JP2022531252A - Aerosol generator with thermal bridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device (100) has a heating chamber (102) into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol. The heating chamber (102) is housed within the casing (110) and is an aperture (103) through which the aerosol substrate passes into the heating chamber (102), for example through the open end (114) of the heating chamber (102). An aperture (103) is provided which is insertable into the. An insulator (121) is arranged between the heating chamber (102) and the casing (110) and a thermal bridge (119; 219) from the heating chamber (102), for example in the vicinity of the aperture (103) or It is arranged to dissipate heat from the open end (114) of the heating chamber (102) to the casing (110).

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device having a thermal bridge. The thermal bridge can dissipate heat from the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device to the casing of the aerosol generating device or to the outside of the aerosol generating device. The present disclosure is not particularly limited, but is applicable to a portable aerosol generating device that is self-supporting and can operate at a low temperature. Such devices may be configured to be heated by conduction, convection and / or radiation to generate an aerosol for inhalation, rather than burning tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material.

The popularity and use of risk-reducing or risk-correcting devices (also known as vaporizers) is to assist addicted smokers who wish to stop smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarettes and cigarettes. As an aid to, it has grown rapidly in the last few years. Various devices and systems are available that heat or heat aerosolizable materials, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

A commonly available risk mitigation or risk correction device is a substrate heated aerosol generating device or a heated non-combustion device. This type of device is an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically containing moist rolling tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature in the range of 150 ° C to 300 ° C. To generate. By burning or heating the aerosol substrate rather than burning it, an aerosol containing the components desired by the user but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of burning and burning is released. Moreover, the aerosol produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically does not contain the burnt or bitter taste due to burning and burning that can be unpleasant to the user. Therefore, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make smoke and / or steam more palatable to the user.

To minimize the time between when the user first boots the device and when the user is able to aspirate the desired aerosol from the aerosol substrate, the aerosol substrate is exposed to the temperature at which the aerosol can be released. It is desirable to heat as quickly as possible. This involves the use of a powerful heater, which inevitably causes the entire aerosol generating device to become hot. In addition, the user may typically use the aerosol-generating device for a considerable length of time, exacerbating the problems associated with heating the entire aerosol-generating device. If the aerosol-generating device gets too hot, it can be uncomfortable for the user to hold it in their hands. To make matters worse, aerosol-generating devices would be completely unsuitable for consumer use if there was a risk of heat injury to the user.

Existing aerosol-generating devices include insulators aimed at reducing heat transfer from the heating chamber to the outside of the aerosol-generating device, with varying degrees of effectiveness. However, the aerosol generating device has an opening or aperture for inserting the aerosol substrate into the heating chamber, and the heat generated during heating of the aerosol substrate leaks from this opening by radiation, convection and / or conduction. Tend. This is difficult to mitigate and is especially problematic for aerosol-generating devices that are used by the user during use, for example by bringing their mouth and lips very close to the opening to aspirate the aerosol from the device. there is a possibility.

Aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the appended claims.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device, a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate is inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol, a casing in which the heating chamber is housed, and an insulator. And through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber, to dissipate heat from the heating chamber to the casing, with the aperture and the insulator at least partially located between the heating chamber and the casing. Aerosol generation devices including thermal bridges located in are provided.

The thermal bridge may provide a method for conducting heat from the heating chamber to the periphery of the casing so that the heat can be dispersed in the ambient environment. In effect, the thermal bridge can act as a heat sink. However, by conducting heat to the casing, the ability of the aerosol generating device to dissipate heat can be further improved.

Optionally, the heating chamber comprises a first end and a second end, the first end is opposite the second end, and the aperture is near the first end of the heating chamber. Positioned, the thermal bridge is located closer to the aperture than the second end of the heating chamber. In such a configuration, the thermal bridge may provide a means for conducting heat from the outer surface of the aperture of the aerosol generating device so that the heat can be dispersed to the ambient environment.

Optionally, the thermal bridge defines the aperture at least partially.

Optionally, the thermal bridge is at least partially located between the heating chamber and the aperture.

