Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

Provided in the present application is an aerosol-generating device, comprising: a housing having a front side and a rear side that face away from each other in the direction of the thickness thereof; a first housing and a second housing, wherein the second housing is provided with an accommodating cavity inside and an opening facing the front side; a heater for heating an aerosol-generating article; a battery cell and a main circuit board; and a bracket mounted in the accommodating cavity via the opening. The heater, the battery cell and the main circuit board are accommodated or held in the bracket; the area of the opening is greater than or equal to the maximum cross-sectional area of the accommodating cavity when the second housing is cut by a plane parallel to the opening; the second housing is configured in such a way that the cross-sectional area of the accommodating cavity is constant or increases in a direction approaching the opening; and the first housing is mechanically connected to the second housing and seals the opening, thereby tightly restricting the bracket in the accommodating cavity. In the aerosol-generating device, the accommodating cavity of the second housing for accommodating the bracket is not convergent towards the opening, which is advantageous for eliminating the deformation of a second housing due to pressing when the bracket is assembled into the second housing that has a convergent opening.

Description

aerosol generating device

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422791340.2, filed on November 15, 2024, entitled "Aerosol Generating Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

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

[0005] Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating rather than burning materials. For example, the material could be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Known heating devices are assembled into a module by first securely mounting the heating mechanism, battery cell, circuit board, and other components to a support frame, and then installing the module as a whole into the housing through an opening. To prevent the module from detaching from or coming off the opening, known heating device housing designs employ a constricted shape with a cross-sectional area gradually narrowing towards the opening and a certain elastic modulus, thus facilitating both the installation of the module from the opening into the housing and aiding in the restraint and securing of the module. However, during assembly, when the module is installed from the opening into the housing, at least part of the opening is stretched or compressed, causing deformation of the housing.

[0006] Application content

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

[0008] The housing defines the outer surface of the aerosol generating device and has a front side and a rear side opposite to each other in the thickness direction; the housing includes a first housing and a second housing joined in the thickness direction; the first housing is adjacent to or defines the front side, and the second housing is adjacent to or defines the rear side; the interior of the second housing forms or defines a receiving cavity having an opening facing the front side;

[0009] A chamber for receiving aerosol-generated products;

[0010] A heater for heating aerosol-generated articles received in a chamber;

[0011] Battery cells, used for power supply;

[0012] The main circuit board is used to control the battery cells to supply power to the heating assembly;

[0013] The bracket is installed or housed within a receiving cavity through an opening; the heater, battery cell, and main circuit board are at least partially housed or held within the bracket.

[0014] The area of ​​the opening of the second housing is greater than or equal to the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving cavity when the second housing is cut with a plane parallel to the opening; the second housing is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving cavity is constant or increases in the direction close to the opening; the first housing and the second housing are mechanically connected and the opening is closed, thereby securely confining the support within the receiving cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments, the receiving cavity does not have a portion whose cross-sectional area decreases in the direction approaching the opening.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the receiving cavity has no protrusions to prevent obstruction or hindrance when the support is installed through the opening or received within the receiving cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0018] A cover plate, securely attached to a bracket, covers or shields the main circuit board to provide protection for it.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cover plate is located between the bracket and the first housing; an adhesive layer is disposed on the front-facing surface of the cover plate, and the first housing is bonded to the cover plate by the adhesive layer.

[0020] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0021] The display screen is securely mounted and held to the bracket and is arranged facing forward; the display screen is configured to provide visual indications associated with the aerosol generating device to the forward side.

[0022] The first housing has a non-transparent first portion and a transparent second portion; the second portion is opposite to the display screen so that the visual indications provided by the display screen are visible through the second portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second portion and the first portion are joined flatly on the front surface; the second portion can be detached or removed separately from the first portion to expose the display screen, thereby allowing the user to wipe or clean the display screen.

[0024] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0025] A detection component is used to detect whether an aerosol-generated article is received in the chamber; the detection component is electrically connected to the main circuit board via flexible conductive lines.

[0026] In some embodiments, flexible conductive lines are at least partially integrated into the surface of the battery cell.

[0027] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0028] A positioning structure, arranged on the inner surface of the second housing and / or the bracket, is provided to provide positioning indication when the bracket is installed through the opening or received within the receiving cavity.

[0029] In the above-mentioned aerosol generating device, the receiving cavity of the second housing containing the support is not closed towards the opening, and the support is restricted and fixed in the receiving cavity by the first housing closing the opening. This is advantageous for eliminating the deformation caused by the compression of the second housing when the support is assembled with the second housing with the closed opening. Attached Figure Description

[0030] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device in Figure 1 from another perspective;

[0033] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device in Figure 1 from one perspective;

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol-generated product being heated for user inhalation when the shielding element in Figure 3 is moved to the open position.

[0035] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the aerosol generating device in Figure 1 from one perspective;

[0036] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the first shell in Figure 5 from another perspective;

[0037] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the pre-assembled module in Figure 5 before assembly.

