Aerosol generating apparatus
By dividing the aerosol generating matrix into multiple heating sub-cavities and heating them according to preset rules, the problems of aroma decay and scalding the mouth in aerosol generating devices are solved, achieving more uniform heating and faster aerosol generation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing aerosol generating devices suffer from severe aroma attenuation of the aerosol-generating matrix during the inhalation process, resulting in poor taste consistency and a tendency to burn the mouth. Furthermore, the aerosol generation rate is slow.
The aerosol generating matrix is divided into at least two heating sub-cavities. Each sub-cavity is heated separately by a microwave generating circuit. The heating branch is selected according to a preset rule by a control circuit to achieve uniform heating of the aerosol generating matrix and avoid excessively high flue gas temperature.
It improves the consistency of the aerosol generation matrix in terms of taste, avoids scalding the mouth, and increases the aerosol generation rate.
Smart Images
Figure CN2026074014_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Aerosol generation device
[0001] Cross-reference of related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202520172722.9, filed on January 25, 2025, entitled "Aerosol Generating Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] This application relates to the field of heated non-combustible technology, and in particular to an aerosol generating device. Background Technology
[0004] A heated non-combustible aerosol generator is an electronic device that extracts aerosols by heating the aerosol-generating matrix (a solid matrix such as tobacco or other plant leaf products) without causing combustion. The heated non-combustible aerosol generator heats the aerosol-generating matrix to a high temperature, enough to produce aerosols but not enough to burn them, thus generating the desired aerosols without combustion.
[0005] In some exemplary prior art, there is an aerosol generating apparatus including a heating cavity and a microwave antenna, the microwave antenna being at least partially located within the heating cavity, the heating cavity being used to receive an aerosol generating matrix, and when the aerosol generating matrix is received in the heating cavity, the microwave antenna is inserted into the aerosol generating matrix to radiate microwaves to heat the aerosol generating matrix in order to generate aerosols.
[0006] However, when the aerosol-generating matrix is heated by microwave radiation through a microwave antenna, the aroma of the aerosol-generating matrix decays significantly as the inhalation process progresses, resulting in poor consistency in the taste of the aerosol-generating matrix. Due to the high water content of the entire aerosol-generating matrix, the water content of the aerosol is high in the early stages of the inhalation process, and the smoke temperature is high, which may cause the mouth to burn. The large volume of the entire aerosol-generating matrix results in a slow aerosol generation rate.
[0007] Application content
[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide an aerosol generating device that can improve the consistency of the taste of the aerosol matrix during inhalation, avoid the phenomenon of burning the mouth with smoke, and increase the aerosol generation speed.
[0009] At least one embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating apparatus, which includes:
[0010] A matrix, at least partially surrounding or defining a heating cavity, the heating cavity being used to receive an aerosol-generating matrix, the heating cavity including at least two heating sub-cavities;
[0011] A microwave generating circuit is provided, and a heating branch is established between the microwave generating circuit and each heating sub-cavity.
[0012] The control circuit, electrically connected to the microwave generating circuit, is configured to control the microwave generating circuit to emit microwave signals and to select heating branches corresponding to at least two heating sub-cavities according to a preset heating rule. When a heating branch is selected, the microwave signal is fed into the corresponding heating sub-cavity, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix located in the heating sub-cavity.
[0013] As an example, a switch and a microwave antenna are installed on the heating branch;
[0014] A switch is electrically connected between the microwave generating circuit and the microwave antenna, and is also electrically connected to a control circuit, which is configured to control the switch to be turned on or off. At least a portion of the microwave antenna is located within the corresponding heating subcavity.
[0015] As an example, at least two heating sub-cavities are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the heating cavity.
[0016] As an example, a gap is provided between two adjacent heating sub-cavities.
[0017] As an example, at least two heating sub-cavities have the same length along the axial direction of the heating cavity.
[0018] As an example, the microwave antenna is constructed in a needle shape, with at least a portion of the microwave antenna passing through the substrate and entering the corresponding heating sub-cavity.
[0019] As an example, the microwave antenna is constructed in a needle shape, with at least a portion of the microwave antenna disposed on the outer peripheral sidewall of the corresponding heating subcavity.
[0020] As an example, each heating sub-cavity has a first end and a second end that are set opposite to each other;
[0021] One of the heating subcavities has an open end at the first end and a closed end at the second end, with a first through hole at the second end. The microwave antenna corresponding to the heating subcavity extends axially through the first through hole inside the heating subcavity.
[0022] The first and second ends of the remaining heating subcavities are open ends. The microwave antenna corresponding to each heating subcavity is at least partially located in the interval corresponding to the heating subcavity, at least partially located in the heating subcavity, and extends axially within the heating subcavity.
[0023] The length of the microwave antenna within the corresponding heating subcavity is less than the distance from the first end to the second end of the heating subcavity.
