JP2023039405A - Guide component, heating module, and aerosol-generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an improved guide component, and a heating module and an aerosol-generating device that have the guide component, for remedying extreme difficulty in inserting an aerosol-generating substrate into a heating pipe when the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating substrate is different from the cross-sectional shape of the heating pipe.SOLUTION: An introduction chamber 110 for introducing an aerosol-generating substrate is formed in a guide component 11. The introduction chamber 110 has a first end 111 and a second end 112 which are arranged opposite each other. The cross-sectional shapes of the first end 111 and the second end 112 are different. The cross-sectional area of the second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first end 111. The introduction chamber 110 extends from the first end 111 to the second end 112 while gradually transitioning. The guide component 11 allows the aerosol-generating substrate to be smoothly introduced into a heating module 1 for heating.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

The present invention relates to the field of atomization, and more particularly to guide members, heating modules and aerosol generators.

A non-combustion/heating atomization device is an aerosol generator that forms an inhalable aerosol by heating an atomization material with a low-temperature non-combustion/heating method. At present, the heating method of the aerosol generator is generally pipe-type peripheral heating or central insertion heating. Of these, pipe-type peripheral heating refers to a heating tube that surrounds the outside of the aerosol-generating substrate. Conventional heating tubes are generally designed as hollow circular tubes, and when an aerosol-generating substrate is inserted, the circle on which the cross-sectional profile of the aerosol-generating substrate lies and the circle on the inner wall of the heating tube come into contact and overlap. or touch each other. Typically, the aerosol-generating substrate must be aligned before being inserted into the heating tube and heated. However, if the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating substrate is different from the cross-sectional shape of the heating tube, it is very difficult to insert the aerosol-generating substrate into the heating tube.

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an improved guide member, a heating module and an aerosol generator having the guide member to overcome the above drawbacks of the prior art.

The technical solutions adopted by the present invention to solve the technical problems are as follows. That is, it constitutes a guide member used in a heating module of an aerosol generator. An introduction chamber is formed in the guide member for introducing an aerosol-generating substrate. The introduction chamber has a first end and a second end located oppositely. The cross-sectional shapes of the first end and the second end are different. The cross-sectional area at the second end of the introduction chamber is smaller than the cross-sectional area at the first end. Further, the introduction chamber continues while gradually changing from the first end to the second end.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area at the second end of the introduction chamber is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating substrate to be introduced.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of said second end of said introduction chamber is non-circular.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the second end of the introduction chamber is polygonal.

In some embodiments, the polygon comprises a regular polygon or a Reuleaux polygon.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the first end of the introduction chamber matches the cross-sectional profile of the aerosol-generating substrate to be introduced.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area at the first end of the introduction chamber is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating substrate to be introduced.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of said first end of said introduction chamber is circular or polygonal.

In some embodiments, an interposition chamber is further formed within the guide member, and the interposition chamber communicates with the second end of the introduction chamber.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the intervening chamber matches the cross-sectional shape of the second end of the introduction chamber.

In some embodiments, an open chamber is further formed within the guide member, and the open chamber communicates with the first end of the introduction chamber.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the open chamber of the introduction chamber matches the cross-sectional contour of the aerosol-generating substrate to be introduced.

In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the open chamber is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the introduction chamber at the first end.

In some embodiments, the guide member is injection molded using a high molecular weight polymer.

The present invention further provides a heating module comprising a heating tube and a guiding member as described in any of the above connected to said heating tube. A heating chamber is formed within the heating tube for containing the aerosol-generating substrate. The heating chamber communicates with the second end of the introduction chamber.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the chamber wall of the heating chamber can press against the aerosol-generating substrate. The cross-sectional contour of the heating chamber has a maximum inscribed circle. When the aerosol-generating substrate is housed in the heating chamber, the diameter of the maximum inscribed circle is smaller than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating substrate before pressing.

In some embodiments, when the aerosol-generating substrate is accommodated in the heating chamber, at least one airflow path is further formed between an outer wall surface of the aerosol-generating substrate and a chamber wall of the heating chamber. be done.

The present invention further provides an aerosol generator comprising a heating module as described above.

Practice of the invention has at least the following beneficial effects. That is, the structural arrangement of the guide member makes it possible to smoothly introduce the aerosol-generating substrate into the heating module and heat it.

