferential fastening force and tensile force to the heating element.

[0018] In some embodiments, the fastener has a plurality of fixing grooves arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fastener, and the fixing grooves engage with the end of the fixing part away from the heat-generating part.

[0019] In this way, a number of fixing grooves are formed by the fasteners and arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fasteners. The fixing grooves engage with the ends of the fixing parts away from the heat-generating parts, thereby reducing interference and heat loss, and ensuring a stable connection between the fasteners and the fixing parts.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fixing part is formed along the axial direction of the heating part by connecting the main body section of the heating part and the end point away from the heating part, the main body section extends linearly along the axial direction of the heating part, and the width of the end point is greater than the width of the main body section.

[0021] Thus, by widening the width of the fixing part at the end, when the fixing part is engaged with the fastener, the end is accommodated in the fixing groove and is not easy to fall out, thereby improving the reliability of the connection.

[0022] In some embodiments, the heating element includes a heating strip that extends circumferentially and axially along the receiving tube, and the heating strip has multiple hollow spaces.

[0023] In this way, by extending the heating strip around the circumference and axial direction of the accommodating tube in a meandering manner, multiple hollow spaces are formed, so that the heating element can reach various positions in the circumference and axial direction of the accommodating tube, thereby ensuring that the heating element fully heats the atomized medium at various positions in the accommodating tube.

[0024] In some embodiments, the heating strip includes a plurality of first extensions and a plurality of second extensions. The first extensions extend axially along the receiving tube, and the plurality of first extensions are arranged circumferentially along the receiving tube. The second extensions connect two adjacent first extensions, and one end of the fixing part is connected to the second extension.

[0025] Thus, by extending the first extension section along the axial direction of the receiving tube, arranging multiple first extension sections along the circumference of the receiving tube, connecting two adjacent first extension sections with the second extension section, and connecting one end of the fixing part with the second extension section, it is beneficial to uniform internal stress of the heating element and improve the structural stability of the heating element.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second extension is recessed and bent away from the fixing portion.

[0027] Thus, by bending concavely away from the fixed part in the second extension section, the fixed part elongates and tensions when cooled, and the fixed part and the second extension section can spring back when the temperature rises. That is, the connection between the fixed part and the second extension section moves closer to the fixed part at high temperature, thereby compensating for the deformation of the first and second extension sections due to thermal expansion at high temperature. The concave bending and springback of the second extension section can cycle repeatedly under temperature changes, thereby maintaining a reasonable overall tension of the heating element and improving the working stability of the heating element.

[0028] In some embodiments, the fixing part is bent along the axial direction of the receiving tube.

[0029] In this way, by bending the fixing part along the axial direction of the receiving tube, the length of the fixing part in the axial direction of the receiving tube has a deformation margin, so that when the heating element undergoes thermal deformation in the axial direction, the fixing part can increase the curvature or rebound to support the heating element to return to its original position as much as possible.

[0030] In some embodiments, the receiving tube is a light-transmitting heat-resistant tube.

[0031] In this way, by using a heat-resistant tube that is transparent to light, the tube can transmit infrared radiation generated by the heating element to heat the atomized medium inserted into the tube, thereby improving heating efficiency and heat resistance reliability.

[0032] In some embodiments, the heating element further includes a heat-reflective layer that covers the heating element and is mounted on a support frame.

[0033] In this way, by covering the heating element with a heat-reflective layer, the infrared radiation radiated by the heating element is absorbed and reflected, thereby improving the effective utilization rate of the heat generated by the heating element for heating the atomizing medium.

[0034] The aerosol generating apparatus of this application includes the heating component of any of the above embodiments. The heating element is installed in the aerosol generating apparatus by means of a support frame and is used to heat the atomizing medium to generate aerosol.

[0035] In the aerosol generating device of this application embodiment, the heating element is fixedly connected to the support frame by the fixing parts at both ends of the heating element in the axial direction. The support frame is fastened to the accommodating tube. The support frame applies axial prestress to the heating element, thereby providing a buffer when the heating element changes between hot and cold states, reducing or even avoiding the deformation of the heating element caused by thermal expansion, thermal vibration, etc., improving the heating stability, and thus helping to improve the reliability and service life of the aerosol generating device.

[0036] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the heating component according to an embodiment of this application from a top view.

[0040] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heating element in Figure 2 along the AA direction;

[0041] Figure 4 is an exploded structural diagram of the heating component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating element according to an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating component of the present application with part of the support frame removed;

[0044] Figure 7 is an enlarged schematic diagram of part B of Figure 6.

