Aerosol generation apparatus and heating mechanism for aerosol generation apparatus

Abstract

An aerosol generation apparatus (100) and a heating mechanism for the aerosol generation apparatus (100). The aerosol generation apparatus (100) comprises: a chamber (310); a tubular heater (30), at least partially surrounding or defining the chamber (310), and the heater (30) having a first end (311) and a second end (312) opposite to each other along a longitudinal direction; a first support element (40), surrounding a portion of the heater (30) and joined to the first end (311) of the heater (30), configured to provide support for the heater (30) at the first end (311), the first support element (40) being fastened to the heater (30) and hermetically sealed with the heater (30); and / or a second support element (50), surrounding a portion of the heater (30) and joined to the second end (312) of the heater (30), configured to provide support for the heater (30) at the second end (312), the second support element (50) being fastened to the heater (30) and hermetically sealed with the heater (30). In the above aerosol generation apparatus (100), the two ends of the heater (30) are arranged to be directly joined to the support elements (40, 50) for support, and the support elements (40, 50) and the heater (30) are hermetically connected to prevent air from entering the chamber (310) between them.

Description

Aerosol-generating device and heating mechanism for an aerosol-generating device

[0001] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202421973463.1, filed on August 15, 2024, and entitled “Aerosol-generating device and heating mechanism for an aerosol-generating device”, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of heat-not-burn aerosol generating technology, and in particular to an aerosol-generating device and a heating mechanism for an aerosol-generating device. BACKGROUND

[0004] Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these burning tobacco products by creating products that release compounds without burning.

[0005] Examples of such products are heat-not-burn devices that release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. For example, the material can be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which can or can not contain nicotine. Known heat-not-burn devices radiate infrared rays from the outside by a tubular infrared heating element to heat tobacco or non-tobacco products; and support and hold the infrared heater from both ends by arranging annular support elements at both ends of the tubular infrared heater, respectively; and seal between the support elements and the infrared heater by a sealing ring, such as an O-ring.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] One embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol-generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol; comprising:

[0008] a chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article;

[0009] a tubular heater at least partially surrounding or delimiting the chamber for heating the aerosol-generating article received in the chamber; the heater having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite to each other;

[0010] a first support element surrounding a portion of the heater and coupled to the first end of the heater, configured to provide support to the heater at the first end; the first support element being fixedly connected to the heater and being hermetically sealed with the heater to prevent air from entering the chamber therebetween;

[0011] and / or a second support element, surrounding a portion of the heater and coupled to a second end of the heater, configured to provide support to the heater at the second end; the first support element being fixedly connected to the heater and being airtight sealed with the heater to prevent air from entering the chamber therebetween.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heater is held longitudinally between the first support element and the second support element.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heater comprises:

[0014] a substantially tubular base body arranged to extend between the first end and the second end;

[0015] a heating element formed on or coupled to the base body;

[0016] the heating element is arranged spaced apart from the first end, thereby defining a first spaced apart region on the base body between the heating element and the first end; and / or the heating element is arranged spaced apart from the second end, thereby defining a second spaced apart region on the base body between the heating element and the second end.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first support element is connected to the base body at the first spaced apart region and avoids the heating element;

[0018] and / or the second support element is connected to the base body at the second spaced apart region and avoids the heating element.

[0019] In some embodiments, there is no flexible sealing element between the first support element and the heater; and / or there is no flexible sealing element between the second support element and the heater.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first support element and / or the second support element is configured to be ring-shaped.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first support element has a first central hole and a first abutting step within the first central hole; the first end of the heater extends into the first central hole and abuts against the first abutting step;

[0022] and / or the second support element has a second central hole and a second abutting step within the second central hole; the second end of the heater extends into the second central hole and abuts against the second abutting step.

[0023] In some embodiments, there is no gap or clearance between the first support element and / or the second support element and the heater.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first support element is inseparable or non-detachable from the heater; and / or, the second support element is inseparable or non-detachable from the heater.