[0024] As an example, each heating sub-cavity has a first end and a second end that are set opposite to each other;
[0025] One of the heating sub-cavities has an open end at the first end and a closed end at the second end, while the other heating sub-cavities have open ends at both the first and second ends;
[0026] Each heating sub-cavity has a second through hole on its circumferential sidewall. The microwave antenna corresponding to each heating sub-cavity extends radially through the second through hole within the heating sub-cavity, and the length of the microwave antenna within the corresponding heating sub-cavity is less than the width of the heating sub-cavity.
[0027] As an example, the microwave antenna is configured as a patch, with at least a portion of the microwave antenna located within a corresponding heating subcavity and formed or attached to the inner peripheral sidewall of the substrate.
[0028] As an example, the microwave antenna is constructed in a meandering or folded shape, at least partially surrounding or enclosing the corresponding heating subcavity, and is formed or incorporated into the outer peripheral sidewall of the substrate.
[0029] As an example, a microwave generating circuit includes:
[0030] A microwave generator, electrically connected to a control circuit, is configured to generate microwave signals;
[0031] A circulator, with its first end connected to a microwave generator, its second end connected to switches of at least two heating branches, and its third end connected to a control circuit, is configured to transmit microwave signals through its first and second ends, and to transmit microwave signals reflected back from the heating sub-cavities through its second and third ends to the control circuit.
[0032] As an example, a microwave generator includes:
[0033] An oscillator, electrically connected to a control circuit, is configured to generate microwave signals;
[0034] The power amplifier, electrically connected to the oscillator, is configured to amplify microwave signals.
[0035] As an example, the control circuit includes:
[0036] The controller is connected to the microwave generator and the switches of at least two heating branches respectively, and is configured to control the microwave generator to generate microwave signals and control the switches of at least two heating branches to be turned on or off, thereby selecting the heating branches corresponding to at least two heating sub-cavities according to a preset heating rule.
[0037] A power detector, electrically connected between the third end of the circulator and the controller, is configured to detect the reflected power of the microwave signal reflected back from the heated subcavity, so that the controller controls the transmission power of the microwave signal based on the reflected power.
[0038] The aerosol generating device provided in the above embodiments includes a substrate that at least partially surrounds or defines a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol generating matrix. The heating chamber includes at least two heating sub-cavities; a microwave generating circuit that establishes a heating branch with each heating sub-cavity; and a control circuit electrically connected to the microwave generating circuit, configured to control the microwave generating circuit to emit microwave signals and to select heating branches corresponding to at least two heating sub-cavities according to a preset heating rule. When a heating branch is selected, a microwave signal is fed into the corresponding heating sub-cavity, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix located in that heating sub-cavity. By dividing the aerosol generating matrix into at least two heating sub-cavities and heating the aerosol generating matrix located in different heating sub-cavities according to a preset heating rule, the consistency of the aerosol generating matrix's taste during inhalation can be improved, the burning sensation of smoke on the mouth can be avoided, and the aerosol generation speed can be increased. Attached Figure Description
[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first heating cavity and heating branch provided in the embodiment of this application;
[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the second type of heating cavity and heating branch provided in the embodiment of this application;
[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the third type of heating cavity and heating branch provided in the embodiment of this application;
[0044] Figures 5a to 5e are schematic diagrams of a heating chamber (taking four heating sub-cavities as an example) for receiving a bulk aerosol generation matrix according to an embodiment of this application;
[0045] Figures 6a to 6e are schematic diagrams of a heating chamber (taking four heating sub-cavities as an example) for receiving a substrate for generating sheet-like aerosols according to an embodiment of this application.
[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the fourth heating chamber and heating branch provided in the embodiment of this application;
[0047] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the fifth heating chamber and heating branch provided in the embodiment of this application;
[0048] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a microwave generating circuit and a control circuit provided in an embodiment of this application. Embodiments of the present invention
[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0050] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number or order of the indicated technical features. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship or movement of the components in a specific orientation (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific orientation changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.
[0051] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.
[0052] Referring to Figure 1, at least one embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating device, which includes a substrate 10, a microwave generating circuit 20, and a control circuit 30.
[0053] The substrate 10 at least partially surrounds or defines a heating cavity 11 for receiving an aerosol-generating matrix. The heating cavity 11 includes at least two heating sub-cavities (heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n as shown in FIG1, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2).
[0054] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix includes an aerosol generating article, such as a cigarette.
[0055] Aerosol-generating articles preferably use tobacco-containing materials that release volatile compounds from the matrix upon heating; alternatively, they may be non-tobacco materials suitable for electric heating and smoke generation after heating. Aerosol-generating articles preferably use a solid matrix, which may include one or more of the following: vanilla leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, expanded tobacco, in 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.
[0056] When aerosol-generated products are received by an aerosol generating device, it is advantageous for a portion, such as a filter nozzle, to protrude outside the device for the user to inhale.
