Cleaning system and cleaning device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a cleaning system and a cleaning device. The cleaning system comprises a heating assembly and the cleaning device. The heating assembly is configured to heat an aerosol generating article so as to generate an aerosol. The cleaning device works in conjunction with the heating assembly to generate plasma for cleaning the surface of the heating assembly.

Description

A cleaning system and cleaning device

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024116037349, filed on November 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of aerosol generation technology, and in particular to a cleaning device and cleaning system. Background Technology

[0004] In related technologies, aerosol generating articles used with aerosol generating devices include an aerosol forming matrix. The heating element of the aerosol generating device employs central heating, with the central heating element inserted into the aerosol generating matrix for heating. When the aerosol forming matrix generates aerosols during heating, non-volatile organic residues from the aerosol forming matrix remain and accumulate on the surface of the heating element. Therefore, the surface of the central heating element needs to be cleaned. Cleaning of the central heating element is mainly achieved through physical scrubbing, however, these methods are ineffective. Physical scrubbing can easily damage the heating element of the heating assembly and is difficult to clean thoroughly, making the cleaning process inconvenient for users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to at least partially address one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0006] Therefore, the first aspect of this application provides a cleaning system, including:

[0007] A heating element configured to heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol;

[0008] A cleaning device that works in conjunction with the heating element to generate plasma to clean the surface of the heating element.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the cleaning device is used in conjunction with the heating component, the temperature of the plasma generated between the cleaning device and the heating component gradually increases from an initial operating temperature to a maximum operating temperature, wherein the maximum operating temperature is greater than or equal to 200°C.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cleaning system includes a power supply component, and the cleaning device and the heating component are electrically connected to the power supply component, so that the cleaning device and the heating component cooperate to generate the plasma.

[0011] In one embodiment, the heating component includes an insulating layer and a heating electrode, wherein the heating electrode is at least partially disposed within the insulating layer;

[0012] The cleaning device includes a first electrode assembly, which includes a discharge section disposed outside the insulating layer and at least partially surrounding the outer periphery of the heating electrode, and spaced apart from the heating electrode. The discharge section and the heating electrode are electrically connected to the power supply assembly respectively, so that the plasma is generated between the discharge section and the heating electrode.

[0013] In one embodiment, the heating component includes an insulating housing and a metal heating element, wherein the metal heating element is at least partially disposed within the insulating housing;

[0014] The cleaning device includes a first electrode assembly, which includes a discharge section disposed outside the insulating housing. At least a portion of the discharge section is arranged around the outer periphery of the metal heating element. The metal heating element and the discharge section are electrically connected to the power supply assembly to generate plasma between the discharge section and the metal heating element.

[0015] In one embodiment, the heating component includes an insulating housing and a second electrode assembly, wherein the second electrode assembly is at least partially disposed within the insulating housing;

[0016] The cleaning device includes a first electrode assembly, which includes a discharge section disposed outside the insulating housing. At least a portion of the first electrode assembly is disposed around the outer periphery of a second electrode assembly. The discharge section and the second electrode assembly are electrically connected to the power supply assembly respectively, so that the plasma is generated between the discharge section and the second electrode assembly.

[0017] In one embodiment, the discharge section includes at least one first discharge section that extends circumferentially around the insulating housing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first discharge section is one of annular, arc-shaped, and tubular.

[0019] In one embodiment, the discharge section includes a plurality of first discharge sections, which are sleeved on the outside of the insulating shell, and each of the first discharge sections is spaced apart along the axial direction of the insulating shell.

[0020] In one embodiment, the discharge section includes a plurality of second discharge sections, each of which is spaced apart around the outer circumference of the insulating shell.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second discharge section is a strip-shaped discharge section or a plate-shaped discharge section extending axially along the insulating shell.

[0022] In one embodiment, the minimum distance between the discharge section and the insulating shell is greater than or equal to 0 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm; or,

[0023] The heating component includes a heating section, and the discharge section is projected onto the second electrode component within the length range of the heating section.

[0024] In one embodiment, the material of the first electrode assembly includes at least one of copper, iron, nickel, silver, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, conductive ceramics, and semiconductor ceramics.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first electrode assembly further includes an electrical connection portion, through which the discharge portion is electrically connected to the power supply assembly, and the discharge portion is closer to the insulating housing than the electrical connection portion; or, the discharge portion is closer to the second electrode assembly than the electrical connection portion.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cleaning system includes an aerosol generating device, which includes the heating component, a power supply component, and a housing body. The housing body has a insertion channel. The cleaning device also includes an electrode connector, one end of which is electrically connected to the discharge section. When the cleaning device is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device, the electrode connector can be detachably inserted into the insertion channel so that the other end of the electrode connector is electrically connected to the power supply component.

[0027] In one embodiment, the electrode connector extends axially along the insulating housing and is spaced apart from the first electrode assembly radially along the insulating housing.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a cleaning housing made of insulating material, and the electrical connection between the electrode connector and the first electrode assembly is located inside the cleaning housing.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cleaning system includes an aerosol generating device, which includes a heating component, a power supply component, an electrode connector, and a housing. The electrode connector is disposed on the housing and electrically connected to the power supply component. The first electrode component further includes an electrical connection portion, one end of which is electrically connected to the discharge portion. The electrical connection portion is located at the end of the discharge portion near the electrode connector. When the cleaning device is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device, the other end of the electrical connection portion is used to contact the electrode connector for electrical connection.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a first drive component;

[0031] The first driving assembly is connected to the first electrode assembly to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to move axially along the insulating housing; and / or,

[0032] The first driving assembly is connected to the first electrode assembly to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to rotate about the outer circumference of the insulating housing; and / or,

[0033] The first driving assembly is connected to the first electrode assembly to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to move radially along the insulating housing.

[0034] In one embodiment, the heating component is a plasma heating component, the insulating shell is a tube with one open end, and the second electrode component includes a first electrode, a conductive part, and a second electrode. At least a portion of the first electrode, at least a portion of the conductive part, and at least a portion of the second electrode are disposed within the insulating shell. The second electrode and the first electrode are spaced apart along the axial direction of the tube. The second electrode is electrically connected to the power supply component, and the first electrode is electrically connected to the power supply component through the conductive part, so that when the plasma heating component is heating and operating, plasma is generated between the second electrode and the first electrode.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first electrode is further away from the opening of the tube than the second electrode, one end of the conductive part is connected to the first electrode, and the other end of the conductive part extends toward the opening of the tube.

[0036] In one embodiment, when the cleaning device is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device, the discharge section and the conductive section are electrically connected to the power supply assembly respectively, so that the plasma is generated between the discharge section and the conductive section.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cleaning system has a cleaning state and a heating state. When the cleaning system is in the cleaning state, the power supply component is connected to the circuit between the discharge section and the first electrode, and the circuit between the power supply component and the second electrode is disconnected.

[0038] When the cleaning system is in the heating state, the circuit between the power supply component and the second electrode and the first electrode is connected, and the circuit between the power supply component and the discharge section is disconnected.

[0039] The cleaning system also includes a switching switch for selectively activating the circuit between the power supply component and the discharge section, and the circuit between the power supply component and the second electrode, so that the cleaning system switches between the cleaning state and the heating state.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cleaning system further includes an insertion detection component for detecting whether the cleaning device is engaged with the heating component. The switching switch is signal-connected to the insertion detection component to switch circuits based on the detection result of the insertion detection component.

[0041] In one embodiment, the insertion detection component uses at least one of capacitance detection, pressure detection, electromagnetic detection, infrared detection, image detection, and QR code detection to confirm whether the cleaning device cooperates with the heating component.

[0042] In one embodiment, the cleaning system includes an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including the heating element, and the cleaning device is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device to clean the surface of the heating element.

[0043] In one embodiment, the power supply assembly includes a first battery, a second battery, a first control module, and a second control module; the aerosol generating device includes the first battery and the first control module; the cleaning device includes the second battery and the second control module; the heating component is electrically connected to the first battery through the first control module; and the second electrode assembly and the discharge section are electrically connected to the second battery through the second control module.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first control module includes a first control circuit and a first transformer; and / or,

[0045] The second control module includes a second control circuit and a second transformer.

[0046] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a first battery and a first control module, the cleaning device includes a second control module, the heating component is electrically connected to the first battery through the first control module, and the second electrode component and the discharge section are electrically connected to the first battery through the second control module.