Optionally, the thermal bridge includes a heat dissipation surface facing outward from the aerosol generating device.

Optionally, the thermal bridge includes a heat dissipation surface facing the heat dissipation wall of the casing. Optionally, the heat dissipation surface is in direct contact with the heat dissipation wall of the casing.

Optionally, the thermal bridge is at least partially arranged to enclose the heating chamber.

Optionally, the thermal bridge is in contact with the heating chamber, eg, in direct contact.

Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material, and the insulator comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. In other words, thermal bridges have better thermal conductivity than insulators.

Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material, and the casing comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. In some other examples, the thermal bridge and casing contain the same material. The thermal bridge may contain metal, preferably made essentially of metal. More specifically, the thermal bridge may contain aluminum, more preferably essentially made of aluminum.

Optionally, the thermal bridge has ribs on the outside.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a chassis, both the thermal bridge and the chassis complementarily surround the heating chamber, and the chassis is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge.

Optionally, the chassis has ribs on the outside, or the casing has ribs on the inside.

Optionally, the chassis is essentially made of plastic, and the thermal bridge is essentially made of metal, preferably aluminum. Optionally, the casing covers the chassis. Optionally, the casing contains metal, preferably essentially made of metal.

Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material, and the aerosol generating device has an outer trim portion that at least partially defines the aperture, the outer trim portion comprising a third material, a third material. Has a lower thermal conductivity than the first material.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a heater, and an insulator is placed between the heater and the casing. The insulator is also preferably placed between the heater and the thermal bridge. The heater can be electric.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device comprises a mounting element extending from between the heating chamber and the insulator. Optionally, the mounting element works with the chassis and insulator to secure the insulator and heating chamber in place within the aerosol generating device.

Optionally, the heating chamber has a flange, and the thermal bridge is located relative to the surface of the flange. Optionally, the thermal bridge is located relative to the surface of the flange of the heating chamber, opposite the surface of the flange on which the mounting element is located.

Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises an aperture portion and a casing portion, the aperture portion is preferably located in close proximity to the aperture, and the casing portion is preferably a portion of the length of the insulator and the casing. Located between and.

Optionally, the delimitation portion of the thermal bridge defines the aperture at least partially.

Optionally, the aerosol generation device further comprises a spacing component between the heating chamber and the thermal bridge.

Optionally, the spacing component comprises a heat resistant polymeric material, preferably polyetheretherketone, PEEK.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device, a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate is inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol, and a casing in which the heating chamber is housed. An insulator, at least partially located between the heating chamber and the casing, and an aerosol substrate, through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber, are placed in thermal contact with the casing. And / or a thermal bridge comprising a heat dissipation surface facing outward from the aerosol generating device, at least a portion of the thermal bridge defining at least a portion of the aperture or at least between the heating chamber and the aperture. An aerosol generation device including a partially placed thermal bridge is provided.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate is inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol and a casing containing the heating chamber. The aperture, through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber, the aperture, the insulator at least partially located between the heating chamber and the casing, and the outside of the aerosol generating device from the heating chamber. Provided is an aerosol generation device including a thermal bridge arranged to dissipate heat.

Each of the above embodiments may include any one or more features mentioned with respect to the other embodiments described above.

The use of terms such as "device" and "device" is intended to be general rather than specific. These features of the present disclosure may be implemented using individual components, but they may also be implemented using other suitable components or combinations of components.

It should be noted that the term "contains" as used herein means "at least in part". Therefore, in the present specification, when interpreting an expression including the term "contains", there may be features other than those preceded by the term. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are interpreted similarly. As used herein, the "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular form of this noun.

As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a particle system dispersed in air or gas, such as mist, fog or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolise" (or "aerosolize") means to make an aerosol and / or to disperse it as an aerosol. It should be noted that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolization is consistent with each of the volatilization, spraying and vaporization defined above. To avoid doubt, aerosols are used to consistently describe mists or droplets containing sprayed, volatile or vaporized particles. Aerosols also include mists or droplets containing any combination of sprayed, volatile or vaporized particles.