[0057] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats the aerosol-generating product by radiating microwaves onto it. Adaptably, the overall shape of the aerosol generating device is generally elongated.
[0058] In some embodiments, the substrate 10 is shielded against microwaves. Microwaves refer to electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz.
[0059] In some embodiments, the length of the substrate 10 is between 10 and 40 mm. In some specific embodiments, the circumferential length or perimeter of the substrate 10 is greater than the length of the substrate 10 in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the substrate 10 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 10 mm to 15 mm; or in some embodiments, the longitudinal length of the substrate 10 is no more than 15 mm or less than 15 mm. For example, in some specific embodiments, the substrate 10 may have a longitudinal length of 12 mm.
[0060] In some embodiments, the substrate 10 has an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the substrate 10 may have an inner diameter of 7.6 mm. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the substrate 10 is between 0.1 and 0.6 mm; more specifically, for example, the wall thickness of the substrate 10 is between 0.15 and 0.3 mm.
[0061] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the substrate 10 is slightly smaller than or equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is heated in the heating chamber 11 of the substrate 10, the inner surface of the substrate 10 is in contact with the aerosol-generating article and thus conducts heat to each other. In some embodiments, the substrate 10 can withstand a temperature of at least 350°C.
[0062] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the substrate 10 is generally tubular, and the hollow portion of the substrate 10 at least defines the heating chamber 11 for receiving the aerosol-generated article.
[0063] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, at least two heating sub-cavities are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the heating cavity 11.
[0064] In this embodiment, the shapes of heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n are adapted to the form of the aerosol-generated product. For example, when the aerosol-generated product is a cigarette, heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n are all cylindrical.
[0065] In this embodiment, when the aerosol-generated article is received within the heating chamber 11, heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n each correspond to a matrix segment of the aerosol-generated article. The matrix segment located in heating sub-cavity 111 is heated by feeding a microwave signal into (or radiating a microwave signal into) heating sub-cavity 111. Similarly, the matrix segment located in heating sub-cavity 11n is heated by feeding a microwave signal into (or radiating a microwave signal into) heating sub-cavity 11n. Thus, according to the arrangement of heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n, the aerosol-generated article is divided into at least two matrix segments, the length of each matrix segment depending on the length of the corresponding heating sub-cavity.
[0066] Based on this, during the inhalation process, heating chambers 111 to 11n are heated separately to reduce aroma decay in the aerosol-generated product and maintain consistent taste. Compared to the entire aerosol-generated product, the matrix content of heating chambers 111 to 11n is reduced, avoiding excessively high smoke temperature during the first puff and the resulting mouth-burning sensation. Compared to the entire aerosol-generated product, the matrix volume of heating chambers 111 to 11n is smaller; under the same power conditions, less matrix facilitates faster smoke extraction, thus increasing the aerosol generation rate.
[0067] Furthermore, the temperature distribution in heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n is more uniform, resulting in more even heating of the aerosol-generated product. Compared to the entire aerosol-generated product, the microwave generating circuit 20 required for the substrate corresponding to heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n requires less output power, which improves the efficiency of the aerosol generating device. Simultaneously, the reduced PCB heat dissipation area corresponding to the microwave generating circuit 20 facilitates the miniaturization design of the aerosol generating device.
[0068] The microwave generating circuit 20 establishes a heating branch with each heating sub-cavity.
[0069] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a heating branch L1 is established between the microwave generating circuit 20 and the heating sub-cavity 111, and similarly, a heating branch Ln is established between the microwave generating circuit 20 and the heating sub-cavity 11n, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.
[0070] In some embodiments, a switch and a microwave antenna are provided on the heating branch. The switch is electrically connected between the microwave generating circuit 20 and the microwave antenna, and is also electrically connected to the control circuit 30, which is configured to control the switch to be turned on or off. At least a portion of the microwave antenna is located within the corresponding heating sub-cavity.
[0071] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, taking the heating cavity 11, which includes heating sub-cavities 111 and 112, as an example, the microwave generating circuit 20 and the heating sub-cavity 111 establish a heating branch L1, and the heating sub-cavity 112 establishes a heating branch L2.
[0072] Heating branch L1 is equipped with a switch L1a and a microwave antenna L1b. Switch L1a is electrically connected between microwave generating circuit 20 and microwave antenna L1b, and is also electrically connected to control circuit 30. Control circuit 30 is further configured to control switch L1a to be turned on or off. At least a portion of microwave antenna L1b is located within heating sub-cavity 111. Heating branch L2 is equipped with a switch L2a and a microwave antenna L2b. Switch L2a is electrically connected between microwave generating circuit 20 and microwave antenna L2b, and is also electrically connected to control circuit 30. Control circuit 30 is further configured to control switch L2a to be turned on or off. At least a portion of microwave antenna L2b is located within heating sub-cavity 112.
[0073] In some embodiments, a gap is provided between two adjacent heating sub-cavities.
