AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Abstract

 An aerosol generating device (1), comprising a microwave resonator (10). The microwave resonator (10) comprises an outer conductor unit (11) for defining a resonant cavity (13) and an inner conductor unit (12) provided in the outer conductor unit (11); the outer conductor unit (11) has an open end (110) and a closed end (112), one end of the inner conductor unit (12) is connected to the closed end (112) of the outer conductor unit (11), and the other end extends toward the open end (110) of the outer conductor unit (11); the inner conductor unit (12) comprises a conductor column (121); the conductor column (121) comprises a fixed end connected to the closed end (112) of the outer conductor unit (11) and a free end extending toward the open end (110) of the outer conductor unit (11); the inner conductor unit (12) further comprises a first conductor disc (123) in ohmic contact with the conductor column (121) ; the first conductor disc (123) is provided at the free end; the height of the resonant cavity (13) can be effectively reduced.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electronic atomization, and more particularly, relates to an aerosol generation device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A Heat Not Burning (HNB) device is a combination device of a heating device and an aerosol generation substrate (a product of processed plant leaves). The external heating device heats the aerosol generation substrate to a high temperature that can generate an aerosol but is not sufficient to cause burning, so that, without being caused to burn, the aerosol generation substrate generates an aerosol desired by a user.

[0003] Microwave heating devices are currently used as equipment for heating aerosol generation substrates in the market. The microwaves are generally fed in from one end and then resonate in a resonator. For coaxial microwave heating cavities in related technologies, due to the limitation of the λ/4 wavelength principle, the height of the cavities is generally greater than 30 mm. How to reduce the height of the cavity is a technical problem that is desired to be overcome in the related art.

[0004] Currently, microwave heating cavities are designed mainly based on λ/4 coaxial resonant cavity. In related technologies, the height of the coaxial resonant cavity is reduced by incorporating high-dielectric materials into the cavity. However, in this kind of technical solutions, the dielectric loss (less than 0.001) of the selected high-dielectric material is small, but its location is generally in a strong field area. Therefore, when microwaves heat the substance of plant leaves, the high-dielectric material will also inevitably be heated, which causes some problems. On the one hand, the energy entering the cavity is absorbed by the high-dielectric material, which leads to a reduction in the energy available for heating the aerosol generation substrate and a decrease in the heating rate of the aerosol generation substrate. On the other hand, the high-dielectric material exhibits a significant temperature rise, and its contact with the cavity will cause a significant temperature increase in the cavity,thereby leading to heat dissipation issues.

SUMMARY

[0005] The technical issue to be solved by the invention is to provide an improved aerosol generation device, addressing the shortcomings of the related technology..

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to address the technical issues is as follows: the invention constructs an aerosol generation device, including a microwave resonator; the microwave resonator includes an outer conductor unit for defining a resonant cavity and an inner conductor unit arranged in the outer conductor unit, the outer conductor unit has an open end and a closed end, one end of the inner conductor unit is connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit, while the other end extends toward the open end of the outer conductor unit;

the inner conductor unit includes a conductor post which includes a fixed end connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit and a free end extends toward the open end of the outer conductor unit;

the inner conductor unit further comprises a first conductor plate in ohmic contact with the conductor post; the first conductor plate is provided at the free end.

[0007] Preferably, the first conductor plate is fixed to the end wall of the free end.

[0008] Preferably, the first conductor plate and the conductor post are integrally formed.

[0009] Preferably, the first conductor plate and the conductor post are coaxial.

[0010] Preferably, the first conductor plate and the conductor post are made of metal materials.
or, the surface of the first conductor plate is provided with a third electrically conductive layer, and the surface of the conductor post is provided with a second electrically conductive layer.

[0011] Preferably, the inner conductor unit further comprises at least one second conductor plate that is annular in shape, the at least one second conductor plate coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor post and is in ohmic contact with the conductor post.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one second conductor plate is arranged below the first conductor plate with intervals along the axial direction of the conductor post.

[0013] Preferably, the first conductor plate is disc-shaped.

[0014] Preferably, the diameter of the first conductor plate is larger than the diameter of the conductor post.

[0015] Preferably, the inner conductor unit further comprises an electrically conductive probe device which is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate.

[0016] Preferably, the inner conductor unit further includes a through channel that axially penetrates the conductor post and the first conductor plate; an end of the probe device adjacent to the first conductor plate is inserted into the through channel, and is in ohmic contact with the conductor post and the first conductor plate.

[0017] Preferably, the probe device comprises an electrically conductive and elongated hollow probe and a temperature measuring component located in the hollow probe;
an end of the hollow probe adjacent to the first conductor plate is inserted into the first conductor plate and the conductor post in sequence, and the outer wall surface of the hollow probe is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate and/or the conductor post.

[0018] Preferably, the shape of the end of the hollow probe away from the conductor post includes a plane shape, a spherical shape, an ellipsoid shape, a conical shape or a truncated cone shape.

[0019] Preferably, the hollow probe includes an electrically conductive second side wall and an electrically conductive second end wall;
an end of the second side wall away from the first conductor plate extends toward the second end wall to be connected with the second end wall.

[0020] Preferably, the maximum diameter of the end of the second side wall away from the first conductor plate is larger than the diameter of the second end wall.