[0045] Explanation of main component symbols: Heating assembly 100, receiving tube 10, heating element 20, heating part 21, heating strip 210, first extension section 211, second extension section 212, pin 213, fixing part 22, main body section 221, end 222, support frame 30, support cover 31, flange 312, limiting rib 314, first support part 316, second support part 318, fastener 32, engaging groove 321, first surface 3212, second surface 3214, groove bottom surface 3216, inclined surface 3218, fixing groove 323, wide groove 3231, narrow groove 3233, stepped surface 3235, heat reflective layer 40. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 1-3. The heating assembly 100 of this application embodiment is used to heat the atomizing medium (not shown). The heating assembly 100 includes: a receiving tube 10, a heating element 20, and a support frame 30. The receiving tube 10 is used to contain the atomizing medium. The heating element 20 includes a heating part 21 and a fixing part 22 disposed at the axial end of the heating part 21. The heating part 21 is sleeved outside the receiving tube 10. The support frame 30 is disposed outside the heating element 20. The support frame 30 is fixedly connected to the fixing part 22 and fixedly disposed relative to the receiving tube 10.

[0052] In the heating assembly 100 of this application embodiment, the heating element 20 is provided with a fixing part 22 at the end along the axial direction of the heating part 21. The fixing part 22 cooperates with the support frame 30 to fix the heating element 20 on the outside of the receiving tube 10, so that the heating element 20 is subjected to uniform and stable force in the axial direction of the heating part 21. Furthermore, the heating element 20 is subjected to the prestress applied by the support frame 30 through the fixing part 22 during assembly and debugging, so that the heating element 20 can be effectively buffered when changing between cold and hot states, effectively suppressing the problem of high temperature creep and achieving the requirements of repetitive work.

[0053] Specifically, the heating element 100 in this embodiment is used to heat the atomizing medium to generate an aerosol. The atomizing medium is a substance that has been processed and heated to generate an aerosol. The atomizing medium can be in a fully solid or semi-solid state, or it can be in a liquid state. For example, a solid atomizing medium can be a plant flower, stem, or leaf product prepared by processes such as rolling, slurry preparation, die casting, or extrusion. As another example, a liquid atomizing medium can include a liquid composition based on plant extracts and / or various fragrances.

[0054] The receiving tube 10 can be a hollow tube, and at least one of its two ends in its axial direction forms a through hole to accommodate the atomizing medium inserted into the hollow section of the receiving tube 10. The cross-sectional shape of the receiving tube 10 can be circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhomboid, polygonal, star-shaped, racetrack-shaped, or other irregular shapes, and this application does not impose any limitations on this. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving tube 10 is circular, and the receiving tube 10 is a hollow circular tube with both ends connected.

[0055] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, in this application, "axial" refers to the axial direction of the receiving tube 10, "circumferential" refers to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction and surrounding the outer wall of the receiving tube 10, and "radial" refers to the direction perpendicular to both the axial and circumferential directions. The definitions of "axial," "circumferential," and "radial" also apply in embodiments where the cross-section of the receiving tube 10 is not circular.

[0056] The heating element 20 is sleeved outside the receiving tube 10. To improve the circumferential uniformity of the temperature field, the heating element 20 can be coaxial with the receiving tube 10. The heating part 21 is conductive and converts electrical energy into heat energy to heat the atomizing medium when energized. The receiving tube 10 and the support frame 30 can be insulated. The heating part 21 has pins 213 for connecting to electricity, and the pins 213 can pass through the support frame 30.

[0057] The heating element 20 is fixed to the outside of the receiving tube 10 by the support frame 30. The heating element 20 can be in contact with the outer wall of the receiving tube 10 or at a certain distance from the outer wall of the receiving tube 10. The axial length of the heating part 21 is close to the length of the receiving tube 10 and can be much greater than the axial length of the fixing part 22.

[0058] Optionally, at any position circumferentially of the receiving tube 10, the distance between the heating element 20 and the outer wall of the receiving tube 10 along the radial direction of the receiving tube 10 is always equal.

[0059] Optionally, the heating element 20 is a one-piece molded component, that is, the heating part 21 and the fixing part 22 are molded as one piece. The heating part 21 and the fixing part 22 can also be separate components connected together.

[0060] The fixing part 22 is provided at both ends of the heating part 21 along the axial direction and extends distally away from the heating part 21. The path of the fixing part 22 can be straight or curved. The end 222 of the fixing part 22 extending along the axial direction of the heating part 21 is fixedly connected to the support frame 30.

