CN217184818U - Aerosol generator - Google Patents

Abstract

The application provides an aerosol-generating device, including: a first assembly comprising a first scaffold, and a susceptor; a first cavity is arranged in the first bracket; a second component removably received in the first cavity; the second assembly comprises a second bracket and an induction coil; the second holder has a second cavity defining a chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article; an induction coil surrounding the second support for generating a varying magnetic field; the susceptor is arranged to at least partially protrude into the second cavity when the second component is received in the first cavity to heat the aerosol-generating article. In the above aerosol-generating device, the first component generating the magnetic field and the second component generating heat inductively are each independently detachable from each other, which is advantageous for independent replacement and cleaning of the components.

Description

Aerosol generator

Technical Field

The embodiment of the application relates to the technical field of heating non-combustion smoking set, in particular to an aerosol generating device.

Background

Smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to replace these tobacco-burning products by making products that release compounds without burning.

An example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating rather than burning the material. For example, the material may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not include nicotine. Heating devices are known, comprising induction means and susceptor means housed and fixed within a housing of the device; wherein the induction mechanism is used for generating a magnetic field to induce the receptor mechanism to generate heat so as to heat the tobacco or other non-tobacco products; known heating devices, induction mechanisms and susceptor mechanisms are difficult to replace and clean independently from within the housing.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

An embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol-generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol; the method comprises the following steps:

a first assembly comprising a first support and a susceptor retained on the first support; a first cavity is arranged in the first support; and

a second component removably received within the first cavity; the second assembly comprises a second bracket and an induction coil; the second holder having a second cavity, at least part of the second cavity defining a chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article; the induction coil surrounds the second bracket and is kept on the second bracket for generating a changing magnetic field; the susceptor is arranged to extend at least partially into the second cavity when the second component is received in the first cavity, being penetrated by the varying magnetic field to generate heat to heat the aerosol-generating article.

In a preferred implementation, the first and second stents are substantially coaxial when the second assembly is received within the first cavity.

In a preferred implementation, the method further comprises the following steps:

a housing having a proximal end and a distal end opposite along a length direction; the shell comprises a first shell and a second shell which are sequentially arranged along the length direction, the first shell is close to the near end, and the second shell is close to the far end; a battery cell for supplying power is arranged in the second shell; and the number of the first and second groups,

the first support is disposed proximate the proximal end;

the first housing is detachably or movably connected to the second housing for selectively shielding or exposing the first bracket when the first bracket is connected to the second housing.

In a preferred implementation, the first housing is arranged to surround the first bracket to shield the first bracket when connected to the second housing; and the first housing is arranged to at least partially reveal the first bracket when detached from the second housing.

In a preferred implementation, the first bracket is detachably connected to the second housing;

the first housing being arranged to prevent removal of the first bracket from the second housing when connected thereto; and the first housing is arranged to allow the first bracket to be detached from the second housing when the first housing is detached from the second housing.

In a preferred implementation, the first housing is arranged to move relative to the second housing along the length of the casing and has a first position and a second position relative to the second housing;

wherein the first housing surrounds the first bracket to shield the first bracket when in the first position; when the first shell is at the second position, the first bracket is at least partially exposed;

or, the first bracket is detachably connected to the second housing; when the first shell is at the first position, the first bracket is prevented from being detached from the second shell; and the first housing is in the second position, allowing the first bracket to be detached from the second housing.

In a preferred implementation, the first housing is provided with an opening at the proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol-generating article can be removably received in the chamber.

In a preferred implementation, the second housing is provided with an insertion groove, and the first bracket at least partially extends into the insertion groove and is connected with the second housing.

In a preferred implementation, the second housing is further provided with a first fastening structure; the first bracket has a second fastening structure and prevents rotation of the first bracket relative to the second housing by cooperating with the first fastening structure.

In a preferred implementation, the first assembly further comprises:

a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the susceptor.

In a preferred implementation, the method further comprises the following steps:

the circuit board is arranged in the second shell;

two first electrical contacts and two second electrical contacts disposed on the second housing; and the cell provides power to the induction coil through the two first electrical contacts; the circuit board acquires the sensing result of the temperature sensor through the two second electrical contacts.

In a preferred implementation, the two first electrical contacts and the two second electrical contacts are arranged in sequence in a radial direction of the second housing.

In a preferred implementation, the two second electrical contacts are arranged to be located between the two first electrical contacts.

In a preferred implementation, the second assembly further comprises a first conductive pogo pin electrically connected with the induction coil for supplying power to the induction coil from the battery cell.

In a preferred implementation, the method further comprises the following steps:

a first electrical contact disposed on the second housing; when the first bracket is connected to the second shell and the second assembly is received in the first cavity, the first conductive elastic pin is contacted with the first electrical contact so as to be conducted.