[0074] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the distance between heating sub-cavity 111 and heating sub-cavity 112 is D0.
[0075] In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating article is received in the heating chamber 11, the area between the first end 1111 of the heating sub-cavity 111 and the second end 1122 of the heating sub-cavity 112 is the matrix segment of the aerosol generating article. At this time, the interval between the heating sub-cavity 111 and the heating sub-cavity 112 is also the matrix segment of the aerosol generating article.
[0076] In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating article is received in the heating chamber 11, the first end 1111 to the second end 1112 of the heating sub-cavity 111 is the first matrix segment of the aerosol generating article, the first end 1121 to the second end 1122 of the heating sub-cavity 112 is the second matrix segment of the aerosol generating article, and the interval between the heating sub-cavity 111 and the heating sub-cavity 112 is the non-matrix segment of the aerosol generating article. That is, a connecting segment is provided between the first matrix segment and the second matrix segment of the aerosol generating article, and the connecting segment is the non-matrix segment.
[0077] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes a sealing assembly for sealing the gap between heating sub-cavities 111 and 112 to prevent aerosol escape. In some embodiments, the sealing assembly is also used to shield microwaves.
[0078] In some embodiments, the heating cavity 11 is divided into at least two heating regions arranged in a continuous manner, each heating region corresponding to a heating sub-cavity, that is, the interval between two adjacent heating sub-cavities is 0.
[0079] In some embodiments, the heating cavity 11 is divided into at least two heating regions arranged at intervals, each heating region corresponding to a heating sub-cavity, that is, the interval between two adjacent heating sub-cavities is not 0.
[0080] In some embodiments, at least two heating sub-cavities have equal lengths along the axial direction of the heating cavity 11.
[0081] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the lengths of heating sub-cavities 111 and 112 in the axial direction of heating cavity 11 are equal. The length of heating sub-cavity 111 in the axial direction of heating cavity 11 is S1, and the length of heating sub-cavity 112 in the axial direction of heating cavity 11 is S2. In this embodiment, S1 = S2, that is, the volumes of the aerosol-generated matrix segment in heating sub-cavity 111 and the aerosol-generated matrix segment in heating sub-cavity 112 are equal, which is beneficial for maintaining the consistency of the aerosol-generated matrix in taste during the suction process.
[0082] In some embodiments, the length of the heating sub-cavities can be determined based on the material, flavor, preset heating rules, etc. of the aerosol-generated product. Therefore, the lengths of at least two heating sub-cavities in the axial direction of the heating cavity 11 can be unequal.
[0083] In some embodiments, the microwave antenna is configured as a needle, with at least a portion of the microwave antenna passing through the substrate 10 into the corresponding heating subcavity.
[0084] In some embodiments, each heating subcavity has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; one heating subcavity has an open first end and a closed second end, and the second end has a first through hole, through which the microwave antenna corresponding to the heating subcavity extends axially within the heating subcavity; the first and second ends of the other heating subcavities are both open, and the microwave antenna corresponding to each heating subcavity is at least partially located within the corresponding interval of the heating subcavity, at least partially located within the heating subcavity, and extends axially within the heating subcavity. The length of the microwave antenna within the corresponding heating subcavity is less than the distance from the first end to the second end of the heating subcavity.
[0085] As shown in Figure 2, the heating sub-cavity 111 has a first end 1111 and a second end 1112 disposed opposite to each other. Both the first end 1111 and the second end 1112 of the heating sub-cavity 111 are open ends. The microwave antenna L1b is at least partially located in the gap between the heating sub-cavities 111 and 112, and at least partially located within the heating sub-cavity 111, extending axially within the heating sub-cavity 111. The heating sub-cavity 112 has a first end 1121 and a second end 1122 disposed opposite to each other. The first end 1121 of the heating sub-cavity 112 is an open end, and the second end 1122 is a closed end. The second end 1122 has a first through hole 101, through which the microwave antenna L2b extends axially within the heating sub-cavity 112.
[0086] In this embodiment, the second end 1122 of the heating sub-cavity 112 is used to support the aerosol-generated article.
[0087] In this embodiment, the length of microwave antenna L1b within heating subcavity 111 is less than the distance S1 from the first end 1111 to the second end 1112 of heating subcavity 111, which facilitates concentrating the heat generated by microwave antenna L1b inside heating subcavity 111. Similarly, the length of microwave antenna L2b within heating subcavity 112 is less than the distance S2 from the first end 1121 to the second end 1122 of heating subcavity 112, which also facilitates concentrating the heat generated by microwave antenna L2b inside heating subcavity 112.
[0088] In some embodiments, microwave antenna L1b extends axially to the top of heating subcavity 111, which is beneficial because the top of the matrix segment within heating subcavity 111 has the highest temperature, thus achieving rapid smoke emission. Microwave antenna L2b extends axially to the top of heating subcavity 112, which is beneficial because the top of the matrix segment within heating subcavity 112 has the highest temperature, thus achieving rapid smoke emission.
