Aerosol-generating apparatus and heater for aerosol-generating apparatus

Abstract

An aerosol-generating apparatus and a heater for the aerosol-generating apparatus. The aerosol-generating apparatus comprises: a chamber, which has an opening for receiving an aerosol-generating article; a heating element, which surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber and is used for heating the aerosol-generating article; a first electrode and a second electrode, which are arranged on the heating element in an alternating manner, so as to conduct a current over at least a portion of the heating element; and at least one conductive trace, which is formed on or integrated with the heating element, wherein the at least one conductive trace is arranged to extend from the first electrode to the second electrode and is capable of producing resistive Joule heat by means of applying a voltage by the first and second electrodes. In the aerosol-generating apparatus, the conductive trace is added between the electrodes on the heating element, which is advantageous for increasing the heating rate of the heating element and the temperature gradient in a longitudinal direction on the basis of the same power.

Description

Aerosol generating device and heater for aerosol generating device

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411496469.9, filed on October 24, 2024, entitled “Aerosol Generating Apparatus and Heater for Aerosol Generating Apparatus”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of heated non-combustible aerosol generation technology, and in particular to an aerosol generation device and a heater for the aerosol generation device. Background Technology

[0004] Tobacco products (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Efforts are being made to replace these tobacco-burning products by creating products that release compounds without combustion.

[0005] Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating rather than burning materials. For instance, the material could be an aerosol-generating article containing tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Known heating devices contain and heat the aerosol-generating article within a tubular heating body made of a conductive ceramic material, with annular electrodes arranged at opposite longitudinal ends of the tubular conductive ceramic heating body, thereby guiding current along the entire longitudinal direction of the tubular heating body to generate Joule heating.

[0006] Application content

[0007] One embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating apparatus configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; comprising:

[0008] A chamber having an opening; in use, the aerosol-generating article can be at least partially received into or removed from the chamber through the opening;

[0009] A heating element surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber and is used to heat the aerosol-generated article;

[0010] A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged at intervals on the heating element to guide current on at least a portion of the heating element;

[0011] At least one conductive trace is formed or incorporated on the heating element; the at least one conductive trace is arranged to extend from the first electrode to the second electrode and is capable of being subjected to a voltage by the first electrode and the second electrode to generate resistive Joule heating.

[0012] In some embodiments, the heating element is prepared by molding and sintering a conductive ceramic material, or the heating element is a conductive ceramic body;

[0013] And / or, the at least one conductive trace is made of a metal or alloy.

[0014] In some embodiments, the resistivity of the material of the heating element at room temperature is greater than the resistivity of the material of the conductive trace at room temperature.

[0015] In some embodiments, the resistivity of the material of the heating element at room temperature is at least 100 times that of the resistivity of the material of the conductive trace at room temperature;

[0016] And / or, the resistivity of the heating element material at room temperature is between 1 × 10⁻⁶. -4 Ω·cm~1.3×10 -1 The resistivity of the material of the conductive trajectory at room temperature is between 9.78 × 10 Ω·cm. -6 Ω·cm~1.0×10 -4 Ω·cm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sheet resistance of the material of the at least one conductive trace is between 5 mΩ / sq and 2500 mΩ / sq.

[0018] In some embodiments, when no voltage is applied to the heating element and the at least one conductive track through the first electrode and the second electrode, a Schottky barrier exists between the heating element and the at least one conductive track.

[0019] In some embodiments, when a voltage is applied to the heating element and the at least one conductive trace through the first electrode and the second electrode, the contact between the heating element and the at least one conductive trace changes from a Schottky contact to an ohmic contact.

[0020] In some embodiments, the material of the heating element has a negative temperature coefficient of resistance; and the material of the conductive trace has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance.

[0021] In some embodiments, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heating element material is between -3000 and -1000 ppm / ℃;

[0022] And / or, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the material of the at least one conductive trace is between 0 and 6000 ppm / ℃.

[0023] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the heating element is between 5 W / mK and 40 W / mK.

[0024] In some embodiments, the heating element includes:

[0025] The first end near the opening and the second end away from the first end;

[0026] A first part and a second part are arranged longitudinally; wherein the first part is close to or defines the first end, and the second part is close to or defines the second end;

[0027] The first electrode, the second electrode, and the at least one conductive trace are arranged on the first portion and avoid the second portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, when current is guided through the first electrode and the second electrode on the heating element and the at least one conductive track, the first portion and the at least one conductive track can be heated by resistive Joule heating, and the second portion is heated by receiving the heat transferred from the first portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, the heating element includes:

[0030] The first and second ends, which are opposite each other along the longitudinal direction;

[0031] The distance between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and / or the at least one conductive trace and the first end is less than the distance to the second end.

[0032] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0033] Battery cells, used for power supply;

[0034] The circuit is arranged to apply voltage to the heating element and the at least one conductive trace by connecting one of the first electrode and the second electrode to the positive terminal of the battery cell and the other to the negative terminal of the battery cell.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged circumferentially around the heating element; the at least one conductive trace extends from the first electrode to the second electrode circumferentially around the heating element.

[0036] In some embodiments, the arc of the at least one conductive trace extending circumferentially along the heating element is between π / 6 and π.

[0037] And / or, the dimension of the at least one conductive trace extending circumferentially along the heating element is between 3 and 12 mm.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the heating element; the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to extend circumferentially along the heating element, and at least a portion of the first electrode is opposite to at least a portion of the second electrode in the longitudinal direction of the heating element.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first electrode and / or the second electrode are closed rings;

[0040] Alternatively, the first electrode and / or the second electrode may be configured to be non-closed in the circumferential direction.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first electrode has at least one first segment, and the second electrode has at least one second segment; at least one first segment and at least one second segment are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the heating element.

[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one conductive trace extends from the first segment to the second segment.

[0043] Another embodiment of this application also proposes an aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol; comprising:

[0044] A chamber having an opening; in use, the aerosol-generating article can be at least partially received into or removed from the chamber through the opening;

[0045] A heating element surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber and is used to heat the aerosol-generated article;

[0046] A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged at intervals on the heating element to guide current on at least a portion of the heating element;

[0047] At least one conductive trace is formed or incorporated on the heating element and extends from the first electrode to the second electrode;

[0048] When a voltage is applied to the heating element and the at least one conductive trace through the first electrode and the second electrode, the contact between the heating element and the at least one conductive trace can change from a Schottky contact to an ohmic contact.

[0049] Another embodiment of this application provides a heater for an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0050] A chamber having an opening; in use, the aerosol-generating article can be at least partially received into or removed from the chamber through the opening;

[0051] A heating element surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber and is used to heat the aerosol-generated article;

[0052] A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged at intervals on the heating element to guide current on at least a portion of the heating element;

[0053] At least one conductive trace is formed or incorporated on the heating element; the at least one conductive trace is arranged to extend from the first electrode to the second electrode, thereby enabling a voltage to be applied by the first electrode and the second electrode to generate resistive Joule heating.