In a preferred implementation, the second bracket is provided with a first convex edge, a second convex edge and a third convex edge which extend outwards in the radial direction; the first convex edge, the second convex edge and the third convex edge are sequentially arranged along the length direction;

the induction coil is arranged between the first convex edge and the second convex edge;

the first conductive elastic needle is held on the third convex edge.

In a preferred implementation, an avoidance notch is formed in the second convex edge, and the induction coil is electrically connected with the first conductive spring needle through the avoidance notch.

In a preferred implementation, the first bracket is provided with a pin ejection hole; when the first bracket is connected to the second housing and the second component is received in the first cavity, the first conductive pogo pin passes through the pogo pin hole to be in contact with the first electrical contact.

In a preferred implementation, the method further comprises the following steps:

the circuit board is arranged in the second shell;

the first assembly further comprises a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the susceptor, and a second conductive pogo pin electrically connected with the temperature sensor; and the circuit board acquires the sensing result of the temperature sensor through the second conductive elastic pin.

In a preferred implementation, the method further comprises the following steps:

a second electrical contact disposed on the second housing;

when the first bracket is connected to the second shell, the second conductive elastic needle is contacted with the second electrical contact to be conducted so that the circuit board can obtain a sensing result of the temperature sensor.

In a preferred implementation, the first assembly further comprises:

a base or flange at least partially surrounding and bonded to the susceptor;

the first support is arranged to retain the susceptor to the first support by retaining the base or flange.

In a preferred implementation, a partition wall extending inwards in the radial direction is arranged on the inner wall of the second bracket, so that the second cavity is divided into a first space and a second space which are positioned on two sides of the partition wall;

the first space is configured to receive the chamber of an aerosol-generating article;

when the second component is received in the first cavity, the base or flange extends at least partially into the second space and abuts the dividing wall.

In a preferred implementation, the first bracket comprises a first part and a second part which are sequentially arranged along the length direction; wherein;

the first portion is arranged to extend in a length direction and to define the first cavity;

the second portion is arranged perpendicular to the length direction and is arranged to be detachably connected to the second housing.

In a preferred implementation, the first bracket is arranged to provide a stop for the second component by the second portion when the second component is received within the first cavity.

In a preferred implementation, the susceptor is held in the second portion and extends at least partially from the second portion into the first cavity.

In a preferred implementation, the first portion is provided with at least one window;

the second component is exposed at least partially through the window when the second component is received within the first cavity; whereby a user may actuate an exposed portion of the second component through the window to thereby remove the second component from within the first cavity.

In a preferred implementation, the first portion is provided with at least one window; the susceptor is exposed at least partially through the window when the second component is removed from within the first cavity.

In a preferred implementation, the method further comprises the following steps:

a guide mechanism, said second component being at least partially guided by said guide mechanism during removable receipt or removal from within said first cavity.

In a preferred implementation, the guide mechanism comprises:

the guide groove is positioned on the second bracket;

the guide protruding ridges are arranged on the first support and extend along the length direction of the first support; the guide protruding ridges at least partially extend into the guide grooves and can move relative to the guide grooves along the length direction.

In a preferred implementation, the susceptor is configured as a pin or needle or sheet for insertion into an aerosol-generating article for heating;

alternatively, the susceptor is configured as a tube heated around the aerosol-generating article.

In a preferred implementation, the method further comprises the following steps:

the circuit board is arranged in the second shell; the circuit board is configured to allow the cells to output power to the induction coil only when the first bracket is connected to the second housing and the second assembly is received within the first cavity.

In the above aerosol-generating device, the first component generating the magnetic field and the second component generating heat inductively are each independently detachable from each other, which is advantageous for independent replacement and cleaning of the components.

Drawings

One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, which correspond to the figures in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and which are not to scale unless otherwise specified.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol-generating device provided by an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the first housing of FIG. 1 after removal from the second housing;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the heating mechanism of FIG. 2 from a perspective removed from the second housing;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the heating mechanism of FIG. 3 from yet another perspective, after removal from the second housing;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 from a perspective;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one perspective of the heating mechanism of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a perspective view of the sensing assembly and the susceptor assembly of the heating mechanism;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the sensing assembly and the susceptor assembly of the heating mechanism from yet another perspective;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a perspective of the sensing assembly of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a perspective of the sensing assembly of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8;

fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a perspective of a susceptor assembly according to yet another embodiment;

figure 12 is a schematic view of a state of an aerosol-generating device of a further embodiment;

fig. 13 is a schematic view of another state of the aerosol generating device of fig. 12.