The present invention will be further described below in combination with drawings and examples.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the heating module in the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of the heating module shown in FIG. 1 containing an aerosol-generating substrate; FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal section through the heating module shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional profile of the heating chamber in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the heating module in the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal section through the heating module shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional profile of a heating chamber of a heating module according to a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional profile of a heating chamber of a heating module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional profile of a heating chamber of a heating module in a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional profile of a heating chamber of a heating module in a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional profile of a heating chamber of a heating module in a seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 12 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a heating module in an eighth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the heating module in the ninth embodiment of the present invention; 14 is a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of the heating module shown in FIG. 13 containing an aerosol-generating substrate; FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure when an aerosol-generating substrate is accommodated in a heating module according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention; 16 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the heating module shown in FIG. 15; FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the heating module shown in FIG. 15; FIG. FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the conformation of an aerosol-generating substrate inserted into an aerosol-generating device according to some embodiments of the present invention. 19 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device shown in FIG. 18 with an aerosol-generating substrate inserted therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that the technical features, objects and effects of the present invention can be more clearly understood. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention is capable of being embodied in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

In the description of the present invention, "center", "vertical direction", "horizontal direction", "length", "width", "thickness", "top", "bottom", "front" , "Back", "Left", "Right", "Vertical", "Horizontal", "Ceiling", "Bottom", "Inner", "Outer", "Clockwise", "Counterclockwise", " Directions or relationships indicated by terms such as "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., may be based on the orientation or relationship shown or customarily positioned when using the product of the present invention. Orientation or positional relationships are merely for convenience and simplification of description of the invention, and subject devices or members have particular orientations and are configured and operated in particular orientations. It does not express or imply that As such, it should not be construed as limiting the invention.

In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are merely for convenience of description, and should be construed to express or imply relative importance, suggesting the number of specified technical features. should not be interpreted as Thus, where the "first" and "second" features are defined, they may either explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. Also, in the description of the present invention, the term "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically limited.

In the present invention, the terms "attached", "connected", "connected", "fixed", etc. should be interpreted broadly, unless otherwise expressly defined and limited. For example, unless otherwise expressly specified, they may be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally formed. Also, the connection may be mechanical or electrical. In addition, it may be a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, a communication between two members, or an interaction relationship between two members. There may be. Those skilled in the art can interpret the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to specific situations.

In the present invention, unless expressly specified and limited to the contrary, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it means that the first and second features are directly They may be in contact, or the first and second features may be in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In addition, the first feature being "above", "above" and "upper surface" of the second feature means that the first feature may be directly above or obliquely above the second feature, It may simply indicate that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than the second feature. In addition, the phrases that the first feature is "below", "below", and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply It may represent that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

It should be noted that when a member is "fixed" or "mounted" to another member, the member may reside directly on the other member or there may be intervening members. good too. Also, when one member is considered to be "connected" to the other member, it may be directly connected to the other member, or an intervening member may exist at the same time. Also, "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "left", "right" and similar designations used herein are for convenience of description only and are only embodiments. does not represent

1 to 4 show a heating module 1 in a first embodiment of the invention. The heating method of the heating module 1 can be resistance conduction heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared radiation heating, combined heating, or the like. The heating module 1 includes a heating tube 12 . The heating tube 12 has a hollow tubular shape. The inner wall surface of the heating tube 12 defines a heating chamber 120 for containing and heating the aerosol-generating substrate 200 .

The cross-section of heating chamber 120 can be non-circular and polygonal. Such polygons include, but are not limited to, triangles, quadrilaterals, trapezoids, pentagons, and the like. Preferably, the cross section of the heating chamber 120 forms an axisymmetric polygon. Furthermore, the cross section of the heating chamber 120 forms a regular polygon or a Reuleaux polygon. A cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 has a maximum inscribed circle C1. The diameter 2R of the maximum inscribed circle C1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 before pressing. In some embodiments, the diameter of the largest inscribed circle may be 0.2-2.0 mm smaller than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 before pressing. In some embodiments, the diameter 2R of the maximum inscribed circle C1 may be 3-9 mm, for example 4 mm, preferably 5-7 mm. When the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is inserted into the heating chamber 120, at least a portion of the chamber wall of the heating chamber 120 can press the aerosol-generating substrate 200, causing the aerosol-generating substrate 200 to deform radially inward. As can be appreciated, the more sides the cross-sectional profile of the heating chamber 120 has, the closer the cross-sectional profile of the heating chamber 120 is to a circle. In order to effectively achieve a defined pressing force on the aerosol-generating substrate 200, the cross-sectional profile of the heating chamber 120 should not have too many sides. In some embodiments, the number of sides may be 3-7.