[0038] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the pre-assembled module in Figure 7 before assembly.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the pre-assembled module in Figure 5 being installed inside the second housing;

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of installing the charging components and cover plate into the pre-assembled module;

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of assembling the first housing onto the second housing after the pre-assembled module has been installed. Embodiments of the present invention

[0042] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description of this application will be provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] One embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating device 100 that heats rather than burns an aerosol-generating article, such as a cigarette, thereby causing at least one component of the aerosol-generating article to volatilize or release to form an aerosol for inhalation, as shown in FIG1, for example.

[0044] In optional embodiments, the aerosol-generating article preferably uses a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from the matrix upon heating; or it may be a non-tobacco material suitable for electrically heated smoking after heating. The aerosol-generating article preferably uses a solid matrix, which may include one or more of the following: vanilla leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, expanded tobacco, powder, granules, fragments, strips, or sheets; or the solid matrix may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds to be released when the matrix is ​​heated.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received by the aerosol generating device 100, a portion of it, such as a filter tip, is exposed outside the aerosol generating device 100, which is advantageous for the user to inhale.

[0046] The structure of an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of this application can be seen in Figures 1 to 4. The overall shape of the aerosol generating device 100 is generally elongated. The aerosol generating device 100 includes:

[0047] The housing defines the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100; and the functional components such as the heating element 30, the battery cell 251, and the main circuit board 230 are housed and installed within the housing.

[0048] The outer casing has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 opposite each other along the length direction, a first side 130 and a second side 140 opposite each other along the width direction, and a front side 150 and a rear side 160 opposite each other along the thickness direction. In use, the proximal end 110 is the end closer to the user for easy operation and aspiration of the aerosol generating article 1000; the distal end 120 is the end farther away from the user.

[0049] In some examples, the housing may be formed of a metal or alloy such as stainless steel or aluminum. Other suitable materials include various plastics, metal-plated plastics, ceramics, and so on. In some embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing may be flat. The length dimension of the housing is greater than its width dimension, and the width dimension is greater than its thickness dimension.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the housing of the aerosol generating device 100 includes:

[0051] A first housing 151 is arranged near or on the front side 150 and defines the front side 150 of the outer shell;

[0052] The second housing 161 is arranged close to or located on the rear side 160 and defines the rear side 160 of the outer casing. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first housing 151 and the second housing 161 are joined together in the thickness direction to define the outer casing of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0053] In one embodiment, the second housing 161 is concave in shape; the second housing 161 defines the internal space for accommodating or assembling the various functional components of the aerosol generating device 100. In another embodiment, the first housing 151 is configured as a sheet or cover plate. After assembly, the first housing 151 is attached to the second housing 161 and encloses the internal space of the second housing 161.

[0054] In one embodiment, the second housing 161 defines a receiving port 111 at its proximal end 110 for removably receiving the aerosol-generating article 1000 through the receiving port 111.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the second housing 161 has an opening 1611 facing the front side 150; functional components such as the heating assembly 30, the battery cell 251, and the main circuit board 230 are assembled into the second housing 161 through the opening 1611. The first housing 151 closes the opening 1611 of the second housing 161 at the front side 150 and is mechanically fastened to the second housing 161. In this embodiment, the hollow interior of the second housing 161 at least partially defines a receiving cavity for accommodating and mounting the functional components.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 includes:

[0057] The bracket 210 is used to carry or support functional components of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the heating assembly 30 and electronic components such as the battery cell 251 and the main circuit board 230. In this embodiment, the bracket 210 has a shape along the inner surface of the receiving cavity of the second housing 161 and has at least one or more mounting cavities for mounting or placing the heating assembly 30, the battery cell 251, etc.

[0058] In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 includes:

[0059] Cover plate 220 is attached to bracket 210 along its thickness direction; cover plate 220 is arranged relatively closer to the front side 150 than bracket 210. Cover plate 220 is mainly used to cover, isolate or shield the main circuit board 230 to prevent electronic components such as capacitors or resistors on the main circuit board 230 from being pressed or squeezed by the first housing 151, so as to provide protection.

[0060] In some embodiments, the support 210 is rigid. For example, the support 210 is made of materials such as ceramics or organic polymer plastics.

[0061] In some embodiments, the bracket 210 and the cover plate 220 are connected by means of snaps, screws, or the like. Also in some embodiments, the bracket 210 and the cover plate 220 are detachable.

[0062] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 includes:

[0063] Heating assembly 30 is fixed or installed in bracket 210; heating assembly 30 is used to contain aerosol generating article 1000 received from receiving port 111 and to heat aerosol generating article 1000 to generate aerosol.

[0064] In some embodiments, the heating assembly 30 includes:

[0065] A chamber for at least partially containing the aerosol-generating article 1000 received from the receiving port 111;

[0066] Heater 31 is used to heat the aerosol generating product 1000 received in the chamber.