[0061] The support frame 30 and the fixing part 22 can be fixedly connected by at least one of the following methods: snap-fit ​​connection, adhesive connection, screw connection, riveting, or fastener connection. The support frame 30 is disposed on the outside of the receiving tube 10 and is fixedly disposed relative to the receiving tube 10. Alternatively, the support frame 30 and the receiving tube 10 can be directly connected by at least one of the following methods: snap-fit ​​connection, adhesive connection, screw connection, or riveting. For example, the two ends of the support frame 30 in the axial direction are tightly attached to the outer wall of the receiving tube 10, the support frame 30 is circumferentially snapped into the receiving tube 10, and the support frame 30 applies a radial force to the receiving tube 10, thereby fixing the fixing part 22 at the preset positions at both ends of the receiving tube 10.

[0062] The support frame 30 and the receiving tube 10 are fixedly arranged relative to each other. Alternatively, the support frame 30 and the receiving tube 10 can be fixedly connected to a third party's component. For example, the support frame 30 and the receiving tube 10 can be connected together through an intermediate component. Or, the support frame 30 and the receiving tube 10 can be fixedly connected to the housing of the aerosol generating device. In both cases, the support frame 30 can apply force to the fixing part 22 and support the fixing part 22.

[0063] The connection positions and structures of the support frame 30 and the fixing part 22 at both ends of the axial direction can be mirror images or centrally symmetrically distributed to ensure uniform stress on the heating part 21 in the axial direction. The portion of the support frame 30 between the two ends of the support frame 30 in the axial direction is located outside the heating part 21 and is radially spaced from the heating part 21.

[0064] In some embodiments, the support frame 30 is configured to support the fixing part 22 and tension the heating part 21.

[0065] In this way, the support frame 30 supports the fixing part 22, which makes the heating part 21 tensile, thereby curbing the deformation of the heating part 21 under the change of hot and cold states and improving the reliability of heating.

[0066] Specifically, the support frame 30 is fixedly connected to the fixing part 22, and the fixing part 22 is connected to the heating part 21 and can be integrated into one unit. The support frame 30 applies a fastening force to the heating part 21 through the fixing part 22, so that the heating part 21 remains taut and does not easily loosen under the action of the fastening force when the ambient temperature changes and has a tendency to deform.

[0067] Please refer to Figures 4-6. In some embodiments, the heating element 21 includes a heating strip 210, which extends in a meandering manner along the circumferential and axial directions of the receiving tube 10, and the heating strip 210 forms a plurality of hollow spaces.

[0068] Thus, by extending the heating strip 210 in a meandering manner along the circumference and axial direction of the accommodating tube 10, multiple hollow spaces are formed, allowing the heating element 21 to reach various positions in the circumference and axial direction of the accommodating tube 10, thereby ensuring that the heating element 20 fully heats the atomized medium at various positions in the accommodating tube 10.

[0069] Specifically, the heating strip 210 can be formed by bending metal wire, metal sheet, or metal strip. The heating strip 210 can extend from the axial end of the heating part 21 and extend in multiple bends along the circumference and axial direction of the receiving tube 10, bending at points where the extension direction changes, until it reaches the other circumferential end of the heating part 21. The first and last ends of the heating strip 210 are respectively connected to two pins 213, and the pins 213 at both ends can pass axially through the support frame 30 and extend in opposite directions.

[0070] Optionally, the beginning and end ends of the heating strip 210 can also be located at the same end along the axis of the heating part 21. The heating strip 210 can also start and end at various positions along the axis of the heating part 21, such as the middle, the upper bottom, or the lower top.

[0071] Optionally, the heating strip 210 changes its extension direction at both ends of the heating part 21 along the axial direction. The heating strip 210 may also change its extension direction at various positions between the two ends of the heating part 21 along the axial direction.

[0072] In other embodiments, the heating element 21 may also take various forms such as mesh or fence.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. In some embodiments, the heating strip 210 includes a plurality of first extension segments 211 and a plurality of second extension segments 212. The first extension segments 211 extend axially along the receiving tube 10, and the plurality of first extension segments 211 are arranged circumferentially along the receiving tube 10. The second extension segments 212 connect two adjacent first extension segments 211, and one end of the fixing part 22 is connected to the second extension segment 212.

[0074] It should be noted that the division of the heating strip 210 into the first extension section 211 and the second extension section 212 in this application does not limit the heating strip 210 to be composed of two separate parts. The heating strip 210 can be an integrally formed element, or it can be a separate first extension section 211 and second extension section 212 that are fixedly connected or assembled to form a whole. This is only for better explanation of the subsequent scheme and does not constitute a limitation on whether the heating strip 210 is a whole or a separate part.

[0075] Thus, by extending the first extension section 211 along the axial direction of the receiving tube 10, and arranging multiple first extension sections 211 along the circumferential direction of the receiving tube 10, and connecting two adjacent first extension sections 211 with the second extension section 212, and connecting one end of the fixing part 22 with the second extension section 212, it is beneficial to uniform internal stress of the heating element 20 and improve the structural stability of the heating element 20.