The maximum distance L from the center of the maximum inscribed circle C1 to the cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 is larger than the radius R of the maximum inscribed circle C1. In some embodiments, the maximum distance L from the center of the maximum inscribed circle C1 to the cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 may be greater than 2 mm, preferably 3-5 mm. When the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is accommodated in the heating chamber 120 , at least one airflow path 121 is formed between the outer wall surface of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 and the chamber wall of the heating chamber 120 . The at least one airflow path 121 may be extended in the axial direction of the heating chamber 120 to ensure smooth airflow during suction.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the heating tube 12 is an equilateral triangular tube. That is, both the outer contour and the inner contour of the cross section of the heating tube 12 form a substantially equilateral triangle. The cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120, that is, the inner contour line of the cross-sectional surface of the heating tube 12, forms a substantially equilateral triangle with three straight sides C2. A cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 can have a chamfer angle C3 at each connection point of two straight sides C2. A suitable chamfer improves the smoothness of the connection.

The external cross-sectional shape of the heating tube 12 corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the heating chamber 120 . That is, the cross-sectional shape of the outside of the heating tube 12 also forms a substantially equilateral triangle connected in a series of circular arcs. In other embodiments, the external cross-sectional shape of heating tube 12 may differ from the cross-sectional shape of heating chamber 120 . For example, the cross-sectional shape of the exterior of the heating tube 12 may be other shapes such as circular.

As the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is inserted into the heating tube 12 , it is forced radially inwardly by the heating tube 12 into a triangular shape similar to the cross-sectional shape of the heating chamber 120 . FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a substantially cylindrical aerosol-generating substrate 200 housed within the heating tube 12 . The dashed line indicates the outline of the cross-section before the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is pressed. After the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is pressed and deformed, the distance from the radial surface to the center decreases, thereby shortening the heat transfer distance. Also, the pressing expels the air inside the atomization matrix 220 of the aerosol-generating matrix 200 and increases the density of the atomization matrix 220 . As a result, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved, and the problems of the large temperature difference between the surface and the center of the aerosol-generating substrate 200, the low heat transfer efficiency, and the long preheating time are improved. be done.

When the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is accommodated in the heating tube 12 , three airflow paths 121 may be formed between the outer wall surface of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 and the chamber wall of the heating chamber 120 . The three airflow paths 121 are positioned at each connection point of two sides of the heating chamber 120 .

As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the heating module 1 performs heating by pure resistive conduction heating. The heating module 1 further includes a heating element 123 installed on the surface of the heating tube 12 and capable of generating heat after being energized. The heating element 123 can be a heating film, a heating wire, a heating sheet or a heating mesh. Specifically, in this embodiment, the heating element 123 is a resistive heating film, which can be installed on the outer surface of the heating tube 12 . The heating element 123 generates heat after being energized, and transfers the generated heat from the outer surface of the heating tube 12 to the aerosol-generating substrate 200 housed within the heating tube 12, thereby heating the aerosol-generating substrate 200.

The heating tube 12 may be manufactured using a metallic or non-metallic material with high thermal conductivity. This favors the rapid transfer of heat, and the rapid heating results in good uniformity of the temperature field of the heating tube 12 . Such high thermal conductivity metal materials may include stainless steel, aluminum or aluminum alloys. The high thermal conductivity non-metallic materials may also include ceramics such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, and the like.

A heat spreader film 122 may be further installed on the inner surface of the heating tube 12 . The heat soaking film 122 is provided around the inner surface of the heating tube 12 and at least partially in the length direction (axial direction) of the heating tube 12 . The heat spreader film 122 can be manufactured using a highly thermally conductive material such as copper or silver to provide a uniform temperature field on the inner surface of the heating tube 12 to achieve uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate 200. used for In some embodiments, the heat spreader film 122 may be placed in correspondence with the hot region of the heating element 123 and may be placed in correspondence with the atomization substrate 220 of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 . Specifically, the heat spreader film 122 , the high temperature region of the heating element 123 and the atomization substrate 220 overlap or at least partially overlap in the longitudinal direction of the heating tube 12 . Generally, the high-temperature region of the heating element 123 is a region in which the distribution of heating trajectories is relatively dense. This area generates a lot of heat after the heating element 123 is energized, and the temperature rises. By installing the heat-dissipating film 122 corresponding to the high-temperature region of the heating element 123 and the atomization substrate 220, the heat of the high-temperature region of the heat-generating body 123 is quickly transferred to the heat-dissipating film 122, and the heat-dissipating film 122 is evenly distributed. can be distributed over This provides uniform heating to the atomized substrate 220 . As can be appreciated, the heat spreader film 122 may be applied to the outer surface of the heating tube 12 in other embodiments. For example, the heat spreader film 122 may be placed between the resistive heating film and the outer surface of the heating tube 12 .