[0067] In this embodiment, the heater 31 at least partially surrounds or defines the chamber; when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, the heater 31 surrounds and heats the aerosol generating article 1000 from the outside, thereby causing the aerosol generating article 1000 to release a variety of volatile compounds, which are formed only by heat treatment; when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, the heater 31 at least partially surrounds or encloses the aerosol generating article 1000 and heats it from the outer periphery of the aerosol generating article 1000.

[0068] In some embodiments, heater 31 is at least one of a resistance heater, an infrared heater, or an induction heater. For example, in some embodiments, heater 31 includes a tubular substrate and at least one heating element formed or disposed on the substrate.

[0069] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the heater 31 is configured as a pin, needle, or sheet extending at least partially within the chamber. When the aerosol generating article 1000 is received within the chamber, the heater 31 can be inserted into or extended into the aerosol generating article 1000 for heating.

[0070] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the heating assembly 30 further includes:

[0071] A first thermal insulation element 32 surrounds and encloses the heater 31 to provide thermal insulation at least partially outside the heater 31. In an embodiment, the first thermal insulation element 32 is wound with a flexible thermal insulation material. In an embodiment, the material of the first thermal insulation element 32 has a thermal conductivity of less than 0.02 W / m·K. For example, the first thermal insulation element 32 is a wound aerogel felt.

[0072] The wrapping element 33 surrounds and wraps around the first heat insulation element 32, thereby preventing the wound first heat insulation element 32 from unwinding. The wrapping element 33 is made of an organic polymer material, such as PEEK pipe, PI pipe, or PC pipe.

[0073] A second thermal insulation element 34 is arranged around the wrapping element 33 to provide further thermal insulation outside the wrapping element 33. In an embodiment, the second thermal insulation element 34 is a vacuum tube with an internal vacuum chamber.

[0074] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the heating assembly 30 further includes:

[0075] An upper support element 38 and a lower support element 36 are arranged longitudinally at intervals; the upper support element 38 and the lower support element 36 are annular in shape. The heater 31, the first heat insulation element 32, the wrapping element 33, and the second heat insulation element 34 are all held longitudinally between the upper support element 38 and the lower support element 36. After assembly, the upper support element 38 is close to or facing the receiving port 111; in use, the aerosol generating article 1000 passes through the upper support element 38 and is received in the chamber of the heating assembly 30 for heating, and abuts against the lower support element 36 to provide a stop.

[0076] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the heating assembly 30 further includes:

[0077] A flexible first sealing ring 37 is located at least partially between the upper support element 38 and the heater 31 to provide a seal between them.

[0078] A flexible second sealing ring 35 is located at least partially between the heater 31 and the lower support element 36 to provide a seal between them.

[0079] During assembly, the various components of the heating assembly 30 are first assembled into a component, and then the heating assembly 30 is installed or assembled onto the bracket 210 as a whole.

[0080] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0081] Battery cell 251 is used for power supply; battery cell 251 is installed or assembled in bracket 210 and located between bracket 210 and second housing 161 / rear side 160.

[0082] The main circuit board 230, such as a PCB or FPC board, integrates or contains circuitry for controlling the supply of power to the heater 31 of the heating assembly 30. After assembly, the main circuit board 230 is securely mounted or held between the bracket 210 and the cover plate 220. Specifically, the main circuit board 230 is configured to control the heater 31 of the heating assembly 30 to heat according to the input operation of the user's operating switch button 141.

[0083] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0084] A vibration motor 252 is used to generate vibration to provide a vibration indication to the user. For example, when the heater 31 heats the aerosol generating article 1000 for a preheating time, the vibration motor 252 is configured to generate vibration to indicate to the user that preheating is complete. Or, for example, when the heater 31 heats the aerosol generating article 1000 for a predetermined suction time, the vibration motor 252 is configured to generate vibration to indicate to the user that the predetermined suction time has been reached, the aerosol generating article 1000 has been heated and consumed, and suction can be stopped. In an embodiment, the vibration motor 252 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 230 via conductive leads or flexible conductive lines. The vibration motor 252 is securely arranged on the main circuit board 230 by screws or clips, etc., and is located between the main circuit board 252 and the first side 130. Specifically, the vibration motor 252 is securely mounted or held in a recess in the surface facing the first side 130.

[0085] In this embodiment, the flexible conductive line is commonly referred to as an FPC conductive line. Typically, a flexible conductive line has a multi-layered structure, specifically, it consists of a flexible, electrically insulating substrate layer on which tortuous conductive traces are printed. The flexible, electrically insulating substrate layer provides flexibility, and the tortuous conductive traces provide conductive connections. In this embodiment, the flexible, electrically insulating substrate layer is typically made of a flexible organic polymer layer, such as a polyimide layer; the conductive traces are typically formed by printing conductive metals such as gold, silver, or copper. Flexible conductive lines are relatively thin, which is advantageous for saving space and avoiding assembly gaps.