Here, a preferred embodiment is described as an example only with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to the first embodiment, in which the lid is in the closed position. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to the first embodiment, in which the lid is in the open position. It is the schematic of the aerosol generation device by 1st Embodiment into which an aerosol base material carrier is inserted. It is the schematic of the aerosol generation device by 1st Embodiment which removed the casing. It is the schematic of the aerosol generation device by 1st Embodiment which removed a part of a casing and a chassis. It is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation device according to 1st Embodiment which removed the casing and another part of a chassis. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to the first embodiment in the area of aperture. It is the schematic of the aerosol generation device by 2nd Embodiment which removed the casing. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment in the area of aperture.

First Embodiment With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a casing 110 containing various components of the aerosol generating device 100. An aperture 103 is provided through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber 102. In this embodiment, the aerosol substrate is provided in the substrate carrier 104. The substrate carrier 104 is substantially elongated and the aerosol substrate is located towards the first end of the substrate carrier 104 or at the first end of the substrate carrier 104. The substrate carrier 104 provides a conduit in the form of a tube of, for example, thick paper or plastic material between the aerosol substrate and the second end of the substrate carrier 104. Optionally, a filter is provided along the length of the conduit, eg, at the second end of the substrate carrier 104. The aerosol and / or vapor generated from the aerosol substrate as it is heated in the heating chamber 102 can be drawn through the conduit and aspirated by the user from the second end of the substrate carrier 102. The substrate carrier 102 has sufficient length to project from the aperture 103 (as shown in FIG. 3) with the aerosol substrate in the heating chamber 102.

The aerosol generating device 100 may be described as a personal aspirator device, an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette), a vaporizer or a vaporizing device. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generation device 100 is a heated non-combustion (HnB) device. However, the aerosol-generating device 100 envisioned in the present disclosure, more generally, heats an aerosolizable material to create an aerosol for suction, as opposed to burning tobacco as in conventional tobacco products. To generate.

The aerosol substrate and substrate carrier 104 may be referred to as consumables. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumables are in the form of rods containing processed tobacco material, such as crimp sheets or directed strips of reconstituted tobacco (RTB) paper impregnated with liquid aerosol formations. be. The liquid aerosol-forming product of the present embodiment contains vegetable glycerin (VG), but can be a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and VG. In this embodiment, the consumables use pure VG without any flavoring or nicotine. Instead, the volatile flavors and nicotine obtained from RTB are vaporized at the same time as the aerosol formation and associated with the resulting condensed aerosol, which is inhaled by the user. However, in other embodiments, the consumable article has an aerosol-forming product containing nicotine and other flavorings. In such cases, the consumables typically contain other solid porous material for absorbing the aerosol-forming liquid, which may or may not contain, for example, tobacco. A mousse formed with a gelling agent and a suitable binder.

The casing 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 can be of any shape and size suitable for fitting the components of the aerosol generating device 100, but is generally elongated. The aperture 103 is provided in the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, to one of the elongated ends of the casing 110. In the drawing, the first end 113 is shown at the top. The second end 115 of the aerosol generating device 100 is the farthest end from the aperture 103 and is shown at the bottom of the drawing. This is a technique commonly oriented during use of the aerosol generating device 100, so that the first end 113 may be referred to as the upper end and the second end 115 may be referred to as the lower end. .. More specifically, during use, the user typically places the aerosol generating device 100 with the second end 115 facing down and / or at a position distal to the user's mouth. One end 113 is oriented upward and / or oriented closer to the user's mouth.

The aerosol generating device 100 is a lid arranged so as to be movable between at least two positions, particularly between a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1) and an open position (as shown in FIG. 2). Has 109. In the closed position, the lid 109 closes the aperture 103 to prevent material from entering the heating chamber 102. In the open position, the aperture 103 is exposed to allow access to the heating chamber 102 through the aperture 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 109 is arranged so that it can be moved between the closed position and the open position by sliding. In another embodiment, the lid 109 is arranged to pivot between the closed and open positions and / or rotate between the closed and open positions.