[0025] Yet another embodiment of the present application also provides a heating mechanism for an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0026] a tubular heater having a first end and a second end longitudinally opposite to each other;

[0027] a first support element surrounding a portion of the heater and coupled to the first end of the heater, configured to provide support to the heater at the first end; the first support element is fixedly connected to the heater and is airtightly sealed therebetween;

[0028] and / or, a second support element surrounding a portion of the heater and coupled to the second end of the heater, configured to provide support to the heater at the second end; the first support element is fixedly connected to the heater and is airtightly sealed therebetween.

[0029] The above aerosol generating device, both ends of the heater are arranged to be directly supported by the support elements, and the support elements and the heater are airtightly sealed therebetween to prevent air from entering the chamber from therebetween. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures that form a part of this patent document, these example are not to be construed as limiting the embodiments, elements having the same reference numerals in different figures represent like elements, unless otherwise indicated, the figures in the drawings are not to scale.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cross section of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, taken along a plane;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a cross section of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 2, taken along a plane;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a structure of the heating mechanism of FIG. 2, taken along a plane;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an exploded view of the heating mechanism of FIG. 4, taken along a plane;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a cross section of the heating mechanism of FIG. 4, taken along a plane.

[0037] REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0038] 100, aerosol-generating device; 110, proximal end; 111, opening; 120, distal end; 310, chamber;

[0039] 10, first housing; 11, open end; 121, charging terminal;

[0040] 20, second housing; 21, cell; 22, support; 221, support wall; 222, recess; 23, circuit board;

[0041] 30, heater; 31, base; 311, first end; 312, second end; 313, first spacing region; 314, second spacing region; 315, first electrode element; 316, second electrode element; 32, heating element;

[0042] 40, first support element; 41, first through-hole; 42, first abutment step;

[0043] 50, second support element; 51, second through-hole; 52, second abutment step;

[0044] 1000, aerosol-generating article. Embodiments of the present application

[0045] For the convenience of understanding the present application, the present application will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0046] One embodiment of the present application proposes an aerosol-generating device 100 for heating, but not burning, an aerosol-generating article 1000, such as a cigarette, to volatilize or release at least one component of the aerosol-generating article 1000 to form an aerosol for smoking, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0047] In alternative embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 1000 preferably employs a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from a substrate upon heating; or it can also be a non-tobacco material that is suitable for electrically heated smoking after being heated. The aerosol-generating article 1000 preferably employs a solid substrate, which can include one or more of a powder, granules, shreds, strips, or a sheet of one or more of a tobacco leaf, a tobacco leaf, homogenized tobacco, or expanded tobacco; or the solid substrate can contain additional volatile flavor compounds of tobacco or non-tobacco to be released when the substrate is heated.

[0048] According to FIGS. 1 to 3, when the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received in the aerosol-generating device 100, a portion thereof, such as a filter, is exposed outside the aerosol-generating device 100, which is advantageous for a user to smoke.

[0049] The structure of the aerosol generating device 100 of one embodiment of the present application can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 3. The overall shape of the aerosol generating device 100 is generally configured as an elongated shape. The aerosol generating device 100 includes:

[0050] The housing substantially defines the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 and has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 opposite along the length direction. In use, the proximal end 110 is the end close to the user for easy operation to accommodate the aerosol generating article 1000 and draw smoke. The distal end 120 is the end away from the user.

[0051] In some examples, the housing can be formed of a metal or an alloy such as stainless steel, aluminum, or the like. Other suitable materials include various plastics, metal-plated plastics, ceramics, and the like.

[0052] According to FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing of the aerosol generating device 100 includes:

[0053] The first shell 10 is arranged close to the proximal end 110 along the length direction and defines the proximal end 110 of the housing.

[0054] The second shell 20 is arranged close to the distal end 120 along the length direction and defines the distal end 120 of the housing. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are both tubular or cylindrical in shape with an inner cavity. The first shell 10 and the second shell 20 are substantially coaxially arranged.

[0055] According to FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0056] The battery 21 is used for power supply. The battery 21 is located in the second shell 20, or the battery 21 is arranged close to the distal end 120. The battery 21 is substantially arranged along the longitudinal extension of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0057] The charging terminal 121, for example, a USB-C interface or the like, is formed or arranged between the battery 21 and the distal end 120 and is used for charging the battery 21.