5-6 show a heating module 1 in a second embodiment of the invention. The main differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are as follows. The heating module 1 in this embodiment further comprises a guide member 11 positioned above the heating tube 12 for introducing the aerosol-generating substrate 200, and a bottom portion of the heating tube 12 sealed to pivot the aerosol-generating substrate 200. It includes support walls 13 for directional support and positioning. The guide member 11, the heating tube 12, and the support wall 13 may be integrally molded, or may be individually molded and assembled.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the support wall 13 seals the lower end opening of the heating tube 12 and can be molded integrally with the heating tube 12 . The inner wall of the heating tube 12 and/or the upper wall of the support wall 13 may be further provided with at least one positioning boss 14 for positioning the aerosol-generating substrate 200 . The at least one position regulating boss 14 and the heating tube 12 and/or the support wall 13 may be integrally molded, or may be individually molded and assembled by welding or the like. In this embodiment, one position control boss 14 is provided. The one position regulating boss 14 can be formed by bending upward integrally from the support wall 13 and can overlap the central axis of the support wall 13 . The ceiling surface of the position control boss 14 is flat, and the lower end surface of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 contacts the at least one position control boss 14 to achieve support and positioning. Other embodiments may have two or more position control bosses 14 . The two or more position regulating bosses 14 can be distributed along the periphery of the support wall 13 and can be installed at uniform intervals along the circumferential direction of the support wall 13 .

The guide member 11 has a tubular shape with a hollow interior. The inner wall surface of the guide member 11 defines an introduction chamber 110 for introducing the aerosol-generating substrate 200 . The introduction chamber 110 has a first end 111 spaced from the heating tube 12 and a second end 112 close to the heating tube 12 . The introduction chamber 110 has a cross-section A and a cross-section B at a first end 111 and a second end 112, respectively, and the cross-section area of the cross-section B is smaller than the cross-section area of the cross-section A. The cross-sectional area of the cross-section A is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 before pressing. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of said cross-section A is greater than the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 prior to pressing. This is advantageous for smoothly introducing the aerosol-generating substrate 200 into the heating module 1 . The cross-sectional shape of the cross-section A may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 before pressing. In this embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is cylindrical and the cross-sectional shape of the cross-section A is circular. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of cross-section A may differ from the cross-sectional shape of aerosol-generating substrate 200 . For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cross-section A may be non-circular including polygonal such as triangular, quadrangular, and trapezoidal.

The cross-sectional shape of the cross section B matches the cross-sectional shape of the heating chamber 120 and differs from the cross-sectional shape of the cross section A. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the cross-section B is a substantially equilateral triangle that is connected by arcs. In this embodiment, the second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 is connected to the upper end of the heating chamber 120 . The cross-sectional size of the second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 matches the cross-sectional size of the heating chamber 120 . In other embodiments, the cross-sectional size of second end 112 of introduction chamber 110 may be smaller than the cross-sectional size of heating chamber 120 . The introduction chamber 110 extends smoothly and gradually from the first end 111 to the second end 112 . That is, the cross section of the introduction chamber 110 gradually changes from a circular shape at the first end 111 to an equilateral triangle that matches the cross section of the heating tube 12 and is connected to the heating tube 12 . The aerosol-generating substrate 200 can be smoothly inserted into the heating tube 12 by the guiding function of the guiding member 11 . At the same time, it is pressed radially inward by the heating tube 12 and assumes a triangular shape similar to the cross-sectional shape of the heating chamber 120 .

The cross-sectional shape of the outside of the guide member 11 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the introduction chamber 110 . Specifically, in this embodiment, the outer cross-sectional shape of the guide member 11 gradually changes from a circular shape at the top to an equilateral triangle at the bottom. In other embodiments, the external cross-sectional shape of the guide member 11 may differ from the cross-sectional shape of the introduction chamber 110 .