[0089] In some embodiments, each heating subcavity has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; one heating subcavity has an open first end and a closed second end, and the second end has a first through hole. The microwave antenna corresponding to this heating subcavity has a first fixed end and a first free end, the first fixed end being connected to the second end of the heating subcavity, and the first free end extending toward the first end of the heating subcavity; the first and second ends of the other heating subcavities are both open, and the microwave antenna corresponding to each heating subcavity has a second fixed end and a second free end, the second fixed end being flush with the second end of the heating subcavity, and the second free end extending toward the first end of the heating subcavity. The length of the microwave antenna within the corresponding heating subcavity is less than the distance from the first end to the second end of the heating subcavity.
[0090] In some embodiments, each heating subcavity has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; the first end of one heating subcavity is an open end and the second end is a closed end, and the first end and the second end of the other heating subcavities are both open ends; a second through hole is provided on the circumferential sidewall of each heating subcavity, and a microwave antenna corresponding to each heating subcavity extends radially inside the heating subcavity through the second through hole, and the length of the microwave antenna inside the corresponding heating subcavity is less than the width of the heating subcavity.
[0091] As shown in Figure 3, the heating sub-cavity 111 has a first end 1111 and a second end 1112 arranged opposite to each other, both the first end 1111 and the second end 1112 of the heating sub-cavity 111 being open ends. The heating sub-cavity 112 has a first end 1121 and a second end 1122 arranged opposite to each other, the first end 1121 being an open end and the second end 1122 being a closed end. A second through hole 102 is provided on the circumferential sidewalls of the heating sub-cavities 111 and 112. The microwave antenna L1b passes through the second through hole 102 of the heating sub-cavity 111 and extends radially within the heating sub-cavity 111, and the length of the microwave antenna L1b within the heating sub-cavity 111 is less than the width of the heating sub-cavity 111. The microwave antenna L2b passes through the second through hole 102 of the heating sub-cavity 112 and extends radially within the heating sub-cavity 112, and the length of the microwave antenna L2b within the heating sub-cavity 112 is less than the width of the heating sub-cavity 112.
[0092] In some embodiments, microwave antenna L1b extends radially through the second through-hole 102 of heating sub-cavity 111 to near the center of heating sub-cavity 111, which is beneficial for achieving the highest temperature in the middle of the substrate segment within heating sub-cavity 111, thus achieving uniform heating. Similarly, microwave antenna L2b extends radially through the second through-hole 102 of heating sub-cavity 112 to near the center of heating sub-cavity 111, which is also beneficial for achieving the highest temperature in the middle of the substrate segment within heating sub-cavity 112, thus achieving uniform heating.
[0093] In some embodiments, the microwave antenna is configured as a needle, with at least a portion of the microwave antenna disposed on the outer peripheral sidewall of the corresponding heating subcavity.
[0094] As shown in Figure 4, at least a portion of microwave antenna L1b is disposed on the outer peripheral sidewall of heating sub-cavity 111, and at least a portion of microwave antenna L2b is disposed on the outer peripheral sidewall of heating sub-cavity 112. The heat at the corresponding positions of microwave antenna L1b and microwave antenna L2b is more concentrated, thereby realizing circumferential heating of aerosol-generated products and improving the heating effect.
[0095] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix is configured as a block aerosol generating matrix. Taking the heating chamber 11 as an example, which includes heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113, and 114, the block aerosol generating matrix is respectively received in heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113, and 114.
[0096] As shown in Figure 5a, heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113 and 114 are arranged laterally, and there are gaps between each pair of heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113 and 114.
[0097] As shown in Figure 5b, heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113 and 114 are configured as a 2*2 array of heating cavities 11, and there are gaps between each pair of heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113 and 114.
[0098] As shown in Figure 5c, heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113 and 114 are configured as “T”-shaped heating cavities 11, wherein heating sub-cavities 112, 113 and 114 are spaced apart from each other, and heating sub-cavities 111 and 113 are spaced apart from each other.
[0099] As shown in Figure 5d, heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113 and 114 are constructed as “L”-shaped heating cavities 11, wherein there is a gap between each pair of heating sub-cavities 112, 113 and 114, and a gap between heating sub-cavities 111 and 112.
[0100] As shown in Figure 5e, heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113 and 114 are arranged alternately, and they intersect on a plane.
[0101] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix is configured as a sheet-like aerosol generating matrix.
[0102] Taking the heating cavity 11, which includes heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113, and 114, as an example, as shown in Figure 6a, heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113, and 114 are constructed as annular heating cavities 11. As shown in Figures 6b to 6e, heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113, and 114 are square, and the sheet-like aerosol generating matrix is respectively received in heating sub-cavities 111, 112, 113, and 114.
[0103] In one embodiment, the microwave antenna is configured as a patch, with at least a portion of the microwave antenna located within a corresponding heating subcavity and formed or attached to the inner peripheral sidewall of the substrate 10.