[0058] The circuit board 23, for example, a PCB board or an FPC board or the like, is used for controlling the battery 21 to provide power to the heating mechanism. In a specific embodiment, the circuit board 23 is substantially arranged along the longitudinal extension of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical cell 21 provides a DC supply voltage in the range of about 2.5 V to about 9.0 V, and can provide a DC current in the range of about 2.5 A to about 20 A. Typically, the electrical cell 21 is a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the electrical cell 21 can be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The electrical cell 21 can need recharging, and can have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more puffs; for example, the electrical cell 21 can have sufficient capacity to allow continuous aerosol generation for a period of about six minutes, or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the electrical cell 21 can have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of heat-up initiations of the aerosol generating article 1000.

[0060] According to Figs. 2-3, the aerosol generating device 100 further comprises:

[0061] A holder 22 made of a rigid material such as an organic polymeric plastic or ceramic, for supporting or holding or fixing the electrical cell 21 and the circuit board 23 and the heating mechanism.

[0062] In particular in Figs. 2-3, the holder 22 has a support wall 221 located between the electrical cell 21 and the proximal end 110. The support wall 221 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0063] According to Figs. 2-3, the aerosol generating device 100 further comprises:

[0064] A chamber 310 for receiving the aerosol generating article 1000;

[0065] A heating mechanism at least partially surrounding or delimiting the chamber 310, and for heating the aerosol generating article 1000. After assembly, the heating mechanism is mounted or arranged between the support wall 221 and the proximal end 110.

[0066] According to Figs. 2-6, the heating mechanism comprises:

[0067] A tubular heater 30 at least partially surrounding or delimiting the chamber 310; when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber 310, the aerosol generating article 1000 is surrounded and heated from the outside by the heater 30, such that the aerosol generating article 1000 releases volatile compounds by a heating process only, and these volatile compounds form an aerosol; when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber 310, the heater 30 at least partially surrounds or encloses the aerosol generating article 1000, and heats from the outside of the aerosol generating article 1000.

[0068] According to Figs. 2-6, in this embodiment the heater 30 comprises:

[0069] a first end 311 and a second end 312 longitudinally opposite to each other;

[0070] a tubular base 31 extending from the first end 311 to the second end 312; wherein the first end 311 is arranged towards or proximate to the proximal end 110;

[0071] at least one heating element 32 formed on or arranged on the base 31.

[0072] In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 is formed on the outer surface of the base 31 by deposition, spraying, printing or wrapping, etc. Alternatively, in yet some other embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 is formed on the inner surface of the base 31.

[0073] In some embodiments, the circumferential length or circumference of the base 31 is greater than the length of the base 31 along the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the longitudinal length of the base 31 is no more than 15 mm or less than 15 mm. In some embodiments, the base 31 can have a longitudinal length of about 10 mm to 15 mm, and an inner diameter size of about 5.8 mm to 10 mm. In some specific embodiments, the base 31 can have a longitudinal length of 12 mm; the base 31 can have an inner diameter of 7.6 mm.

[0074] In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 is closed in the circumferential direction of the heater 30; the at least one heating element 32 is a closed annular. In some embodiments, the length of the at least one heating element 32 is 8 to 12 mm.

[0075] In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 is a coating or a thin layer formed on the base 31 by deposition or spraying, printing, etc. Alternatively, in yet some other embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 is a thin film wrapped or bonded on the base 31. Alternatively, in yet some optional embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 can also be a resistive heating film or the like wound or bonded on the base 31.

[0076] In some embodiments, the thickness of the at least one heating element 32 in the form of a resistive coating can be preferably controlled to be 10 μm to 300 μm. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 formed on the surface of the tubular base 31 can be solidified by spraying on the outer surface of the tubular base 31 by means of atmospheric plasma spraying.

[0077] In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 is an electric resistance heating element; by directing an electric current through the at least one heating element 32, the at least one heating element 32 is heated by electric resistance Joule heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article 1000. Also, in some embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 used to heat by generating electric resistance Joule heat can include graphite or an electrically resistive metal or alloy; wherein the metal or alloy is, for example, a nickel-chromium alloy, a nickel-iron alloy, platinum, tungsten, silver, aluminum, titanium, molybdenum, manganese, or an alloy containing the same, etc. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 providing electric resistance heating can be a ring-shaped coating or thin layer formed on the outer surface of the base 31. In still other various embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 providing electric resistance heating can be a meanderingly extended electric resistance track or in the form of a mesh grid formed on the outer surface of the base 31.