In addition, the heating module 1 in this embodiment can adopt a heating method by combined heating of resistive conduction and infrared radiation. The heating module 1 further includes an infrared radiation heating film 125 installed on the surface of the heating tube 12 . Also, the heating element 123 can be installed on the outer surface of the heating tube 12 . In addition, two electrode lead wires 124 may be welded to the outer surface of the bottom portion of the heating tube 12, respectively, and electrically connected to the heating element 123 by welding. The infrared radiation heating film 125 can be installed on the inner surface of the heating tube 12 . Also, the heating tube 12 can be manufactured using a metallic or non-metallic material with high thermal conductivity, and the rapid heating results in good uniformity of the temperature field of the heating tube 12 . The high thermal conductivity metal material may include stainless steel, aluminum, or aluminum alloys. The high thermal conductivity non-metallic material may also include ceramics such as aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, and the like. In other embodiments, the infrared radiation heating film 125 may be placed on the outer surface of the heating tube 12 . In this case, the heating tube 12 may be manufactured using a material such as quartz having a high infrared transmittance.

In other embodiments, the heating module 1 may adopt a heating method that only uses infrared radiation heating. That is, only the infrared radiation heating film 125 is installed on the surface of the heating tube 12, and the heating element 123 is not installed. The infrared radiation heating film 125 can be installed on the inner surface of the heating tube 12 . In this case, the heating tube 12 may be manufactured using a metal or non-metal material with high temperature resistance and low thermal conductivity. Alternatively, the infrared radiation heating film 125 may be installed on the outer surface of the heating tube 12 . In this case, the heating tube 12 may be manufactured using a material such as quartz having low thermal conductivity and high infrared transmittance.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 in the third embodiment of the invention. The main differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are as follows. The cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 in this embodiment forms an equilateral triangle, and two straight sides are directly connected to each other. That is, no chamfering is performed at each joint of two straight sides.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 in the fourth embodiment of the invention. The main differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are as follows. The cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 in this embodiment forms a square, and two adjacent sides are directly connected to each other.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 in the fifth embodiment of the invention. The main differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are as follows. The cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 in this embodiment forms a square, and two adjacent sides are connected to each other by arcs.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 in the sixth embodiment of the invention. The main differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are as follows. The cross-sectional outline C of the heating chamber 120 in this embodiment forms a regular hexagon, and two adjacent sides are directly connected to each other.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional contour line C of the heating chamber 120 in the seventh embodiment of the invention. The main differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment are as follows. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional profile C of the heating chamber 120 is a Reuleaux polygon having an odd number of arcuate sides. The odd number of arcuate surfaces of the heating chamber 120 provides a larger contact area with the aerosol-generating substrate 200 . Specifically, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional contour line C forms a Reuleaux triangle. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional profile C may be a Reuleaux pentagon, a heptagon, or the like.

FIG. 12 shows a heating module 1 in an eighth embodiment of the invention. The main differences between this embodiment and the second embodiment are as follows. In this embodiment, an introduction chamber 110 and an intermediate chamber 113 communicating with the introduction chamber 110 in the axial direction are formed in the guide member 11 . The introduction chamber 110 has a second end 112 close to the heating tube 12 and a first end 111 spaced from the heating tube 12 . The introduction chamber 110 has a cross-section A and a cross-section B at a first end 111 and a second end 112, respectively, and the cross-section area of the cross-section A is larger than the cross-section area of the cross-section B. The cross-sectional shape of the cross-section B of the introduction chamber 110 matches the cross-sectional shape of the heating chamber 120 . Moreover, the cross-sectional area of the cross section B is equal to or less than the cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 120 .

The upper end of the intermediate chamber 113 communicates with the second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 . The cross-sectional shape and size of the upper end of the intervening chamber 113 need only match the cross-sectional shape and size of the second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 . Also, the lower end of the intermediate chamber 113 communicates with the upper end of the heating chamber 120 . The cross-sectional shape and size of the lower end of the intervening chamber 113 need only match the cross-sectional shape and size of the upper end of the heating chamber 120 .

13-14 show a heating module 1 in a ninth embodiment of the invention. The main differences between this embodiment and the second embodiment are as follows. In this embodiment, the cross section of the heating chamber 120 is track-shaped. The diameter of the maximum inscribed circle in the cross section of the track shape matches the length of the minor axis in the cross section of the track shape. When the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is accommodated in the heating chamber 120 , two airflow paths 121 can be formed between the outer wall surface of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 and the chamber wall of the heating chamber 120 . The two airflow paths 121 are located on both sides of the long axis of the heating chamber 120, respectively. As can be appreciated, in other embodiments, the cross-section of the heating chamber 120 may be other non-circular, preferably axisymmetric non-circular.