Detailed Description

To facilitate an understanding of the present application, the present application is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

An embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol-generating device for receiving an aerosol-generating article and heating it to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

Further in alternative implementations, the aerosol-generating article preferably employs a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from the substrate upon heating; or it may be a non-tobacco material that is suitable for electrically heated smoking after heating. The aerosol-generating article preferably employs a solid substrate, which may comprise one or more of a powder, granules, shredded strips, strips or flakes of one or more of vanilla leaf, tobacco leaf, homogenised tobacco, expanded tobacco; alternatively, the solid substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds to be released upon heating of the substrate.

Further figures 1 to 2 show schematic views of an aerosol-generating device of one particular embodiment, comprising several components disposed within an outer body or housing (which may be referred to as a housing). The overall design of the outer body or housing may vary, and the pattern or configuration of the outer body which may define the overall size and shape of the aerosol-generating device may vary. In general, the elongated body may be formed from a single unitary housing, or the elongated housing may be formed from two or more separable bodies.

For example, the aerosol-generating device may have a control body at one end provided with a housing containing one or more reusable components (e.g. a battery such as a rechargeable battery and/or a rechargeable supercapacitor, and various electronics for controlling the operation of the article), and at the other end an outer body or housing for housing the aerosol-generating article a and the heated components.

Further in the particular embodiment shown in figures 1-2, the aerosol-generating device comprises:

a housing substantially defining an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device, having a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 opposite along a length direction; in use, the proximal end 110 is the end that is close to the user to facilitate handling of the aerosol-generating article a contained and heated and drawn; the distal end 120 is the end away from the user.

In some examples, the housing may be formed from a metal or alloy, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or the like. Other suitable materials include various plastics (e.g., polycarbonate), metal-plated plastics (metal-plated plastics), ceramics, and the like.

As further shown in figures 1-2, the housing of the aerosol-generating device comprises:

a first housing 10 disposed along a length adjacent to the proximal end 110 and defining a proximal end 110 of the housing;

a second housing 20 disposed lengthwise adjacent distal end 120 and defining an outer shell distal end 120; in the implementation shown in fig. 1-2, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are each tubular or cylindrical in shape with an internal cavity; and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are substantially coaxially arranged and have substantially the same outer diameter and inner diameter.

And, the first housing 10 defines an opening 11 at the proximal end 110, through which opening 11a user can removably receive the aerosol-generating article a within the aerosol-generating device. For example, when smoking is required, the user receives the aerosol-generating article a through the opening 11 in the aerosol-generating device, and operates the aerosol-generating device to heat the aerosol-generating article a to generate aerosol for smoking; when the puff is complete, the user removes the aerosol-generating article a from the opening 11.

And as can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the first housing 10 is detachable or removable from the second housing 20 to allow for removal of the first housing 10 in use.

And the second casing 20 is provided with an input element 21 for user operation, so as to form an input signal for user operation; the aerosol generating device then operates in response to the user input. In some implementations, the input element 21 is selected from a mechanical button, a membrane button, a mechanical switch, a rotary encoder, a dial, a knob, a capacitive touch button, a resistive touch button, a joystick, a slider, a trigger button, a touch screen, and a magnetic switch. In the implementation shown in fig. 1 and 2, the input elements 21 are, for example, mechanical buttons; the aerosol-generating device controls heating of the aerosol-generating product a stored therein in accordance with an operation input signal of the input element 21, for example, a pressing operation or an event of a mechanical button by a user.

Further fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the state where the first casing 10 is detached from the second casing 20; after the first housing 10 is removed, the heating means for housing the aerosol-generating article a is exposed, which facilitates removal and cleaning of the heating means. And when the first casing 10 is combined with the second casing 20, the heating mechanism can be covered or limited on the second casing 20 to prevent the exposure of the heating mechanism or the detachment from the second casing 20.

As further shown in fig. 5, within the second housing 20 is primarily a housing portion for mounting components for powering and controlling the heating mechanism. As shown in particular in fig. 5, the second casing 20 has mounted therein:

the battery cell 22 is used for supplying power; the cell 22 is disposed proximate the distal end 120;

the circuit board 23 is used for controlling the battery cell 22 to provide power for the heating mechanism; in some implementations, the power supplied by the circuit board 23 to the heating mechanism is triggered by an input signal from a user operating the input element 21.

And in a particular implementation, the circuit board 23 is located within the second housing 20 and is disposed away from the distal end 120.

Further fig. 3 and 4 show schematic views of the state in which the heating mechanism is detached from the second housing 20; in the disassembly and assembly structure, the second housing 20 includes:

an upper end 210 facing away from the distal end and defining a socket 211 at the upper end 210, the heating mechanism being fixedly coupled to the second housing 20 by insertion into the socket 211.