[0078] In the case of the at least one heating element 32 used to heat by electric resistance heating as above, the base 31 is made of a material having good thermal conductivity, such as ceramic, glass, a surface-insulated metal or alloy, such as anodized aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, stainless steel, etc. Also, in some embodiments, the base 31 has a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / m.k, preferably or at least 25 W / m.k; or in some embodiments, the base 31 has a thermal conductivity of greater than 100 W / m.k or more. In some embodiments, the base 31 includes a metal suitable for the above high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, titanium, or an alloy containing at least one of the same, etc. In some embodiments, the base 31 has a tube wall thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm; more specifically, for example, the base 31 has a tube wall thickness of 0.15 to 0.2 mm.

[0079] In still other embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 is an infrared-emitting layer, such as an electrochromic infrared-emitting layer; by supplying a direct current voltage to the at least one heating element 32, the at least one heating element 32 is driven by the voltage to emit infrared rays, thereby heating the aerosol generating article 1000. In the case of the at least one heating element 32 used to heat by emitting infrared rays as above, the base 31 is made of an infrared-transmissive material, such as quartz, glass, ceramic, etc. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 used to emit infrared rays can be a coating layer including a ceramic-based material such as zirconium, Fe-Mn-Cu-based, tungsten-based, or an oxide material of an over-metal. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one heating element 32 used to emit infrared rays is composed of an oxide of at least one metal element of Mg, Al, Ti, Zr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn, etc., which emits infrared rays having a heating effect when heated to an appropriate heating temperature.

[0080] According to Figs. 2-6, the at least one heating element 32 is arranged to extend between a first end 311 and a second end 312. The at least one heating element 32 is spaced apart from the first end 311 and the second end 312. Further, a first spacing region 313 is defined on the outer surface of the base body 31 between the first end 311 and the at least one heating element 32, and a second spacing region 314 is defined on the outer surface of the base body 31 between the at least one heating element 32 and the second end 312.

[0081] The first spacing region 313 is defined on the outer surface of the base body 31 between the first end 311 and the at least one heating element 32.

[0082] The second spacing region 314 is defined on the outer surface of the base body 31 between the at least one heating element 32 and the second end 312.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first spacing region 313 and / or the second spacing region 314 has substantially the same size in the longitudinal direction of the base body 31. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the first spacing region 313 and / or the second spacing region 314 has a length of about 0.2-3 mm; more specifically, for example, the first spacing region 313 and / or the second spacing region 314 has a length of about 0.5-1.5 mm.

[0084] According to Figs. 2-6, the heater 30 further comprises:

[0085] A first electrode element 315 and a second electrode element 316 are spaced apartly arranged on the at least one heating element 32 for guiding electric current on the at least one heating element 32. Specifically, the first electrode element 315 and the second electrode element 316 are circumferentially spaced apartly bonded to the at least one heating element 32, thereby guiding electric current in the circumferential direction of the at least one heating element 32. In some embodiments, the first electrode element 315 and / or the second electrode element 316 is a coating formed by a low-resistivity electrode material. Alternatively, in yet some alternative embodiments, the first electrode element 315 and / or the second electrode element 316 can also be replaced by a thin sheet electrode formed on the heater 30 by welding or clamping. In some alternative embodiments, the first electrode element 315 and / or the second electrode element 316 is made of a low-resistivity gold, silver, copper or alloy thereof. According to Figs. 2-6, the first electrode element 315 and the second electrode element 316 substantially extend longitudinally and are bonded to the at least one heating element 32. The first electrode element 315 and the second electrode element 316 are diametrically opposite to each other.

[0086] In use, the first electrode element 315 and the second electrode element 316 are respectively connected to the circuit board 23 by welding conductive leads, thereby connecting the at least one heating element 32 into the circuit. In use, the circumferentially spaced apart first electrode element 315 and the second electrode element 316 are used to guide electric current in the circumferential direction of the at least one heating element 32.