[0047] In one embodiment, the cleaning system is an aerosol generating device, which includes a housing body, and the cleaning device, the heating component, and the power supply component are all disposed on the housing body.

[0048] In one embodiment, the shell body has a receiving cavity for inserting the aerosol generating article, wherein the discharge section, at least a portion of the insulating shell, and at least a portion of the second electrode assembly are all located in the receiving cavity.

[0049] In one embodiment, the discharge section is spaced apart from the insulating housing along the radial direction of the insulating housing to form a space for the aerosol generating article to pass through.

[0050] In one embodiment, the dimension of the spacer space along the radial direction of the insulating housing is adjustable.

[0051] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension of the space is less than or equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the aerosol generating article. When the aerosol generating article extends into the space, at least a portion of the discharge section can move toward the side away from the insulating shell, thereby increasing the space.

[0052] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a second driving component, which is drivenly connected to the first electrode component to drive the discharge section to move relative to the insulating shell; or,

[0053] The discharge section is made of an elastic material. When the aerosol generating product extends into the space, the discharge section moves toward the side away from the insulating shell through elastic deformation.

[0054] In one embodiment, the discharge section is movably disposed in the receiving cavity along the axial direction of the insulating shell. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving cavity to contact the discharge section, the discharge section moves along the insertion direction under the push of the aerosol generating article.

[0055] A second aspect of this application provides a cleaning device, which is any of the cleaning devices described above.

[0056] A third aspect of this application provides a cleaning device, which is used in conjunction with a heating element to clean the surface of the heating element, the cleaning device comprising:

[0057] A first electrode assembly includes a discharge section. When the cleaning device cooperates with the heating component, at least a portion of the discharge section is arranged around the outer periphery of the heating component and spaced apart from the heating component. The discharge section is energized with the heating component to generate plasma between the discharge section and the heating component.

[0058] In one embodiment, the discharge section includes at least one first discharge section extending around the outer periphery of the heating component.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first discharge section is one of annular, arc-shaped, and tubular.

[0060] In one embodiment, the discharge section includes a plurality of first discharge sections, which are sleeved on the outside of the heating component, and each of the first discharge sections is spaced apart along the axial direction of the heating component.

[0061] In one embodiment, the discharge section includes a plurality of second discharge sections, each of which is spaced apart around the outer periphery of the heating component.

[0062] In one embodiment, the second discharge section is a strip-shaped discharge section or a plate-shaped discharge section extending along the axial direction of the heating component.

[0063] In one embodiment, the minimum distance between the discharge section and the heating component is greater than or equal to 0 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm; and / or,

[0064] The material of the first electrode assembly includes at least one of copper, iron, nickel, silver, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, conductive ceramics, and semiconductor ceramics.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first electrode assembly further includes an electrical connection portion, through which the discharge portion is electrically connected to the power supply assembly, and along the radial direction of the heating assembly, the discharge portion is closer to the heating assembly than the electrical connection portion.

[0066] In one embodiment, the cleaning device further includes an electrode connector, one end of which is electrically connected to the discharge section, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the power supply assembly.

[0067] In one embodiment, the electrode connector extends along the axial direction of the heating component and is spaced apart from the first electrode component along the radial direction of the heating component.

[0068] In one embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a cleaning housing made of insulating material, and the electrical connection between the electrode connector and the first electrode assembly is located inside the cleaning housing.

[0069] In one embodiment, the cleaning device further includes a first drive component;

[0070] The first driving component is drivenly connected to the first electrode component to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to move axially along the heating component; and / or,

[0071] The first driving component is drivenly connected to the first electrode component to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to rotate about the outer circumference of the heating component; and / or,

[0072] The first driving component is driven to the first electrode component to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to move radially along the heating component.

[0073] This application provides a cleaning system and a cleaning device. The cleaning system includes a heating element and a cleaning device. The heating element is configured to heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The cleaning device works in conjunction with the heating element to generate plasma for cleaning the surface of the heating element. Thus, the high heat and high energy particles in the plasma bombard the dirt on the outer surface of the heating element, causing processes such as burning, etching, and sputtering. This allows the dirt to be removed through physical and chemical processes, achieving a better cleaning effect. Attached Figure Description

[0074] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the cleaning device and the aerosol generating device in Figure 1 in a separated state;

[0076] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the cleaning device in Figure 1;

[0077] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the cleaning device in Figure 3;

[0078] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cleaning system in Figure 1;

[0079] Figure 6 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 5;

[0080] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a portion of the heating element in Figure 6;

[0081] Figure 8 is an exploded view of part of the structure of the heating component in Figure 6;

[0082] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another heating component of this application;

[0083] Figure 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another heating component of this application;

[0084] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the heating component in Figure 10;

[0085] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the first electrode assembly and the heating assembly in Figure 4;

[0086] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between another first electrode assembly and the heating assembly in this application;

[0087] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the first electrode assembly and the heating assembly in another embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 15 is a structural schematic diagram of another first electrode assembly of this application, showing the shell body;

[0089] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the fit between the first electrode assembly, the heating assembly, and the electrode connector in Figure 15;

[0090] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the cleaning device, the heating element and the power supply element in Figure 1. The electrical connection wires are shown in the figure.

[0091] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of another possible connection between the cleaning device, the heating element, and the power supply element in Figure 1. The electrical connection wires are shown in the figure.

[0092] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of another possible connection between the cleaning device, the heating element, and the power supply element in Figure 1. The electrical connection wires are shown in the figure.

[0093] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of another possible connection between the cleaning device, the heating element, and the power supply element in Figure 1. The electrical connection wires are shown in the figure.

[0094] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning system according to another embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation relationship between the discharge part and the heating component in Figure 21;

[0096] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning system according to another embodiment of this application;

[0097] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the discharge section and the heating component in Figure 23. Detailed Implementation

[0098] In this application, the terms "axial," "radial," or "positional relationship" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in Figure 14. It should be understood that these orientational terms are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0099] One embodiment of this application provides a cleaning system, as shown in Figures 1 to 6. The cleaning system includes a heating element 20 and a cleaning device 10.

[0100] The heating element 20 is configured to heat the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

[0101] The cleaning device 10 works in conjunction with the heating element 20 to generate plasma to clean the surface of the heating element 20. In other words, the cleaning device 10 and the heating element 20 need to work together to produce the effect of plasma cleaning.

[0102] Another embodiment of this application provides a cleaning device 10, which is the cleaning device 10 described in any embodiment of this application.

[0103] Specifically, the cleaning device 10 of this application is used to clean the outer surface of the heating component 20.

[0104] For example, the heating element 20 is the heating element 20 of the aerosol generating device 70. The specific structural form of the heating element 20 is not limited. For example, the heating element 20 is a central heating element, that is, the heating element needs to be inserted into the aerosol generating product to heat and generate aerosol.

[0105] For ease of description, this application will use the heating element 20 as an example of the heating element 20 that is heated at the center of the aerosol generating device 70.

[0106] Regarding the aerosol generating device 70, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the cleaning device 10 can be used as an accessory to the aerosol generating device 70. During normal use of the aerosol generating device 70, the cleaning device 10 is not installed on the aerosol generating device 70. The cleaning device 10 is only installed on the aerosol generating device 70 when it is necessary to clean the heating element 20 of the aerosol generating device 70.

[0107] For example, referring to Figures 1 and 6, the cleaning system includes an aerosol generating device 70, which includes a heating element 20, and a cleaning device 10 for cooperating with the aerosol generating device 70 to clean the surface of the heating element 20.

[0108] Of course, in other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 70 may also include a cleaning device 10, that is, the cleaning device 10 may also be a component of the aerosol generating device 70.

[0109] For example, please refer to Figures 21 and 23. The cleaning system is an aerosol generating device 70, which includes a housing body 30. The cleaning device 10, the heating element 20, and the power supply element 40 are all disposed on the housing body 30.

[0110] The heating element 20 is used to heat the aerosol-generating product to generate aerosol.

[0111] Plasma is a state of matter containing a large number of charged particles and neutral atoms and molecules, and maintaining electrical neutrality as a whole. Plasma can be generated by the ionization of gas under the influence of an electric field.

[0112] It should be noted that the type of plasma generated varies depending on the combination and structure of the cleaning device 10 and the heating element 20. During the cleaning process, the temperature of the plasma changes, with a maximum cleaning operating temperature.