Accordingly, the cross-sectional shape of the second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 communicating with the heating chamber 120 is track-shaped to match the cross-sectional shape of the heating chamber 120 . Moreover, the cross-sectional size of the second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 matches the cross-sectional size of the heating chamber 120 . The cross-sectional shape of the first end 111 of the introduction chamber 110 can be circular. The cross-sectional shape of the introduction chamber 110 gradually changes from circular at the first end 111 to track-shaped at the second end 112 .

In addition, in this embodiment, the heating module 1 may also have some through-holes 10 communicating with the heating chamber 120 . The through hole 10 may be opened at any position of the heating module 1 as required. For example, the through-hole 10 may be opened in the guide member 11 and/or the side wall of the heating tube 12, and/or the through-hole 10 may be opened in the support wall 13 and/or the position regulating boss 14. may The shape, size and number of through-holes 10 are not limited.

15-17 show a heating module 1 in a tenth embodiment of the invention. The heating module 1 includes a heating tube 12, a guide member 11 installed at the top of the heating tube 12, a support wall 13 installed at the bottom of the heating tube 12, and an outer tube 16 covering the outside of the heating tube 12. can include The guide member 11, the heating tube 12, the support wall 13, and the outer tube 16 are individually molded and assembled.

Specifically, the heating tube 12 is an equilateral triangular tube. The axial length of the heating tube 12 may be 25 to 31 mm. The inner wall surface of heating tube 12 defines a heating chamber 120 for containing and heating aerosol-generating substrate 200 . The cross section of the heating chamber 120 is an equilateral triangle, and the three sides of the triangle are connected by arcs. The cross-sectional profile of heating chamber 120 has a maximum inscribed circle. The diameter of the maximum inscribed circle is smaller than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 before pressing. When the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is inserted into the heating chamber 120, at least a portion of the chamber wall of the heating chamber 120 can press the aerosol-generating substrate 200, causing the aerosol-generating substrate 200 to deform radially inward.

The heating tube 12 may be manufactured using a highly thermally conductive metallic or non-metallic material. A heat generating member 17 can be installed on the outer wall surface of the heating pipe 12 . The heating member 17 includes a heating element and/or a circuit board. In this embodiment, the heat generating member 17 includes a flexible circuit board and a thick film heating element installed on the flexible circuit board. In other embodiments, the heating member 17 may only include a heating element or a circuit board. The heating element can be a heating film, a heating sheet, a heating wire, or the like. The circuit board may be a flexible circuit board or a rigid circuit board.

The guide member 11 can be injection molded using, for example, a high temperature resistant polymer such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), high temperature nylon, or the like. The guide member 11 may include a body portion 115 , an end wall 116 extending outwardly from an outer wall surface of the body portion 115 , and an annular wall 117 extending downwardly from the end wall 116 . The inner wall surface of the body portion 115 defines the opening chamber 114 and the introduction chamber 110 . The cross-sectional shape of the open chamber 114 may match the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 before pressing. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the open chamber 114 is circular. The cross-sectional area of the open chamber 114 may be greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 before pressing. The introduction chamber 110 has a first end 111 spaced from the heating tube 12 and a second end 112 close to the heating tube 12 . A first end 111 of the introduction chamber 110 communicates with a lower end of the opening chamber 114 . The cross-sectional shape of the first end 111 of the introduction chamber 110 only needs to match the cross-sectional shape of the opening chamber 114 . The cross-sectional area of the introduction chamber 110 at the first end 111 may be less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the opening chamber 114 .

The cross-sectional area at the second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 is smaller than the cross-sectional area at the first end 111 . A second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 communicates with the upper end of the heating chamber 120 . The cross-sectional shape and area of the second end 112 of the introduction chamber 110 match the cross-sectional shape and area of the heating chamber 120 . The introduction chamber 110 may extend from the first end 111 to the second end 112 while changing gradually. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the introduction chamber 110 gradually changes from a circle at the first end 111 to an equilateral triangle at the second end 112 . The cross-sectional shape of the exterior of main body portion 115 only needs to match the cross-sectional shape of introduction chamber 110 .

The end wall 116 can be formed by extending radially outward from the connecting portion between the first end 111 and the lower end of the open chamber 114 in the body portion 115 . The ring wall 117 can be tightly fitted into the upper end opening of the outer tube 16 . The ring wall 117 can be formed by extending vertically downward from the perimeter of the end wall 116 . The cross section of the ring wall 117 may be circular. Between the inner wall surface of ring wall 117 and the outer wall surface of body portion 115, an annular housing space for housing first heat insulating material 155 is formed.