[0054] The above-mentioned aerosol generating device, by adding conductive traces between the electrodes of the heating element, is advantageous for increasing the heating rate and the longitudinal temperature gradient of the heating element under the same power. Attached Figure Description

[0055] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment;

[0057] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the heater in Figure 1 from one perspective;

[0058] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the heater's circumferential unfolding view in Figure 2;

[0059] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the heater in circumferential unfolding view according to another embodiment;

[0060] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the heater in another embodiment from a circumferential unfolded view;

[0061] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the heater from one perspective of another embodiment;

[0062] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the heater from one perspective of another embodiment;

[0063] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the heater's circumferential unfolding view in Figure 7;

[0064] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the heater from one perspective of another embodiment;

[0065] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the heater's circumferential unfolding view in Figure 9;

[0066] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the heater from one perspective of another embodiment;

[0067] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the change in resistance of a heating element made of conductive ceramic material as a function of temperature during heating, as measured in one embodiment.

[0068] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the change in resistance of the conductive trajectory of the alloy material as a function of temperature in one embodiment.

[0069] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the change in resistance with temperature of a heater with conductive traces formed on a conductive ceramic heating element in one embodiment during operation. Embodiments of the present invention

[0070] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description of this application will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0071] One embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating device 100 that heats rather than burns an aerosol generating article 100, such as a cigarette, to cause at least one component of the aerosol generating article 1000 to volatilize or release to form an aerosol for inhalation, as shown in FIG1, for example.

[0072] In optional embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 1000 preferably uses a tobacco-containing material from which volatile compounds are released from the matrix upon heating; or it may be a non-tobacco material suitable for electric heating and smoke generation after heating. The aerosol-generating article 1000 preferably uses a solid matrix, which may include one or more of the following: powder, granules, fragments, strips, or sheets of vanilla leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, expanded tobacco, dried flowers, tea leaves, etc.; or, the solid matrix may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds to be released when the matrix is ​​heated.

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, when the aerosol generating product 1000 is received by the aerosol generating device 100, a portion of it, such as a filter tip, protrudes outside the aerosol generating device 100, which is advantageous for the user to inhale.

[0074] The structure of an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of this application can be seen in FIG1. ​​The overall shape of the device is generally elongated. The aerosol generating device 100 includes:

[0075] The chamber has an opening 40; in use, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can be removably received in the chamber through the opening 40.

[0076] The heater 30 is arranged to at least partially surround or define the chamber; when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, the heater 30 surrounds and heats the aerosol generating article 1000 from the outside, thereby causing the aerosol generating article 1000 to release a variety of volatile compounds, which are formed only by heat treatment.

[0077] The battery cell 10 is used for power supply; more preferably, the battery cell 10 is a rechargeable DC battery cell 10, which can be charged by connecting to an external power source.

[0078] Circuit board 20, such as a PCB board or FPC board, has circuitry arranged for guiding current between cell 10 and heater 30.

[0079] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heater 30 is arranged in a tubular shape, and at least a portion of the tubular hollow portion of the heater 30 forms or defines a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article 1000. When the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, the heater 30 at least partially surrounds or encloses the aerosol generating article 1000 and heats it from its outer periphery. Furthermore, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, it is at least partially contained and held within the heater 30.

[0080] In some embodiments, the heater 30 may have an inner diameter d11 of approximately 5.8 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the heater 30 may have a length d12 of approximately 10 mm to 15 mm. In embodiments, the circumferential length or circumference of the heater 30 is greater than the longitudinal length d12 of the heater 30. In some embodiments, the longitudinal length d12 of the heater 30 is not more than 15 mm or less; preferably, the longitudinal length d12 of the heater 30 is between 9 and 15 mm. In some specific embodiments, the heater 30 may have an inner diameter d11 of 7.6 mm; the heater 30 may have a length d12 of 11 mm.

[0081] In some embodiments, the heating element 31 is dense. In some specific embodiments, the porosity of the heating element 31 is less than 5%; more preferably, the porosity of the heating element 31 is less than 3%.

[0082] In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the heating element 31 is between 0.3 and 2.0 mm. In some specific embodiments, the wall thickness of the heating element 31 is 0.6 mm.

[0083] In some embodiments, the tubular heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material is prepared by injection molding the raw material of conductive ceramic material into a mold and then sintering and solidifying it. For example, the preparation process may include: mixing the raw material of conductive ceramic material with a liquid solvent to form an injectable slurry; then injecting the slurry into the cavity of the mold to form a tubular green body; demolding to obtain the green body and then sintering and solidifying it to obtain the heating element 31.

[0084] In some embodiments, the heating element 31 is independently molded from a conductive ceramic material. Therefore, in these embodiments, the tubular heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material includes or has only a single heating element, rather than a composite heating element formed by combining multiple functional elements of different materials. For example, a composite heating element may include a supporting electrically insulating substrate (e.g., electrically insulating ceramic or surface insulating metal), a heating element formed by a resistive heating track, coating, or etched mesh bonded to the surface of the electrically insulating substrate, such as printing, deposition, wrapping, or mounting. In some embodiments, the heating element 31 is or only includes a conductive ceramic body.

[0085] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 is between 5 W / mK and 40 W / mK. In a more preferred embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 is between 6 W / mK and 27 W / mK.

[0086] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 is designed to be higher than that of conventional glass or ceramics; typically, the thermal conductivity of glass is approximately 1 W / mK, and the thermal conductivity of ceramics is typically less than 20 W / mK or even lower, less than 10 W / mK. In this embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 is greater than 20 W / mK; more preferably, the thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 is between 20 and 40 W / mK.

[0087] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 is greater than 25 W / mK; in some specific embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the heating element 31, made of conductive ceramic material, is between 25 and 40 W / mK. Alternatively, in still other specific embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 is approximately 30 W / mK. In these embodiments, by having the thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 within the above range, it is advantageous for creating Joule heating and a temperature field difference in a portion of the heating area by arranging the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322.

[0088] In some embodiments, the relatively improved thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 is achieved by increasing the content of a metal oxide component with relatively high thermal conductivity, such as alumina or titanium oxide, which is a ceramic phase, thereby enabling the heating element 31 to achieve the above-mentioned thermal conductivity. In some embodiments, the relatively improved thermal conductivity of the heating element 31 is achieved by adding a conductive metal, such as gold, silver, or copper, that improves thermal conductivity to the conductive ceramic material, thereby enabling the heating element 31 to achieve the above-mentioned thermal conductivity.

[0089] In some embodiments, the resistivity of the heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material is between 1 × 10⁻⁶ at room temperature. -4 Ω·cm~1.3×10 -1Ω·cm. In the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, when current is guided through the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 into the heating element 31, the resistance value of the heating element 31 measured by the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 is between 0.5 and 5 Ω. In some preferred embodiments, the resistance value of the heating element 31 measured by the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 is between 0.8 and 1.5 Ω. In a specific embodiment, the resistance value of the heating element 31 measured by the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 is approximately 1.4 Ω.