[0113] For example, when the cleaning device 10 is used in conjunction with the heating element 20, the temperature of the plasma generated between the cleaning device and the heating element gradually rises from the initial operating temperature to the maximum operating temperature, wherein the maximum operating temperature is greater than or equal to 200°C, such as 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, 800°C, 900°C, 1000°C, etc.

[0114] Specifically, during the process of the cleaning device 10 and the heating component 20 working together to generate plasma, the temperature of the plasma gradually increases, and its initial operating temperature is lower than the maximum operating temperature.

[0115] Depending on the specific circumstances, the initial operating temperature of the plasma will vary, but it is mostly in the tens of degrees Celsius, such as 50°C or 75°C.

[0116] The heating element 20 of the cleaning system in this embodiment is configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The cleaning device 10 and the heating element 20 cooperate to generate plasma for cleaning the surface of the heating element 20. Thus, the high heat and high-energy particles in the plasma bombard the dirt on the outer surface of the heating element 20, causing processes such as burning, etching, and sputtering, allowing the dirt to be removed through physical and chemical processes, thereby achieving a better cleaning effect. The cooperation between the cleaning device 10 and the heating element 20 requires both structural and relative positional cooperation, as well as simultaneous electrical connection.

[0117] In one embodiment, the cleaning system includes a power supply component 40, and a cleaning device 10 and a heating component 20 are electrically connected to the power supply component 40, so that the cleaning device 10 and the heating component 20 cooperate to generate plasma.

[0118] Specifically, the power supply component 40 is electrically connected to both the cleaning device 10 and the heating component 20 to generate plasma between the cleaning device 10 and the heating component 20. The power supply component 40 can be the power supply component of the aerosol generating device 70 or a power supply component independently configured for the cleaning device 10.

[0119] For example, the portion of the power supply assembly 40 used to supply power to the cleaning device 10 and the heating assembly 20 is high-voltage AC, and its specific voltage is not limited. For example, the voltage of the power supply assembly 40 is greater than or equal to 1KV, such as 3KV, 4KV, 5KV, 8KV, or 10KV.

[0120] The specific type of heating element 20 is not limited; it can be a plasma heating element or other types of heating element 20. However, the heating element 20 needs to be able to cooperate with the cleaning device 10 to generate plasma, thereby cleaning the surface of the heating element 20.

[0121] For example, the heating component 20 includes an insulating layer and a heating electrode, the heating electrode being at least partially disposed within the insulating layer.

[0122] The cleaning device 10 includes a first electrode assembly 11, which includes a discharge section 111. When the cleaning device 10 and the heating assembly 20 are in cooperation, the discharge section 111 is disposed outside the insulating layer and at least partially surrounds the outer periphery of the heating electrode, and is spaced apart from the heating electrode. The discharge section 111 and the heating electrode are electrically connected to the power supply assembly 40 respectively, so that plasma is generated between the discharge section 111 and the heating electrode.

[0123] Specifically, the insulating layer is an insulating material layer, such as a glaze layer, that wraps around the outside of the heating electrode.

[0124] The heating element 20 is a resistive heating element 20. During the process of heating the aerosol generating product, the heating electrode can be energized to participate in the heating of the aerosol generating device 70. During the cleaning process, it can also be electrically connected to the power supply component 40 to generate plasma together with the discharge unit 111 to clean the outer surface of the heating element 20.

[0125] In one specific embodiment, referring to Figure 9, the heating component 20 includes a heating element substrate 24 and conductive traces (not shown in the figure) disposed on the heating element substrate 24. The conductive traces are covered with an insulating layer, such as a glaze layer, and are electrically connected to the power supply component 40 via electrical leads 25. When the aerosol generating device 70 is in a heating state, the power supply component 40 supplies power to the conductive traces via the electrical leads 25, enabling the conductive traces to generate heat. When the aerosol generating device 70 is in a clean state, the conductive traces and the discharge section 111 are electrically connected to the power supply component 40, respectively, and the conductive traces serve as heating electrodes to generate plasma together with the discharge section 111.

[0126] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the heating assembly 20 includes an insulating housing 21 and a metal heating element 23, with the metal heating element 23 at least partially disposed within the insulating housing 21. In this embodiment, the insulating housing 21 may be a quartz tube, a ceramic tube, or the like.

[0127] The cleaning device 10 includes a first electrode assembly 11, which includes a discharge section 111. When the cleaning device 10 and the heating assembly 20 are in cooperation, the discharge section 111 is disposed outside the insulating housing 21. At least a portion of the discharge section 111 is disposed around the outer periphery of the metal heating element 23. The metal heating element 23 and the discharge section 111 are electrically connected to the power supply assembly 40, so that plasma is generated between the discharge section 111 and the metal heating element 23.

[0128] On the one hand, when the aerosol generating device 70 is in a heated state, the metal heating element 23 can directly generate heat by energizing it. On the other hand, when the aerosol generating device 70 is in a clean state, the metal heating element 23 and the discharge unit 111 can be electrically connected to the power supply assembly 40 respectively, so as to generate plasma together with the discharge unit 111.

[0129] The specific structural form of the metal heating element 23 is not limited, such as the metal heating element 23 being a heating wire.

[0130] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the heating component 20 includes an insulating housing 21 and a second electrode assembly 22, the second electrode assembly 22 being at least partially disposed in the insulating housing 21.

[0131] Please refer to Figures 8, 12 to 14. The cleaning device 10 includes a first electrode assembly 11, which includes a discharge section 111. When the cleaning device 10 and the heating assembly 20 are in cooperation, the discharge section 111 is disposed outside the insulating housing 21. At least a portion of the first electrode assembly 11 is disposed around the outer periphery of the second electrode assembly 22. The discharge section 111 and the second electrode assembly 22 are electrically connected to the power supply assembly 40 respectively, so that plasma is generated between the discharge section 111 and the second electrode assembly 22.

[0132] Specifically, the cleaning device 10 has one electrode end (i.e., the first electrode assembly 11), and utilizes the second electrode assembly 22 inside the heating assembly 20, and the insulating shell 21 located between the second electrode assembly 22 and the first electrode assembly 11 to form a dielectric barrier discharge structure. After the second electrode assembly 22 and the first electrode assembly 11 are connected to the two poles of the power supply assembly 40 respectively, a dielectric barrier discharge can be formed to clean the outer surface of the insulating shell 21 through the high heat and high energy particles of the plasma.

[0133] The heating element 20 can be a plasma heating element 20, and thus the second electrode element 22 is the conductive part 221 or electrode structure that is built into the plasma heating element 20 itself.

[0134] When the cleaning device 10 is engaged with the heating element 20, the first electrode assembly 11 is located outside the insulating housing 21. At least a portion of the discharge section 111 of the first electrode assembly 11 is arranged around the outer periphery of the insulating housing 21 and spaced apart from the second electrode assembly 22. The second electrode assembly 22 is located inside the insulating housing 21, so that at least a portion of the insulating housing 21 is located between the discharge section 111 and the second electrode assembly 22. When a high voltage is applied to the discharge section 111 and the second electrode assembly 22, dielectric barrier discharge can be achieved.

[0135] Plasma is generated between the discharge section 111 and the second electrode assembly 22 via dielectric barrier discharge. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is a high-voltage discharge between two electrodes separated by an insulating dielectric barrier layer. The insulating dielectric is a material with very low conductivity. Due to the insulating dielectric between the two electrodes, the structure of the DBD device is similar to that of a capacitor, capable of conducting alternating current but almost completely unable to conduct direct current. Dielectric barrier discharge is characterized by uniformity and stability, and the discharge process is nearly silent.

[0136] Understandably, plasma is generated between the discharge section 111 and the insulating housing 21, as well as between the insulating housing 21 and the second electrode assembly 22.

[0137] For the first electrode assembly 11, the discharge section 111 is a component that performs high-voltage discharge on the first electrode assembly 11 to generate plasma.

[0138] The discharge section 111 may be arranged around the outer periphery of the insulating housing 21 in its entirety, or it may be arranged around the outer periphery of the insulating housing 21 in only a part of its area.

[0139] By arranging at least a portion of the discharge section 111 around the outer periphery of the insulating shell 21, the effect of dielectric barrier discharge between the discharge section 111 and the second electrode assembly 22 can be greatly improved, enabling the generated plasma to clean the outer periphery of the insulating shell 21 more thoroughly and further improving the cleaning effect.

[0140] It should be noted that the specific arrangement of the discharge section 111 around the outer periphery of the insulating shell 21 will be determined according to the specific structure of the discharge section 111.