[0076] Specifically, the first extension segment 211 extends axially, and the second extension segment 212 extends circumferentially. The first extension segment 211 and the second extension segment 212 are arranged sequentially along the extension path of the heating strip 210. At the connection between the first extension segment 211 and the second extension segment 212, the extension direction of the heating strip 210 changes and becomes curved.

[0077] Multiple first extension segments 211 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the receiving tube 10, and the distance between two adjacent first extension segments 211 can be equal. Among the multiple second extension segments 212, two adjacent second extension segments 212 in the circumferential direction can be located at the two ends of the heating part 21 in the axial direction, and staggered in the circumferential direction. The projections of the multiple second extension segments 212 in the axial direction can form a continuous ring, and can be an open ring, with the opening formed by the projections of the beginning and end ends of the heating strip 210.

[0078] The fixing part 22 and the heating element 210 can be integrally molded from the same material. The fixing part 22 connects to the second extension section 212 and extends away from the second extension section 212 along the axial direction of the heating part 21. That is, the upper fixing part 22 is located above the second extension section 212, and the lower fixing part 22 is located below the second extension section 212. The fixing part 22 can be connected to any position in the circumferential direction of the second extension section 212.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the second extension 212 is concave and bent away from the fixing part 22.

[0080] Thus, by concave bending of the second extension 212 away from the fixing part 22, the fixing part 22 elongates and tightens when cooled, and the fixing part 22 and the second extension 212 can spring back when the temperature rises. That is, the connection between the fixing part 22 and the second extension 212 moves closer to the fixing part 22 at high temperature, thereby compensating for the deformation of the first extension 211 and the second extension 212 due to thermal expansion at high temperature. The concave bending and springback of the second extension 212 can cycle repeatedly under the change of hot and cold states, thereby maintaining a reasonable overall tension of the heating element 20 and improving the working stability of the heating element 20.

[0081] Specifically, both the fixing part 22 and the heating strip 210 (including the first extension 211 and the second extension 212) are made of metal and have a certain degree of plasticity, enabling them to change between hot and cold states. The second extension 212 can extend along the axial direction of the heating part 21, and the extension path is curved. The fixing part 22 can be connected to the middle position of the second extension 212 along the circumference of the heating part 21, and the second extension 212 can have the maximum curvature at the connection point with the fixing part 22.

[0082] The second extension section 212 is distributed at the upper and lower ends of the heating part 21 along the axial direction. The middle part of the upper second extension section 212 is concave downward relative to the left and right ends, and the middle part of the lower second extension section 212 is convex upward relative to the left and right ends.

[0083] In some embodiments, the fixing part 22 is bent along the axial direction of the receiving tube 10.

[0084] Thus, by bending the fixing part 22 along the axial direction of the receiving tube 10, the length of the fixing part 22 in the axial direction of the receiving tube 10 has a deformation allowance, so that when the heating element 20 undergoes thermal deformation in the axial direction, the fixing part 22 can increase its curvature or rebound, supporting the heating element 20 to return to its original position as much as possible.

[0085] Specifically, the fixing part 22 extends along the axial direction of the receiving tube 10 and bends toward the circumferential or tangential direction of the receiving tube 10. For example, the fixing part 22 can be bent into an "S" shape.

[0086] Please refer to Figures 3 and 6. In some embodiments, the support frame 30 includes a support cover 31 sleeved over the heating element 20 and a fastener 32 disposed at the end of the support cover 31 along the axial direction of the support cover 31. The heating element 20 is connected to the fastener 32. The fastener 32 is fastened to the outer wall of the receiving tube 10 along its own radial inner side and is engaged with the support cover 31 along its own radial outer side.

[0087] Thus, the support cover 31 covers the heating element 20, thereby providing support and protection for the entire heating assembly 100. By providing a fastener 32 at the axial end of the support cover 31, the fastener 32 connects to the heating element 20, and its inner side is firmly connected to the outer wall of the receiving tube 10, while its outer side is engaged with the support cover 31, thereby achieving axial positioning of the heating element 20, fixing the heating element 20, and providing axial prestress to the heating element 20.

[0088] Specifically, the support cover 31 is cylindrical. This application does not limit the cross-sectional shape of the support cover 31. The cross-section of the support cover 31 can be circular, elliptical, quadrilateral, pentagonal, or other polygonal shapes, and the cross-sectional shape of the support cover 31 does not need to be similar to the cross-sectional shape of the receiving tube 10. To facilitate assembly and save space, the cross-sectional shape of the support cover 31 can be a circle with a diameter larger than the cross-section of the receiving tube 10. The support cover 31 can also be coaxial with the receiving tube 10 and / or the heating element 20.