[0086] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0087] A switch button 141 is provided for user operation to generate an input signal indicating a user pressing action. The housing and / or second housing 161 have a button clearance hole on the second side 140; after assembly, the switch button 141 extends into the button clearance hole on the second side 140, thus exposing the switch button 141 on the second side 140 of the aerosol generating device 100 for user pressing operation. The switch button 141 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 230 via conductive leads or flexible conductive lines. The switch button 141 is securely mounted on the main circuit board 230 by screws or clips, and is located between the second side 140. Specifically, the switch button 141 is securely mounted or held in a recess on the surface facing the second side 140.

[0088] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0089] Display screen 260, such as an LED display screen or an LCD display screen, is used to prompt or display visual indications associated with the aerosol generating device 100. For example, in some embodiments, the relevant information of the visual indications displayed on display screen 260 may include the current remaining battery power of the aerosol generating device 100. In other embodiments, the relevant information of the visual indications displayed on display screen 260 may include whether the aerosol generating device 100 is being charged or the charging current / power. In yet another embodiment, the relevant information of the visual indications displayed on display screen 260 may include whether the aerosol generating article 1000 is currently being heated or the remaining heating time of the aerosol generating article 1000.

[0090] In this embodiment, the display screen 260 is connected to the main circuit board 230 via wires or the like. The display screen 260 is located between the main circuit board 230 and the proximal end 110. The display screen 260 is securely mounted or positioned within a predetermined mounting location, such as a recess or cavity, facing the front side 150 surface using screws or clips. After assembly, the display screen 260 is positioned close to the proximal end 110 and close to the second side 140. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the display screen 260 is positioned near the corner of the proximal end 110 and the second side 140. In this embodiment, the cover plate 220 has a notch 222; when the cover plate 220 is attached, the notch 222 faces the display screen 260, thereby causing the cover plate 220 to avoid the display screen 260. This makes the display screen 260 visible towards the front side 150. Therefore, in use, the user can obtain information prompts from the display screen 260 through the front side 150.

[0091] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0092] The charging assembly 270 includes a charging circuit board 272 and a charging interface 271 disposed on the charging circuit board 272. The charging interface 271 is directly and securely connected to the charging circuit board 272 by means of soldering or other methods. In embodiments, the charging interface 271 may be, for example, a Type-A interface, a Type-B interface, or a Type-C interface. A charging management chip or charging IC is disposed on the charging circuit board 272 for managing the current or power supplied to the battery cell 251 through the charging interface 271. The charging circuit board 272 is electrically connected to the main circuit board 230 via conductive leads or flexible conductive lines.

[0093] For example, as shown in Figure 5, the charging component 270 is connected to the charging circuit board 272 by screws passing through it, thereby mounting the charging component 270 as a whole onto it.

[0094] In some embodiments, the outer casing and / or the second housing 161 are provided with a charging clearance hole located at the distal end 120; the charging clearance hole is opposite to the charging interface 271 of the charging assembly 270, thereby exposing the charging interface 271 at the distal end 120 through the charging clearance hole. In use, the aerosol generating device 100 can be charged by connecting the charging interface 271 via the charging clearance hole.

[0095] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the charging interface 271 of the charging component 270 faces the far end 120.

[0096] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0097] A door cover assembly is provided for user operation to selectively close or open the receiving port 111. The door cover assembly includes a base 115 and a shielding element 112 movably disposed on the base 115.

[0098] The base 115 is securely connected to the end facing the proximal end 110 by means of screws and / or clips. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the base 115 is provided with screws and clips located between the annular support wall 1152 and the first side 130, and is securely connected to the bracket 210 by screws and clips.

[0099] The base 115 has a generally annular support wall 1152; after assembly, the annular support wall 1152 is coaxially and aligned with the receiving port 111 of the proximal end 110. The support wall 1152 is inserted into the annular central hole of the upper support element 38 of the heating assembly 30, thereby providing a channel for communicating the receiving port 111 with the chamber of the heating assembly 30. In use, the aerosol generating article 1000 extends into the chamber of the heating assembly 30 after passing through the support wall 1152 from the receiving port 111. In another aspect, the support wall 1152 assists in clamping and securing the heating assembly 30; the support wall 1152 provides support for the heating assembly 30 on one side of the proximal end 110, thereby stably clamping the heating assembly 30 between the support wall 1152 and the heating assembly 30.

[0100] The shielding element 112 is disposed within a groove 1154 on the surface of the base 115 facing the proximal end 110. The shielding element 112 is movable between a first position and a second position along the width direction of the aerosol generating device 100. In the first position, the shielding element 112 shields or closes the receiving port 111, and in the second position, it exposes or opens the receiving port 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the first position, the shielding element 112 closes the receiving port 111 to prevent the aerosol generating article 1000 from being received and heated in the chamber via the receiving port 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the second position, the shielding element 112 opens the receiving port 111 to allow the aerosol generating article 1000 to be received and heated in the chamber via the receiving port 111.