[0104] As shown in Figure 7, both microwave antennas L1b and Lnb are patch microwave antennas. Patch microwave antenna L1b is formed or attached to the inner peripheral sidewall of the substrate 10 corresponding to heating subcavity 111. When heating branch L1 is selected, patch microwave antenna L1b radiates microwaves within heating subcavity 111. Patch microwave antenna Lnb is formed or attached to the inner peripheral sidewall of the substrate 10 corresponding to heating subcavity 11n. When heating branch Ln is selected, patch microwave antenna Lnb radiates microwaves within heating subcavity 11n.
[0105] In one embodiment, the microwave antenna is configured to be a meandering or folded extension shape, the microwave antenna at least partially surrounding or enclosing the corresponding heating sub-cavity, and forming or being incorporated into the outer peripheral sidewall of the substrate 10.
[0106] As shown in Figure 8, both microwave antennas L1b and Lnb are constructed as meandering or zigzag extensions or patterns. Microwave antenna L1b at least partially surrounds or encloses heating subcavity 111 and is formed or attached to the outer peripheral sidewall of the substrate 10 corresponding to heating subcavity 111. When heating branch L1 is selected, microwave antenna L1b radiates microwaves into heating subcavity 111. Microwave antenna Lnb at least partially surrounds or encloses heating subcavity 11n and is formed or attached to the outer peripheral sidewall of the substrate 10 corresponding to heating subcavity 11n. When heating branch Ln is selected, microwave antenna Lnb radiates microwaves into heating subcavity 11n.
[0107] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the microwave antenna is formed on the substrate 10 by spraying, deposition, or printing. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the microwave antenna is fabricated independently and then mounted onto the substrate 10. Or, in other embodiments, the microwave antenna is formed by winding or wrapping a sheet precursor of metal or alloy onto the substrate 10; the sheet precursor may be formed by cutting or etching away excess portions of a dense metal sheet. Or, in still other embodiments, the microwave antenna is formed by fabricating a tubular precursor of metal or alloy and then nesting or wrapping it onto the substrate 10; the tubular precursor may be obtained by cutting or etching away excess portions of a dense metal tube.
[0108] In some embodiments, the substrate 10 is microwave-transparent. In some embodiments, the microwave transmittance of the substrate 10 is greater than 85%; or, in some embodiments, the microwave transmittance of the substrate 10 is greater than 95%. In some specific embodiments, the substrate 10 is made of an infrared-transparent material, such as quartz or glass.
[0109] In some embodiments, the surface of the substrate 10 is smooth. For example, in some embodiments, the surface roughness Ra of the outer and / or inner surfaces of the substrate 10 is less than 1 nm. A substrate 10 with a low surface roughness Ra is advantageous for promoting microwave transmission.
[0110] In some other embodiments, the surface of the substrate 10 is rough. For example, in some embodiments, the surface roughness Ra of the outer and / or inner surfaces of the substrate 10 is between 5 and 200 nm. A substrate 10 having a surface roughness Ra is advantageous for promoting the formation and bonding of microwave antennas L1b to Lnb, as shown in FIG8, on the surface of the substrate 10.
[0111] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the aerosol generating apparatus further includes a microwave shielding element arranged around or surrounding the microwave antenna; the microwave shielding element is used to provide microwave shielding outside the microwave antenna; in use, the microwave shielding element maximizes the delivery of microwaves radiated by the microwave antenna into the heating cavity 11.
[0112] In some embodiments, the microwave shielding element is made of a conductive metallic material; conductive metallic materials are advantageous for shielding microwaves, which are electromagnetic waves.
[0113] In some embodiments, the microwave shielding element is tubular in shape. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the tubular microwave shielding element is between 0.1 and 0.6 mm.
[0114] In some embodiments, the microwave shielding element can be configured as a conductive metal tube. For example, in some embodiments, the microwave shielding element can be a copper tube, aluminum tube, iron tube, nickel tube, etc.
[0115] In some embodiments, the microwave shielding element includes a generally tubular substrate and a conductive metal layer sprayed, deposited, or formed on the substrate. In some embodiments, the tubular substrate may include a quartz tube, glass tube, ceramic tube, etc., made of inorganic insulating materials, or it may also include a PI (polyimide) tube, polyurethane tube, polycarbonate tube, etc., made of organic insulating materials. In some embodiments, the conductive metal layer may be a copper layer, an aluminum layer, an iron layer, a nickel layer, etc.
[0116] In some embodiments, the microwave shielding element is a tubular structure formed by winding a sheet. Furthermore, the microwave shielding element has multiple layers or more winding layers.
[0117] In some embodiments, the thickness of the sheet and / or winding of the microwave shielding material is 0.01 to 0.2 mm.