[0021] Preferably, an end of the second side wall away from the first conductor plate is smoothly connected to the second end wall.

[0022] Preferably, the hollow probe further includes a hollow channel extending along its axial direction, and the temperature measuring component is received in the in the hollow channel.

[0023] Preferably, the microwave resonator is a quarter wavelength type coaxial resonator.

[0024] Preferably, the aerosol generation device further includes an accommodating base for holding the aerosol generation substrate; the accommodating base includes an accommodating portion disposed in the resonant cavity for receiving the aerosol generation substrate.
the bottom of the accommodating portion meets the top of the first conductor plate.

[0025] The present invention further constructs an aerosol generation device, including a quarter wavelength type coaxial resonator; the coaxial resonator includes a resonant cavity and an inner conductor unit disposed in the resonant cavity;

the inner conductor unit includes a conductor post close to the short-circuit end of the coaxial resonator;

the inner conductor unit further includes a first conductor plate in ohmic contact with the conductor post; the first conductor plate is provided at the top of the conductor post.

[0026] Preferably, the first conductor plate is disc-shaped and coaxially fixed on the top of the conductor post.

[0027] Preferably, the first conductor plate and the conductor post are integrally formed.

[0028] Preferably, the outer diameter of the first conductor plate is larger than the diameter of the conductor post.

[0029] Preferably, the aerosol generation device further includes an accommodating base mounted in the open end of the coaxial resonator;

the accommodating base includes an accommodating portion for receiving the aerosol generation substrate, and the accommodating portion is disposed in the resonant cavity of the coaxial resonator;

the inner conductor unit further includes a probe device adjacent to the open end, the probe device includes an electrically conductive hollow probe in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate, and an end of the hollow probe extends into the accommodating portion to act on the aerosol generation substrate.

[0030] Preferably, an end of the hollow probe away from the conductor post extends into the accommodating portion; the other end of the hollow probe close to the conductor post is inserted into the first conductor plate and the conductor post, and the outer wall surface of the hollow probe is connection to the first conductor plate and the conductor post.

[0031] Preferably, the shape of the end of the hollow probe away from the conductor post includes a plane shape, a spherical shape, an ellipsoid shape, a conical shape or a truncated cone shape.

[0032] Preferably, the inner conductor unit further includes at least one second conductor plate that is annular in shape, the at least one second conductor plate coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor post and is in ohmic contact with the conductor post.

[0033] Preferably, the at least one second conductor plate is arranged below the first conductor plate with intervals along the axial direction of the conductor post.

[0034] The aerosol generation device implemented by the present invention has the following beneficial effects: by adding a first conductor plate structure at the top of the inner conductor unit within the resonant cavity, the height of the resonant cavity can be effectively reduced. Avoiding the side effects brought about by related technology, such as the reduction of energy for heating the aerosol generation substrate, the decrease in the heating speed of the aerosol generation substrate, and heat dissipation issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention will be further described below in conjunction with accompanying drawings and embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation substrate according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the aerosol generation device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation device in an exploded state shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a probe device in the aerosol generation device of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an aerosol generation device according to further another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a resonance frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device of the present invention without a first conductor plate;

FIG. 10 is a resonance frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device of the present invention in which a first conductor plate is provided;

FIG. 11 is a resonant frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device of the present invention in which the diameter of the first conductor plate is defined to be 10 mm, and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit is defined to be 10.6 mm;

FIG. 12 is a resonant frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device of the present invention in which the diameter of the first conductor plate is defined to be 8 mm and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit is defined to be 10.6 mm;

FIG. 13 is a resonant frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device of the present invention in which the diameter of the first conductor plate is defined to be 10.4mm, and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit is defined to be 10.6mm;

FIG. 14 is a microwave field distribution diagram of a hollow probe with a flat-top structure in the aerosol generation device of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a microwave field distribution diagram of a hollow probe with a truncated cone-shaped top in the aerosol generation device of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] For facilitating understanding of the technical features, purposes and effects of the invention, a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided.

[0037] FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 illustrate an aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The aerosol generation device 1 can use microwaves to heat an aerosol generation substrate 40, thereby atomizing it to generate aerosol for the user to inhale. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation substrate 40 is a solid aerosol generation substrate, such as processed plant leaf products. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the aerosol generation substrate 40 may also be a liquid aerosol generation substrate.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the aerosol generation device 1 may include a microwave resonator 10, an accommodating base 20 and a microwave feed-in device 30. In some embodiments, the microwave resonator 10 may be cylindrical, and it may include a resonant cavity 13 in which microwaves continuously oscillate. The accommodating base 20 is used to hold the aerosol generation substrate 40 and is fixedly or detachably mounted on the microwave resonator 10, allowing the aerosol generation substrate 40 to be exposed to the microwave field within the resonant cavity 13 and to be atomized by microwave heating. The microwave feed-in device 30 is connected to the microwave resonator 10 and is used to feed the microwave generated by a microwave generating device (not shown) into the resonant cavity 13. It can be understood that the microwave resonator 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may also be of other shapes such as a square column, an elliptical column.