[0090] In some embodiments, the battery cell 10 has an output voltage of approximately 3.7 to 4.5V; then, during use, when the circuit board 20 supplies power to the heating element 31 through the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322, the operating power of the heating element 31 is approximately between 10 and 40W.

[0091] In some embodiments, the conductive ceramic material of the heating element 31 includes a main component and a doped component. In some embodiments, the main component accounts for a mass percentage of the conductive ceramic greater than 80% and less than or equal to 98%; the doped component accounts for a mass percentage of the conductive ceramic greater than 1% and less than or equal to 20%.

[0092] In some embodiments, the main component includes a first metal oxide, and the dopant component includes a second metal oxide; the valence of the metal in the first metal oxide is different from the valence of the metal in the second metal oxide. In some embodiments, the valence of the metal in the first metal oxide is less than the valence of the metal in the second metal oxide; or in some embodiments, the valence of the metal in the first metal oxide is greater than the valence of the metal in the second metal oxide. In some embodiments, the valence of the metal in the second metal oxide is higher than valence tri.

[0093] In some embodiments, the main component includes zinc oxide; the dopant includes at least one selected from aluminum oxide, zirconium dioxide, titanium dioxide, or niobium pentoxide. In some embodiments, zinc oxide accounts for 94% to 97% of the mass of the conductive ceramic. In some embodiments, the dopant includes aluminum oxide, which accounts for 0.5% to 5% of the mass of the conductive ceramic.

[0094] In some embodiments, the main component includes titanium dioxide; the dopant component includes at least niobium pentoxide. In some embodiments, the mass percentage of titanium dioxide in the conductive ceramic is between 85% and 95%; the mass percentage of niobium pentoxide in the conductive ceramic is between 5% and 20%.

[0095] In some embodiments, the main component includes tantalum pentoxide; the dopant component includes at least one of titanium dioxide or zirconium dioxide.

[0096] In some embodiments, the main component includes at least one of a conductive metal boride, metal nitride, or metal carbide; the dopant component includes at least one of a non-conductive metal oxide or metal nitride.

[0097] In some embodiments, the main component includes at least one of titanium boride, titanium nitride, or titanium carbide. In some embodiments, the dopant includes at least one of silicon dioxide or zirconium dioxide.

[0098] In some embodiments, the main component accounts for 20% to 80% of the mass percentage of the conductive ceramic. In some embodiments, the dopant component accounts for 30% to 80% of the mass percentage of the conductive ceramic.

[0099] In some embodiments, the conductive ceramic material of the heating element 31 further includes a conductive resistivity / thermal conductivity regulating component to control the resistivity or thermal conductivity of the conductive ceramic within a target range. In some embodiments, the conductive resistivity / thermal conductivity regulating component includes at least one of a conductive metal carbide, a metal boride, carbon powder, or conductive metal powder. In some embodiments, the metal carbide includes silicon carbide; and / or the metal boride includes titanium boride. In some embodiments, the conductive metal powder includes at least one of gold powder, silver powder, or copper powder.

[0100] In some embodiments, the conductive resistivity / thermal conductivity modulating component accounts for 10% to 50% of the mass percentage of the conductive ceramic.

[0101] In some optional embodiments, the conductive ceramic material of the heating element 31 includes 94-97% zinc oxide, 0.8-5% aluminum oxide, 0-1% titanium dioxide, and 0-0.5% zirconium dioxide by mass.

[0102] In some optional embodiments, the conductive ceramic material of the heating element 31 includes 85% to 95% titanium dioxide and 5% to 20% niobium pentoxide by mass.

[0103] In some optional embodiments, the conductive ceramic material of the heating element 31 includes 5-10% by mass titanium boride, 80-90% by mass zinc oxide, and 1-5% by mass aluminum oxide.

[0104] In some optional embodiments, the conductive ceramic material of the heating element 31 includes 50-80% by mass titanium boride, 20-50% by mass silicon carbide, and 0.1-2% by mass silicon dioxide.

[0105] In some optional embodiments, the conductive ceramic material of the heating element 31 includes 40-70% titanium boride, 30-60% zirconium dioxide, and 0.1-5% silicon dioxide by mass.

[0106] In some optional embodiments, the conductive ceramic material of the heating element 31 includes 20-50% by mass titanium boride, 30-50% by mass zirconium dioxide, and 10-30% by mass copper powder, silver powder, or gold powder.

[0107] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the heating element 31 is a semiconductor conductive ceramic body; for example, silicon nitride, silicon carbide ceramic, etc.

[0108] In some embodiments, the heating element 31, made of conductive ceramic material, has a negative temperature coefficient of resistance. Therefore, during operation, the resistance of the heating element 31 decreases as its temperature rises. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material is between -3000 and -1000 ppm / ℃. In a more preferred embodiment, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the material of the heating element 31 is between -2500 and -1500 ppm / ℃. For example, Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the resistance of the heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material during heating as a function of temperature, as measured in one embodiment. According to Figure 12, the heating element 31 is insulated from the outside when no external voltage is applied at room temperature; however, when a voltage is applied through the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322, the instantaneous resistance on the heating element 31 drops rapidly, reaching 44 Ω when a voltage of 5.5V is applied. When a voltage of 5.5V or 6V is applied and continuously increased, the resistance of the heating element 31 will further decrease as the temperature rises. When the temperature reaches 200℃, the resistance is 5.993Ω, and when the temperature is 300℃, the resistance is 4Ω.

[0109] For example, in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, when current is guided through the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 on the heating element 31 at room temperature, the initial resistance of the heating element 31 is 1.4Ω; when the temperature of the heating element 31 rises to about 350°C, the resistance of the heating element 31 decreases to about 0.5Ω.

[0110] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heating element 31 includes:

[0111] A first end 310 and a second end 320 are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction. The first end 310 is arranged toward the opening 40; in use, the aerosol generating article 1000 can be received into or removed from the heating body 31 from the first end 310.

[0112] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heater 30 includes:

[0113] A tubular heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material; and,

[0114] A first electrode 321 and a second electrode 322 are formed on the outer surface of the heating element 31.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 are formed directly on the surface of the heating element 31.

[0116] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, a transition bonding layer is provided between the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 and the heating element 31; in the embodiments, the transition bonding layer forms a tight bond between the metallic first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 and the ceramic heating element 31.

[0117] In some embodiments, the thickness of the transition adhesive layer is approximately 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm. Alternatively, in a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the transition adhesive layer is approximately 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0118] In some embodiments, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the transition adhesive layer is less than that of the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322. This is advantageous for suppressing deformation of the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 during use.

[0119] In some embodiments, the transition adhesive layer is conductive.

[0120] For example, in some embodiments, the material of the transition adhesive layer can be a metal or alloy, such as silver, aluminum, titanium, or alloys thereof.