[0101] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the blocking element 112 is provided with an operating portion 113 extending toward the proximal end 110; in the embodiment, the operating portion 113 protrudes relative to the other portions of the blocking element 112. After assembly, a portion of the operating portion 113 extends out of the receiving port 111 to be used by the user's finger to drive the blocking element 112 between a first position and a second position.

[0102] In some embodiments, a first magnetic element 114 is disposed on the blocking element 112, and a second magnetic element 116 is disposed on the base 115. When the blocking element 112 is in the first position, the first magnetic element 114 is closer to the first side 130 than the second magnetic element 116, and the first magnetic element 114 and the second magnetic element 116 magnetically repel each other, thereby biasing the blocking element 112 toward the first side 130 and stably holding the blocking element 112 in the first position. When the blocking element 112 is in the second position, the first magnetic element 114 is closer to the second side 140 than the second magnetic element 116, and the first magnetic element 114 and the second magnetic element 116 magnetically repel each other, thereby biasing the blocking element 112 toward the second side 140 and stably holding the blocking element 112 in the second position.

[0103] In this embodiment, at least one or more slots 1612 are arranged on the inner surface of the second housing 161; a plurality of protrusions 1512 are arranged on the surface of the first housing 151 facing the rear side 160; the plurality of protrusions 1512 are arranged at intervals. During assembly, the first housing 151 is attached to the second housing 161, and the protrusions 1512 extend into the slots 1612 to securely connect the first housing 151 and the second housing 161, and securely install and retain the bracket 210 and various functional components within the receiving cavity of the second housing 161.

[0104] In this embodiment, the overall shape of the aerosol generating device 100 is a rounded square for easy gripping. Furthermore, the width of the aerosol generating device 100 is not constant in the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the receiving cavity of the second housing 161 has a maximum width position 1613; the maximum width position 1613 is approximately at the longitudinal center. The width of the portion of the second housing 161 located between the maximum width position 1613 and the proximal end 110 may be slightly smaller than the width of the maximum width position 1613. Also, the width of the portion of the second housing 161 located between the maximum width position 1613 and the distal end 120 is at least partially gradually decreasing. Alternatively, the portion of the second housing 161 located between the maximum width position 1613 and the distal end 120 has a tapered shape with a gradually decreasing width. The width d11 of the maximum width position 1613 is substantially slightly larger than the maximum width of the support 210. This results in the aerosol generator 100 having the largest cross-sectional area at its maximum width position 1613, making the overall shape of the aerosol generator 100 more aesthetically pleasing and the most comfortable for the user to hold.

[0105] Due to the convenience of mass assembly and manufacturing of the aerosol generating device 100, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the opening 1611 of the second housing 161 is greater than or equal to the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving cavity when the second housing 161 is cut with a plane parallel to the opening 1611. That is, in this embodiment, the receiving cavity defined by the hollow interior of the second housing 161 is not constricted towards the opening 1611. Alternatively, along the direction near the opening 1611, the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving cavity of the second housing 161 can be constant or increase, without any decreasing portion. For example, in some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the receiving cavity of the second housing 161 near the opening 1611 is constant. Alternatively, the at least portion of the receiving cavity defined by the hollow interior of the second housing 161 towards the opening 1611 is wide-mouthed, thereby forming the maximum cross-sectional area at the opening 1611. Wide-mouthed can be characterized as the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving cavity gradually increasing towards at least a portion of the opening 1611, thereby making the receiving cavity flared in shape near at least a portion of the opening 1611. It is convenient to assemble the bracket 210 into the second housing 161.

[0106] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the aerosol generating device 100 further includes:

[0107] A detection component 280 is used to sense whether the user aerosol-generated article 1000 is received within the chamber of the heating component 30. In some embodiments, the detection component 280 is an infrared sensing-based detection component. For example, in one embodiment, the detection component 280 includes an infrared emitter 281 and an infrared sensor 282. In another embodiment, the infrared emitter 281 and the infrared sensor 282 are soldered or arranged on a flexible conductive line 283 and electrically connected to a main circuit board 260 via the flexible conductive line 283.

[0108] In terms of arrangement, the infrared emitter 281 and the infrared sensor 282 are arranged radially opposite each other along the upper support element 38 and / or the annular support wall 1152. Alternatively, the flexible conductive line 283 at least partially surrounds the upper support element 38.

[0109] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the detection component 280 may be a camera that determines whether the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received in the chamber by sensing the movement of the aerosol-generating article 1000 through the annular support wall 1152 when it is received in the chamber and removed.

[0110] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the detection component 280 may also include a color sensor or a distance sensor, such as a macro sensor, to determine whether the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received in the chamber by detecting color changes or distance changes of the object in the internal space of the annular support wall 1152 when the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received in the chamber and removed.