[0039] In some embodiments, the microwave resonator 10 may be a quarter wavelength type coaxial resonator which may include a barrel-like outer conductor unit 11 for electromagnetic shielding, an inner conductor unit 12 disposed in the outer conductor unit 11 and a medium (for example, air) located between the outer wall surface of the inner conductor unit 12 and the inner wall surface of the outer conductor unit 11. The outer conductor unit 11 and the inner conductor unit 12 cooperatively define the aforementioned resonant cavity 13.

[0040] The first end of the inner conductor unit 12 is in ohmic contact with the first end wall 112 of the outer conductor unit 11, thereby forming a short-circuit end A of the microwave resonator 10. The second end of the inner conductor unit 12 extends toward the first opening 110 of the outer conductor unit 11 and is not in direct ohmic contact with the outer conductor unit 11, thereby forming an open end B of the microwave resonator 10. The accommodating base 20 is installed (for example, detachably or non-detachably embedded) in the open end B of the microwave resonator 10 and is connected to the second end of the inner conductor unit 12. In some embodiments, the axis of the inner conductor unit 12 and the axis of the outer conductor unit 11 coincide with or are parallel to each other. Preferably, the two axes coincide with each other.

[0041] In some embodiments, the outer conductor unit 11 may include an electrically conductive first side wall 111, an electrically conductive first end wall 112, and the first opening 110. In some embodiments, the first side wall 111 may be of a cylindrical shape and includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end wall 112 is closed on the first end of the first side wall 111 to form a closed end of the outer conductor unit 11. The first opening 110 is formed at the second end of the first side wall 111, forming the open end of the outer conductor unit 11 for the accommodating base 20 to be embedded therein. A radially through feed hole 1110 may be formed in the first side wall 111 of the outer conductor unit 11 at a location adjacent to the first end wall 112 for the microwave feed-in device 30 to be installed therein.

[0042] In some embodiments, the outer conductor unit 11 can be integrally made of a conductive metal material which can be aluminium alloy, copper, gold, silver, stainless steel and other conductive metals. Understandably, the outer conductor unit 11 is not limited to being a one-piece structure made integrally from an electrically conductive metallic material, it can also be constructed by coating the inner surface of a non-conductive barrel with a first conductive layer. In some embodiments, the first electrically conductive layer can be a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer, and so on. Further understandably, the outer conductor unit 11 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and it can also be other suitable shape, such as a square barrel and an elliptic barrel.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the inner conductor unit 12 may include a conductor post 121, a first conductor plate 123 located on the top of the conductor post 121, and a probe device 122 with one end embedded in the conductor post 121. The other end of the probe device 122 is inserted into the accommodating base 20 for acting on the aerosol generation substrate 40. The conductor post 121 is connected to the outer conductor unit 11 to form good ohmic contact with the outer conductor unit 11. The first conductor plate 123 is configured to increase its own inductance and capacitance, thereby further reducing the overall size of the aerosol generation device 1. The probe device 122 forms a good ohmic contact with the conductor post 121 so that microwave can be transmitted to the probe device 122 via the conductor post 121. In some embodiments, the probe device 122 is specifically configured in terms of shape and arrangement to facilitate a more uniform distribution of the microwave field within the accommodating base 20. This results in a more uniform microwave heating effect on the aerosol generation substrate 40 contained in the accommodating base 20, thereby enhancing the utilization rate of the aerosol generation substrate 40.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.5, the conductor post 121 is cylindrical and disposed in the outer conductor unit 11. The conductor post 121 extends along the axial direction of the outer conductor unit 11. Preferably, the axis of the conductor post 121 coincides with the axis of the outer conductor unit 11. Furthermore, one end of the conductor post 121 close to the first end wall 112 of the outer conductor unit 11 is fixedly connected to the inner wall surface of the first end wall 112 of the outer conductor unit 11, forming a fixed end of the conductor post 121. An end of the conductor post 121 away from the first end wall 112 extends toward the first opening 110 of the outer conductor unit 11 to form a free end of the conductor post 121. The free end of the conductor post 121 can be connected to the first conductor plate 123.