[0121] For example, in some embodiments, the material of the transition bonding layer can be a composite material of ceramic and metal. This allows the transition bonding layer to simultaneously possess material compatibility with both the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 made of metal, and the heating element 31 made of ceramic. For example, in some optional embodiments, the material of the transition bonding layer may include 10-80% metal and 20-90% ceramic. The metal of the transition bonding layer may include at least one of gold, silver, copper, aluminum, nickel, titanium, zirconium, platinum, etc. The ceramic of the transition bonding layer may include oxides or nitrides such as alumina, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, iron oxide, and silicon oxide.

[0122] In some embodiments, the transition adhesive layer is obtained by printing or coating the above materials onto the outer surface of the heating element 31 and then sintering it.

[0123] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 are bonded to the outer surface of the heating element 31 and are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the heating element 31. In an embodiment, the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 are arranged opposite to each other along the radial direction of the heating element 31.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 includes at least one of an electrode ring, an electrode cap, an electrode sheet, a track electrode, or an electrode coating. In some embodiments, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 is made of a metal or alloy with low resistivity. For example, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 includes gold, silver, copper, or an alloy containing at least one of them. In some embodiments, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 are obtained by forming a conductive paste containing the aforementioned low-resistivity metal or alloy on the outer surface of the heating element 31 by printing, spraying, or depositing, and then curing it. For example, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 are obtained by printing conductive silver paste on the outer surface of the heating element 31 and then curing it.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 are configured to be circular, square, trapezoidal, or polygonal, etc.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 have a first distance d21 with respect to the first end 310. The first distance d21 is less than the second distance d23 between the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 and the second end 320. In Figures 2 and 3, the second distance d23 between the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 and the second end 320 is greater than or equal to half the longitudinal length of the heating element 31. In some embodiments, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 have a height dimension d22 along the longitudinal direction of the heater 30. In some embodiments, the first distance d21 is less than the height dimension d22. In some embodiments, the first distance d21 is between 0.5 and 2.0 mm; the height dimension d22 is between 1 and 4 mm. In some optional embodiments, the first distance d21 is approximately 1 mm; the height dimension d22 is approximately 2 mm. In some embodiments, the second distance d23 is between 6 and 12 mm; in some more specific embodiments, the second distance d23 is approximately 8 mm.

[0127] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 have a width dimension between 5 and 11 mm along the circumferential direction of the heater 30.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 are electrically connected to the circuit board 20 by welding conductive leads, etc.; thereby, in use, the circuit board 20 can operably connect the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 to the positive / negative poles of the battery cell 10, respectively, so as to guide current on the heating element 31.

[0129] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, heater 30 further includes:

[0130] At least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341 and conductive trace 342, is formed or incorporated on the heating element 31. Specifically, at least one conductive trace is formed on the outer surface of the heating element 31.

[0131] At least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341 and conductive trace 342, is formed or located on the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322. Specifically, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341 and conductive trace 342, extends from the first electrode 321 to the second electrode 322.

[0132] In some embodiments, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341 and conductive trace 342, is electrically conductive to the heating element 31. Alternatively, in other embodiments, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341 and conductive trace 342, is insulated from the heating element 31.

[0133] In some embodiments, conductive traces, such as conductive traces 341 and 342, are made of a resistive metal or alloy material. In some embodiments, suitable metal or alloy materials include at least one of silver, palladium, platinum, tungsten, nickel, cobalt, zirconium, titanium, nickel alloys, cobalt alloys, zirconium alloys, titanium alloys, silver-palladium alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, nickel-iron alloys, iron-chromium alloys, iron-chromium-aluminum alloys, iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys, or stainless steel.

[0134] In some embodiments, the resistive metal or alloy material of at least one conductive trace, such as conductive traces 341 and 342, has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance or exhibits a PTC effect. In some optional embodiments, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the resistive metal or alloy material of at least one conductive trace is between 0 and 6000 ppm / °C. More preferably, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the resistive metal or alloy material of at least one conductive trace is between 0 and 3500 ppm / °C. More preferably, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the resistive metal or alloy material of at least one conductive trace is between 50 and 3500 ppm / °C. More preferably, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the resistive metal or alloy material of at least one conductive trace is between 100 and 3500 ppm / °C. More preferably, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the resistive metal or alloy material of at least one conductive trace is between 200 and 3500 ppm / °C. More preferably, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the resistive metal or alloy material of at least one conductive trace is between 800 and 1100 ppm / °C. In some embodiments, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341 and conductive trace 342, has a resistance value between 0.45 Ω and 6 Ω at room temperature. More preferably, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341 and conductive trace 342, has a resistance value between 0.45 Ω and 3 Ω at room temperature. For example, Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the resistance of conductive trace 341 of an alloy material as a function of temperature in one embodiment; according to Figure 13, conductive trace 341 exhibits a PTC effect as the temperature increases, with a resistance of 2.26 Ω at 200°C and approximately 2.4 Ω at 300°C.

[0135] Alternatively, in some other variations, the material of at least one conductive trace has a negative temperature coefficient of resistance or exhibits an NTC effect. In some optional embodiments, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the resistive metal or alloy material of at least one conductive trace is between -3000 and 0 ppm / °C. More preferably, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the resistive metal or alloy material of at least one conductive trace is between -2000 and 0 ppm / °C. In some embodiments, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive traces 341 and 342, has a resistance value between 0.8 Ω and 8.5 Ω at room temperature. In some embodiments, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive traces 341 and 342, has a resistance value between 0.8 Ω and 4 Ω at room temperature.

[0136] In some embodiments, the sheet resistance of the material of at least one conductive trace is between 5 mΩ / sq and 2500 mΩ / sq.

[0137] In some embodiments, the thickness of the conductive trace is between 0.005 mm and 0.2 mm. In more specific embodiments, the thickness of the conductive trace is between 0.01 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0138] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341 and conductive trace 342, is arranged to extend circumferentially along the heater 30 / heating body 31. Alternatively, in some other variations, at least one conductive trace extends in a zigzag manner; or, at least one conductive trace extends in a meandering or serpentine manner.

[0139] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, at least one conductive trace is an arc-shaped strip extending circumferentially along the heater 30 / heating body 31. In an embodiment, the dimension of the at least one conductive trace extending circumferentially along the heating body 31 is approximately 3 to 12 mm. In an embodiment, the arc of the at least one conductive trace extending circumferentially along the heating body 31 is between π / 6 and π; more preferably, the arc of the least one conductive trace extending circumferentially along the heating body 31 is between π / 2 and 5π / 6.

[0140] In this embodiment, at room temperature, the resistivity of the heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material is greater than the resistivity of the conductive trace of the alloy material. In some preferred embodiments, the resistivity of the heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material is at least 100 times the resistivity of the conductive trace of the alloy material. For example, the resistivity of the material of the conductive trace is between 9.78 × 10⁻⁶. -6 Ω·cm~1.0×10 -4 Ω·cm. For example, the resistivity of the conductive trace using an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy is 1.4 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·cm. -4 Ω·cm; the resistivity of the conductive trace made of nickel-chromium alloy is 1.0 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·cm. -4 Ω·cm; the resistivity of the conductive trace using manganese-copper alloy is 4.4 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·cm. -5 Ω·cm.