And according to fig. 3 and 4, the second casing 20 comprises, on the electrically controlled component arrangement: the second housing 20 further includes:

a first electrical contact 213, and a second electrical contact 214. The number of the first electrical contacts 213 is two, one is used as a positive terminal, and the other is used as a negative terminal; and the number of second electrical contacts 214 is two, one as a positive terminal and the other as a negative terminal.

In positional arrangement, the first electrical contact 213 and the second electrical contact 214 are arranged sequentially in a radial direction of the aerosol-generating device and/or the second housing 20; for example, as shown in figure 4, the first electrical contact 213 and the second electrical contact 214 are located on a line m along a radial direction of the aerosol-generating device and/or the second housing 20. And the first electrical contact 213 is located outside the second electrical contact 214 in a radial direction of the aerosol-generating device and/or the second housing 20.

And in functional arrangement, the first electrical contact 213 is a contact for outputting power, and the circuit board 23 outputs power to the heating mechanism for heating through the first electrical contact 213. And the second electrical contact 214 is a contact for measuring temperature, and the circuit board 23 measures the temperature of the heating element in the heating mechanism through the second electrical contact 214.

As further shown in fig. 5-10, the heating mechanism includes: the susceptor assembly 30 and the sensing assembly 40 are removable from one another.

Specifically, the sensing assembly 40 includes:

a bracket 41 configured in a tubular shape extending in a length direction of the first housing 10; and surrounded and delimited by the tubular inner cavity of the bracket 41, a compartment 411 being defined, which compartment 411 is opposite to the opening 11 of the proximal end 110 of the first casing 10 when assembled; further in use, the aerosol-generating article a is removably housed within the chamber 411 through the opening 11;

an induction coil 42 disposed around the bracket 41 and supported by the bracket 41; the induction coil 42 can be supplied with an alternating current by the first electrical contact 213, thereby generating a varying magnetic field;

two first conductive pogo pins 43; in assembly, the first conductive pogo pin 43 is fixed to the holder 41 by riveting, interference, or the like. Both ends of the induction coil 42 are connected to the first conductive pogo pin 43 by soldering, crimping, or the like, respectively.

And in the assembled configuration and position, the outer wall of the holder 41 has a first flange 415, a second flange 412, and a third flange 413 extending radially outward; and the first convex edge 415, the second convex edge 412 and the third convex edge 413 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the bracket 41.

And, the first and second rims 415 and 412 define an annular recessed space therebetween around the holder 41; the induction coil 42 is disposed in the concave space between the first and second raised edges 415 and 412, and both ends of the induction coil 42 in the length direction abut against the first and second raised edges 415 and 412, respectively, to form a stop to prevent the induction coil 42 from moving or loosening relative to the bracket 41.

The first conductive latch 43 is fixedly held on the third ledge 413 by riveting or the like, and the first conductive latch 43 is disposed along the length of the support 41 after assembly and extends at least partially out of the support 41 to facilitate connection to the first electrical contact 213.

In order to facilitate the electrical connection of both ends of the induction coil 42 to the first conductive latch 43, a relief notch 4121 aligned with the first conductive latch 43 along the length direction of the bracket 41 is provided on the second ledge 412. In the assembly, the induction coil 42 is wound around the bracket 41 by a wire, and then both ends of the induction coil are respectively passed through the escape notches 4121, and then welded or pressed to the first conductive pogo pin 43 to be electrically conducted.

In particular, the experience component 30 comprises:

a bracket 31, a first portion 310 extending in a length direction of the first casing 10, and a second portion 320 perpendicular to the length direction of the first casing 10;

the first portion 310 is substantially annular in shape with an interior cavity and a space for receiving and retaining the inductive element 40 is at least partially defined by the cavity of the first portion 310; when assembled, the sensing assembly 40 is received within the first portion 310 of the bracket 31 and forms a stop against the second portion 320;

the second part 320 is provided with one or more pins 321 facing away from the first part 310, and correspondingly the second housing 20 is provided with a matching insertion groove 211, so that the pins 321 are inserted into the insertion groove 211 to form a fixing in the assembly, and the heating mechanism comprising the sensing assembly 30 and the sensing assembly 40 is connected to the second housing 20.

And as shown in fig. 3, to facilitate assembly and positioning of second portion 320 with socket 211; a locking protrusion 212 radially extending into the insertion groove 211 is further disposed on an inner sidewall of the insertion groove 211 of the second housing 20, and a locking groove 322 located between the insertion grooves 211 is defined on the second portion 320. The cooperation between the locking protrusion 212 and the locking groove 322 provides alignment during the process of coupling the second portion 320 of the bracket 31 to the second housing 20; the snap 212 on the other hand is advantageous for preventing rotation or loosening of the heating means in the circumferential direction during assembly.