[0111] In terms of arrangement, the annular support wall 1152 has at least two transparent areas 1151 arranged radially opposite to each other; the upper support element 38 has a first clearance hole 381 and a second clearance hole 382 arranged radially opposite to each other. The first clearance hole 381 is aligned with one transparent area 1151 on the annular support wall 1152, and the second clearance hole 382 is aligned with the other transparent area 1151. After assembly, infrared rays for sensing are emitted into the annular support wall 1152 through the first clearance hole 381 and one transparent area 1151; the infrared sensor 282 can receive infrared signals from the infrared emitter 281 through the other transparent area 1151 and the second clearance hole 382. When the aerosol generating article 1000 passes through the annular support wall 1152 and is received in the chamber of the heating assembly 30, it causes a decrease in the infrared signal sensed by the infrared sensor 282; then the main circuit board 260 determines that the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber of the heating assembly 30 based on the sensing result of the infrared sensor 282.

[0112] In some embodiments, the transparent region 1151 of the annular support wall 1152 is defined by a lens embedded in a perforation of the support wall 1152. In some embodiments, the lens defining the transparent region 1151 is curved, for example, a concave mirror.

[0113] In some embodiments, the flexible conductive line 283 is at least partially bonded to the surface of the battery cell 251 by means of adhesive bonding or the like, and the flexible conductive line 283 is at least partially bonded to the upper support element 38 by means of adhesive bonding or the like, which is advantageous for the installation and fixation of the detection component 280.

[0114] In some embodiments, during the preparation or assembly of the aerosol generating device 100, it is advantageous to first assemble each functional component onto the bracket 210 to form a pre-assembly module 200, and then install the pre-assembly module 200 as a whole into the second housing 161.

[0115] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 to 11, the assembly process of the pre-assembled module 200 may include:

[0116] S10, the heating component 30 is installed on the bracket 210. Specifically, the bracket 210 is provided with a heating component assembly cavity 211 facing the front side 150 for accommodating and installing the heating component 30. Specifically, the heating component assembly cavity 211 is open at the end facing the proximal end 110, and the basically cylindrical heating component 30 can be inserted into the heating component assembly cavity 211 from the end of the bracket 210 facing the proximal end 110 for installation, as shown by arrow P11 in FIG7. Then, the door cover assembly including the base 115 and the shielding element 112 is fastened to the end of the bracket 210 facing the proximal end 110 by screws, and the heating component 30 is secured by the annular support wall 1152 of the base 115 against the heating component 30. During assembly, the shielding element 112 in the door cover assembly is fixed in the groove 1154 of the base 115 by tooling or easy-pull adhesive.

[0117] S20, the battery cell 251 is installed on the bracket 210. Specifically, the bracket 210 has a battery cell assembly cavity 212 facing the rear side 160 for accommodating and installing the battery cell 251. During assembly, as shown by arrow P12 in Figure 8, the battery cell 251 is installed in the battery cell assembly cavity 212, and the infrared emitter 281 and infrared sensor 282 of the detection component 280, which are partially glued and bonded to the battery cell 251, surround the upper support element 38 of the heating component 30; at the same time, the positive / negative tabs of the battery cell 251 and part of the flexible conductive line 283 of the detection component 280 are exposed on the side facing the front side 150 after passing through the bracket 210.

[0118] S30, the main circuit board 230, display screen 260, and vibration motor 252, among other electronic components, are mounted on the bracket 210. Specifically, the display screen 260 and vibration motor 252 are soldered to pre-reserved pads on the main circuit board 230 via leads or flexible conductive lines to form an electrical connection. Then, as shown by arrow P13 in Figure 7, the main circuit board 230 is tightly attached to a predetermined mounting position on the front-facing surface 150 of the bracket 210, and is fixed in place by a shape-limiting, slotted, or protruding limiting structure. Simultaneously, the vibration motor 252 and display screen 260 are fixed to their respective predetermined mounting positions on the bracket 210 to complete the installation. At the same time, the main circuit board 230 is soldered to the positive / negative tabs of the battery cell 251 and the exposed portion of the flexible conductive line 283 to form a conductive connection.

[0119] S40, a switch button 141 is installed on the bracket 210. Specifically: In the embodiment, as shown by arrow P14 in FIG8, the switch button 141 is installed on a predetermined mounting position on the bracket 210 facing the second side 140, and connected to the main circuit board 230 by soldering wires or the like.

[0120] In this embodiment, after all the functional components or components of the aerosol generating device 100 are installed and fixed on the bracket 210, a pre-assembled module 200 can be obtained. The process of assembling the pre-assembled module 200 with the outer casing is shown in Figures 9 to 11, and includes:

[0121] S50, as shown by arrow P21 in Figure 9, the pre-assembled module 200 is inserted obliquely from the opening of the second housing 161 into the receiving cavity of the second housing 161 at the end facing the proximal end 110, and abuts against the inner surface of the second housing 161 near the proximal end 110.