[0141] In use, when the circuit board 20 can operably connect the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell 10 respectively to conduct current, a Schottky barrier exists between the heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material and at least one conductive track of the metal alloy that is not completely broken. Here, the Schottky barrier is a physics term referring to the potential barrier formed at the interface between two different materials due to an energy level difference; in this application, the Schottky barrier can be formed between the heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material and at least one conductive track of the metal alloy.

[0142] In heater 30, the heating element 31, made of conductive ceramic material, acts as an insulator when no voltage is applied at room temperature. When the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 are not connected to the positive and negative terminals of the cell 10, a Schottky contact can be formed between the heating element 31 and at least one conductive track. As shown in Figure 3, when the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 are connected to the positive and negative terminals of the cell 10, a voltage is applied to at least one conductive track and the heating element 31. At least one conductive track forms a current i11 before the heating element 31 and generates resistive Joule heating; during voltage application, the Schottky barrier between the heating element 31 and at least one conductive track breaks down, transforming into a low-resistance ohmic contact, and a current i12 forms on the heating element 31, generating heat to participate in the heating process. The heater 30 with conductive tracks is advantageous for creating a gradient temperature field on the heating element 31 during use. In some embodiments, the breakdown of the Schottky barrier when a voltage is applied is essentially instantaneous.

[0143] Schottky contact is a physics term based on the Schottky barrier. Specifically, a Schottky contact refers to a contact where a Schottky barrier exists at the interface, resulting in or forming a large interface resistance. The counterpart to a Schottky contact is an ohmic contact, where the barrier at the interface is very small or nonexistent.

[0144] When a voltage is applied to eliminate the Schottky barrier between the heating element 31 and the conductive track, the heating element 31 and at least one conductive track simultaneously generate resistive Joule heating during the heating process. Alternatively, during the heating process, currents i11 and i12 are simultaneously generated on the conductive track and the heating element 31, causing them to generate heat simultaneously and thus heat up simultaneously.

[0145] Alternatively, in other variations, the heating element 31 and at least one conductive trace may be in an ohmic contact.

[0146] In an embodiment, when at least one conductive trace is formed on the heating element 31, and heating is performed by current guided by the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322, the resistance of the heater 30 changes with temperature due to the combined resistance effects of the at least one conductive trace and the heating element 31. For example, Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the resistance of a heater 30 with nickel-chromium alloy conductive traces 341 and 342 on a conductive ceramic heating element 31 during operation, according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, the overall resistance of the heater 30 first increases and then decreases with increasing temperature, exhibiting non-PTC or NTC characteristics. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the overall resistance of the heater 30 is approximately 2.0 Ω at the initial room temperature, reaches a maximum value of 2.078 Ω when the temperature rises to 178–200°C, and then decreases further with increasing temperature, dropping to approximately 2.0 Ω at 300°C. As shown in Figure 14, during the heating process, the resistance effect of the conductive ceramic heating element 31 becomes increasingly dominant.

[0147] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the heating element 31 further includes a first portion 311 and a second portion 312 arranged longitudinally; wherein the first portion 311 is adjacent to or defines the first end 310, and the second portion 312 is adjacent to and defines the second end 320. In the embodiment, the first portion 311 and the second portion 312 are continuous; there is no separation or separating boundary between the first portion 311 and the second portion 312.

[0148] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 are arranged close to the first end 310; and the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 are located away from the second end 320. In some embodiments, the first electrode 321 and / or the second electrode 322 are located in the first portion 311 of the heating element 31 and away from the second portion 312. There are no electrodes on the second portion 312 for guiding current thereon. In use, the first portion 311 can be heated by guiding current through the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 to generate resistance Joule heating. There is almost no current on the second portion 312, so the second portion 312 mainly heats the aerosol generating article 1000 by receiving the heat transferred from the first portion 311, as shown by arrow R1 in Figure 3; after receiving the heat, the second portion 312 then heats the aerosol generating article 1000.

[0149] In some embodiments, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341 and conductive trace 342, is located in the first portion 311 of the heating element 31 and avoids the second portion 312. This is advantageous for creating a temperature field with differences or gradients in the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31 during heating. In use, at least one conductive trace generates heat in the first portion 311.

[0150] For example, the following shows the measured temperature values ​​at different longitudinal inner surface positions of a heater 30 in one embodiment and a heater in a comparative example during the heating process. The heater 30 was powered at 23W during the test. The heater 33 in the embodiment includes a heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material, and conductive traces 341 and 342 formed on the heating element 31; the heater in the comparative example only includes a heating element 31 made of conductive ceramic material. In both the embodiment and the comparative example, the total longitudinal length d12 of the heating element 31 is 10mm, and the inner diameter d11 is 7.6mm; the first distance d21 between the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 and the first end 310 is 2mm, the height dimension d22 of the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 is 3mm, and the circumferential extension width of the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322 is 4mm.

[0151]

[0152] The test results in the table above show that the conductive ceramic heating element 31 in the comparative example reaches its highest temperature of 337°C in 8.4 seconds; the conductive ceramic heating element 31 with conductive traces 341 and 342 in the embodiment reaches its highest temperature of 377°C in approximately 9.5 seconds. Based on the sampling temperatures in the table, the maximum temperature difference along a 10mm longitudinal length of the conductive ceramic heating element 31 in the embodiment is approximately 206.7°C at 5 seconds, 292.5°C at 9.5 seconds, and 61.7°C at 200 seconds. The maximum temperature difference along a 10mm longitudinal length of the conductive ceramic heating element 31 in the comparative example is approximately 181.3°C at 5 seconds, 233.4°C at 8.4 seconds, and 55.7°C at 200 seconds. In the embodiment, the conductive ceramic heating element 31 with conductive traces 341 and 342 has a relatively faster heating rate at the same power, and the temperature gradient difference in the longitudinal direction is more obvious.

[0153] In some embodiments, the circuitry on the circuit board 20 is configured to control the supply of power to the heater 30 according to a predetermined heating curve, thereby causing the heater 30 to heat the aerosol-generating article 1000 according to the predetermined heating curve. For example, the applicant has provided details of various heating curves for predetermined times in Chinese Patent CN112335940A, etc., the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0154] During the heating process where the heater 30 is powered by the first electrode 321 and the second electrode 322, the temperature changes of the first part 311 and the second part 312 include:

[0155] In the first time phase or preheating phase, the first part 311 is raised from room temperature to a predetermined temperature; in this first time phase, since the second part 312 can only generate heat by receiving heat transferred from the first part 311, the temperature of the first part 311 is greater than the temperature of the second part 312, and there is a first temperature difference.

[0156] In the second time phase or heating phase, the first part 311 is kept within a predetermined temperature range for heating. In this second time phase, due to the improved thermal conductivity of the heating element 31, the second part 312 receives the conducted heat more quickly, and its temperature is substantially the same as or close to that of the first part 311, or has a second temperature difference. The second temperature difference is less than the first temperature difference.