[0141] For example, referring to Figures 8 and 12, the discharge section 111 includes at least one first discharge section 112, which extends circumferentially around the insulating housing 21. That is, the discharge section 111 may include one or more first discharge sections 112, which themselves extend circumferentially along the insulating housing 21.

[0142] For example, referring to Figures 8 and 13, the discharge section 111 includes a plurality of first discharge sections 112, which are sleeved on the outer side of the insulating housing 21, and the first discharge sections 112 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the insulating housing 21. That is, on the one hand, the first discharge sections 112 themselves extend along the outer circumference of the insulating housing 21, thereby improving the cleaning effect on the insulating housing 21 in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the plurality of first discharge sections 112 can be spaced apart in the circumferential direction, thereby increasing the cleaning range of the insulating housing 21 in the axial direction.

[0143] Of course, in addition to the structure extending around the outer circumference of the insulating shell 21, the discharge section 111 can also adopt other structural forms.

[0144] For example, referring to Figures 8 and 14, the discharge section 111 includes a plurality of second discharge sections 113, each of which is spaced apart around the outer periphery of the insulating housing 21. In other words, by providing a plurality of second discharge sections 113 and arranging them spaced apart around the outer periphery of the insulating housing 21, the purpose of the discharge section 111 being arranged around the outer periphery of the insulating housing 21 is achieved, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0145] As for the discharge section 111, the discharge section 111 may include only the first discharge section 112, or only the second discharge section 113, or both the first discharge section 112 and the second discharge section 113.

[0146] The specific shape of the first discharge section 112 can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0147] For example, referring to Figure 12, the first discharge section 112 is annular. That is, the first discharge section 112 is a discharge ring extending around the outer circumference of the insulating shell 21, which can improve the cleaning effect on the outer circumference of the insulating shell 21.

[0148] For example, the first discharge section 112 is arc-shaped. That is, the first discharge section 112 is an arc-shaped structure with a notch, such as a C-shaped discharge section 111.

[0149] For example, the discharge section 111 includes a plurality of first discharge sections 112, the first discharge sections 112 are arc-shaped, and at least two first discharge sections 112 are spliced ​​together to form a ring structure.

[0150] For example, the first discharge section 112 is tubular. That is, the first discharge section 112 is a tubular structure that is sleeved on the outer periphery of the insulating shell 21.

[0151] For example, the first discharge section 112 is a mesh discharge section or a spiral discharge section.

[0152] It should be noted that the discharge section 111 may include only one type of first discharge section 112 as described above, or it may include multiple types of first discharge sections 112 with different structures.

[0153] It should be noted that the specific shape of the second discharge section 113 can also be determined according to the actual situation.

[0154] For example, referring to Figures 8 and 14, the second discharge section 113 is a strip-shaped discharge section 111 or a plate-shaped discharge section 111 extending axially along the insulating housing 21. That is, on the one hand, the second discharge section 113 extends axially along the insulating housing 21 to improve the cleaning range and effect of the insulating housing 21 in the axial direction. On the other hand, multiple second discharge sections 113 are spaced apart around the outer circumference of the insulating housing 21, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the insulating housing 21 in the circumferential direction.

[0155] In one specific embodiment, referring to Figures 8 and 14, the discharge section 111 includes three second discharge sections 113, which are equally spaced along the circumference of the insulating shell 21. This allows for better cleaning of the outer surface of the insulating shell 21.

[0156] In one embodiment, the minimum distance between the discharge section 111 and the insulating housing 21 is greater than or equal to 0 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm. For example, 0 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, or 4 mm.

[0157] It should be noted that the minimum distance between the discharge section 111 and the insulating shell 21 should not be too large. If it is too large, the plasma generation effect between the discharge section 111 and the second electrode assembly 22 will be poor, and the voltage requirement will be too high. Therefore, controlling the minimum distance between the discharge section 111 and the insulating shell 21 within the above-mentioned range can generate plasma better, thereby improving the cleaning effect, saving costs, and controlling the size of the cleaning device.

[0158] In one embodiment, the heating component 20 includes a heating section, and the orthographic projection of the discharge section 111 toward the second electrode component 22 is within the length range of the heating section.

[0159] Specifically, the heating section of the heating component 20 is a section used to cooperate with the aerosol generating article, that is, the length of the aerosol generating article inserted to heat the aerosol generating article.

[0160] In the clean state, the projection of the discharge section 111 lies within the length range of the projection of the heating section in a projection plane parallel to the plane where the heating section is located. This further improves the plasma generation effect between the discharge section 111 and the heating section, thereby better cleaning the outer surface of the heating assembly 20.

[0161] In one embodiment, the material of the first electrode assembly 11 includes at least one of copper, iron, nickel, silver, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, conductive ceramic, and semiconductor ceramic. That is, the first electrode assembly 11 can be formed from one of the above materials, a combination of the above materials, or a composite of the above materials and other materials. Using the above materials can significantly improve the conductivity and heat resistance of the first electrode assembly 11.

[0162] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 8, 12 to 14, the first electrode assembly 11 further includes an electrical connection portion 114. The discharge portion 111 is electrically connected to the power supply assembly 40 through the electrical connection portion 114. The discharge portion 111 is closer to the insulating housing 21 than the electrical connection portion 114.

[0163] Specifically, the electrical connection 114 is a component on the first electrode assembly 11 used to connect the discharge section 111 and the power supply assembly 40. It is understood that the distance between the discharge section 111 and the insulating housing 21 is smaller than the distance between the electrical connection 114 and the insulating housing 21. Therefore, it is better ensured that plasma is generated between the discharge section 111 and the second electrode assembly 22, rather than between the electrical connection 114 and the second electrode assembly 22.

[0164] Of course, in other embodiments, the discharge section 111 may be closer to the second electrode assembly 22 than the electrical connection section 114.

[0165] It should be noted that the specific shape of the electrical connection part 114 can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0166] For example, please refer to Figures 8, 12 and 13. The discharge section 111 includes a first discharge section 112, which is annular. The electrical connection section 114 includes a plurality of strip-shaped connection sections and annular connection sections. The strip-shaped connection sections are arranged circumferentially around the insulating housing 21 and one end is connected to the annular connection section. The other end of the strip-shaped connection section is connected to the first discharge section 112, and the first discharge section 112 is located inside the strip-shaped connection section.

[0167] In one embodiment, referring to FIG14, the discharge section 111 includes a plurality of second discharge sections 113, the second discharge section 113 being a strip-shaped discharge section 111 or a plate-shaped discharge section 111, and the electrical connection section 114 including an annular connection section, one end of each second discharge section 113 being connected to the annular connection section.

[0168] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 4, the cleaning device 10 is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device 70. The cleaning system includes the aerosol generating device 70, which includes a heating element 20, a power supply element 40, and a housing 30. The housing 30 has a insertion channel 30a. The cleaning device 10 also includes an electrode connector 50, one end of which is electrically connected to the discharge section 111. When the cleaning device 10 is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device 70, the electrode connector 50 can be detachably inserted into the insertion channel 30a so that the other end of the electrode connector 50 is electrically connected to the power supply element 40. Thus, by directly inserting the electrode connector 50 into the insertion channel 30a, the second electrode assembly 22 and the power supply element 40 can be electrically connected, which has the advantages of convenient assembly and disassembly and stable electrical connection.

[0169] The electrode connector 50 is a component on the cleaning device 10, which is used to cooperate with the aerosol generating device 70.

[0170] The power supply assembly 40 can be the power supply structure within the aerosol generating device 70. Thus, by inserting the electrode connector 50 into the insertion channel 30a, the discharge section 111 and the power supply assembly 40 can be electrically connected, thereby enabling the power supply assembly 40 to simultaneously supply power to the second electrode assembly 22 and the discharge section 111.

[0171] The specific method of electrical connection between electrode connector 50 and discharge section 111 is not limited, such as using a PIN to PIN method.

[0172] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 to 6, the electrode connector 50 extends axially along the insulating housing 21 and is spaced apart from the first electrode assembly 11 radially along the insulating housing 21. Thus, on the one hand, the axial extension of the electrode connector 50 allows the first electrode assembly 11 and the electrode connector 50 to form a U-shaped connection path, effectively maintaining the integrity of the cleaning system's main unit's appearance. On the other hand, the spaced-apart arrangement of the electrode connector 50 and the first electrode assembly 11 improves safety performance.