As further shown in fig. 6-10, the sensing assembly 30 further includes:

a susceptor 50 configured as a pin or needle or plate extending along the length of the first support 31 within the cavity of the first part 310; after assembly, susceptor 50 extends at least partially into chamber 411 of sensing assembly 40; the susceptor 50 comprises a susceptor metal or alloy material that is capable of being penetrated by the varying magnetic field generated by the induction coil 42 to generate heat that heats the aerosol-generating article a received in the chamber 411 of the induction assembly 40.

The experience component 30 further comprises:

a base or flange 34 surrounding and bonded to susceptor 50; prepared and bonded outside the susceptor 50 from a moldable material, such as heat resistant ceramics, PEEK, etc.; screw holes 341 are arranged on the base or the flange 34; the susceptor or flange 34 is then secured to the second portion 320 of the holder 31 by re-screwing through the screw holes 341, thereby holding the susceptor 50 stably within the first portion 310 of the holder 31. Of course, the base or flange 34, which is secured by screws, is removable from the second portion 320 by removing the screws.

As further shown in fig. 8, the support 31 of the susceptor assembly 30 further comprises:

at least one window 311 located on the first portion 310; so that in use a user can clean the surface of the susceptor 50 by means of a cleaning implement such as a brush, spatula or the like extending through the window 311 into the first portion 310 and so that the user can perform a screw removal operation of the base or flange 34 through the window 311.

And, the first portion 310 of the bracket 31 has an open mouth 312 at the end facing away from the second portion 320; the sensing element 40 is received or received within or removed from the cavity of the first portion 310 through the opening 312. Further, the inner wall of the bracket 31 is provided with a guide rib 314 extending along the length direction; the second ledge 412 and the third ledge 413 of the bracket 41 of the sensing assembly 40 are respectively provided with a guide groove 4122; for providing guidance when the sensing component 40 is received within or removed from the cavity of the first portion 310 through the opening 312.

As further shown in fig. 8 and 9, the second portion 320 of the bracket 31 is further provided with a pogo pin hole 323 penetrating in the length direction; the first conductive pogo pin 43 of the sensing assembly 40 passes through the pogo pin hole 323 and extends out of the support 31 in order to make conduction against the first electrical contact 213 of the second housing 20 in assembly.

As further shown in fig. 6 and 9, the sensing assembly 30 further comprises:

a temperature sensor 51 for sensing the temperature of the susceptor 50. In some implementations, the temperature sensor 51 is a thermistor-type temperature sensor, such as PT1000 or the like, or a thermocouple. The temperature sensor 51 is in turn used for sensing the temperature of the susceptor 50, by being in direct or indirect heat conducting connection with the susceptor 50.

In the preferred embodiment of figures 6 and 9, the susceptor 50 is a hollow needle and the temperature sensor 51 is housed and encapsulated within the susceptor 50 to optimize the efficiency of heat transfer therebetween and to improve the accuracy of sensing the temperature of the susceptor 50. Or in yet other variations, the temperature sensor 51 is pressed or welded against the susceptor 50 surface to provide thermal conduction and thus sensing the temperature of the susceptor 50.

And, as further shown in fig. 6 and 9, the susceptor assembly 30 further comprises:

the second conductive pogo pins 33, two in number, are fixed on the second portion 320 of the support 31, and the second conductive pogo pins 33 are exposed outside the support 31. Correspondingly, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the temperature sensor 51 are connected to the second conductive pogo pin 33 by welding, crimping, or the like, respectively. After assembly, the second conductive latch 33 is in conduction against the second electrical contact 214 of the second housing 20, and the circuit board 23 acquires the sensing result of the temperature sensor 51 through the second electrical contact 214.

As further shown in fig. 6 and 7, the first conductive pogo pin 43 and the second conductive pogo pin 33 are arranged along a radial direction of the aerosol-generating device after assembly. Specifically, the first conductive pogo pin 43 and the second conductive pogo pin 33 are arranged along a straight line m in the radial direction.

With further reference to the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 10, the inner surface of the bracket 41 of the sensing assembly 40 is further provided with a partition wall 414 extending radially inward, and the inner space of the bracket 41 is defined by the partition wall 414 to form a chamber 411 and a fitting space 415 on both sides of the partition wall 414. After assembly, the base or flange 34 is received and retained in the assembly space 415 and forms a stop against the dividing wall 414.