[0122] In some embodiments, a positioning structure, such as a positioning groove, is arranged on the inner surface of the second housing 161, and positioning ribs are arranged on both sides of the support 210 / base 115 of the pre-assembly module 200 in the thickness direction; this provides positioning indication when the pre-assembly module 200 is tilted into the second housing 161 as shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG. 9, a positioning groove 1164 is arranged on the inner surface of the second housing 161 near the proximal end 110; positioning ribs 1155 are arranged on both sides of the base 115 in the thickness direction; when the pre-assembly module 200 is tilted into the second housing 161 as shown in FIG. 9, positioning is provided by the positioning ribs 1155 abutting against the edge steps of the positioning groove 1164. Alternatively, in a more preferred embodiment, a positioning structure such as a protrusion is arranged on both sides of the support 210 / base 115 in the width direction; correspondingly, a positioning groove is arranged on the inner surface of the second housing 161 in the width direction.

[0123] S60, the pre-assembled module 200 is assembled into the second housing 161. Specifically: as shown by arrow P22 in Figure 9, using the contact or abutment portion of the pre-assembled module 200 and the second housing 161 near the proximal end 110 as a fulcrum, the pre-assembled module 200 is pressed or rotated near the distal end 120, so that the entire pre-assembled module 200 is completely pressed into the receiving cavity of the second housing 161. Specifically, during the rotation, the positioning rib 1155 of the base 115 abuts against the positioning groove 1164 in linear contact, providing a rotation fulcrum. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the bracket 210 is slightly less than the length of the receiving cavity of the second housing 161, so that when the pre-assembled module 200 is completely pressed into the second housing 161 by the above rotation or pressing method, the bracket 210 and the second housing 161 do not interfere or obstruct each other at the distal end 120. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the pre-assembled module 200 is completely pressed into the receiving cavity of the second housing 161, and the bracket 210 and the second housing 161 still have a gap greater than 0.2 mm between the inner surface of the distal end 120; specifically, the gap can be about 2 mm to prevent interference or obstruction during assembly.

[0124] In some more preferred embodiments, an adhesive layer, such as double-sided tape, may be disposed on the surface of the base 115 facing the proximal end 110; during assembly, when the pre-assembly module 200 is inserted obliquely into the second housing 161 as shown in FIG. 9, it is bonded to the edge of the positioning groove 1164 by double-sided tape, and then when the pre-assembly module 200 is rotated in the same direction as shown in FIG. 10 to assemble into the second housing 161, the adhesive layer bonds the base 115 to the inner surface of the second housing 161.

[0125] S70, the charging component 270 is assembled onto the bracket 210 of the pre-assembly module 200. Specifically, as shown in FIG10: after the pre-assembly module 200 is fully pressed into the receiving cavity of the second housing 161, a spacer cavity 240 is formed between the bracket 210 and the inner surface of the second housing 161 near the distal end 120; the length of the spacer cavity 240 is slightly less than the length of the charging component 270. Then, as shown by arrow P31 in FIG10, the charging component 270 is inserted into the spacer cavity 240 at an angle and partially extends into the charging clearance hole to eliminate the interference between the charging component 270 and the bracket 210, and is then securely locked onto the bracket 210 with screws.

[0126] In some preferred embodiments, the spacing size of the spacer cavity 240 can be set to allow for sufficient redundancy to avoid interference or obstruction between the charging component 270 and the second housing 161.

[0127] S80, the cover plate 220 is attached to the bracket 210. Specifically, as shown by arrow P32 in Figure 10, a snap-fit ​​on the cover plate 220 engages with a slot or similar structure on the bracket 210, thereby securing the cover plate 220 to the bracket 210 and stably clamping and holding the main circuit board 230 between them. Furthermore, they can be further secured by fasteners such as screws 223 passing through the cover plate 220 and the main circuit board 230 and then attached to the bracket 210.

[0128] S90, as shown by arrow P41 in Figure 11, the first housing 151 is joined to the second housing 162, and the multiple protrusions 1512 of the first housing 151 pass through the multiple clearance holes 213 formed or defined between the pre-assembled module 200 and the inner surface of the second housing 161, and are then engaged in the slots 1612 on the inner surface of the second housing 161 to establish a fast connection; after assembly, the first housing 151 closes the opening 1611 of the second housing 161, and the bracket 210 and / or functional module 200 are securely restricted and held in the second housing 161 to prevent them from loosening, thus completing the installation of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0129] In a more preferred embodiment, an adhesive layer 221 is disposed on the front-facing surface of the cover plate 220 150; the adhesive layer 221 is, for example, double-sided tape, epoxy resin adhesive, or 502 glue. When the first housing 151 is attached to the second housing 162, the first portion 1511 of the first housing 151 abuts against and adheres to the adhesive layer 221, thereby bonding the cover plate 220 to the first portion 1511 of the first housing 151 through the adhesive layer 221, which is advantageous for preventing the first portion 1511 of the first housing 151 from loosening.