[0173] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4, the cleaning device 10 further includes a cleaning housing 12, which is made of insulating material. The electrical connection between the electrode connector 50 and the first electrode assembly 11 is located inside the cleaning housing 12. Therefore, by using an insulating material with high insulation strength, the cleaning housing 12 can effectively prevent users from being shocked by high-voltage electricity when holding the cleaning device 10, thus improving safety performance.

[0174] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 15 and 16, the cleaning system includes an aerosol generating device 70. The aerosol generating device 70 includes a heating element 20, a power supply element 40, an electrode connector 50, and a housing body 30. The electrode connector 50 is disposed on the housing body 30 and electrically connected to the power supply element 40. The first electrode assembly 11 further includes an electrical connection portion 115. One end of the electrical connection portion 115 is electrically connected to the discharge part 111. The electrical connection portion 115 is located at the end of the discharge part 111 near the electrode connector 50. When the cleaning device 10 is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device 70, the other end of the electrical connection portion 115 is used to contact the electrode connector 50 for electrical connection. Thus, by directly contacting the electrode connector 50 through the electrical connection portion 115, the power supply element 40 and the discharge part 111 can be electrically connected, which has the advantages of convenient assembly and disassembly and stable electrical connection.

[0175] The electrode connector 50 is a component on the aerosol generating device 70, which is used to cooperate with the electrical connection part 115 of the cleaning device 10.

[0176] The power supply assembly 40 can be the power supply structure within the aerosol generating device 70. Thus, by contacting the electrode connector 50 through the electrical connection part 115, the discharge part 111 and the power supply assembly 40 can be electrically connected, thereby enabling the power supply assembly 40 to simultaneously supply power to the second electrode assembly 22 and the discharge part 111.

[0177] It should be noted that the specific structure of the first electrode assembly 11 can be set according to the actual situation.

[0178] For example, referring to Figures 15 and 16, the discharge section 111 includes a plurality of second discharge sections 113, each of which is spaced apart around the outer periphery of the insulating housing 21. The second discharge section 113 is a strip-shaped discharge section or a plate-shaped discharge section extending axially along the insulating housing 21. The electrical connection section 115 is a conductive ring disposed at one end of the second discharge section 113 near the electrode connector 50.

[0179] In one embodiment, the cleaning device 10 further includes a first driving assembly connected to the first electrode assembly 11 to drive at least a portion of the discharge section 111 to move axially along the insulating housing 21. This allows the discharge section 111 of the first electrode assembly 11 to move within a set range to adjust to a preset position. This satisfies the cleaning needs of various heating components 20 of different specifications and further increases the cleaning range and improves the cleaning effect.

[0180] It should be noted that the specific structure of the first driving component is not limited, as long as it can realize the axial movement of the discharge part 111 of the first electrode component 11, or drive the entire first electrode component 11 to move.

[0181] For example, the first drive assembly includes a drive spring disposed at one end of the first electrode assembly 11 along the axial direction of the insulating housing 21, thereby enabling the first electrode assembly 11 to move within a set range by means of the elastic force of the drive spring.

[0182] In one embodiment, the cleaning device 10 further includes a first driving assembly connected to the first electrode assembly 11 to drive at least a portion of the discharge section 111 or at least a portion of the first electrode assembly 11 to rotate around the outer circumference of the insulating housing 21. This further increases the cleaning range and improves the cleaning effect.

[0183] It should be noted that the specific structure of the first driving component is not limited, as long as it can enable the discharge part 111 of the first electrode component 11 to rotate around the outer circumference of the insulating shell 21.

[0184] For example, the first drive assembly includes a drive motor, the first electrode assembly 11 is connected to the turntable, and the drive motor is driven by the turntable. Thus, the turntable can be rotated by the drive motor, which in turn causes the first electrode assembly 11 to rotate, so as to better clean the outer surface of the insulating housing 21.

[0185] In one embodiment, the cleaning device 10 further includes a first driving assembly connected to the first electrode assembly 11 to drive at least a portion of the discharge section 111 to move radially along the insulating housing 21. This allows the discharge section 111 of the first electrode assembly 11 to move radially along the insulating housing 21 to be adjusted to a preset position, thereby ensuring that the cleaning device 10 has a better cleaning effect.

[0186] It should be noted that the specific structure of the first driving component is not limited, as long as it can enable the discharge part 111 of the first electrode component 11 to move radially along the insulating shell 21.

[0187] Depending on the actual situation, the first driving component may be a portion of the discharge section 111 that moves radially along the insulating housing 21, or it may be the entire discharge section 111 that moves radially along the insulating housing 21.

[0188] For example, the first drive assembly includes a drive motor, which is driven to connect to the first electrode assembly 11, thereby driving the first electrode assembly 11 to move radially along the insulating housing 21. When the discharge section 111 is annular, the first drive assembly can expand or shrink the annular discharge section. When the discharge section 111 is made of an elastic material, when the aerosol generating product extends into the space inside the discharge section 111, the discharge section 111 moves towards the side away from the insulating housing through elastic deformation, so that the aerosol generating product can be smoothly inserted. When the aerosol generating product is removed, the discharge section 111 automatically retracts to approach the insulating housing.

[0189] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 7 and 8, the heating component 20 is a plasma heating component, the insulating shell 21 is a tube with one open end, and the second electrode component 22 includes a first electrode 222, a conductive part 221, and a second electrode 223. At least a portion of the first electrode 222, at least a portion of the conductive part 221, and at least a portion of the second electrode 223 are disposed within the insulating shell 21. The second electrode 223 and the first electrode 222 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the tube. The second electrode 223 is electrically connected to the power supply component 40, and the first electrode 222 is electrically connected to the power supply component 40 through the conductive part 221, so that when the plasma heating component heats the aerosol to generate the product, plasma is generated between the second electrode 223 and the first electrode 222.

[0190] Specifically, the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 cooperate to generate plasma within the insulating housing 21. The plasma generation process generates a large amount of heat, and the plasma temperature can reach very high temperatures during operation, such as 600℃ to 2000℃. This allows the heating element 20 to have a high temperature, thereby achieving the purpose of rapidly heating the aerosol-generated product.

[0191] It should be noted that the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 can generate plasma through dielectric barrier discharge. For example, the heating component 20 also includes an insulating member 224 disposed at the interval between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223. Thus, the purpose of generating plasma through dielectric barrier discharge can be achieved, thereby realizing the heating of the heating component 20.

[0192] Of course, the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 can also be heated by an electric arc. For example, if no insulating structure is provided at the interval between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223, when the voltage of the power supply assembly 40 is high enough, high voltage is conducted to the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223, so that the interval between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 is broken down by high voltage discharge, thereby generating a plasma arc.

[0193] The first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 are respectively electrically connected to the two corresponding stages of the power supply assembly 40. The part of the power supply assembly 40 used to supply power to the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 is a high-voltage power supply, the type of which needs to be determined according to the actual situation.

[0194] For example, an insulating member 224 is provided between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223, and the two generate plasma through dielectric barrier discharge. The part of the power supply assembly 40 used to supply power to the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 is a high-voltage AC power supply.

[0195] For example, there is no insulating part 224 between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223. The two generate a plasma arc by breaking down the air at the gap through high voltage discharge. The part of the power supply assembly 40 used to supply power to the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 can be a high voltage AC power supply or a high voltage DC power supply.

[0196] The conductive part 221 is used to connect the first electrode 222 and the power supply assembly 40 so that the power supply assembly 40 supplies power to the first electrode 222.

[0197] The specific configuration of the conductive part 221 can be set according to the actual situation.

[0198] For example, the first electrode 222 is further away from the opening of the tube than the second electrode 223, one end of the conductive part 221 is connected to the first electrode 222, and the other end of the conductive part 221 extends toward the opening of the tube.

[0199] It should be noted that, depending on the specific location of the discharge section 111 and the specific structure of the second electrode assembly 22, the discharge section 111 can generate plasma in conjunction with the first electrode 222, or in conjunction with the second electrode 223, or in conjunction with the conductive section 221, or simultaneously generate plasma with multiple of the first electrode 222, the second electrode 223, and the conductive section 221. The specific details require circuit control of the control component.

[0200] For example, when the cleaning device 10 is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device 70, the discharge section 111 and the conductive section 221 are electrically connected to the power supply assembly 40 respectively, so that plasma is generated between the discharge section 111 and the conductive section 221. Since the conductive section 221 extends from one end to the other inside the insulating housing 21, it can better cooperate with the discharge section 111 to generate plasma.