As further shown in fig. 6, when the induction assembly 40 is assembled into the susceptor assembly 30, at least a portion of the induction coil 42 is exposed or visible through the window 311 of the first portion 310 of the support 31; and, the second convex edge 412 of the bracket 41 is at least partially exposed at the window 311. The user can operate the second ledge 412 of the holding bracket 41 to remove the sensing assembly 40 from the holding bracket 41 and out of the holder 31.

In the assembled aerosol-generating device, in some implementations, the circuit board 23 supplies an alternating current to the induction coil 42 at a frequency of between 80KHz and 500 KHz; more specifically, the frequency may be in the range of approximately 200KHz to 300 KHz.

In a preferred embodiment, the cells 22 provide a dc supply voltage in a range from about 2.5V to about 9.0V, and the cells 22 can provide a dc current with an amperage in a range from about 2.5A to about 20A. Typically, the cells 22 are rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, cells 22 may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The cells 22 may need to be recharged and may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more puffs; for example, the cells 22 may have sufficient capacity to allow aerosol to be continuously generated over a period of about six minutes or over a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the cells 22 may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined amount of suction or activation of discrete susceptors 50.

In some implementations, the susceptor 50 may also be made of grade 420 stainless steel (SS420), as well as iron/nickel containing alloy materials, such as permalloy. In alternative embodiments, susceptor 50 is made of the above susceptor material, or is formed by plating, depositing, etc. a coating of susceptor material onto the outer surface of a heat resistant substrate material such as ceramic. For example, in the embodiment of the susceptor 50 of fig. 5 above, the susceptor 50 is prepared by spraying, depositing, etc., a susceptor-forming coating on the surface of a substrate, such as ceramic, glass, etc., in the form of a tube.

In one embodiment, the induction coil 42 is made of a low resistivity metal or alloy material, such as gold, silver, copper or their alloys. And in some preferred implementations the wire material of the induction coil 42 is made of litz wire or litz cable. In litz material the wires or cables are made of a plurality or bundles of electrically conductive wires, for example individual isolated wires bundled in a twisted or braided manner. Litz materials are particularly suitable for carrying alternating current. The separate wires are designed to reduce surface effects and near field effects losses in the conductor at high frequencies and to allow the interior of the wire material of the induction coil 42 to contribute to the conductivity of the induction coil 42.

In some embodiments, the circuit board 23 may include a controller. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The controller may include other electronic components. The controller may be configured to adjust the power supplied to the induction coil 42, thereby causing the induction coil 42 to generate a varying magnetic field.

In some embodiments, the induction coil 42 generates a varying magnetic field that may be continuously supplied to the susceptor 50 after activation of the device, or may be intermittently supplied, such as on a port-by-port basis. The varying magnetic field is supplied to the susceptor 50 in the form of pulses.

In some embodiments, the power supplied to the induction coil 42 may be triggered by the puff detection system. Alternatively, the power supplied to the induction coil 42 may be triggered by pressing an on/off button for the duration of the user's puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor, and may measure an airflow rate. The airflow rate is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air that a user draws each time through the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device. The airflow sensor may detect the onset of suction when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Initiation may also be detected when the user activates a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of air within the aerosol-generating device that is drawn through the airflow path of the device by the user during inhalation.

And further in a more preferred implementation, to prevent dry-fire when at least one of the inductive assembly 40 and/or the sense assembly 30 is not coupled to the second housing 20, the circuit board 23 is further configured to allow the cell 22 to supply power to the inductive coil 42 only when both of the inductive assembly 40 and/or the sense assembly 30 are coupled to the second housing 20 at the same time.

Specifically, in some implementations, the device can detect whether the sensing assembly 40 and/or the sensing assembly 30 is coupled to the second housing 20 via a sensor, such as a distance sensor, a light sensor, etc.

Or in still other embodiments, the circuit board 23 detects whether the sensing element 40 and/or the sensing element 30 is connected to the second housing 20 by way of an ADC sampling pin provided on the programmable microprocessor. For example, the negative terminals of the circuit design are grounded, and the microprocessor is further programmed to send a high level to one of the first electrical contacts 213 as the positive terminal through the ADC pin, and when the sensing element 40 is connected to the first electrical contact 213 and is turned on, the high level of the positive terminal of the first electrical contact 213 is pulled down to the ground potential through the negative terminal; when the sensing element 40 is not connected to the first electrical contact 213, one of the first electrical contacts 213, which is the positive terminal, is always at a high level sent from the ADC pin; it can be determined whether the sensing assembly 40 is connected to the second housing 20 and is in conductive communication with the first electrical contact 213 based on the change in the level. Similarly, it is also possible to detect whether the sensing assembly 30 is connected to the second housing 20 and is in conduction with the second electrical contact 214 through similar level change.