[0045] In some embodiments, the conductor post 121 can be made of conductive materials such as metal, preferably aluminium alloy or copper as the conductive material. In some other embodiments, the conductor post 121 can also be formed by coating a second electrically conductive layer on the outer wall of a cylinder made of non-conductive material. The second electrically conductive layer is a metal-plated film layer, such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer and so on. In addition, it can be understood that in some embodiments, the conductor post 121 is in the shape of a cylinder. Understandably, it can also be in the shape of a square column, an elliptical column, a stepped column, an irregular column, or other shapes.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first conductor plate 123 is connected to an end of the conductor post 121 away from the first end wall 112, that is, the first conductor plate 123 is connected to the top of the conductor post 121. The first conductor plate 123 and the conductor post 121 form a good ohmic contact therebetween. The diameter of the first conductor plate 123 is larger than that of the conductor post 121. In some embodiments, the bottom of the first conductor plate 123 is fixedly connected to and meets the top of the conductor post 121. The above-mentioned connection may be achieved by welding, bonding, screwing or integral molding.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first conductor plate 123 can be made of conductive materials such as metal, preferably aluminium alloy or copper as the conductive material. In some other embodiments, the first conductor plate 123 can be formed by coating a third electrically conductive layer on an outer wall surface made of non-conductive material. The third electrically conductive layer is a metal plating film layer, such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer and so on. Preferably, the first conductor plate 123 and the conductor post 121 are made of the same material, which can be the same conductive material or the same non-conductive material coated with the same type of electrically conductive layer. This means that the material for the third electrically conductive layer, is the same as that for the second electrically conductive layer. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first conductor plate 123 is in the shape of a round plate. Specifically, the first conductor plate 123 is in the shape of a cylinder which has a diameter greater than its axial length. Of course, the first conductor plate 123 can also be in the shape of a square column, an elliptical column, a stepped column, an irregular column, or other shapes. The shape and size of the first conductor plate 123 can be determined based on a simulation result so as to meet the requirement of reducing the height of the cavity.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the inner conductor unit 12 further includes at least one second conductor plate 124 in ohmic contact with the conductor post 121. The at least one second conductor plate 124 is arranged below the first conductor plate 123. Specifically, the at least one second conductor plate 124 is annular and coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor post 121.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second conductor plate 124 can be made of conductive materials such as metal, preferably aluminium alloy or copper as the conductive material. In some other embodiments, the second conductor plate 124 can be formed by coating a sixth electrically conductive layer on an outer wall surface made of non-conductive material. The sixth electrically conductive layer is a metal plating film layer, such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer and so on. Preferably, the first conductor plate 123, the second conductor plate 124 and the conductor post 121 are made of the same material, which can be the same conductive material or the same non-conductive material coated with the sixth electrically conductive layer of the same material. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second conductor plate 124 has an annular disc configuration. Of course, it can also be in the shape of an annular square columnar structure, an annular elliptical columnar structure, an annular stepped columnar structure, an annular irregular columnar structure and so on. The shape and size of the second conductor plate 124 can be determined according to a simulation result so as to meet the requirement of reducing the height of the cavity.

[0050] When the number of the second conductor plate 124 is one, the second conductor plate 124 is arranged below the first conductor plate 123 with an interval formed therebetween. The outer diameter of the second conductor plate 124 may be the same as or different from that of the first conductor plate 123. When the number of the second conductor plates 124 is multiple, the multiple second conductor plates 124 are located below the first conductor plate 123, evenly spaced along the axial direction of the conductor post 121, and arranged around the outer circumferential surface of the conductor post 121. The distance between the first conductor plate 123 and one of the second conductor plates 124 adjacent to the conductor plate 123 is equal to the distance between two adjacent second conductor plates 124. The outer diameters of the multiple second conductor plates 124 can be the same or different. The outer diameter of the first conductor plate 123 can be partially or completely the same as the outer diameters of the multiple second conductor plates 124, or entirely different. The specific sizes of the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124 can be determined through simulation and experiment.

[0051] It can be understood that during the heating process of the aerosol generation substrate 40 by the aerosol generation device 1, the frequency will shift. The larger the thickness of the first conductor plate 123, or the thickness of the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124 is, the smaller the frequency shift will be. But when the thickness of the first conductor plate 123 or the thickness of the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124 reaches a certain value, the frequency shift will become relatively minimal. In addition, the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 or the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124 has a great influence on the frequency. The larger the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 or the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 and the second conductor plate 124 is, the lower the resonant frequency is, which is beneficial for reducing the axial length of the outer conductor unit 11. In engineering applications, in order to facilitate the control of costs and size, it is preferable to mount only the first conductor plate 123 at the top of the conductor post 121.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the inner conductor unit 12 further includes a through channel 1211 that axially passes through the conductor post 121 and the first conductor plate 123. The through channel 1211 can be used for the probe device 122 to be inserted into and/or passed through. Specifically, the through channel 1211 is in the shape of a straight cylinder, which is axially aligned and formed through the central axis of the conductor post 121 and the first conductor plate 123. In this embodiment, an end of the hollow probe 1221 of the probe device 122 close to the first conductor plate 123 is inserted into the through channel 1211 to embed the probe device 122 in the conductor post 121.

[0053] It should be noted that when the conductor post 121 or the first conductor plate 123 is made of a non-conductive material coated with the third electrically conductive layer, the inner surface of the through channel 1211 at the position corresponding to the conductor post 121 or the first conductor plate 123 needs to be coated with the third electrically conductive layer, so that the hollow probe 1221 can form a good ohmic contact with the first conductor plate 123, or form a good ohmic contact with the first conductor plate 123 and the conductor post 121. As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the probe device 122 may include an electrically conductive and elongated hollow probe 1221 and a temperature measuring component 1222 located in the hollow probe 1221. The hollow probe 1221 may be in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate 123, or in ohmic contact with the conductor post 121 and the first conductor plate 123. In other embodiments, one end of the hollow probe 1221 close to the first conductor plate 123 is inserted into the through channel 1211 from the top of the first conductor plate 123, passes through the first conductor plate 123, and is then disposed in the through channel 1211 at a position corresponding to the post 121 such that the corresponding outer circumferential surface of the hollow probe 1221 is connected to the first conductor plate 123 and the conductor post 121 to form a good ohmic contact. Optionally, the hollow probe 1221, the first conductor plate 123, and the conductor post 121 are arranged coaxially. In addition, the temperature measuring component 1222 is configured to monitor the temperature inside the aerosol generation substrate 40 when the hollow probe 1221 is inserted into the aerosol generation substrate 40.