[0201] The cleaning system has a cleaning state and a heating state. In the heating state, the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 generate plasma, causing the heating component 20 to heat up, thereby heating the aerosol-generated product. At this time, depending on the actual situation, the circuit between the discharge section 111 and the second electrode component 22 can be either connected or disconnected.

[0202] In the clean state, the discharge section 111 and the second electrode assembly 22 generate plasma to clean the outer surface of the insulating housing 21. At this time, depending on the actual situation, the circuit between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223 can be either connected or disconnected.

[0203] For example, referring to Figures 4, 8, 12, and 18, the discharge section 111 and the second electrode 223 are connected in parallel. In cleaning mode, the circuits between the discharge section 111, the second electrode 223, and the first electrode 222 and the power supply assembly 40 are connected, and plasma is generated between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223, and between the first electrode 222 and the discharge section 111. That is, the cleaning system performs cleaning and heating simultaneously. In heating mode, the cleaning device 10 is separated from the heating assembly 20, the circuits between the second electrode 223 and the first electrode 222 and the power supply assembly 40 are connected, while the circuit between the discharge section 111 and the power supply assembly 40 is disconnected. Plasma is generated only between the first electrode 222 and the second electrode 223. That is, the cleaning system only performs heating and does not perform cleaning.

[0204] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4, 8, 12 and 19, the cleaning system has a cleaning state and a heating state. When the cleaning system is in the cleaning state, the power supply component 40 is connected to the circuit between the discharge section 111 and the first electrode 222, respectively, and the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the second electrode 223 is disconnected.

[0205] When the cleaning system is in a heating state, the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the second electrode 223 and the first electrode 222 is connected, and the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the discharge section 111 is disconnected.

[0206] The cleaning system also includes a switch 60, which is used to selectively activate the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the discharge section 111, as well as the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the second electrode 223, so that the cleaning system switches between a cleaning state and a heating state.

[0207] Specifically, by setting a switch 60, the circuit between the power supply assembly 40 and the discharge section 111 can be turned on, and the circuit between the power supply assembly 40 and the second electrode 223 can be turned off. This allows the cleaning system to perform only the cleaning operation.

[0208] Simultaneously, the circuit between the power supply assembly 40 and the second electrode 223 is turned on by the switch 60, while the circuit between the power supply assembly 40 and the discharge section 111 is turned off. This allows the cleaning system to operate solely on heating.

[0209] It is understandable that disconnecting the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the discharge section 111 in the heating state, and disconnecting the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the second electrode 223 in the cleaning state, can achieve the purpose of reducing energy consumption.

[0210] It should be noted that the switching operation of switch 60 can be set according to the actual situation, such as switching through software or hardware switch.

[0211] In one embodiment, the cleaning system further includes an insertion detection component for detecting whether the cleaning device 10 is engaged with the heating component 20. A switch 60 is signal-connected to the insertion detection component to switch circuits based on the detection result. Thus, the switching of the switch 60 corresponds to the detection signal of the insertion detection component, enabling accurate switching of the switch 60.

[0212] It is understandable that the insertion detection component only needs to be able to detect that the cleaning device 10 has been inserted into the receiving cavity 30b of the aerosol generating device 70, and the specific detection method is not limited.

[0213] For example, the insertion detection component uses at least one of capacitance detection, pressure detection, electromagnetic detection, infrared detection, image detection, and QR code detection to confirm whether the cleaning device 10 is engaged with the heating component 20. In other words, the insertion detection component can employ any of the above detection methods, or a combination of multiple detection methods, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection.

[0214] For example, when the cleaning device 10 is installed in place and the insertion detection component receives the corresponding insertion signal, the main unit of the cleaning system controls the switching switch 60 to turn on the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the discharge unit 111, and to turn off the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the second electrode 223, based on the insertion signal from the insertion detection component. Conversely, when the cleaning device 10 is detached from the heating component 20 and the insertion detection component receives the corresponding detachment signal, the main unit of the cleaning system controls the switching switch 60 to turn on the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the second electrode 223, and to turn off the circuit between the power supply component 40 and the discharge unit 111, based on the detachment signal from the insertion detection component.

[0215] In one embodiment, the cleaning system includes an aerosol generating device 70, which includes a heating element 20, and a cleaning device 10 is used to cooperate with the aerosol generating device 70 to clean the surface of the heating element 20.

[0216] Referring to Figures 1 and 20, the power supply assembly 40 includes a first battery 41, a second battery 42, a first control module 43, and a second control module 44. The aerosol generating device 70 includes the first battery 41 and the first control module 43. The cleaning device 10 includes the second battery 42 and the second control module 44. The heating assembly 20 is electrically connected to the first battery 41 via the first control module 43. The second electrode assembly 22 and the discharge section 111 are electrically connected to the second battery 42 via the second control module 44. This reduces the size of the aerosol generating device 70 and increases the flexibility of the cleaning device 10.

[0217] Specifically, the power supply assembly 40 includes two battery structures and two control modules. One battery structure and control module (i.e., the first battery 41 and the first control module 43) is a component of the aerosol generating device 70. The other battery structure and control module (i.e., the second battery 42 and the second control module 44) is a component of the cleaning device 10, meaning the cleaning device 10 has its own battery structure.

[0218] When the cleaning system is in a heated state, the first battery 41 operates to supply power to the heating component 20 through the first control module 43, and since the cleaning device 10 is separated from the aerosol generating device 70, the cleaning device 10 does not participate in the operation at this time.

[0219] When the cleaning system is in cleaning mode, the second battery 42 operates to supply power to the second electrode assembly 22 and the discharge section 111 via the second control module 44. At this time, the first battery 41 and the first control module 43 are not operating, and their specific control methods are not limited.

[0220] Understandably, on the one hand, the use of two battery structures and control modules can meet the different operating voltage requirements of the cleaning device 10, and at the same time can simplify the overall structure of the aerosol generating device 70.

[0221] It should be noted that both the first control module 43 and the second control module 44 are control modules. The specific structure of the control modules is not limited.

[0222] For example, the first control module 43 includes a first control circuit and a first transformer.

[0223] For example, the second control module 44 includes a second control circuit and a second transformer.

[0224] The first control circuit includes a boost module and an inverter module. When the output voltage needs to be DC voltage, the first control module 43 and the second control module 44 also include a rectifier module.

[0225] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1, 8, 12, and 17, the aerosol generating device 70 includes a first battery 41 and a first control module 43, and the cleaning device 10 includes a second control module 44. The heating component 20 is electrically connected to the first battery 41 through the first control module 43, and the second electrode component 22 and the discharge section 111 are electrically connected to the first battery 41 through the second control module 44. This reduces the cost of the cleaning device 10.

[0226] Specifically, the power supply assembly 40 includes only one battery structure and two control modules. One control module of the battery structure (i.e., the first control module 43) is a component of the aerosol generating device 70. The other control module (i.e., the second control module 44) is a component of the cleaning device 10; that is, the cleaning device 10 does not have a battery but has its own control module.

[0227] In other words, when the cleaning system is in a heated state, the first battery 41 works to supply power to the heating component 20 through the first control module 43, and since the cleaning device 10 is separated from the aerosol generating device 70, the cleaning device 10 does not participate in the work at this time.

[0228] When the cleaning system is in cleaning mode, by switching, the first battery 41 does not supply power to the first control module 43, but supplies power to the second electrode assembly 22 and the discharge section 111 through the second control module 44. The switching between the first battery 41, the first control module 43 and the second control module 44 can be set according to actual conditions.

[0229] In other embodiments, the first control module 43 and the second control module 44 may also be disposed within the shell body 30 of the aerosol generating device 70.

[0230] In one embodiment, the cleaning system is an aerosol generating device 70, which includes a housing body 30, and the cleaning device 10, the heating component 20 and the power supply component 40 are all disposed on the housing body 30.

[0231] Referring to Figures 7 and 21 to 24, the housing body 30 has a receiving cavity 30b for inserting the aerosol generating article. At least a portion of the discharge section 111, the insulating housing 21, and the second electrode assembly 22 are all located within the receiving cavity 30b. Therefore, by mounting the cleaning device 10 as part of the aerosol generating device 70 on the housing body 30, the problem of repeatedly disassembling and reassembling the cleaning device 10 can be avoided during cleaning of the heating element 20 and during normal operation of the heating element 20.

[0232] Specifically, the cleaning device 10 is built into the housing body 30, and at least the discharge part 111 is located in the receiving cavity 30b. Of course, depending on the actual situation, other structures of the cleaning device 10 may be all located in or not located in the receiving cavity 30b, or only some of the structures may be located in the receiving cavity 30b.