An indicator 101 for showing information to the user is provided on the aerosol generating device 100. In this embodiment, the indicator 101 includes a strip of light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) or LEDs (as in this embodiment), and the indicator 101 includes, for example, a first end 113 and a second end 115. Provided on the side of the casing 110 between. The information presented to the user by the indicator 101 includes the status of the aerosol generating device 100 (eg, whether the aerosol generating device 100 is off, in standby mode or on), the battery level, and the heating chamber 102. Display of temperature or session time may be mentioned.

As can be most clearly seen from FIG. 4, where the aerosol generating device 100 is shown with the casing 110 removed, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a chassis 107. Chassis 107 provides structural integrity to the aerosol generating device 100. It is also possible to mount the components of the aerosol generating device 100 using visible fixtures such as screws or snap-fit connections without much consideration of the impact on the appearance of the chassis 107. Rather, the casing 110 fits around the chassis 107, for example covering the chassis 107, thereby providing an outer or outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100. This means that the casing 110 provides at least most of the visible surface of the aerosol generating device 100.

In this embodiment, the chassis 107 comprises a plastic material and the casing 110 comprises a metal. The fact that the chassis 107 is made of a plastic material means that the chassis 107 can be easily and inexpensively formed by molding. Plastic materials also tend to have significantly lower thermal conductivity than metals. This means that the chassis 107 is generally more insulating than the casing 110. The metal casing 110 allows the user to comfortably hold the outer casing 110. The casing 110 can also be anodized, treated or coated, for example with a powder coating, to have an attractive appearance and to withstand scratches, wear, discoloration or other deterioration. Since the thermal conductivity of the metal of the outer casing 110 is higher than that of the plastic material of the chassis 107, any heat leaking from the heating chamber 102 to the casing 110 can be freely distributed around the casing 110. Local hot spots are reduced. However, it is not essential that the chassis 107 is made of plastic material and that the casing 110 is made of metal, and it should be noted that in other embodiments, the chassis 107 and casing 110 are made of other materials. sea bream.

Chassis 107 includes two parts. When the aerosol generation device 100 is oriented toward the viewer of the aperture 103, the left side portion 107a is on the left hand side and the right side portion 107b is on the right hand side. The left side portion 107a and the right side portion 107b are fitted in a plane that bisects the aerosol generating device 100. This plane is parallel to the length of the aerosol generating device 100, which is in the direction between the first end 113 and the second end 115, from the front to the rear of the aerosol generating device 100. , Extend in the direction described here. In effect, the chassis 107 is divided into two approximately equal parts that are mirror images of each other, with minor differences, to accommodate small asymmetric features such as the indicator 101 located on the right hand portion 107b.

The outer surface of the chassis 107 is ribbed. That is, the chassis 107 includes a wall 117 having a substantially uniform thickness over most of its range, and ribs 124 are provided on the outward surface of the wall 117. The ribs stand upright from the outward facing surface. In the illustrated embodiment, most of the ribs 124 extend substantially circumferentially with respect to the length of the aerosol generating device 100 around the casing 110. However, at least one of the ribs 124 extends substantially perpendicular to the other ribs 124 along the length of the aerosol generating device 100. In other words, the chassis 107 has ribs 124 that intersect, for example, perpendicularly to each other. The ribs 124 enhance the structural integrity of the chassis 107 as compared to the case of the wall 117 alone and do not add as much weight as could be added by thickening the wall 117 itself.

The casing 110 is directly fitted to the chassis 107. Similar to chassis 107, in the illustrated embodiment, casing 110 comprises two parts. When the aerosol generation device 100 is oriented toward the viewer of the aperture 103, the left side portion 110a is on the left hand side and the right side portion 110b is on the right hand side. The left side portion 110a and the right side portion 110b are fitted in the same plane as the plane on which the left side portion 107a and the right side portion 107b of the chassis 107 are fitted. Thus, like the chassis 107, the casing 110 is split into two approximately equal parts that are mirror images of each other, with minor differences, to accommodate small asymmetric features such as the indicator 101 located at the right hand portion 110b. Has been done.