The support wall 13 can be fitted into the lower end opening of the heating tube 12 . The support wall 13 can be manufactured using a metallic or non-metallic material with high thermal conductivity. In addition, the central portion of the support wall 13 is bent upward to form a position regulation boss 14, and the lower end surface of the aerosol generating substrate 200 abuts on the position regulation boss 14, thereby realizing support and positioning. .

The outer tube 16 may have a circular tubular shape. Also, metals with high thermal conductivity, including stainless steel, copper alloys, aluminum alloys, etc., can be used, preferably 430 stainless steel, copper, or copper alloys. Alternatively, the outer tube 16 may be manufactured using non-metallic materials such as high thermal conductivity ceramics including aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, and the like. If the outer tube 16 is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, it is advantageous for uniform heat generation of the heating module 1 .

In addition, the heating module 1 in this embodiment may further include an insulation module 15 installed between the outer tube 16 and the heating tube 12 . The heat insulation module 15 may include a first heat insulation layer 151 , a second heat insulation layer 152 , a third heat insulation layer 153 , and a heat dissipation layer 154 that are sequentially coated on the outside of the heating tube 12 . The material of the first insulating layer 151, the third insulating layer 153 can be any combination of one or several of aerogel, asbestos, fiberglass, polyetheretherketone, imide, polyetherimide or ceramics. , preferably an aerogel. The material of the heat dissipation layer 154 can be a graphite sheet or a graphene sheet.

The second insulating layer 152 can be a vacuum tube. The thermal insulation module 15 may further include a first thermal insulator 155 and a second thermal insulator 156 respectively installed at both axial ends of the vacuum tube. The first insulating material 155 and the second insulating material 156 can be made using a low thermal conductivity material, preferably an elastic material with low thermal conductivity, such as silicone. The first heat insulating material 155 and the second heat insulating material 156 cover the high temperature regions at both ends of the vacuum tube, respectively, to achieve heat insulation, heat retention and sealing functions. As can be appreciated, in other embodiments, the insulation module 15 comprises only one or some of the first insulation layer 151, the second insulation layer 152, the third insulation layer 153, and the heat dissipation layer 154. may Also, the relative positional relationship among the first heat insulating layer 151, the second heat insulating layer 152, the third heat insulating layer 153, and the heat dissipation layer 154 may be adjusted as necessary. For example, a heat dissipation layer 154 may be placed between the first heat insulation layer 151 and the second heat insulation layer 152 .

In this embodiment, the heating module 1 may further include a base 18 fitted to the bottom of the outer tube 16 . The base 18 can be manufactured using a high temperature resistant material such as PEEK and can be tightly fitted between the inner wall surface of the outer tube 16 and the outer wall surface of the second insulation 156 .

Also, the heating module 1 may further include a temperature sensing member 19 . The temperature detection member 19 can be installed on the bottom of the support wall 13, and can detect the temperature of the bottom of the aerosol-generating substrate 200, and can also detect the number of suctions from changes in temperature. The temperature sensing member 19 can be a thermistor with a negative temperature coefficient and can be sandwiched between the support wall 13 and the second insulation 156 .

Figures 18-19 illustrate an aerosol generating device 100 according to some embodiments of the invention. The aerosol generator 100 may have a substantially rectangular columnar shape, and may include a housing 2 , a heating module 1 installed in the housing 2 , a motherboard 3 and a battery 4 . The heating module 1 can adopt the structure of the heating module in any of the above embodiments. As can be appreciated, in other embodiments, the aerosol generator 100 is not limited to a rectangular columnar shape, but may have other shapes such as a square columnar shape, a cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, and the like.

The upper part of the housing 2 is provided with an insertion opening 20 into which an aerosol-generating substrate 200 is inserted. The cross-sectional shape and size of the inlet 20 matches the cross-sectional shape and size of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 . The aerosol-generating substrate 200 can be inserted into the heating module 1 through the insertion port 20 and come into contact with the inner wall surface of the heating module 1 . The heating module 1 can transfer the heat to the aerosol-generating substrate 200 after generating heat by energization, thereby realizing the drying and heating of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 . Motherboard 3 is electrically connected to battery 4 and heating module 1 respectively. A related control circuit is located on the motherboard 3 , and a switch 5 installed on the housing 2 can control on/off between the battery 4 and the heating module 1 . A dustproof cover 6 for covering or exposing the insertion port 20 can be further installed on the upper part of the housing 2 . When it is not necessary to use the aerosol generator 100 , dust can be prevented from entering the insertion opening 20 by pushing the dustproof cover 6 to cover the insertion opening 20 . Also, when it is necessary to use the aerosol generating substrate 200, the dustproof cover 6 is pushed to expose the insertion opening 20 so that the aerosol generating substrate 200 can be inserted through the insertion opening 20.