[0089] Fastener 32 is located between the outer wall of the receiving tube 10 and the inner wall of the support cover 31, and coincides with the position of the heating element 20 in the radial direction. Fastener 32 can be respectively provided at both ends of the support cover 31 in the axial direction. The heating part 21 is located between the two fasteners 32 in the axial direction. The fixing part 22 engages with the lower fastener 32 from top to bottom, or engages with the upper fastener 32 from bottom to top. Through holes can be formed on the fastener 32 in the axial direction, penetrating the upper and lower end faces of the fastener 32, so that the pins 213 of the heating part 21 can pass through.

[0090] Referring to Figure 3, the support cover 31 may form flanges 312 extending toward the receiving tube 10 at both ends in its own axial direction, and the flanges 312 are engaged with the fasteners 32.

[0091] Optionally, the support cover 31 can be a split structure. For example, referring to Figure 4, the support cover 31 includes a first support portion 316 and a second support portion 318, which are split into left and right sides. The cross-sections of the first support portion 316 and the second support portion 318 are semi-circular. When the first support portion 316 and the second support portion 318 are joined and closed, they are locked laterally by screws. The support cover 31 can also be a one-piece structure, or it can be assembled from two or more parts.

[0092] Please refer to Figures 4 and 6. In some embodiments, the fastener 32 forms an engagement groove 321 with one of the support covers 31, and the other has a limiting rib 314 that engages with the engagement groove 321.

[0093] Thus, by forming a locking groove 321 between one of the fasteners 32 and the support cover 31, and a limiting rib 314 that engages with the locking groove 321, the fasteners 32 and the support cover 31 are connected by engaging groove 321 and limiting rib 314, thereby ensuring a firm and reliable connection between the fasteners 32 and the support cover 31.

[0094] Specifically, the fastener 32 engages with the support cover 31 on its outer radial side, the limiting rib 314 can protrude radially along the fastener 32, the bottom surface 3216 of the engaging groove 321 is opposite to the limiting rib 314 radially along the fastener 32, the limiting rib 314 extends into the engaging groove 321, restricting the fastener 32 and the support cover 31 from moving in the direction intersecting the radial direction of the fastener 32, especially along the axial direction of the support cover 31.

[0095] Optionally, the inner contour shape of the engaging groove 321 can be complementary to the outer contour shape of the limiting rib 314, so that the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 can be interlocked.

[0096] Optionally, the support cover 31 and the fastener 32 are snapped together and secured together by screws, rivets or other fasteners.

[0097] For example, fastener 32 has a locking groove 321 formed on its outer side in the radial direction. There are two fasteners 32, and the two fasteners 32 are respectively sleeved on the two ends of the receiving tube 10 and the heating element 20 in the axial direction. The support cover 31 has limiting ribs 314 that protrude radially toward the fasteners 32 at both ends in the axial direction. The limiting ribs 314 on the support cover 31 extend into the locking grooves 321 on the fasteners 32 and engage with the locking grooves 321, thus connecting the support cover 31 and the fasteners 32 into a support frame 30. In this embodiment, the receiving tube 10, the heating element 20 (including the heating part 21) and the support frame 30 (including the support cover 31) are coaxial and sequentially sleeved in the radial direction.

[0098] In another example, the fastener 32 forms a limiting rib 314, and the support cover 31 forms a locking groove 321. The limiting rib 314 on the fastener 32 extends into the locking groove 321 on the support cover 31 and engages.

[0099] Please refer to Figures 3, 6 and 7. In some embodiments, at least one contact surface of the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 forms an angle with the axial direction of the support cover 31.

[0100] Thus, at least one contact surface of the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 forms an angle with the axial direction of the support cover 31, so that the radial locking force of the support cover 31 and the fastener 32 can be converted into a tensile force along the axial direction of the support cover 31. As a result, the support frame 30 can apply a tensile force along the axial direction of the heating element 20 to the heating element 20, ensuring that the heating element 20 is in a taut state and can withstand the deformation differences caused by repeated hot and cold cycles.

[0101] It is understood that the fastener 32 engages with the support cover 31 along its radial outer side. Pressure and support force perpendicular to the contact surface of the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 are generated. Since the contact surface of the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 forms an angle with the axial direction of the support cover 31, the pressure (or support force) generated on the contact surface of the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 can be decomposed into a locking force along the radial direction of the fastener 32 and a component force along the axial direction of the support cover 31. This component force can act on the heating element 20 to form a tensile force along the axial direction of the heating element 20. The magnitude of this tensile force is positively correlated with the locking force between the fastener 32 and the support cover 31.