In this embodiment, both the inward and outward surfaces of the casing 110 are smooth. The inward facing surface is undulated to follow the outer range of the chassis 107, eg, the outer range of the rib 124 in the illustrated embodiment. The inward facing surface of the casing 110 fits flush with the outer range of the chassis 107. This makes it possible to reliably join the casing 110 to the chassis 107, for example, with an adhesive. Advantageously, the space between the ribs 124 of the chassis 107 provides a gap between the wall of the chassis 107 and the inward surface of the casing 110. These gaps can simply be filled with air. Air is itself a good insulator with lower thermal conductivity than many plastic materials at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the rib 124 of the chassis 107 advantageously improves the insulating properties of the aerosol generating device 100 between the heating chamber 102 and the casing 110. In a modification of this embodiment, the inner surface of the casing has ribs 124 and the chassis is smooth on the outside. In another variant, both the inner surface of the casing and the outer surface of the chassis are ribbed.

In the first embodiment, the casing 110 does not extend over the entire first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100 provided with the aperture 103 and the lid 109. Rather, the aerosol generating device 100 has a trim portion 111 at the first end portion 113. The trim portion 111 extends at least partially around the aperture 103 and extends all over in the illustrated embodiment. In other words, the trim portion 111 defines the aperture 103 at least partially. The trim portion 111 also extends under the lid 109, i.e., between the lid 109 and the rest of the aerosol generation device 100. In this first embodiment, the trim portion 111 contains a plastic material, for example the same material as the chassis 107. The trim portion 111 is held between the left side portion 107a and the right side portion 107b of the chassis 107. The trim portion 111 is a portion of the aerosol generating device 100 that is closest to the user's mouth during use.

The internal components of the aerosol generating device 100 can be most clearly seen in FIG. 5 where the casing 110 and the right side portion 107b of the chassis 107 are removed, and in FIG. 6 where the casing 110 and the entire chassis 107 are removed. .. It can be seen that the heating chamber 102 (or oven) is surrounded by the insulator 121. The indicator 101 is also better visible with the power supply 112 of the aerosol generating device 100, such as a cell or battery. One point is that the insulator 121 and the power supply 112, both of which are substantially cylindrical, are arranged side by side in order to compactly pack them inside the chassis 107 and the casing 110.

More specifically, the heating chamber 102 is located towards the first end 113 of the aerosol generation device 101. The heating chamber 102 is substantially cup-shaped, with the open end 114 located towards the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100, through which the aerosol substrate enters the heating chamber 102 (see FIG. 7). You can enter. The aperture 103 of the aerosol generating device 100 matches the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 103 is substantially circular with a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the heating chamber 102. The aerosol substrate carrier 104 is substantially cylindrical with a diameter similar to the inner diameter of the heating chamber 102 and is therefore able to easily pass through the aperture 103 and the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. However, as long as the aperture 103 and the aerosol substrate carrier 104 can accept at least a portion of the aerosol substrate carrier 104 into the heating chamber 102 through the aperture 103 so that the aerosol substrate can be heated in the heating chamber 102. It can be of any shape or size.

The heating chamber 102 is mounted within the insulator 121. As most clearly seen from FIG. 7, the heating chamber 102 has an outwardly projecting flange 116 at the open end 114. The flange 116 is annular and extends all around, for example, the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. The flange 116 extends radially outward from the side wall of the heating chamber 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 116 extends perpendicular to the side wall, eg, perpendicular to the central axis in a plane having the central axis of the heating chamber 102.