[0054] It should be noted that the hollow probe 1221 needs to be externally conductive and form a good ohmic contact with the first conductor plate 123; at the same time, the higher the conductivity of the outer surface of the hollow probe 1221, the easier the microwave conduction becomes, which can prevent the hollow probe 1221 from dissipating microwaves through wall current loss and causing self-heating.

[0055] Further, the hollow probe 1221 has a hollow structure and includes an electrically conductive second side wall 1223, an electrically conductive second end wall 1224, and a second opening 1225. The second side wall 1223 may be cylindrical in some embodiments; the second end wall 1224 is closed at an end of the second side wall 1223 away from the first conductor plate 123 to form a closed end of the hollow probe 1221. The second opening 1225 is formed at an end of the second side wall 1223 close to the first conductor plate 123 to form an open end of the hollow probe 1221. The second opening 1225 is configured for the connecting wire 1228 of the temperature measuring component 1222 to pass through. The second side wall 1223, the second end wall 1224 and the second opening 1225 cooperatively form the hollow channel 1226 with an opening, and the temperature measuring component 1222 is received in the hollow channel 1226.

[0056] One end of the hollow probe 1221 away from the first conductor plate 123 extends toward the accommodating base 20 and is inserted into the accommodating base 20. In some embodiments, the top of the hollow probe 1221, that is, the end far away from the first conductor plate 123, can have a shape of flat-topped, sphere, ellipsoid, cone, truncated cone, and so no. Preferably, the top of the hollow probe 1221 is in the shape of a truncated cone. In some embodiments, the end of the second side wall 1223 adjacent to the second end wall 1224 extends toward the second end wall 1224 to connect with the outer peripheral edge of the second end wall 1224. The second end wall 1224 is flat and its diameter is less than the maximum diameter of the end of the second side wall 1223 adjacent to the second end wall 1224. In some embodiments, the connection between the second end wall 1224 and the end of the second side wall 1223 adjacent to the second end wall 1224 is a smooth connection.

[0057] Understandably, by optimizing the shape of the top of the hollow probe 1221, the local field strength of the microwave field can be enhanced to increase the atomization speed of the aerosol generation substrate 40. When the top of the hollow probe 1221 is in the shape of a truncated cone, the atomization effect is the best.

[0058] In some embodiments, the hollow probe 1221 can be made of conductive materials such as metal, preferably stainless steel, aluminium alloy or copper as the conductive material. In some other embodiments, the hollow probe 1221 can also be made of non-conductive material which need to have a fourth electrically conductive layer coated on its outer surface. The fourth electrically conductive layer is a metal plating film layer, such as a gold plating layer, a silver plating layer, a copper plating layer, and so on. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cross-section of the hollow probe 1221 is circular, of course, it may also be square, elliptical, triangular, and so on.

[0059] Further, the temperature measuring component 1222 may be a temperature sensor, such as a temperature measuring thermocouple. In some embodiments, the temperature measuring component 1222 may include a temperature measurement probe 1227 and a connecting wire 1228 electrically connected to the temperature measurement probe 1227. The temperature measurement probe 1227 is located in an end of the hollow probe 1221 away from the first conductor plate 123, and can be electrically connected to the control device (not shown) of the aerosol generation device 1 via the connecting wire 1228 disposed in the through channel 1211 and the hollow channel 1226, such that the temperature measurement probe 1227 is capable of feeding back the temperature inside the aerosol generation substrate 40 to the control device.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the accommodating base 20 may include an accommodating portion 21 and a fixing portion 22 integrally connected with the accommodating portion 21. The accommodating portion 21 is used to receive the aerosol generation substrate; and the fixing portion 22 is used to seal the opening 110 of the outer conductor unit 11 in the axial direction, and allow the accommodating portion 21 to extend into the accommodating portion 21 to connect to the inner conductor unit 12. In some embodiments, the accommodating base 20 may be made of a low dielectric loss, high-temperature resistant material, such as one or a composite of multiple of plastics, ceramics, glass, aluminium oxide, zirconium oxide, and silicon oxide. Further, among the plastic materials, preferred choices are Polytetrafluoroethylene PEEK, polyetheretherketone PTFE, and PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone); among the ceramic materials, preferred ones are glass, quartz glass, aluminium oxide and zirconium oxide. The loss tangent of the material for the accommodating base 20 is preferably less than 0.1.

[0061] In some embodiments, the accommodating base 20 may include a plurality of longitudinal positioning ribs 23 and a plurality of longitudinal support ribs 25. The positioning ribs 23 are arranged in the walls of the accommodating chamber 210 and/or the first through hole 220 at uniform intervals in the circumferential direction. Each positioning rib 23 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the accommodating base 20. The support ribs 25 are uniformly spaced and radially arranged on the bottom surface of the accommodating chamber 210. ,The positioning ribs 23 are used on the one hand to tightly hold the aerosol generation substrate 40 inserted into the accommodating chamber 210 and/or the through hole 220, on the other hand, every two adjacent positioning ribs 23 form a first air ingress channel that extends longitudinally between them. The support ribs 25 are used on the one hand to support the aerosol generation substrate 40, and on the other direction, they form several radially arranged second air ingress channels. These second air ingress channels are respectively connected to the first air ingress channels, allowing ambient air to be drawn into the bottom of the aerosol generation substrate 40 and then enter the aerosol generation substrate 40 to carry away the aerosol generated by microwave heating.