[0102] Specifically, taking the fastener 32 having an engagement groove 321 and the support cover 31 having a limiting rib 314 as an example, referring to Figure 7, the fastener 32 forms an engagement groove 321 that is radially concave on its outer side in its own radial direction. The inner wall of the engagement groove 321 includes a first surface 3212 and a second surface 3214 that are opposite to each other along the axial direction of the support cover 31, and a groove bottom surface 3216 that is opposite to the support cover 31 along the radial direction of the fastener 32. At least one of the first surface 3212, the second surface 3214 and the groove bottom surface 3216 is an inclined surface 3218, that is, at least one of the first surface 3212, the second surface 3214 and the groove bottom surface 3216 forms an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° or greater than 90° and less than 180° with both the axial direction of the support cover 31 and the radial direction of the fastener 32.

[0103] The limiting rib 314 may have an end face parallel to the inclined surface 3218. When the limiting rib 314 is engaged with the engaging groove 321, this end face abuts against the inclined surface 3218. The end face of the limiting rib 314 may also be formed into a plane, curved surface or irregular shape at other angles and abut against the inclined surface 3218.

[0104] In some embodiments, there are two fasteners 32, which are respectively sleeved on both ends of the receiving tube 10 along the axial direction of the receiving tube 10. The two fasteners 32 are respectively fastened to the fixing portions 22 at both ends of the heating part 21 along the axial direction of the heating part 21. The two ends of the receiving tube 10 and the heating element 20 can be vertically opposite each other, so the fasteners 32 at both ends are located at the upper and lower ends of the heating part 21, respectively, and the first surface 3212 in the engaging groove 321 is located above the second surface 3214.

[0105] Furthermore, the first surface 3212 of the engaging groove 321 located at the upper end of the heating part 21 is formed as an inclined surface 3218, and the second surface 3214 of the engaging groove 321 located at the upper end of the heating part 21 is also formed as an inclined surface 3218. The second surface 3214 of the upper engaging groove 321 and the first surface 3212 of the lower engaging groove 321 are perpendicular to the axis of the support cover 31, and the bottom surface 3216 of both engaging grooves 321 can be parallel to the axis of the support cover 31. The inclination direction of the inclined surface 3218 can be such that the side of the inclined surface 3218 connecting to the bottom surface 3216 is closer to the first surface 3212 (or the second surface 3214) than the side located at the opening of the groove, so that the width of the groove opening is larger than that of the bottom surface 3216, which is beneficial for the limiting rib 314 to be inserted into the engaging groove 321, and also facilitates the processing and forming of the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314.

[0106] Referring to Figure 4, in some embodiments, the fastener 32 is annular, with the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 surrounding the fastener 32 circumferentially.

[0107] Thus, by having the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 surround the fastener 32 around its circumference, the area and strength of the engaging connection are increased, and the stress on the annular fastener 32 is uniform in the circumferential direction, which is beneficial for applying a uniform and stable circumferential fastening force and pulling force to the heating element 20.

[0108] Specifically, the engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 surround the fastener 32 circumferentially. The engaging groove 321 is an annular groove, and the limiting rib 314 is an annular protrusion. The engaging groove 321 and the limiting rib 314 can continuously surround the fastener 32 circumferentially, or they can form several notches in the circumferential direction of the fastener 32.

[0109] Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. In some embodiments, the fastener 32 is formed with a plurality of fixing grooves 323 arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fastener 32. The fixing grooves 323 engage with the end 222 of the fixing part 22 away from the heating part 21.

[0110] Thus, a number of fixing grooves 323 are formed by the fastener 32 and arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fastener 32. The fixing grooves 323 engage with the end 222 of the fixing part 22 away from the heat-generating part 21, thereby reducing interference and heat loss, and ensuring a stable connection between the fastener 32 and the fixing part 22.

[0111] Specifically, the fixing grooves 323 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the fixing parts 22. The number of fixing grooves 323 is equal to or slightly more than the number of fixing parts 22. The fixing parts 22 at the upper and lower ends are staggered in the circumferential direction, and the fixing grooves 323 of the fasteners 32 at both ends are also staggered in the circumferential direction. The fixing grooves 323 can be formed on the outer side of the fastener 32 facing the support cover 31, or on the side end face of the fastener 32 facing the heating part 21.