A mounting element 108 is provided for mounting the heating chamber 102 within the insulator 121 and mounting the combination of the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 within the aerosol generating device or more specifically to the chassis 107. The mounting element 108 is substantially annular and extends around the outer edge of the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121, for example at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. The mounting element 108 separates the heating chamber 102 from the insulator 121. More specifically, the mounting element 108 is located between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. The dimensions of the heating chamber 102 and the dimensions of the insulator 121 are such that the heating chamber 102 fits into a void defined by the inner wall of the insulator 121. By inserting the heating chamber into the void of the insulator, the only contact between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 is via the mounting element 108. Since the space at another location between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 is filled with air, the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 are insulated from each other as compared with the configuration in which the contact between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 is larger. Thermal separation from the body 121 is improved. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting element 108 comprises polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK is used because it is highly resistant to thermal degradation and has low thermal conductivity. Other materials such as other thermoplastic materials can also be used.

The insulator 121 surrounds the heating chamber 102 except at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. In some embodiments, the insulator 121 is a fibrous or foam material, such as wool. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulator 121 comprises a pair of nested tubes or cups enclosing a cavity between them. The cavity may be filled with a heat insulating material such as fiber, foam, gel or gas (eg low pressure) and / or the cavity may contain a vacuum. Advantageously, vacuum requires only a very small thickness to obtain high insulation. It will be appreciated that the insulator 121 surrounds the heating chamber 102 except at the open end 114. Therefore, the flow of heat from the heating chamber 102 to the casing 110 is blocked or restricted. Further, the heater (not shown) is typically located on the outer surface of the heating chamber 102, and the insulator 121 also surrounds the heater.

The mounting element 108 extends from between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 (around the end of the insulator 121 close to the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102) to the outer surface of the insulator 121. The mounting element 108 cooperates with the outer surfaces of the chassis 107 and the insulator 121 to secure the insulator 121 and the heating chamber 102 in place within the aerosol generating device 100. In order to accommodate the insulator 121 with a space between the insulator 121 and the chassis 107, much like the heating chamber 102 is nested inside the insulator 121. There is a vacancy in.

Additional mounting elements (not shown) are provided at the end of the insulator 121 on the opposite side of the end close to the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. However, the insulator 121 contacts the chassis 107 only through the mounting element 108 and additional mounting elements, not elsewhere. This also improves the thermal separation of the heating chamber 102 with respect to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100, eg, the casing 110.

The heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 are further held in place within the aerosol generation device 100 by the thermal bridge 119. The thermal bridge 119 is located relative to the surface of the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102, opposite the surface of the flange 116 where the mounting element 108 is located. Therefore, the flange 116 is held between the thermal bridge 119 and the mounting element 108. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a gasket 125 between the thermal bridge 119 and the flange 116 to improve the fit, but this is not essential. The thermal bridge 119 itself is attached to the chassis 107 in the vicinity of the aperture 103 and functions to prevent the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 from moving toward the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal bridge 119 includes an aperture portion 118 and a casing portion 120. The aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 is located in close proximity to the aperture 103, and the casing portion 120 is located between a portion of the length of the insulator 121 and the casing 110. The delimitation portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 at least partially defines the aperture 103 of the aerosol generating device 100, particularly the internal portion of the aperture 103. More specifically, the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 extends over the entire perimeter of the aperture 103 in this embodiment, but extends only over a portion of the perimeter of the aperture 103 in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 has a hole through which the aperture 103 is provided to the aerosol generating device 100. The casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 includes a wall 123 with external ribs 124. The outer rib 124 projects from the surface of the wall 123 facing outward with respect to the heating chamber 102. The rib 124 serves to increase the surface area of the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119.

In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture portion 118 and the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 are a single continuous component. Thermal bridge 119 contains metal. In this embodiment, the metal is aluminum. Aluminum is used because of its high thermal conductivity, its relatively light weight, and its ease of manufacture compared to other metals. In another embodiment, the thermal bridge 119 includes an alloy of aluminum or any other metal or material such as copper, iron, steel or any alloy thereof.

In this first embodiment, the outward surface of the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 is in good thermal contact with the casing 110. This can be achieved by using a thermal paste or other suitable material between the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 and the casing 110. In other embodiments, this is only achieved by ensuring close physical contact between the thermal bridge 119 and the casing 110.