[0118] In some embodiments, the sheet comprising the microwave shielding material may be a conductive metal sheet or metal foil. For example, in some embodiments, the conductive metal sheet or metal foil may be, for example, copper foil, aluminum foil, iron foil, etc. In some embodiments, the conductive metal sheet or metal foil may be a dense rectangular or square shape; or in yet other embodiments, the conductive metal sheet or metal foil may be a mesh with openings.
[0119] In some embodiments, the sheet comprising microwave shielding material may include: an electrically insulating sheet substrate and a conductive material layer formed or bonded to the sheet substrate. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating sheet substrate may be, for example, a ceramic film, a flexible glass film, a PI film, a polyurethane film, a polycarbonate film, etc. In some embodiments, the conductive material layer may be a metal coating formed on the electrically insulating sheet substrate by deposition, spraying, or printing. In some embodiments, the metal coating may be, for example, a copper layer, an aluminum layer, an iron layer, or a nickel layer.
[0120] The control circuit 30 is electrically connected to the microwave generating circuit 20 and is configured to control the microwave generating circuit 20 to emit microwave signals and to select heating branches corresponding to at least two heating sub-cavities according to a preset heating rule. When a heating branch is selected, the microwave signal is fed into the corresponding heating sub-cavity, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix located in the heating sub-cavity.
[0121] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, assuming the heating time for the aerosol-generating product (cigarette) is 4 minutes, the heating time is evenly distributed according to the number of heating sub-cavities. Specifically, the aerosol generating device starts heating, selecting the heating branch L2 corresponding to heating sub-cavity 112. When heating branch L2 is selected, a microwave signal is fed into the corresponding heating sub-cavity 112, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix located in heating sub-cavity 112, and timing begins. The heating time interval for heating sub-cavity 112 is 0 to 2 minutes. When the heating time reaches 2 minutes, heating branch L2 corresponding to heating sub-cavity 112 is turned off, and heating branch L1 corresponding to heating sub-cavity 111 is selected. When heating branch L1 is selected, a microwave signal is fed into the corresponding heating sub-cavity 111, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix located in heating sub-cavity 111. The heating time interval for heating sub-cavity 111 is 2 to 4 minutes.
[0122] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, assuming the number of puffs in the aerosol-generating product (cigarette) is 1000, the number of puffs is evenly distributed according to the number of heating sub-cavities. Specifically, the aerosol generating device starts heating, calculates the number of puffs in the aerosol generating device, and when the number of puffs is between 0 and 500, the heating branch L2 corresponding to the heating sub-cavity 112 is selected. When the heating branch L2 is selected, a microwave signal is fed into the corresponding heating sub-cavity 112, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix located in the heating sub-cavity 112; when the number of puffs is between 501 and 1000, the heating branch L2 corresponding to the heating sub-cavity 112 is turned off, and the heating branch L1 corresponding to the heating sub-cavity 111 is selected. When the heating branch L1 is selected, a microwave signal is fed into the corresponding heating sub-cavity 111, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix located in the heating sub-cavity 111.
[0123] It is understandable that the preset heating rules can be pre-written based on the design of the heating sub-cavity 111, the design of the aerosol generation matrix, etc., and stored in the control circuit 30.
[0124] Please refer to Figure 9. The microwave generating circuit 20 includes a microwave generator 21 and a circulator 22.
[0125] The microwave generator 21 is electrically connected to the control circuit 30 and is configured to generate microwave signals.
[0126] The first end of the circulator 22 is connected to the microwave generator 21, the second end of the circulator 22 is connected to the switches of at least two heating branches (switches L1a and L2a as shown in Figures 2 to 4, and switches L1a to Lna as shown in Figures 8 and 9), and the third end of the circulator 22 is connected to the control circuit 30. The circulator 22 is configured to transmit microwave signals through the first end and the second end of the circulator 22, and to transmit microwave signals reflected back from the heating sub-cavities (heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n as shown in Figure 1, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) to the control circuit 30 through the second end and the third end of the circulator 22.
[0127] The circulator 22 has an isolation function to prevent the microwave signal reflected back from the heating sub-cavity from being reflected back to the microwave generator 21.
[0128] As an example, microwave generator 21 includes an oscillator 211 electrically connected to control circuitry 30 and configured to generate microwave signals; and a power amplifier 212 electrically connected to oscillator 211 and configured to amplify microwave signals.
[0129] In one embodiment, the control circuit 30 includes a controller 31 and a power detector 32.
[0130] The controller 31 is connected to the microwave generator 21 and the switches of at least two heating branches (switches L1a and L2a as shown in Figures 2 to 4, and switches L1a to Lna as shown in Figures 8 and 9), and is configured to control the microwave generator 21 to generate microwave signals and control the switches of at least two heating branches (switches L1a and L2a as shown in Figures 2 to 4, and switches L1a to Lna as shown in Figures 8 and 9) to be turned on or off, thereby selecting the heating branches (heating branches L1 to Ln as shown in Figure 1) corresponding to at least two heating sub-cavities (heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n as shown in Figure 1, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) according to a preset heating rule.