In some alternative implementations, the induction coil 42 is wound from a conventional wire material having a circular cross-section. Or in yet other variations, the induction coil 42 is wound from a wire material having a rectangular, square, polygonal, etc. cross-section.

Or further fig. 11 shows a schematic view of a susceptor assembly 30a of yet another variant embodiment, in which susceptor assembly 30a comprises:

a bracket 31a having a first portion 310a extending in a length direction and a second portion 320a perpendicular to the length direction; the first portion 310a is a hollow structure and is used for receiving the sensing assembly 40;

a susceptor 50a configured in a tubular shape extending at least partially within the first portion 310 a; and when the sensing assembly 40 is received in the first portion 310a, the susceptor 50a is at least partially within the support 41 of the sensing assembly 40 and is heated by the tubular susceptor 50a around the aerosol-generating article a received in the support 41.

Likewise, susceptor 50a is fixed and held to base or flange 34 a; and the base or flange 34a is secured to the second portion 320a of the bracket 31a by screws or the like.

And, the temperature sensor 51a senses the temperature of the susceptor 50a by being bonded on the inner wall or the outer wall of the susceptor 50 a. The temperature sensor 51a is connected to the second conductive latch 33a through the lead 511a, so that conduction is formed through the contact between the second conductive latch 33a and the second electrical contact 214 after assembly, and the circuit board 23 can acquire the sensing result of the temperature sensor 51a conveniently.

Further figures 12 and 13 show schematic views of an aerosol-generating device of a further embodiment; the aerosol-generating device of this embodiment comprises:

a first case 10b and a second case 20 b; and the first housing 10b is movable relative to the second housing 20b along the length of the aerosol-generating device and has a first position and a second position relative to the second housing 20 b.

In fig. 12, when the first housing 10b is moved to the first position, the first housing 10b surrounds and shields the first component 30b and/or the bracket 31 b. And the first housing 10b is in the first position, preventing the first component 30b and/or the bracket 31b from being removed or detached from the second housing 20 b.

And, when the first housing 10b is moved to the second position in fig. 13, the first housing 10b at least partially avoids the first component 30b and/or the bracket 31b to expose the first component 30b and/or the bracket 31 b. And the first housing 10b in the second position, allows the first component 30b and/or the bracket 31b to be removed or detached from the second housing 20 b.

And, the first housing 10b is closer to the proximal end 110b in the first position than in the second position. And the first housing 10b is substantially clear of the circuit board 23b in the first position; at the same time, the first housing 10b at least partially surrounds the circuit board 23b and/or the second housing 20b in the second position.

It should be noted that the description and drawings of the present application illustrate preferred embodiments of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the present application, and further, those skilled in the art can make modifications or changes according to the above description, and all such modifications and changes should fall within the scope of the claims appended to the present application.

Claims (30)

1. An aerosol-generating device configured to heat an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol; it is characterized by comprising:

a first assembly comprising a first support and a susceptor retained on the first support; a first cavity is arranged in the first support; and

a second component removably received within the first cavity; the second assembly comprises a second bracket and an induction coil; the second holder having a second cavity, at least part of the second cavity defining a chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article; the induction coil surrounds the second bracket and is kept on the second bracket for generating a changing magnetic field; the susceptor is arranged to project at least partially into the second cavity when the second component is received in the first cavity, being penetrated by the varying magnetic field to generate heat to heat the aerosol-generating article.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, further comprising:

a housing having a proximal end and a distal end opposite along a length direction; the shell comprises a first shell and a second shell which are sequentially arranged along the length direction, the first shell is close to the near end, and the second shell is close to the far end; a battery cell for supplying power is arranged in the second shell; and the number of the first and second groups,

the first support is disposed proximate the proximal end;

the first housing is detachably or movably connected to the second housing for selectively shielding or exposing the first bracket when the first bracket is connected to the second housing.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the first housing is arranged to surround the first support to shield the first support when connected to the second housing; and the first housing is arranged to at least partially reveal the first bracket when detached from the second housing.

4. The aerosol-generating device of claim 2, wherein the first bracket is removably coupled to the second housing;

the first housing being arranged to prevent removal of the first bracket from the second housing when connected thereto; and the first housing is arranged to allow the first bracket to be detached from the second housing when the first housing is detached from the second housing.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the first housing is arranged to move relative to the second housing along the length of the outer shell and has a first position and a second position relative to the second housing;

wherein the first housing surrounds the first bracket to shield the first bracket when in the first position; when the first shell is at the second position, the first bracket is at least partially exposed;

or, the first bracket is detachably connected to the second housing; when the first shell is at the first position, the first bracket is prevented from being detached from the second shell; and the first housing is in the second position, allowing the first bracket to be detached from the second housing.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first housing is provided with an opening at the proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol-generating article can be removably received in the chamber.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second housing is provided with a socket, and the first holder extends at least partially into the socket and is connected to the second housing.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second housing is further provided with a first fastening formation thereon; the first bracket has a second fastening structure and prevents rotation of the first bracket relative to the second housing by cooperating with the first fastening structure.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first component further comprises:

a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the susceptor.