[0157] Alternatively, Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a heater 30a according to another embodiment; in this embodiment, the heater 30a includes:

[0158] A tubular heating element 31a made of conductive ceramic material; and,

[0159] A first electrode 321a and a second electrode 322a are formed on the outer surface of the heating element 31a; and at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341a and conductive trace 342a, is formed on the heating element 31a and extends between the first electrode 321a and the second electrode 322a.

[0160] As shown in Figure 4, the first electrode 321a and / or the second electrode 322a have a width dimension d24 along the circumferential direction of the heater 30a. The width dimension d24 is greater than the height dimension of the first electrode 321a and / or the second electrode 322a. In some alternative embodiments, the width dimension d24 is approximately between 5 and 11 mm.

[0161] In the embodiment shown in FIG4, the first electrode 321a and the second electrode 322a are formed or combined on the outer surface of the heating body 31a and are arranged opposite to each other along the radial direction of the heating body 31a.

[0162] As shown in Figure 4, the first electrode 321a and / or the second electrode 322a are arranged in a trapezoidal shape. The width dimension d24 of the first electrode 321a and / or the second electrode 322a varies along the longitudinal direction of the heater 30a. For example, in Figure 4, the width dimension d24 of the first electrode 321a and / or the second electrode 322a gradually increases along the direction closer to the first end 310a.

[0163] In the embodiment shown in FIG4, the spacing between the first electrode 321a and the second electrode 322a is varied, specifically, the spacing between them gradually decreases in the direction close to the first end 310a; thereby increasing the current density on the first portion 311a of the heating element 31a in the direction close to the first end 310a, which is advantageous for forming a temperature difference on the heating element 31a.

[0164] In the embodiment shown in FIG4, the heating element 31a includes a first portion 311a and a second portion 312a arranged continuously along the axial direction; a first electrode 321a and a second electrode 322a, and at least one conductive trace are formed on or located on the first portion 311a. The second portion 312a generates heat primarily by receiving heat transferred from the first portion 311a.

[0165] Alternatively, Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a heater 30b according to another embodiment; in this embodiment, the heater 30b includes:

[0166] Heating element 31b extends from the first end 310b to the second end 320b;

[0167] The first electrode 321b and the second electrode 322b are formed on the heating body 31b and are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the heating body 31b.

[0168] Conductive traces 341b and 342b are formed on the heating element 31b and extend from the first electrode 321b to the second electrode 322b.

[0169] In this embodiment, the first electrode 321b and the second electrode 322b are stepped. In FIG. 5, the first electrode 321b and / or the second electrode 322b include two electrode portions with different widths. For example, the first electrode 321b has a first electrode portion 3211b and a second electrode portion 3212b with different widths; the width of the first electrode portion 3211b is greater than the width of the second electrode portion 3212b, and the first electrode portion 3211b is closer to the first end 310b than the second electrode portion 3212b. The second electrode 322b has a first electrode portion 3231b and a second electrode portion 3222b with different widths; the width of the first electrode portion 3231b is greater than the width of the second electrode portion 3222b, and the first electrode portion 3231b is closer to the first end 310b than the second electrode portion 3222b. This results in a greater current density on the heating element 31b on the side closer to the first end 310b.

[0170] In the embodiment shown in FIG5, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341b and / or conductive trace 342b, is disposed on the first electrode portion 3211b of the first electrode 321b and the first electrode portion 3231b of the second electrode 322b. Alternatively, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341b and / or conductive trace 342b, extends from the first electrode portion 3211b of the first electrode 321b to the first electrode portion 3231b of the second electrode 322b. In the embodiment, at least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341b and / or conductive trace 342b, avoids the second electrode portion 3212b and / or the second electrode portion 3222b.

[0171] Alternatively, Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a heater 30c according to another embodiment; in this embodiment, the heater 30c includes:

[0172] A tubular heating element 31c extends between a first end 310c and a second end 320c; the heating element 31c includes a first portion 311c and a second portion 312c arranged continuously along the axial direction.

[0173] The first electrode 321c and the second electrode 322c are formed or combined on the outer surface of the heating body 31c and are arranged opposite to each other along the radial direction of the heating body 31c.

[0174] At least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341c and conductive trace 342c, is formed on the heating element 31c and extends from the first electrode 321c to the second electrode 322c.

[0175] In this embodiment, the first electrode 321c and the second electrode 322c have a longer extension dimension on the heating element 31b; the first electrode 321c and the second electrode 322c extend from the first portion 311c to the second portion 312c.

[0176] In this embodiment, the first electrode 321c and / or the second electrode 322c terminates at the first end 310c. The first electrode 321c and / or the second electrode 322c have a height dimension d31 extending longitudinally; a second distance d32 exists between the first electrode 321c and / or the second electrode 322c and the second end 320c; the height dimension d31 is greater than the second distance d32. For example, in some specific embodiments, the height dimension d31 is approximately 6–10 mm, and the second distance d32 is approximately between 2–6 mm.

[0177] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the height dimension d31 is greater than half the longitudinal length of the heating element 31c. For example, in some specific embodiments, the height dimension d31 is approximately 7 to 9 mm.

[0178] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the first electrode 321c and / or the second electrode 322c are trapezoidal in shape and have varying width dimensions, thereby causing the heating element 31c to have different current densities in the axial direction, resulting in a temperature difference in the axial direction during the first time phase. Alternatively, in some other variations, the first electrode 321c and / or the second electrode 322c are stepped in shape; the first electrode 321c and / or the second electrode 322c include a first electrode portion located on a first portion 311c and a second electrode portion located on a second portion 312c; both the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are constant, and the width of the first electrode portion is greater than the width of the second electrode portion.

[0179] Alternatively, Figures 7 and 8 show a schematic diagram of a heater 30d according to yet another embodiment; in Figure 7, the heater 30d includes:

[0180] Heating element 31d,

[0181] A first electrode 321d and a second electrode 322d are formed on the outer surface of the heating element 31d;

[0182] At least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341d and conductive trace 342d, is located between the first electrode 321d and the second electrode 322d.

[0183] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first electrode 321d and the second electrode 322d are coupled to the outer surface of the heating element 31d and are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31d.

[0184] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d are arranged extending circumferentially along the heating element 31d. The first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d are annular around the heating element 31d. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d are closed in the circumferential direction; or, the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d are closed annular rings.

[0185] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d are located in the first portion 311d of the heating element 31d and avoid the second portion 312d. The second portion 312d has no electrode for guiding current thereon.

[0186] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first electrode 321d is closer to the first end 310d than the second electrode 322d. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the distance between the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d and the first end 310d is less than the distance to the second end 320d. The first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d are relatively closer to the first end 310d; and the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d are relatively farther away from the second end 320d.