[0112] In some embodiments, a fixing groove 323 is formed on the outer side of the fastener 32. The fixing groove 323 forms a narrow groove 3233 and a wide groove 3231 with different widths along the direction of extension of the fixing part 22. The end 222 of the fixing part 22 away from the heating part 21 is accommodated in the wide groove 3231. The width of the main body section 221 of the fixing part 22 connecting the heating part 21 is smaller than that of the end 222. The main body section 221 passes through the narrow groove 3233, and the left and right sides of the main body section 221 can be pressed and fitted with the two sides of the narrow groove 3233. Due to the width difference, a stepped surface 3235 is formed at the connection between the wide groove 3231 and the narrow groove 3233. The end face of the connection between the end 222 and the main body section 221 can abut against the stepped surface 3235 to achieve a limiting effect. The fixing groove 323 can penetrate the upper and lower end faces of the fastener 32 along the extension direction of the fixing part 22, that is, the axial direction of the heating part 21.

[0113] Optionally, multiple fixing slots 323 can be evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the fastener 32 so that the force exerted by the fastener 32 on the heating element 20 is more uniform in the circumferential direction.

[0114] In some embodiments, the fastener 32 forms an engagement groove 321 on its outer side along its own radial direction, and the fixing groove 323 may communicate with the engagement groove 321.

[0115] In other embodiments, the fastener 32 forms a limiting rib 314, and the fixing groove 323 can be formed on the limiting rib 314 or can be offset from the limiting rib 314 along the axial direction.

[0116] 11. Referring to FIG7, in some embodiments, the fixing part 22 is formed along the axial direction of the heating part 21 to connect the main body section 221 of the heating part 21 and the end part 222 away from the heating part 21. The main body section 221 extends linearly along the axial direction of the heating part 21, and the width d1 of the end part 222 is greater than the width d2 of the main body section 221.

[0117] Thus, by widening the width of the fixing part 22 at the end 222, when the fixing part 22 is engaged with the fastener 32, the end 222 is accommodated in the fixing groove 323 and is not easy to fall out, thereby improving the reliability of the connection.

[0118] Specifically, the length of the main body segment 221 along the axial direction of the heating element 21 is greater than the length of the end segment 222 along the axial direction of the heating element 21, to ensure sufficient deformation allowance at the connection between the main body segment 221 and the heating element 21. The width d1 of the end segment 222 is greater than the width d2 of the main body segment 221. This width can be the straight-line distance between the two circumferential sides of the end segment 222 and the main body end, or it can be the width along the tangential direction of the end segment 222 and the main body end along the heating element 21. The width of the fixing groove 323 matches the width d1 of the end segment 222 and the width d2 of the main body segment 221.

[0119] In some extended embodiments, the main body segment 221 extends along the axial direction of the heating part 21 and bends to the left and right, and the width of the end 222 is greater than the cross-sectional width of the main body segment 221.

[0120] In some embodiments, the receiving tube 10 is a light-transmitting heat-resistant tube.

[0121] Thus, by making the receiving tube 10 a light-transmitting heat-resistant tube, the receiving tube 10 can transmit infrared radiation generated by the heating element 20 to heat the atomized medium inserted into the receiving tube 10, thereby improving heating efficiency and heat resistance reliability.

[0122] Specifically, the receiving tube 10 can be made of a transparent heat-resistant material, such as glass, quartz glass, or transparent ceramic. The heat generated by the heating element 20 can be transferred to the atomizing medium through thermal radiation and / or heat transfer. When the heating element 20 and the receiving tube 10 are separated by a certain distance, the heat generated by the heating element 20 is mainly transferred to the atomizing medium through the tube wall of the receiving tube 10 in the form of infrared radiation, that is, the heat transfer is mainly by thermal radiation.

[0123] Optionally, the receiving tube 10 can withstand a temperature range of over 600°C.

[0124] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the heating component 100 further includes a heat reflective layer 40, which covers the heating element 20 and is mounted on the support frame 30.

[0125] Thus, by covering the heating element 20 with the heat reflective layer 40, the infrared radiation radiated by the heating element 20 is absorbed and reflected, thereby improving the effective utilization rate of the heat generated by the heating element 20 for heating the atomizing medium.

[0126] Specifically, the heat-reflecting layer 40 absorbs the infrared radiation emitted by the heating element 20, reducing heat loss. The heat-reflecting layer 40 can surround the heating element 20 and reflect the infrared radiation towards its center, i.e., the center of the receiving tube 10, increasing the intensity of infrared radiation transmitted to the atomizing medium. The heat-reflecting layer 40 can be cylindrical and engage with the flange 312 of the support cover 31. The heat-reflecting layer 40 is disposed inside the support cover 31; that is, the receiving tube 10, the heating element 21, the heat-reflecting layer 40, and the support cover 31 are arranged radially from the inside to the outside. The heat-reflecting layer 40 is only connected to the support cover 31 and avoids contact with the fastener 32, the heating element 20, the receiving tube 10, and other components to reduce heat conduction outwards.