[0062] In some embodiments, the accommodating portion 21 may be a cylindrical shape, and its outer diameter may be less than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11. The accommodating portion 21 may include an axial accommodating chamber 210 for receiving the aerosol generation substrate 40. The fixing portion 22 may be of an annular shape and coaxially connected with the accommodating portion 21. The fixing portion 22 can be coaxially sealed within the first opening 110 of the outer conductor unit 11, thereby fixing the accommodating portion 21 coaxially within the microwave resonator 10. The fixing portion 22 includes an axial first through hole 220 that communicates the accommodating chamber 210 with the environment, so that the aerosol generation substrate 40 can be placed into the accommodating chamber 210 through the first through hole 220.

[0063] In some embodiments, the accommodating portion 21 may be cylindrical, and it includes a flat third bottom wall 211 and a cylindrical third side wall 212 arranged around a circumference of the third bottom wall 211. The outer diameter of the third side wall 212 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11. In some embodiments, when the accommodating base 20 is assembled with the outer conductor unit 11, the third bottom wall 211 just abuts against the top of the first conductor plate 123.

[0064] In this embodiment, the accommodating portion 21 further includes a second through hole 26 provided in the third bottom wall 211. Specifically, the second through hole 26 passes axially through the third bottom wall 211. Preferably, the second through hole 26 is arranged in the middle of the third bottom wall 211. It can be understood that the top of the hollow probe 1221 of the probe device 122, which is the end away from the first conductor plate 123, passes through the second through hole 26 and inserts into the accommodating base 20, and the bottom of the hollow probe 1221 is embedded in the inner conductor unit 12, such that the top of the hollow probe 1221 can be suspended in the accommodating chamber 210 of the accommodating base 20.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the microwave feed-in device 30 may be a coaxial connector, and it may be connected to a microwave source (not shown) provided outside the outer conductor unit 11 to feed microwaves into the cavity.

[0066] Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates the aerosol generation device 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the microwave feed-in device 30 may include an inner conductor 31, an outer conductor 33, and a dielectric layer 32 arranged between the inner conductor 31 and the outer conductor 33. When the microwave feed-in device 30 is installed on the microwave resonator 10, the inner conductor 31 is in ohmic contact with the inner wall surface of the outer conductor unit 11 and/or the outer surface of the conductor post 121 of the inner conductor unit 12, and the outer conductor 33 is in ohmic contact with the surface of the outer conductor unit 11 to feed microwaves into the microwave resonator 10.

[0067] In this embodiment, the inner conductor 31 of the microwave feed-in device 30 is linear in shape. When the microwave feed-in device 30 is installed on the microwave resonator 10, the inner conductor 31 is in ohmic contact with the surface of the conductor post 121 and is perpendicular to the axis of the conductor post 121.

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates another aerosol generation device 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, which has a structure essentially the same as that of the aforementioned aerosol generation device 1. The difference is the use of a second microwave feed-in device 30a which replaces the microwave feed-in device 30 in the aforementioned aerosol generation device 1.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, the second microwave feed-in device 30a may be a coaxial connector, and it may include a second inner conductor 31a, a second outer conductor 33a, and a second dielectric layer 32a arranged between the second inner conductor 31a and the second outer conductor 33a. When the second microwave feed-in device 30a is installed on the microwave resonator 10, the second inner conductor 31a is in ohmic contact with the inner wall surface of the outer conductor unit 11, and the second outer conductor 33a is in ohmic contact with the surface of the outer conductor unit 11 so as to feed microwaves into the microwave resonator 10.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second inner conductor 31a of the second microwave feed-in device 30a is L-shaped, and may include a first section 311a perpendicular to the axis of the microwave resonator 10 and a second section 312a parallel to the axis of the microwave resonator 10. The second section 312a is in ohmic contact with the first end wall 112 of the outer conductor unit 11.

[0071] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner conductor 31 and/or the second inner conductor 31a may be made of conductive materials such as metal, preferably aluminium or copper as the conductive material. In some other embodiments, the inner conductor 31 and/or the second inner conductor 31a can also be made of non-conductive material which needs to be coated with a fifth electrically conductive layer on the outer wall surface thereof. The fifth electrically conductive layer is a metal plating film layer, such as a gold plating, a silver plating, a copper plating, and so on. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner conductor 31 and/or the second inner conductor 31a may be a coupling ring. The outside of the coupling ring forms a coaxial structure and may be connected to a microwave source to feed microwaves into the cavity.

[0072] It can be understood that, with the aforementioned design of the microwave resonator 10 and the resonant cavity 13, when the aerosol generation substrate 40 is installed in the aerosol generation device 1, the resonant frequency can be achieved within the range of 2.4-2.5 GHz.

[0073] The following, in conjunction with experimental data as shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 15, specifically demonstrates the effect of the first conductor plate 123 and the hollow probe 1221 with a truncated cone-shaped top in the aerosol generation device 1:

[0074] It should be noted that the following experimental data employs the controlled variable method, with the presence of the first conductor plate 123, the size of the first conductor plate 123, and the shape of the top of the hollow probe 1221 as independent variables. The other structures of the aerosol generation device 1 are unchanged.