[0087] Or in yet other variant embodiments, the heater 30 can further include at least two or more heating elements 32; the at least two or more heating elements 32 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the heater 30 to heat different portions of the aerosol generating article 1000, respectively, such as so-called segmented heating.

[0088] In embodiments, the chamber 310 can have an open end 11 and an end opposite to the open end 11. The open end 11 of the chamber 310 can be expressed as an end for the aerosol generating article 1000 to enter and be received in the chamber 310; the end opposite to the open end 11 can be expressed as an end for the aerosol generating article 1000 to abut against. Or in some embodiments, the open end 11 is proximate to the opening 111 or the proximal end 110. In some specific embodiments, the open end 11 can be formed or defined by the first end 311 of the heater 30. Or in yet other embodiments, the open end 11 of the chamber 310 is defined by the opening 111.

[0089] According to FIGS. 2 to 6, the heating mechanism further includes a first support element 40 coupled to the first end 311 of the heater 30; the first support element 40 provides support to the heater 30 at the first end 311.

[0090] According to FIGS. 2 to 6, the heating mechanism further includes a second support element 50 coupled to the second end 312 of the heater 30; the second support element 50 provides support to the heater 30 at the second end 312.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first support element 40 and / or the second support element 50 is made of an organic polymer plastic. In some embodiments, the first support element 40 and / or the second support element 50 can withstand a temperature of at least 300℃. In some embodiments, the first support element 40 and / or the second support element 50 is rigid. In some specific embodiments, the first support element 40 and / or the second support element 50 is made of at least one organic polymer of polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyimide, polyphenylene sulfide, or a polysulfone resin, etc.

[0092] According to FIGS. 2-6, the first support element 40 and / or the second support element 50 are configured to be ring-shaped. In some embodiments, the first end 311 of the heater 30 extends into the first support element 40; the second end 312 of the heater 30 extends into the second support element 50. In further embodiments, the first support element 40 longitudinally abuts the first end 311 of the heater 30 and partially surrounds or encircles the heater 30; the second support element 50 longitudinally abuts the second end 312 of the heater 30 and partially surrounds or encircles the heater 30. In particular embodiments, the first support element 40 at least partially surrounds the first spacing region 313. In particular embodiments, the second support element 50 at least partially surrounds the second spacing region 314.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first support element 40 and / or the second support element 50 avoids the at least one heating element 32 to reduce conduction of heat from the at least one heating element 32 to the first support element 40 and / or the second support element 50.

[0094] According to FIGS. 2-6, the first support element 40 has a first central hole 41; the first support element 40 has a first abutment step 42 located within the first central hole 41. The first end 311 of the heater 30 extends into the first central hole 41 and abuts the first abutment step 42.

[0095] According to FIGS. 2-6, the second support element 50 has a second central hole 51; the second support element 50 has a second abutment step 52 located within the second central hole 51. The second end 312 of the heater 30 extends into the second central hole 51 and abuts the second abutment step 52.

[0096] According to FIGS. 2-6, the first support element 40 is tightly connected with the heater 30 by welding; in embodiments, the welding is, for example, ultrasonic welding. In ultrasonic welding between the first support element 40 and the heater 30, part of the material of the first support element 40 is melted by ultrasonic waves, coupled to the surface of the heater 30 and solidified after cooling, thereby tightly connecting the first support element 40 with the heater 30 and forming an airtight seal between them. In embodiments, the first support element 40 and the heater 30 are inseparable or non-detachable. In embodiments, the first support element 40 and the heater 30 are airtight; to prevent air from entering the chamber 310 and / or the heater 30 from between them. The first support element 40 and the heater 30 are free of gaps or gaps.

[0097] According to Figs. 2-6, the second support element 50 is fixedly connected with the heater 30 by welding. In the welding between the second support element 50 and the heater 30, part of the material of the second support element 50 is melted and coupled to the surface of the heater 30 and solidified after cooling, thereby fixedly connecting the second support element 50 with the heater 30 and forming an airtight seal therebetween. In embodiments, the second support element 50 and the heater 30 are inseparable or cannot be disassembled. In embodiments, the second support element 50 and the heater 30 are airtight; to prevent air from entering the chamber 310 and / or the heater 30 from therebetween. There is no gap or gap between the second support element 50 and the heater 30.