The thermal bridge 119 is arranged to provide a path for heat to flow from the open end 114 of the heating chamber to the casing 110. Since the casing 110 itself has a relatively high thermal conductivity, for example because it contains metal, the heat flowing from the open end 114 of the heating chamber to the casing 110 through the thermal bridge 119 is conducted by the casing 110, thereby surrounding the casing 110. Is diffused to. Since the casing 110 is the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100, heat can be effectively radiated from the aerosol generating device 100. In this configuration, counter-intuitively, rather than attempting to further capture heat into the heating chamber 102, it is better to keep the heat escaping from the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 away from the aperture 103 of the aerosol generation device 100. Recognize it as good. This prevents the vicinity of the aperture 103 of the aerosol generating device 100 from becoming unnecessarily high temperature as compared with the configuration in which the heat is further captured in the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114.

As described above, the trim portion 111 covers the thermal bridge 119 at the first end portion 113 of the aerosol generating device 100. Since the trim portion 111 contains a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge 119, heat from the open end 114 of the heating chamber flows to the trim portion and thus to the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 at the first end portion 113. Is blocked or restricted.

In the experimental analysis of the sample aerosol generation device based on the first embodiment, the heating chamber 102 of the aerosol generation device 100 is repeatedly used so that the temperature of the aerosol generation device 100 reaches a nearly steady state, and the aerosol base material is placed in a room temperature environment. Heated in. At point A shown in FIG. 3, the temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches about 37 ° C, the point B of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches about 35 ° C, and the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. It was found that the point C on the surface reached about 33 ° C, the point D on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached about 29 ° C, and the point E on the inner surface of the chassis 107 reached about 46 ° C. ..

2nd Embodiment With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the aerosol generating device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure has a different form except that the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment is located at the trim portion 111 and has a different form. , The same as the aerosol generation device 100 of the first embodiment.

More specifically, the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment does not extend around the insulator 121. In effect, the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 of the first embodiment is omitted, and the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 of the first embodiment is adapted to replace the trim portion 111 of the first embodiment. Has been done. The thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment defines the aperture 103 at least partially. More specifically, the thermal bridge 219 extends all around the aperture 103 in this embodiment, but extends only partly around the aperture 103 in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal bridge 219 has a hole through which the hole provides the aerosol generation device 100 with an aperture 103. The thermal bridge 219 is held in place by the casing 110. That is, the peripheral edge portion of the thermal bridge 219 is in contact with the casing 110 between, for example, the left side portion 110a and the right side portion 110b of the casing 110.

The spacer 220 extends between the thermal bridge 219 and the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102. In the illustrated embodiment, there is also a gasket 125 to improve the fit between the spacer 220 and the flange 116. The spacer 220 has a hole in it, the hole having the same dimensions as the hole in the thermal bridge 219, and the two holes are aligned so that they together define the delimiter 103. The spacer 220 is substantially tubular. In this embodiment, the spacer 220 comprises PEEK. PEEK is useful because it blocks or limits the transfer of heat by conduction from the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102 to the thermal bridge 219. The thermal bridge 219 comprises metal, in this embodiment aluminum. The thermal bridge 219 may instead include an aluminum alloy. Other materials such as copper, iron, steel or any alloy thereof may also be used.

Rather than attempting to further capture heat into the heating chamber 102 as in the first embodiment, the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment also transfers the heat escaping from the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 of the aerosol generation device 100. Try to keep away from the aperture 103. This is achieved by the thermal bridge 219 conducting heat from the periphery of the aperture 103 towards the casing 110. In particular, the thermal bridge 219 extends around the aperture 103 on the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device. The thermal bridge 219 also extends under the lid 109, i.e., between the lid 109 and the rest of the aerosol generation device 100. The thermal bridge 219 is held between the left side portion 110a and the right side portion 110b of the casing 110. The peripheral edge of the thermal bridge 219 is in direct contact with the casing 110. For example, by locating the thermal bridge 219 at the first end 113 on the outer or outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100, the thermal bridge 219 allows the thermal bridge 219 to radiate heat from the aperture 103 to the surroundings. Further, by being in thermal contact with the casing 110, heat can flow from the thermal bridge 219 to the casing 110 and diffuse around the casing 110, where it can be radiated to the surrounding environment. The surface of the thermal bridge 219 and the surface of the casing 110 in contact with each other can be tightly fitted and / or a thermal paste or other heat conductive medium is applied between the surfaces from the thermal bridge 219 to the casing 110. Good heat conduction can be ensured.