[0233] Furthermore, the insulating housing 21 of the heating element 20 and the second electrode assembly 22 can both be located in the receiving cavity 30b, with only a portion or the entire area situated therein. The specific installation method can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0234] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 23 and 24, the discharge section 111 is spaced apart from the insulating housing 21 along the radial direction of the insulating housing 21 to form a space 111a through which the aerosol generating article passes. Therefore, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving cavity 30b, interference between the discharge section 111 and the aerosol generating article can be avoided.

[0235] In fact, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving cavity 30b, the discharge part 111 is located on the outer periphery of the aerosol generating article and inside the receiving cavity 30b.

[0236] It should be noted that the discharge part 111 can be fixed in the receiving cavity 30b or can be movably disposed in the receiving cavity 30b.

[0237] In one embodiment, the dimension of the spacer 111a along the radial direction of the insulating housing 21 is adjustable. This allows the aerosol-generated article to pass through the spacer 111a and be installed in a designated position.

[0238] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension of the space 111a is less than or equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the aerosol generating article. When the aerosol generating article extends into the space 111a, at least a portion of the discharge section 111 can move toward the side away from the insulating shell 21, thereby increasing the space 111a.

[0239] Therefore, on the one hand, the distance between the discharge section 111 and the insulating shell 21 can be minimized as much as possible before the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving cavity 30b, so as to improve the cleaning effect of the cleaning system. On the other hand, since at least a portion of the discharge section 111 can move away from the insulating shell 21, it can also prevent the aerosol generating article from being inserted into the receiving cavity 30b.

[0240] It should be noted that either only a portion of the discharge section 111 can move toward the side away from the insulating housing 21, or the entire discharge section 111 can move toward the side away from the insulating housing 21.

[0241] Specifically, the discharge section 111 moves radially along the insulating housing 21 to increase the gap between them, allowing the aerosol generating article to pass through. Simultaneously, after the aerosol generating article is pulled out of the receiving cavity 30b, it moves towards the side closer to the insulating housing 21 to decrease the gap between them.

[0242] The method of moving the discharge section 111 is not limited.

[0243] For example, the aerosol generating device 70 further includes a second driving component, which is drivenly connected to the first electrode assembly 11 to drive the discharge section 111 to move relative to the insulating housing 21. Thus, by driving the discharge section 111 to move via the second driving component, the movement of the discharge section 111 relative to the insulating housing 21 can be achieved. The specific structure of the second driving component is not limited; for example, the second driving component can be a drive motor.

[0244] In one embodiment, the discharge section 111 is made of an elastic material. When the aerosol generating article extends into the spacer space 111a, the discharge section 111 moves towards the side away from the insulating shell 21 through elastic deformation. Thus, when the aerosol generating article extends into the spacer space 111a, the discharge section 111, through its own elastic deformation, can prevent the aerosol generating article from passing through the spacer space 111a. And when the aerosol generating article is pulled out of the spacer space 111a, the area of ​​the discharge section 111 that underwent elastic deformation returns to its original position under the action of elastic force. Therefore, at least a portion of the discharge section 111 can move relative to the insulating shell 21.

[0245] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 7, 21 and 22, the discharge part 111 is movably disposed in the receiving cavity 30b along the axial direction of the insulating housing 21. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving cavity 30b to contact the discharge part 111, the discharge part 111 moves along the insertion direction under the push of the aerosol generating article.

[0246] In other words, the discharge section 111 can move up and down along the axial direction of the insulating housing 21 within the receiving cavity 30b. Therefore, after the aerosol generating article extends into the receiving cavity 30b, it can push the discharge section 111 away from its initial position. And after the aerosol generating article is pulled out of the receiving cavity 30b, the discharge section 111 can return to its initial position. Thus, the discharge section 111 can avoid the installation of the aerosol generating article without radial displacement.

[0247] In some embodiments, a heat insulation structure may also be provided between the first electrode assembly 11 and other structures of the aerosol generating device 70.

[0248] In one embodiment, the discharge section 111 may be electrically connected to the power supply assembly 40 at all times as it moves relative to the insulating housing 21.

[0249] When the discharge unit 111 is moved to the clean discharge position, the circuit between it and the power supply component 40 is turned on, thereby protecting the aerosol generating device 70.

[0250] In one embodiment, the first electrode assembly 11 is made of a high-temperature resistant material. For example, the first electrode assembly 11 can withstand temperatures above 700°C.

[0251] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 6, the cleaning device 10 further includes a heat insulation cylinder 13, and the first electrode assembly 11 is disposed inside the heat insulation cylinder 13. When the cleaning device 10 is installed on the heating assembly 20, the heat insulation cylinder 13 covers the outer periphery of the insulating shell 21.

[0252] In one specific embodiment, the insulating housing 21 has a mounting area that mates with the aerosol generating article, and when the cleaning device 10 is mounted on the heating element 20, at least a portion of the discharge section 111 is located in the middle of the mounting area. This ensures effective cleaning of the outer surface of the heating element 20 of the cleaning device 10.

[0253] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in a specific embodiment," or "exemplary," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this application, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0254] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A cleaning system, comprising: A heating element configured to heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol; A cleaning device that works in conjunction with the heating element to generate plasma to clean the surface of the heating element.

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein when the cleaning device is used in conjunction with the heating component, the temperature of the plasma generated between the cleaning device and the heating component gradually rises from an initial operating temperature to a maximum operating temperature, wherein, The maximum operating temperature is greater than or equal to 200°C.

3. The cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning system includes a power supply component, and the cleaning device and the heating component are respectively electrically connected to the power supply component so that the cleaning device and the heating component cooperate to generate the plasma.

4. The cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein the heating component comprises an insulating layer and a heating electrode, wherein the heating electrode is at least partially disposed within the insulating layer; The cleaning device includes a first electrode assembly, which includes a discharge section disposed outside the insulating layer and at least partially surrounding the outer periphery of the heating electrode, and spaced apart from the heating electrode. The discharge section and the heating electrode are electrically connected to the power supply assembly respectively, so that the plasma is generated between the discharge section and the heating electrode.

5. The cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein the heating component comprises an insulating housing and a metal heating element, wherein the metal heating element is at least partially disposed in the insulating housing; The cleaning device includes a first electrode assembly, which includes a discharge section disposed outside the insulating housing. At least a portion of the discharge section is arranged around the outer periphery of the metal heating element. The metal heating element and the discharge section are electrically connected to the power supply assembly to generate plasma between the discharge section and the metal heating element.

6. The cleaning system according to claim 3, wherein the heating component comprises an insulating housing and a second electrode assembly, the second electrode assembly being at least partially disposed within the insulating housing; The cleaning device includes a first electrode assembly, which includes a discharge section disposed outside the insulating housing. At least a portion of the first electrode assembly is disposed around the outer periphery of a second electrode assembly. The discharge section and the second electrode assembly are electrically connected to the power supply assembly respectively, so that the plasma is generated between the discharge section and the second electrode assembly.

7. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein the discharge section includes at least one first discharge section extending circumferentially around the insulating housing.

8. The cleaning system according to claim 7, wherein the first discharge section is one of annular, arc-shaped, and tubular.

9. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein the discharge section includes a plurality of first discharge sections, the plurality of first discharge sections are sleeved on the outside of the insulating housing, and each of the first discharge sections is spaced apart along the axial direction of the insulating housing.

10. The cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein the discharge section includes a plurality of second discharge sections, each of the second discharge sections being spaced apart around the outer circumference of the insulating housing.

11. The cleaning system according to claim 10, wherein the second discharge section is a strip-shaped discharge section or a plate-shaped discharge section extending axially along the insulating housing.

12. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-11, wherein the minimum distance between the discharge section and the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 0 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm; or, The heating component includes a heating section, and the discharge section is projected onto the second electrode component within the length range of the heating section.

13. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-11, wherein the material of the first electrode assembly includes at least one of copper, iron, nickel, silver, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, conductive ceramics, and semiconductor ceramics.

14. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-11, wherein the first electrode assembly further includes an electrical connection portion, the discharge portion being electrically connected to the power supply assembly via the electrical connection portion, the discharge portion being closer to the insulating housing than the electrical connection portion; or, the discharge portion being closer to the second electrode assembly than the electrical connection portion.

15. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-11, the cleaning system comprising an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising the heating component, a power supply component, and a housing body, the housing body having an insertion channel, the cleaning device further comprising an electrode connector, one end of the electrode connector being electrically connected to the discharge section, and when the cleaning device is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device, the electrode connector being detachably inserted into the insertion channel so that the other end of the electrode connector is electrically connected to the power supply component.

16. The cleaning system of claim 15, wherein the electrode connector extends axially along the insulating housing and is spaced apart from the first electrode assembly radially along the insulating housing.

17. The cleaning system of claim 15, wherein the cleaning device further comprises a cleaning housing, the cleaning housing being made of an insulating material, and the electrical connection between the electrode connector and the first electrode assembly is located within the cleaning housing.

18. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-11, the cleaning system comprising an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising the heating component, a power supply component, an electrode connector, and a housing body, the electrode connector being disposed on the housing body and electrically connected to the power supply component, the first electrode component further comprising an electrical connection portion, one end of the electrical connection portion being electrically connected to the discharge portion, the electrical connection portion being located at the end of the discharge portion near the electrode connector, and when the cleaning device is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device, the other end of the electrical connection portion being used to contact the electrode connector for electrical connection.

19. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-11, wherein the cleaning device further comprises a first drive assembly; The first driving assembly is connected to the first electrode assembly to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to move axially along the insulating housing; and / or, The first driving assembly is connected to the first electrode assembly to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to rotate about the outer circumference of the insulating housing; and / or, The first driving assembly is connected to the first electrode assembly to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to move radially along the insulating housing.

20. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-11, wherein the heating component is a plasma heating component, the insulating housing is a tube with one open end, the second electrode component includes a first electrode, a conductive part and a second electrode, at least a portion of the first electrode, at least a portion of the conductive part and at least a portion of the second electrode are disposed within the insulating housing, the second electrode and the first electrode are spaced apart along the axial direction of the tube, the second electrode is electrically connected to the power supply component, and the first electrode is electrically connected to the power supply component through the conductive part, so that when the plasma heating component is heating and operating, plasma is generated between the second electrode and the first electrode.

21. The cleaning system of claim 20, wherein the first electrode is further away from the opening of the tube than the second electrode, one end of the conductive portion is connected to the first electrode, and the other end of the conductive portion extends toward the opening of the tube.

22. The cleaning system according to claim 20, wherein when the cleaning device is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device, the discharge section and the conductive section are electrically connected to the power supply assembly respectively, so that the plasma is generated between the discharge section and the conductive section.

23. The cleaning system according to claim 20, wherein the cleaning system has a cleaning state and a heating state, and when the cleaning system is in the cleaning state, the power supply component is connected to the circuit between the discharge section and the first electrode, and the circuit between the power supply component and the second electrode is disconnected; When the cleaning system is in the heating state, the circuit between the power supply component and the second electrode and the first electrode is connected, and the circuit between the power supply component and the discharge section is disconnected. The cleaning system also includes a switching switch for selectively activating the circuit between the power supply component and the discharge section, and the circuit between the power supply component and the second electrode, so that the cleaning system switches between the cleaning state and the heating state.

24. The cleaning system according to claim 23, further comprising an insertion detection component for detecting whether the cleaning device cooperates with the heating component, wherein the switching switch is signal-connected to the insertion detection component to switch circuits according to the detection result of the insertion detection component.

25. The cleaning system of claim 24, wherein the insertion detection component confirms whether the cleaning device cooperates with the heating component by at least one of capacitance detection, pressure detection, electromagnetic detection, infrared detection, image detection, and QR code detection.

26. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-11, the cleaning system comprising an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising the heating element, the cleaning device being configured to cooperate with the aerosol generating device to clean the surface of the heating element.

27. The cleaning system according to claim 26, wherein the power supply assembly includes a first battery, a second battery, a first control module, and a second control module; the aerosol generating device includes the first battery and the first control module; the cleaning device includes the second battery and the second control module; the heating component is electrically connected to the first battery through the first control module; and the second electrode assembly and the discharge section are electrically connected to the second battery through the second control module.

28. The cleaning system according to claim 27, wherein the first control module comprises a first control circuit and a first transformer; and / or, The second control module includes a second control circuit and a second transformer.

29. The cleaning system according to claim 26, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a first battery and a first control module, the cleaning device includes a second control module, the heating component is electrically connected to the first battery through the first control module, and the second electrode component and the discharging part are electrically connected to the first battery through the second control module.

30. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 6-11, wherein the cleaning system is an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device includes a housing body, and the cleaning device, the heating component and the power supply component are all disposed on the housing body.

31. The cleaning system of claim 30, wherein the housing body has a receiving cavity for inserting the aerosol generating article, and the discharge section, at least a portion of the insulating housing, and at least a portion of the second electrode assembly are all located in the receiving cavity.

32. The cleaning system according to claim 31, wherein the discharge section is spaced apart from the insulating housing along the radial direction of the insulating housing to form a space for the aerosol generating article to pass through.

33. The cleaning system according to claim 32, wherein the dimension of the spacer space is adjustable in the radial direction of the insulating housing.

34. The cleaning system according to claim 32, wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the space is less than or equal to the cross-sectional dimension of the aerosol generating article, and when the aerosol generating article extends into the space, at least a portion of the discharge section can move toward the side away from the insulating shell, thereby increasing the space.

35. The cleaning system according to claim 33, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a second driving assembly, the second driving assembly being drivenly connected to the first electrode assembly to drive the discharge section to move relative to the insulating housing; or, The discharge section is made of an elastic material. When the aerosol generating product extends into the space, the discharge section moves toward the side away from the insulating shell through elastic deformation.

36. The cleaning system according to claim 30, wherein the discharge section is movably disposed in the receiving cavity along the axial direction of the insulating housing, and when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the receiving cavity to contact the discharge section, the discharge section moves along the insertion direction under the pushing force of the aerosol generating article.

37. A cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device is the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1-36.

38. A cleaning device for cooperating with a heating element to clean the surface of the heating element, the cleaning device comprising: A first electrode assembly includes a discharge section. When the cleaning device cooperates with the heating component, at least a portion of the discharge section is arranged around the outer periphery of the heating component and spaced apart from the heating component. The discharge section is energized with the heating component to generate plasma between the discharge section and the heating component.

39. The cleaning apparatus of claim 38, wherein the discharge section includes at least one first discharge section extending around the outer periphery of the heating component.

40. The cleaning device according to claim 39, wherein the first discharge section is one of annular, arc-shaped, and tubular.

41. The cleaning device according to claim 38, wherein the discharge section includes a plurality of first discharge sections, the plurality of first discharge sections are sleeved on the outside of the heating component, and each of the first discharge sections is spaced apart along the axial direction of the heating component.

42. The cleaning device according to claim 39, wherein the discharge section includes a plurality of second discharge sections, each of the second discharge sections being spaced apart around the outer periphery of the heating component.

43. The cleaning device according to claim 42, wherein the second discharge section is a strip-shaped discharge section or a plate-shaped discharge section extending axially along the heating component.

44. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 38-43, wherein the distance between the discharge section and the heating element is greater than or equal to 0 mm and less than or equal to 4 mm; and / or, The material of the first electrode assembly includes at least one of copper, iron, nickel, silver, tantalum, niobium, tungsten, conductive ceramics, and semiconductor ceramics.

45. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 38-43, wherein the first electrode assembly further includes an electrical connection portion, the discharge portion being electrically connected to the power supply assembly via the electrical connection portion, and the discharge portion being closer to the heating assembly than the electrical connection portion along the radial direction of the heating assembly.

46. ​​The cleaning device according to claim 45, the cleaning device further comprising an electrode connector, one end of the electrode connector being electrically connected to the discharge section, and the other end of the electrode connector being used for electrical connection to the power supply assembly.

47. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the electrode connector extends axially along the heating component and is spaced apart from the first electrode component radially along the heating component.

48. The cleaning device according to claim 46, further comprising a cleaning housing, the cleaning housing being made of insulating material, and the electrical connection between the electrode connector and the first electrode assembly being located within the cleaning housing.

49. The cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 38-43, wherein the cleaning apparatus further comprises a first drive assembly; The first driving component is drivenly connected to the first electrode component to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to move axially along the heating component; and / or, The first driving component is drivenly connected to the first electrode component to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to rotate about the outer circumference of the heating component; and / or, The first driving component is driven to the first electrode component to drive at least a portion of the discharge section to move radially along the heating component.

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