The aerosol-generating substrate 200 may include an outer wrapping layer 210 and an atomizing substrate 220 positioned at the bottom within the outer wrapping layer 210 . The outer wrapping layer 210 can be outer wrapping paper. The atomized substrate 220 can be a material for medical or curative purposes, for example, plant-based material such as solid sheets or filaments of plant roots, stems, and leaves. The aerosol generator 100 dries and heats the aerosol-generating substrate 200 inserted thereinto at a low temperature to release the aerosol extract in the atomization substrate 220 in a non-burning state. Further, the aerosol-generating substrate 200 may include a hollow support section 230 , a cooling section 240 and a filtration section 250 positioned within the outer envelope layer 210 and longitudinally in turn above the atomizing substrate 220 . The cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating substrate 200 is also not limited to circular, but may be other shapes such as elliptical, square, and polygonal.

As can be understood, each of the above technical features can be used in any combination without limitation.

Although the above examples merely illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and are described in relative specificity and detail, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be pointed out that a person skilled in the art can freely combine the above technical characteristics and make some modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. are within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, equivalent modifications and additions made in the claims of the present invention are all within the scope covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims (18)

A guide member for use in a heating module of an aerosol generator, comprising:
An introduction chamber (110) for introducing an aerosol-generating substrate (200) is formed in the guide member (11), and the introduction chamber (110) has a first end (111 ) and a second end (112), the cross-sectional shape of said first end (111) and said second end (112) being different, said second end (112) of said introduction chamber (110) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of said first end (111), and said introduction chamber (110) gradually extends from said first end (111) to said second end (112) A guide member characterized by being connected while changing. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the introduction chamber (110) has a cross-sectional area at the second end (112) less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating substrate (200) to be introduced. guide member. A guide member according to claim 1, characterized in that said second end (112) of said introduction chamber (110) has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. A guide member according to claim 1, characterized in that said second end (112) of said introduction chamber (110) has a polygonal cross-sectional shape. 5. The guide member according to claim 4, wherein the polygon includes a regular polygon or a Reuleaux polygon. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the first end (111) of the introduction chamber (110) corresponds to the cross-sectional profile of the aerosol-generating substrate (200) to be introduced. guide member. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the introduction chamber (110) has a cross-sectional area at the first end (111) equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating substrate (200) to be introduced. guide member. Guide member according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the first end (111) of the introduction chamber (110) is circular or polygonal. An intermediate chamber (113) is further formed in the guide member (11), and the intermediate chamber (113) communicates with the second end (112) of the introduction chamber (110). The guide member according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. Guide member according to claim 9, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the intervening chamber (113) corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the second end (112) of the introduction chamber (110). An opening chamber (114) is further formed in the guide member (11), and the opening chamber (114) communicates with the first end (111) of the introduction chamber (110). The guide member according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 12. Guiding member according to claim 11, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the open chamber (114) corresponds to the cross-sectional contour of the aerosol-generating substrate (200) to be introduced. 12. A guide member according to claim 11, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of said open chamber (114) is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of said introduction chamber (110) at said first end (111). Guide member according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide member (11) is injection molded from a high molecular weight polymer. A heating tube (12) and a guide member (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 connected to said heating tube (12), said heating tube (12) containing said aerosol A heating chamber (120) is formed for containing a generating substrate (200), said heating chamber (120) being in communication with said second end (112) of said introduction chamber (110). and heating module. At least a part of the chamber wall of the heating chamber (120) can press the aerosol-generating substrate (200), the cross-sectional profile of the heating chamber (120) has a maximum inscribed circle, and the heating chamber ( 120) containing the aerosol-generating substrate (200), the diameter of the maximum inscribed circle is smaller than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating substrate (200) before pressing. 16. Heating module according to 15. In a state in which the aerosol-generating substrate (200) is accommodated in the heating chamber (120), at least one heating chamber (120) is provided between the outer wall surface of the aerosol-generating substrate (200) and the chamber wall of the heating chamber (120). 16. Heating module according to claim 15, characterized in that an air flow path (121) is further formed. An aerosol generator comprising a heating module according to any one of claims 15-17.

Images