[0075] FIG. 9 illustrates a resonance frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 3. The aerosol generation device 1 in this embodiment differs from the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1 described above in that it does not have a first conductor plate in the outer conductor unit 11 of the aerosol generation device 1 of Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 9, when the first conductor plate 123 is not installed, the resonant frequency of the aerosol generation device 1 is 2.9375GHz, and S11 is -3.77db. At this condition, to lower the resonant frequency, it is necessary to increase the height of the resonant cavity 13.

[0076] FIG. 10 illustrates the resonant frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1. It can be seen that by arranging the first conductor plate 123 in the outer conductor unit 11, the resonant frequency is 2.4375GHz, and S11 is -27.75db, the frequency has significantly decreased. The axial lengths of the outer conductor unit 11 or the resonant cavity 13 can be successfully reduced to less than 25 mm while ensuring that the resonant frequency is between 2.4-2.5 GHz.

[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates a resonance frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1-1. The aerosol generation device 1 in this embodiment differs from the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1 described above in that the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 in Embodiment 1-1 is defined to be 10 mm, and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11 is defined to be 10.6 mm. As shown in FIG. 11, in Embodiment 1-1, the resonant frequency is 2.4375GHz and S11 is -27.75db.

[0078] FIG. 12 illustrates a resonance frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1-2. The aerosol generation device 1 in this embodiment differs from the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1-1 described above in that the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 in Embodiment 1-2 is defined to be 8 mm, and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11 is defined to be 10.6 mm. As shown in FIG. 12, in Embodiment 1-2, the resonant frequency is 2.87GHz and S11 is -8.02db.

[0079] FIG. 13 illustrates a resonance frequency diagram of the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1-3. The aerosol generation device 1 in this embodiment differs from the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1-1 described above in that the diameter of the first conductor plate 123 in Embodiment 1-3 is defined to be 10.4 mm, and the inner diameter of the outer conductor unit 11 is defined to be 10.6 mm. As shown in FIG. 13, in Embodiment 1-3, the resonant frequency is 2.16GHz and S11 is -13.01db.

[0080] In summary, by comparing the resonance frequency diagrams corresponding to Embodiments 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3, it can be seen that the distance between the first conductor plate 123 and the inner wall surface of the first side wall 111 of the outer conductor unit 11 has a great influence on the resonant frequency and feed frequency. It can be understood that the smaller the distance between the first conductor plate 123 and the inner wall surface of the first side wall 111 is, the lower the resonant frequency will be.

[0081] FIG. 14 illustrates the microwave field distribution diagram of the portion of the probe device 122 above the first conductor plate 123 of the aerosol generation device 1 of Embodiment 4. The aerosol generation device 1 in this embodiment differs from the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1 described above in that the top of the hollow probe 1221 of the aerosol generation device 1 of Embodiment 4 has a flat-top structure. As shown in FIG. 14, the power of the microwave source is set to 1w, and the strongest electric field of the microwave field is approximately 40385V/m in a case that the top of the hollow probe 1221 has a flat-top structure.

[0082] FIG. 15 illustrates the microwave field distribution diagram of the portion of the probe device 122 above the first conductor plate 123 in the aerosol generation device 1 in Embodiment 1. The top of the hollow probe 1221 in this embodiment is in the shape of a truncated cone. As shown in FIG. 15, the microwave source power is also set to 1w, and the strongest electric field of the microwave field reaches about 104540V/m and the microwave field is more focused on the top of the hollow probe 1221.

[0083] In summary, by comparing the microwave field distribution diagrams corresponding to Embodiment 4 and Embodiment 1, it can be seen that the shape of the top of the hollow probe 1221 has a strong influence on the microwave field distribution. It can be understood that the sharper the top of the hollow probe 1221 is, the stronger the microwave field is, and the faster the heating speed is; it can also change the distribution of the microwave field.

[0084] It can be understood that the above technical features can be freely combined for use without limitation.

[0085] The above description is provided as examples of embodiments of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the invention. Any equivalent structures or processes resulting from the specification and drawings of the invention, as well as their direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are also included within the scope of patent protection for the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device, comprising a microwave resonator (10); the microwave resonator (10) comprises an outer conductor unit (11) for defining a resonant cavity (13) and an inner conductor unit (12) arranged in the outer conductor unit (12), the outer conductor unit (11) has an open end and a closed end, one end of the inner conductor unit (12) is connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit (11), while the other end extends toward the open end of the outer conductor unit (11);

the inner conductor unit (12) comprises a conductor post (121) which comprises a fixed end connected to the closed end of the outer conductor unit (11) and a free end extends toward the open end of the outer conductor unit (11);

characterized in that the inner conductor unit (12) further comprises a first conductor plate (123) in ohmic contact with the conductor post (121); the first conductor plate (123) is provided at the free end.

2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor plate (123) is fixed to the end wall of the free end;

3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor post (121) are integrally formed.

4. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor post (121) are coaxial.

5. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor post (121) are made of metal materials;
or, the surface of the first conductor plate (123) is provided with a third electrically conductive layer, and the surface of the conductor post (121) is provided with a second electrically conductive layer.

6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the inner conductor unit (12) further comprises at least one second conductor plate (124) that is annular in shape, the at least one second conductor plate (124) coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor post (121) and is in ohmic contact with the conductor post (121).

7. The aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one second conductor plate (124) is arranged below the first conductor plate (123) with intervals along the axial direction of the conductor post (121).

8. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor plate (123) is disc-shaped.

9. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first conductor plate (123) is larger than the diameter of the conductor post (121).

10. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the inner conductor unit (12) further comprises an electrically conductive probe device (122) which is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate (123).

11. The aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein the inner conductor unit (12) further comprises a through channel (1211) that axially penetrates the conductor post (121) and the first conductor plate (123);
an end of the probe device (122) adjacent to the first conductor plate (123) is inserted into the through channel (1211), and is in ohmic contact with the conductor post (121) and the first conductor plate (123).

12. The aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein the probe device (122) comprises an electrically conductive and elongated hollow probe (1221) and a temperature measuring component (1222) located in the hollow probe (1221);
an end of the hollow probe (1221) adjacent to the first conductor plate (123) is inserted into the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor post (121) in sequence, and the outer wall surface of the hollow probe (1221) is in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate (123) and/or the conductor post (121).

13. The aerosol generation device according to claim 12, wherein the shape of the end of the hollow probe (1221) away from the conductor post (121) comprises a plane shape, a spherical shape, an ellipsoid shape, a conical shape or a truncated cone shape.

14. The aerosol generation device according to claim 12, wherein the hollow probe (1221) comprises an electrically conductive second side wall (1223) and an electrically conductive second end wall (1224);
an end of the second side wall (1223) away from the first conductor plate (123) extends toward the second end wall (1224) to be connected with the second end wall (1224).

15. The aerosol generation device according to claim 14, wherein the maximum diameter of the end of the second side wall (1223) away from the first conductor plate (123) is larger than the diameter of the second end wall (1224).

16. The aerosol generation device according to claim 14, wherein an end of the second side wall (1223) away from the first conductor plate (123) is smoothly connected to the second end wall (1224).

17. The aerosol generation device according to claim 15, wherein the hollow probe (1221) further comprises a hollow channel (1226) extending along its axial direction, and the temperature measuring component (1222) is received in the hollow channel (1226).

18. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the microwave resonator (10) is a quarter wavelength type coaxial resonator.

19. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises an accommodating base (20) for holding the aerosol generation substrate (40); the accommodating base (20) comprises an accommodating portion (21) disposed in the resonant cavity (13) for receiving the aerosol generation substrate;
the bottom of the accommodating portion (21) meets the top of the first conductor plate (123).

20. An aerosol generation device, comprising a quarter wavelength type coaxial resonator; the coaxial resonator comprises a resonant cavity (13) and an inner conductor unit (12) disposed in the resonant cavity (13);

the inner conductor unit (12) comprises a conductor post (121) close to the short-circuit end (A) of the coaxial resonator;

wherein the inner conductor unit (12) further comprises a first conductor plate (123) in ohmic contact with the conductor post (121); the first conductor plate (123) is provided at the top of the conductor post (121).

21. The aerosol generation device according to claim 20, wherein the first conductor plate (123) is disc-shaped and coaxially fixed on the top of the conductor post (121).

22. The aerosol generation device according to claim 20, wherein the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor post (121) are integrally formed.

23. The aerosol generation device according to claim 20, wherein the outer diameter of the first conductor plate (123) is larger than the diameter of the conductor post (121).

24. The aerosol generation device according to claim 20, wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises an accommodating base (20) mounted in the open end (B) of the coaxial resonator (10);

the accommodating base (20) comprises an accommodating portion (21) for receiving the aerosol generation substrate (40), and the accommodating portion (21) is disposed in the resonant cavity (13) of the coaxial resonator (10);

the inner conductor unit (12) further comprises a probe device (122) adjacent to the open end (B), the probe device (122) comprises an electrically conductive hollow probe (1221) in ohmic contact with the first conductor plate (123), and an end of the hollow probe (1221) extends into the accommodating portion (21) to act on the aerosol generation substrate (40).

25. The aerosol generation device according to claim 24, wherein an end of the hollow probeaway from the conductor post (121) extends into the accommodating portion (21); the other end of the hollow probe close to the conductor post (121) is inserted into the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor post (121), and the outer wall surface of the hollow probeis connected to the first conductor plate (123) and the conductor post (121).

26. The aerosol generation device according to claim 24, wherein the shape of the end of the hollow probe away from the conductor post (121) comprises a plane shape, a spherical shape, an ellipsoid shape, a conical shape or a truncated cone shape.

27. The aerosol generation device according to claim 24, wherein the inner conductor unit (12) further comprises at least one second conductor plate (124) that is annular in shape, the at least one second conductor plate (124) coaxially surrounds the outer circumferential wall of the conductor post (121) and is in ohmic contact with the conductor post (121).

28. The aerosol generation device according to claim 27, wherein the at least one second conductor plate (124) is arranged below the first conductor plate (123) with intervals along the axial direction of the conductor post (121).

Drawing