[0130] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 to 11, the inner surface of the second housing 161 may have only a groove structure, such as a slot 1612, without a protrusion structure; in order to avoid the protrusion structure from blocking or hindering the bracket 210 and / or the pre-assembled module 200 when they are installed in the second housing 161.

[0131] In some embodiments as shown in Figures 1 to 11, the first housing 151 includes:

[0132] The first portion 1511 is opaque, and the second portion 1513 is transparent. When the first housing 151 is attached to the second housing 162, the transparent second portion 1513 is aligned with the display screen 260, so that the visual indications of the display screen 260 can be obtained from the front side 150.

[0133] In some embodiments, a detachable connection is established between the transparent second portion 1513 and the opaque first portion 1511 and / or the second housing 162 via snap-fit ​​or the like. The transparent second portion 1513 is made of a transparent organic polymer plastic, such as PC, PE, etc. The transparent second portion 1513 is flush-joined with the first portion 1511 to define the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 on the front side 150. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a rib 1514 is arranged on the second portion 1513; during assembly, the rib 1514 is at least partially inserted between the first portion 1511 and the cover plate 220 and abuts against the inner surface of the first portion 1511, thereby ensuring a flush-joined outer surface between the second portion 1513 and the first portion 1511. The transparent second portion 1513 is aligned with the display screen 260. On the one hand, the display information of the display screen 260 is visible on the front side 150 through the transparent second part 1513; on the other hand, during use, the second part 1513 covers the display screen 260 to provide dust protection or prevent the display screen 260 from being contaminated or soiled.

[0134] In use, the transparent second portion 1513 can be detached separately from the aerosol generating device 100 to expose the display screen 260, thereby allowing the user to wipe or clean the display screen 260. Alternatively, the transparent second portion 1513 can be detached from the opaque first portion 1511.

[0135] In this embodiment, the opaque first portion 1511 is connected to the second housing 162 via a snap-fit ​​connection and to the cover plate 220 via an adhesive layer 221, thus the opaque first portion 1511 is non-removable. The transparent second portion 1513, however, is only connected to the opaque first portion 1511 / second housing 162 via a snap-fit ​​connection and is not connected to the cover plate 220 via the adhesive layer 221; it can be disassembled separately after being connected via the snap-fit ​​connection.

[0136] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of this application are given in the specification and accompanying drawings, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, configured to heat an aerosol generating product to generate an aerosol; characterized in that, include: The housing defines the outer surface of the aerosol generating device and has a front side and a rear side opposite to each other along the thickness direction; the housing includes a first housing and a second housing joined together along the thickness direction; the first housing is adjacent to or defines the front side, and the second housing is adjacent to or defines the rear side; the interior of the second housing forms or defines a receiving cavity having an opening facing the front side; A chamber for receiving aerosol-generated products; A heater for heating the aerosol-generated article received in the chamber; Battery cells, used for power supply; The main circuit board is used to control the battery cells to supply power to the heating assembly; A bracket is installed or housed within the receiving cavity through the opening; the heater, the battery cell, and the main circuit board are at least partially housed or held within the bracket. The area of ​​the opening is greater than or equal to the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving cavity when the second housing is cut with a plane parallel to the opening; the second housing is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving cavity is constant or increases in the direction close to the opening; the first housing and the second housing are mechanically connected and close the opening, thereby securely confining the support within the receiving cavity.

2. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity does not have a portion whose cross-sectional area decreases along the direction approaching the opening.

3. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The inner surface of the receiving cavity has no protruding structures to prevent obstruction or hindrance when the bracket is installed through the opening or received in the receiving cavity.

4. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A cover plate, securely attached to the bracket and covering or shielding the main circuit board, is used to provide protection for the main circuit board.

5. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The cover plate is located between the bracket and the first housing; an adhesive layer is arranged on the front surface of the cover plate, and the first housing is bonded to the cover plate by the adhesive layer.

6. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The display screen is securely mounted and held in the bracket and is arranged facing the front side; The display screen is configured to provide visual indications associated with the aerosol generating device to the front side; The first housing has a non-transparent first portion and a transparent second portion; The second portion is opposite the display screen so that the visual indications provided by the display screen are visible through the second portion.

7. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second part and the first part are joined flatly on the front surface; the second part can be detached or removed separately from the first part to expose the display screen.

8. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A detection component for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is received in the chamber; The detection component is electrically connected to the main circuit board via a flexible conductive line.

9. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The flexible conductive lines are at least partially integrated into the surface of the battery cell.

10. The aerosol generating device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A positioning structure is arranged on the inner surface of the second housing and / or the bracket to provide positioning indication when the bracket is installed through the opening or received within the receiving cavity.

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