[0187] In Figures 7 and 8, there is a first distance d31 between the first electrode 321d and the first end 310d. There is a second distance d32 between the first electrode 321d and the second electrode 322d. There is a third distance d33 between the second electrode 322d and the second end 320d.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first spacing d31 is smaller than the third spacing d33 between the second electrode 322d and the second end 320d. The first spacing d31 is smaller than the second spacing d32. The second spacing d32 is smaller than the third spacing d33. In some embodiments, the first spacing d21 is between 0.5 and 2.0 mm. The second spacing d32 is between 1 and 4 mm. In some optional embodiments, the first spacing d21 is approximately 1 mm. The second spacing d32 is approximately 2 mm. Or in some embodiments, the ratio of the second spacing d32 to the longitudinal length d12 of the heating element 31d is between 5% and 50%; or in a more preferred embodiment, the ratio of the second spacing d32 to the longitudinal length d12 of the heating element 31d is between 5% and 40%. In Figures 7 and 8, the ratio of the third spacing d33 between the second electrode 322d and the second end 320d to the longitudinal length d12 of the heating element 31d is between 0% and 85%. In a more preferred embodiment, the ratio of the third spacing d33 to the longitudinal length of the heating element 31d is between 40% and 80%.

[0189] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d along the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31d are between 1 and 4 mm. In some optional embodiments, the dimensions of the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d along the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31d are approximately 2 mm. In some optional embodiments, the ratio of the dimension of the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d along the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31d to the longitudinal length d12 of the heating element 31d is between 1% and 40%; more preferably, the ratio of the dimension of the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d along the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31d to the longitudinal length d12 of the heating element 31d is between 5% and 40%; more preferably, the ratio of the dimension of the first electrode 321d and / or the second electrode 322d along the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31d to the longitudinal length d12 of the heating element 31d is between 10% and 30%.

[0190] In the embodiment, the first electrode 321d and the second electrode 322d are electrically connected to the circuit board 20 by welding conductive leads, etc.; thus, in use, the circuit board 20 can operably connect the first electrode 321d and the second electrode 322d to the positive / negative poles of the battery cell 10, respectively, so as to guide current on the heating element 31d.

[0191] In this embodiment, the heater 30d includes only a first electrode 321d and a second electrode 322d. In use, when power is supplied to the heating element 31d and the conductive trace through the first electrode 321d and the second electrode 322d, the first portion 311d of the heating element 31d heats up through resistive Joule heating. The second portion 312d itself generates virtually no heat, but rather heats up by receiving heat transferred from the first portion 311d, as shown by arrow R1 in Figure 8. There are no electrodes on the heating element 31d that guide current on the second portion 312d.

[0192] Alternatively, Figures 9 and 10 show a schematic diagram of a heater 30e according to another embodiment; in this embodiment, the heater 30e includes:

[0193] A tubular heating element 31e extending between a first end 310e and a second end 320e;

[0194] The first electrode 321e and the second electrode 322e are formed or combined on the outer surface of the heating body 31e and are arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the heating body 31e.

[0195] At least one conductive trace, such as conductive trace 341e and conductive trace 342e, extends from the first electrode 321e to the second electrode 322e.

[0196] In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first electrode 321e and / or the second electrode 322e are arranged to extend circumferentially along the heating element 31e. In this embodiment, the first electrode 321e and / or the second electrode 322e are not closed circumferentially along the heating element 31e. Alternatively, at least one of the first electrode 321e and the second electrode 322e is not closed circumferentially.

[0197] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first electrode 321e and / or the second electrode 322e are arcuate shapes extending circumferentially along the heating body 31e. At least a portion of the first electrode 321e and at least a portion of the second electrode 322e are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the heating body 31e; or, in the longitudinal direction of the heating body 31e, the first electrode 321e and the second electrode 322e are not completely staggered. In some alternative embodiments, the first electrode 321e and the second electrode 322e have the same arcuate extension along the circumferential direction of the heating body 31e; or in still other alternative embodiments, the first electrode 321e and the second electrode 322e have different arcuate extensions along the circumferential direction of the heating body 31e. For example, the arcuate extension of the first electrode 321e along the circumferential direction of the heating body 31e is smaller than the arcuate extension of the second electrode 322e along the circumferential direction of the heating body 31e. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the arc of the first electrode 321e and / or the second electrode 322e extending circumferentially along the heating body 31e is between π and 2π.

[0198] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first electrode 321e defines a first notch 3211e; the second electrode 322e defines a second notch 3221e. In an embodiment, the first notch 3211e and the second notch 3221e are completely offset in the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31e. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the first notch 3211e and the second notch 3221e are partially offset in the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31e. Or, in some other optional embodiments, the first notch 3211e and the second notch 3221e are arranged opposite to each other in the radial direction of the heating element 31e.

[0199] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the circumferential extension arc of the first notch 3211e and the circumferential extension arc of the second notch 3221e are the same. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the circumferential extension arcs of the first notch 3211e and the second notch 3221e are different; for example, in an optional embodiment, the extension arc of the first notch 3211e is greater than the extension arc of the second notch 3221e. In some embodiments, the extension arcs of the first notch 3211e and / or the second notch 3221e are approximately between 0.1π and 0.8π. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the extension arcs of the first notch 3211e and / or the second notch 3221e are approximately between 0.3π and 0.5π.

[0200] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31e, the first electrode 321e has at least one or more first segments longitudinally opposite to the second electrode 322e. Correspondingly, the second electrode 322e has at least one or more second segments longitudinally opposite to the first electrode 321e. Specifically, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first electrode 321e has two first segments longitudinally opposite to the second electrode 322e, namely, first segment 3212e and first segment 3213e; the second electrode 322e has two second segments longitudinally opposite to the first electrode 321e, namely, second segment 3222e and second segment 3223e. The first segment 3212e and second segment 3222e are longitudinally opposite each other, as are the first segment 3213e and second segment 3223e. As shown in Figure 9, the first segment is spaced out, that is, the first segment 3212e and the first segment 3213e are spaced out; the second segment is spaced out, that is, the second segment 3222e and the second segment 3223e are spaced out.

[0201] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the circumferential extension arc of each first segment and / or each second segment is between 0.03π and π; or, the circumferential extension angle of each first segment and / or each second segment is between 5° and 180°. In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential extension arc of each first segment and / or each second segment is between π / 3 and 2π / 3. For example, in some specific embodiments, the circumferential extension angle of the first segment 3212e / first segment 3213e / second segment 3222e / second segment 3223e is 60°. o 90 o Or 180 o .

[0202] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, at least one conductive trace extends from the first segment to the second segment. For example, in Figures 9 and 10, conductive trace 341e extends from the first segment 3212e to the second segment 3222e; conductive trace 342e extends from the first segment 3213e to the second segment 3223e.

[0203] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when current is guided on the heating element 31e through the first electrode 321e and the second electrode 322e, current i31 is formed on the conductive traces 341e and 342e, and current i32 is formed on the heating element 31e in a first region between the first segment 3212e and the second segment 3222e, and in a second region between the first segment 3213e and the second segment 3223e. Thus, during operation, the resistive Joule heating generated on the heating element 31e is mainly generated in the first region between the first segment 3212e and the second segment 3222e, and in the second region between the first segment 3213e and the second segment 3223e; this is advantageous for creating a differential temperature field on the heating element 31e.