[0127] Optionally, the heat reflective layer 40 and the support cover 31 are separate structures connected by means of snap-fit, screwing, riveting, etc. The heat reflective layer 40 and the support cover 31 can also be an integral structure, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure of the heating component 100.

[0128] In a specific embodiment, the assembly process of the heating component 100 is as follows: First, the receiving tube 10, fastener 32, heating element 20, and heat reflective layer 40 are sequentially fitted together. The fixing part 22 is assembled one-to-one with the fixing groove 323 on the fastener 32. Then, the left and right split first support part 316 and second support part 318 are closed and fixed by pull screws. The limiting rib 314 on the support cover 31 is inserted into the engaging groove 321 on the side of the fastener 32. Since the engaging groove 321 has a slope 3218, the pull screw applies a radial locking force to the support cover 31. The limiting rib 314 and the engaging groove 321 are pressed against the slope 3218, thereby converting the radial locking force into a vertical pulling force on the heating element 20, ensuring that the heating element 20 is in a taut state.

[0129] The aerosol generating apparatus of this application includes the heating component 100 of any of the above embodiments. The heating element 20 is installed in the aerosol generating apparatus via a support frame 30 and is used to heat the atomizing medium to generate aerosol.

[0130] Specifically, an aerosol generating device is a structure capable of generating aerosols by acting on an atomizing medium through methods such as resistance heating or electromagnetic heating. The atomizing medium is heated and atomized to form aerosols, which can be visible or invisible and may include vapors (e.g., fine particulate matter in a gaseous state, which are typically liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as liquid droplets of gas and condensed vapors. Aerosols may contain volatile compounds. Users can inhale the aerosols into their mouth, nasal cavity, or lungs through their mouth or nose. Aerosols inhaled into the user's respiratory system can be used for various purposes, including food, medicine, health care, and entertainment.

[0131] In the aerosol generating device of this application embodiment, the fixing parts 22 at both ends of the heating element 20 are fixedly connected to the support frame 30, and the support frame 30 is fastened to the accommodating tube 10. The support frame 30 applies axial prestress to the heating element 20, thereby providing a buffer when the heating element 20 changes between hot and cold states, reducing or even avoiding the deformation of the heating element 20 due to thermal expansion, thermal vibration, etc., improving heating stability, and thus helping to improve the reliability and service life of the aerosol generating device.

[0132] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "certain embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0133] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A heating element for heating an atomizing medium, characterized in that, include: A receiving tube, the receiving tube being used to contain the atomizing medium; A heating element, comprising a heating part and a fixing part disposed at the axial end of the heating part, the heating part being sleeved outside the receiving tube; and A support frame is disposed on the outside of the heating element, and the support frame is fixedly connected to the fixing part and fixedly disposed relative to the receiving tube.

2. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame is configured to support the fixing part and tension the heating part.

3. The heating component according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support frame includes a support cover sleeved over the heating element and fasteners disposed at the ends of the support cover along the axial direction of the support cover. The heating element is connected to the fasteners. The fasteners are fastened to the outer wall of the receiving tube along their own radial inner side and engaged with the support cover along their own radial outer side.

4. The heating component according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fastener forms an engagement groove with one of the support covers, and the other has a limiting rib that engages with the engagement groove.

5. The heating component according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one contact surface where the engaging groove engages with the limiting rib forms an angle with the axial direction of the support cover.

6. The heating component according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fastener is annular, and the engaging groove and the limiting rib surround the fastener circumferentially.

7. The heating component according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fastener has a plurality of fixing grooves arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fastener, and the fixing grooves engage with the end of the fixing part away from the heating part.

8. The heating element according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing part is formed along the axial direction of the heating part by connecting the main body segment of the heating part and the end segment away from the heating part. The main body segment extends in a straight line along the axial direction of the heating part, and the width of the end segment is greater than the width of the main body segment.

9. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element includes a heating strip that extends in a meandering manner along the circumference and axial direction of the receiving tube, and the heating strip forms multiple hollow spaces.

10. The heating component according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heating strip includes multiple first extension segments and multiple second extension segments. The first extension segments extend axially along the receiving tube, and the multiple first extension segments are arranged circumferentially along the receiving tube. The second extension segments connect two adjacent first extension segments, and one end of the fixing part is connected to the second extension segment.

11. The heating component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second extension bends and recesses away from the fixing part.

12. The heating component according to claim 10, characterized in that, The fixing part is curved along the axial direction of the receiving tube.

13. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving tube is a light-transmitting heat-resistant tube.

14. The heating component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating component also includes a heat-reflective layer, which is disposed over the heating element and mounted on the support frame.

15. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, The device includes the heating component according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the heating element is mounted in the aerosol generating device via a support frame and is used to heat the atomizing medium to generate an aerosol.

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