[0131] The power detector 32 is electrically connected between the third end of the circulator 22 and the controller 31. It is configured to detect the reflected power of the microwave signal reflected back from the heating sub-cavities (heating sub-cavities 111 to 11n as shown in Figure 1, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2), so that the controller 31 controls the transmission power of the microwave signal according to the reflected power.
[0132] In some embodiments, the power detector 32 may be omitted.
[0133] In summary, the aerosol generating device provided in this application improves the consistency of the aerosol generating matrix in the inhalation process by dividing and setting the aerosol generating matrix in at least two heating sub-cavities and heating the aerosol generating matrix located in different heating sub-cavities according to a preset heating rule, thereby avoiding the phenomenon of burning the mouth with smoke and increasing the aerosol generation speed.
[0134] 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, characterized in that, include: A substrate, at least partially surrounding or defining a heating cavity, the heating cavity being used to receive an aerosol-generating matrix, the heating cavity including at least two heating sub-cavities; A microwave generating circuit, wherein the microwave generating circuit establishes a heating branch with each of the heating sub-cavities; A control circuit, electrically connected to the microwave generating circuit, is configured to control the microwave generating circuit to emit microwave signals and to select the heating branches corresponding to at least two heating sub-cavities according to a preset heating rule. When a heating branch is selected, the microwave signal is fed into the corresponding heating sub-cavity, thereby heating the aerosol generating matrix located in the heating sub-cavity.
2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A switch and a microwave antenna are installed on the heating branch; The switch is electrically connected between the microwave generating circuit and the microwave antenna, and is also electrically connected to the control circuit, which is further configured to control the switch to be turned on or off, and at least a portion of the microwave antenna is located within the corresponding heating subcavity.
3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least two heating sub-cavities are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the heating cavity.
4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, A gap is provided between two adjacent heating sub-cavities.
5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lengths of the at least two heating sub-cavities are equal in the axial direction of the heating cavity.
6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The microwave antenna is configured as a needle, and at least a portion of the microwave antenna passes through the substrate and enters the corresponding heating sub-cavity.
7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The microwave antenna is configured as a needle, and at least a portion of the microwave antenna is disposed on the outer peripheral sidewall of the corresponding heating subcavity.
8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the heating sub-cavities has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; One of the heating sub-cavities has an open end at the first end and a closed end at the second end, and the second end has a first through hole. The microwave antenna corresponding to the heating sub-cavity extends axially through the first through hole in the heating sub-cavity. The first and second ends of the remaining heating subcavities are open ends. The microwave antenna corresponding to each heating subcavity is at least partially located in the interval corresponding to the heating subcavity, at least partially located in the heating subcavity, and extends axially in the heating subcavity. The length of the microwave antenna within the corresponding heating subcavity is less than the distance from the first end to the second end of the heating subcavity.
9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the heating sub-cavities has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; One of the heating sub-cavities has an open end at the first end and a closed end at the second end, while the other heating sub-cavities have both an open end at the first end and the second end at the second end. Each of the heating sub-cavities has a second through hole on its circumferential sidewall. The microwave antenna corresponding to each heating sub-cavity extends radially through the second through hole within the heating sub-cavity, and the length of the microwave antenna within the corresponding heating sub-cavity is less than the width of the heating sub-cavity.
10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The microwave antenna is configured as a patch, at least a portion of which is located within the corresponding heating subcavity and is formed or attached to the inner peripheral sidewall of the substrate.
11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The microwave antenna is configured to be meandering or bent, and at least partially surrounds or encloses the corresponding heating sub-cavity, and is formed or attached to the outer peripheral sidewall of the substrate.
12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The microwave generating circuit includes: A microwave generator, electrically connected to the control circuit, is configured to generate microwave signals; A circulator, wherein a first end of the circulator is connected to the microwave generator, a second end of the circulator is connected to switches of at least two of the heating branches, and a third end of the circulator is connected to the control circuit. The circulator is configured to transmit the microwave signal through the first end and the second end of the circulator, and to transmit the microwave signal reflected back from the heating sub-cavity through the second end and the third end of the circulator to the control circuit.
13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The microwave generator includes: An oscillator, electrically connected to the control circuit, is configured to generate microwave signals; A power amplifier, electrically connected to the oscillator, is configured to amplify the microwave signal.
14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The control circuit includes: The controller is connected to the microwave generator and the switches of at least two of the heating branches respectively, and is configured to control the microwave generator to generate microwave signals and control the switches of at least two of the heating branches to be turned on or off, thereby selecting the heating branches corresponding to the at least two heating sub-cavities according to the preset heating rules. A power detector, electrically connected between the third end of the circulator and the controller, is configured to detect the reflected power of the microwave signal reflected back from the heated subcavity, so that the controller controls the transmission power of the microwave signal based on the reflected power.