10. The aerosol-generating device of claim 9, further comprising:

the circuit board is arranged in the second shell;

two first electrical contacts and two second electrical contacts disposed on the second housing; and the cell provides power to the induction coil through the two first electrical contacts; the circuit board acquires the sensing result of the temperature sensor through the two second electrical contacts.

11. The aerosol-generating device of claim 10, wherein the two first electrical contacts and the two second electrical contacts are arranged sequentially along a radial direction of the second housing.

12. The aerosol-generating device of claim 11, wherein the two second electrical contacts are arranged to be located between the two first electrical contacts.

13. The aerosol-generating device of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second assembly further comprises a first electrically conductive pogo pin electrically connected to the induction coil for powering the induction coil from the electrical core.

14. The aerosol-generating device of claim 13, further comprising:

a first electrical contact disposed on the second housing; when the first bracket is connected to the second shell and the second assembly is received in the first cavity, the first conductive elastic pin is contacted with the first electrical contact so as to be conducted.

15. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 13, wherein the second support is provided with a first ledge, a second ledge and a third ledge extending radially outwardly; the first convex edge, the second convex edge and the third convex edge are sequentially arranged along the length direction;

the induction coil is arranged between the first convex edge and the second convex edge;

the first conductive elastic needle is held on the third convex edge.

16. The aerosol-generating device of claim 15, wherein the second ledge has an escape notch, and the inductive coil is electrically connected to the first conductive pogo pin through the escape notch.

17. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 14, wherein the first holder is provided with a pin ejection aperture; when the first bracket is connected to the second housing and the second component is received in the first cavity, the first conductive pogo pin passes through the pogo pin hole to be in contact with the first electrical contact.

18. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising:

the circuit board is arranged in the second shell;

the first assembly further comprises a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the susceptor, and a second conductive pogo pin electrically connected with the temperature sensor; and the circuit board acquires the sensing result of the temperature sensor through the second conductive elastic pin.

19. The aerosol-generating device of claim 18, further comprising:

a second electrical contact disposed on the second housing;

when the first bracket is connected to the second shell, the second conductive elastic needle is contacted with the second electrical contact to be conducted so that the circuit board can obtain a sensing result of the temperature sensor.

20. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first component further comprises:

a base or flange at least partially surrounding and bonded to the susceptor;

the first support is arranged to retain the susceptor to the first support by retaining the base or flange.

21. The aerosol-generating device of claim 20, wherein the second holder has a partition wall extending inward in a radial direction on an inner wall thereof, thereby dividing the second cavity into a first space and a second space on opposite sides of the partition wall;

the first space is configured as the chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article;

when the second component is received in the first cavity, the base or flange extends at least partially into the second space and abuts the dividing wall.

22. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first support comprises a first portion and a second portion arranged sequentially along the length; wherein;

the first portion is arranged to extend in a length direction and to define the first cavity;

the second portion is arranged perpendicular to the length direction and is arranged to be detachably connected to the second housing.

23. The aerosol-generating device of claim 22, wherein the first bracket is arranged to provide a stop for the second component by the second portion when the second component is received within the first cavity.

24. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 22, wherein the susceptor is retained by the second portion and extends at least partially from the second portion into the first cavity.

25. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 22, wherein the first portion has at least one window disposed thereon;

the second component is exposed at least partially through the window when the second component is received within the first cavity; whereby a user may actuate an exposed portion of the second component through the window to thereby remove the second component from within the first cavity.

26. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 22, wherein the first portion has at least one window disposed thereon; the susceptor is exposed at least partially through the window when the second component is removed from within the first cavity.

27. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

a guide mechanism, said second component being at least partially guided by said guide mechanism during removable receipt or removal from within said first cavity.

28. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 27, wherein the guide mechanism comprises:

the guide groove is positioned on the second bracket;

the guide protruding ridges are arranged on the first support and extend along the length direction of the first support; the guide protruding ridges at least partially extend into the guide grooves and can move relative to the guide grooves along the length direction.

29. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the susceptor is configured as a pin or needle or sheet for insertion into an aerosol-generating article for heating;

alternatively, the susceptor is configured as a tube heated around the aerosol-generating article.

30. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising:

the circuit board is arranged in the second shell; the circuit board is configured to allow the cells to output power to the induction coil only when the first bracket is connected to the second housing and the second assembly is received within the first cavity.

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