[0204] In Figures 9 and 10, the length of the first segment 3213e is less than the length of the first segment 3212e; or, the length of the second segment 3222e is less than the length of the second segment 3223e. Therefore, the area of ​​the first region is greater than the area of ​​the second region. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the length of the first segment 3213e is equal to the length of the first segment 3212e; or, the length of the second segment 3222e is equal to the length of the second segment 3223e; therefore, the area of ​​the first region is equal to the area of ​​the second region.

[0205] Alternatively, Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of another variation of the heater 30f; in this embodiment, the heater 30f includes:

[0206] A tubular heating element 31f extending between a first end 310f and a second end 320f;

[0207] A first electrode 321f and a second electrode 322f are formed or attached to the outer surface of the heating body 31f and are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the heating body 31f. The first electrode 321f and the second electrode 322f are arranged extending from the first end 310f to the second end 320f. The first electrode 321f and the second electrode 322f terminate at the first end 310f.

[0208] As shown in Figure 11, the first electrode 321f and / or the second electrode 322f have a height dimension d42 extending longitudinally along the heating element 31f; the height dimension d42 of the first electrode 321f and / or the second electrode 322f is greater than 1 / 2 of the longitudinal length d12 of the heating element 31f. Furthermore, the first electrode 321f and / or the second electrode 322f have a second distance d43 from the second end 320f. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the height dimension d42 is greater than the second distance d43.

[0209] As shown in Figure 11, the first electrode 321f and / or the second electrode 322f are stepped. In Figure 11, the first electrode 321f includes a first electrode portion 3211f and a second electrode portion 3212f arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction. The first electrode portion 3211f is located near the first end 310f. The width of the first electrode portion 3211f is greater than the width of the second electrode portion 3212f. Correspondingly, the second electrode 322f may also include the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion arranged sequentially along the longitudinal direction. In use, this is advantageous for creating a temperature gradient in the longitudinal direction of the heating element 31f.

[0210] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of this application are given in the specification and accompanying drawings, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating product to generate an aerosol; characterized in that, include: The chamber has an open opening; During use, the aerosol-generated article can be at least partially received into or removed from the chamber through the opening; A heating element surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber and is used to heat the aerosol-generated article; A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged at intervals on the heating element to guide current on at least a portion of the heating element; At least one conductive trace is formed or incorporated into the heating element; The at least one conductive trace is arranged to extend from the first electrode to the second electrode and is capable of being energized by voltage applied by the first and second electrodes to generate resistive Joule heating.

2. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element is prepared by molding and sintering conductive ceramic material, or the heating element is a conductive ceramic body; And / or, the at least one conductive trace is made of a metal or alloy.

3. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The resistivity of the material of the heating element at room temperature is greater than the resistivity of the material of the conductive trajectory at room temperature.

4. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The resistivity of the material of the heating element at room temperature is at least 100 times that of the resistivity of the material of the conductive track at room temperature; And / or, the resistivity of the heating element material at room temperature is between 1 × 10⁻⁶. -4 Ω·cm~1.3×10 -1 The resistivity of the material of the conductive trajectory at room temperature is between 9.78 × 10 Ω·cm. -6 Ω·cm~1.0×10 -4 Ω·cm.

5. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sheet resistance of the material of the at least one conductive trace is between 5 mΩ / sq and 2500 mΩ / sq.

6. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When no voltage is applied to the heating element and the at least one conductive track through the first electrode and the second electrode, there is a Schottky barrier between the heating element and the at least one conductive track.

7. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When a voltage is applied to the heating element and the at least one conductive trace through the first electrode and the second electrode, the contact between the heating element and the at least one conductive trace changes from a Schottky contact to an ohmic contact.

8. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The material of the heating element has a negative temperature coefficient of resistance; and the material of the conductive trace has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance.

9. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The temperature coefficient of resistance of the material of the heating element is between -3000 and -1000 ppm / ℃; And / or, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the material of the at least one conductive trace is between 0 and 6000 ppm / ℃.

10. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thermal conductivity of the heating element is between 5 W / mK and 40 W / mK.

11. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heating element includes: The first end near the opening and the second end away from the first end; A first part and a second part are arranged longitudinally; wherein the first part is close to or defines the first end, and the second part is close to or defines the second end; The first electrode, the second electrode, and the at least one conductive trace are arranged on the first portion and avoid the second portion.

12. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 11, characterized in that, When current is guided through the first electrode and the second electrode on the heating element and the at least one conductive track, the first portion and the at least one conductive track can be heated by resistive Joule heating, and the second portion is heated by receiving the heat transferred from the first portion.

13. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The heating element includes: The first and second ends, which are opposite each other along the longitudinal direction; The distance between the first electrode and / or the second electrode and / or the at least one conductive trace and the first end is less than the distance to the second end.

14. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Battery cells, used for power supply; The circuit is arranged to apply voltage to the heating element and the at least one conductive trace by connecting one of the first electrode and the second electrode to the positive terminal of the battery cell and the other to the negative terminal of the battery cell.

15. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the heating element; the at least one conductive trace extends from the first electrode to the second electrode along the circumference of the heating element.

16. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The arc of the at least one conductive trace extending circumferentially along the heating body is between π / 6 and π. And / or, the dimension of the at least one conductive trace extending circumferentially along the heating element is between 3 and 12 mm.

17. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first electrode and the second electrode are arranged at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the heating element; the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged to extend circumferentially along the heating element, and at least a portion of the first electrode is opposite to at least a portion of the second electrode in the longitudinal direction of the heating element.

18. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The first electrode and / or the second electrode are closed rings; Alternatively, the first electrode and / or the second electrode may be configured to be non-closed in the circumferential direction.

19. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The first electrode has at least one first segment, and the second electrode has at least one second segment; at least one first segment and at least one second segment are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the heating element.

20. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The at least one conductive trace extends from the first segment to the second segment.

21. An aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating product to generate an aerosol; characterized in that, include: The chamber has an open opening; During use, the aerosol-generated article can be at least partially received into or removed from the chamber through the opening; A heating element surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber and is used to heat the aerosol-generated article; A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged at intervals on the heating element to guide current on at least a portion of the heating element; At least one conductive trace is formed or incorporated on the heating element and extends from the first electrode to the second electrode; When a voltage is applied to the heating element and the at least one conductive trace through the first electrode and the second electrode, the contact between the heating element and the at least one conductive trace can change from a Schottky contact to an ohmic contact.

22. A heater for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: A chamber having an opening; in use, the aerosol-generating article can be at least partially received into or removed from the chamber through the opening; A heating element surrounds or defines at least a portion of the chamber and is used to heat the aerosol-generated article; A first electrode and a second electrode are arranged at intervals on the heating element to guide current on at least a portion of the heating element; At least one conductive trace is formed or incorporated into the heating element; The at least one conductive trace is arranged to extend from the first electrode to the second electrode, thereby enabling a voltage to be applied by the first and second electrodes to generate resistive Joule heating.

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