[0098] In embodiments, there is no flexible sealing element such as a silicone seal ring or the like between the first support element 40 and the heater 30. There is no flexible sealing element such as a silicone seal ring or the like between the second support element 50 and the heater 30.

[0099] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first support element 40 is formed by in-mold injection or molding of an organic polymer material around the first spaced region 313 of the heater 30, thereby fixedly connected with the heater 30 and airtight. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the second support element 50 is formed by in-mold injection or molding of an organic polymer material around the second spaced region 314 of the heater 30, thereby fixedly connected with the heater 30 and airtight.

[0100] According to Figs. 1-3, the first support element 40 is combined or connected to the first housing 10; thereby combined to the first support element 40 by the first housing 10 after assembly, thereby at least partially holding the first support element 40.

[0101] According to Figs. 1-3, the first support element 40 is arranged at or near the proximal end 110 after assembly. The opening 111 for inserting the aerosol generating article 1000 into the chamber 310 is surrounded or defined by the first support element 40. And the inlet for air into the chamber 310 / heater 30 is provided by the second middle hole 51 of the second support element 50.

[0102] According to Figs. 1-3, the second support element 50 is supported by the support wall 221 of the bracket 22. The second support element 50 is mounted and held on the support wall 221 of the bracket 22.

[0103] In some embodiments, the bracket 22 at least partially provides an air inlet passage for air from outside the aerosol generating device 100 into the second middle hole 51 of the second support element 50, as shown by the arrow R2 in Fig. 2.

[0104] According to Figs. 1 to 3, a recess 222 is further arranged on the support wall 221 of the bracket 22 opposite the second middle hole 51 of the second support element 50. The recess 222 is used to receive and retain the broken bits or aerosol condensate dropped from the aerosol generating article 1000.

[0105] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of the present application are given in the specification and drawings of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the specification, and further, for those skilled in the art, can be improved or changed according to the above description, and all these improvements and changes shall belong to the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol; characterised in that, Comprising: a chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article; a tubular heater at least partially surrounding or defining the chamber for heating an aerosol-generating article received in the chamber; the heater having a first end and a second end longitudally opposite to each other; a first support element surrounding a portion of the heater and coupled to the first end of the heater, configured to provide support to the heater at the first end; the first support element being fixedly connected to the heater and being in airtight seal with the heater to prevent air from entering the chamber therebetween; and / or, a second support element surrounding a portion of the heater and coupled to the second end of the heater, configured to provide support to the heater at the second end; the first support element being fixedly connected to the heater and being in airtight seal with the heater to prevent air from entering the chamber therebetween.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein, the heater being longitudally held between the first support element and the second support element.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the heater comprising: a substantially tubular base extending between the first end and the second end; a heating element formed on or coupled to the base; the heating element being spaced apart from the first end, thereby defining a first spaced region on the base between the heating element and the first end; and / or, the heating element being spaced apart from the second end, thereby defining a second spaced region on the base between the heating element and the second end.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the first support element being connected to the base at the first spaced region and avoiding the heating element; and / or, the second support element being connected to the base at the second spaced region and avoiding the heating element.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there is no flexible sealing element between the first support element and the heater; and / or, there is no flexible sealing element between the second support element and the heater.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first support element and / or the second support element is configured to be annular in shape.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the heater is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature of 150-250°C. the first support element has a first central bore and a first abutting step within the first central bore; the first end of the heater extends into the first central bore and abuts against the first abutting step; and / or, the second support element has a second central bore and a second abutting step within the second central bore; the second end of the heater extends into the second central bore and abuts against the second abutting step.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, there is no gap or clearance between the first support element and / or the second support element and the heater.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first support element and the heater are inseparable or non-detachable; and / or, the second support element and the heater are inseparable or non-detachable.

10. A heating mechanism for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, Comprising: a tubular heater having a first end and a second end longitudally opposite to each other; a first support element surrounding a portion of the heater and coupled to the first end of the heater, configured to provide support to the heater at the first end; the first support element being fixedly connected to the heater and being in airtight seal with the heater; And / or, a second support element, surrounding a portion of the heater and coupled to a second end of the heater, is configured to provide support to the heater at the second end; the first support element is fixedly connected to the heater and is hermetically sealed with the heater.

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