In the experimental analysis of the sample aerosol generating device based on the second embodiment, the heating chamber 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 is repeatedly used so that the temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches a nearly steady state, and the aerosol base material is placed in a room temperature environment. Heated in. At point A shown in FIG. 3, the temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches about 36 ° C, the point B of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches about 33 ° C, and the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. It was found that the point C on the surface reached about 32 ° C, the point D on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached about 29 ° C, and the point E on the inner surface of the chassis 107 reached about 46 ° C. .. It will be appreciated that these temperatures are slightly lower than those achieved by the aerosol generating device according to the first embodiment, at least as far as the outer surface of the casing 110 is concerned. However, to offset this, due to the presence of the metal surrounding the aperture 103 in the second embodiment (ie, the metal surface of the thermal bridge 219), this trim portion 111 of the plastic material is present on the surface surrounding the aperture 103. It has been found that more heat can be radiated from the aerosol generating device 100 in the vicinity as compared to the first embodiment. Given the proximity of the user's mouth to this part of the aerosol generating device 100 during use, this makes a significant difference to the user's experience, even though the measurements show the opposite. It is recognized that the temperature of the surface surrounding the aperture 103 is higher in the second embodiment than in the first embodiment.

Definitions and Alternative Embodiments From the above description, it will be appreciated that many features of the various embodiments are interchangeable. The present disclosure extends to further embodiments, including combinations of features of various embodiments together in embodiments not specifically mentioned.

As used herein, the term "vapor" (or "vapor") means: (i) a liquid is naturally converted by the action of sufficient heat. Form, or (ii) liquid / moisture particles that float in the atmosphere and appear as steam / smoke clouds, or (iii) fill the space like a gas, but liquefy only by pressure when below critical temperature The fluid that can be.

Consistent with this definition, the term "vaporise" (or "vaporize") means: (i) change to steam or cause a change to steam, And (ii) when the particles change their physical state (ie, from a liquid or solid to a gaseous state).

As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a particle system dispersed in air or gas, such as mist, fog or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolise" (or "aerosolize") means to make an aerosol and / or to disperse it as an aerosol. It should be noted that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolization is consistent with each of the volatilization, spraying and vaporization defined above. To avoid doubt, aerosols are used to consistently describe mists or droplets containing sprayed, volatile or vaporized particles. Aerosols also include mists or droplets containing any combination of sprayed, volatile or vaporized particles.

Claims (31)

Aerosol generation device (100)
A heating chamber (102) into which the aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol, and
A casing (110) in which the heating chamber (102) is housed, and a casing (110).
An aperture (103), through which the aerosol substrate is insertable into the heating chamber (102).
An insulator (121) disposed at least partially between the heating chamber (102) and the casing (110).
An aerosol generation device (100) comprising a thermal bridge (119; 219) disposed to dissipate heat from the heating chamber (102) to the casing (110). The heating chamber (102) includes a first end proximal to the aperture (103) and a second end opposite to the first end of the heating chamber (102), said thermal. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the bridge (119; 219) is located closer to the first end of the heating chamber (102) than to the second end of the heating chamber (102). (100). The aerosol-generating device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) at least partially defines the aperture (103). The aerosol-generating device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is at least partially disposed between the heating chamber (102) and the aperture (103). The aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thermal bridge (119, 219) includes a heat-dissipating surface facing outward from the aerosol-generating device (100). The aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermal bridge (119, 219) includes a heat-dissipating surface facing the heat-dissipating wall of the casing (110). The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the heat dissipation surface is in direct contact with the heat dissipation wall of the casing (110). The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is arranged at least partially so as to include the heating chamber (102). The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is in contact with the heating chamber (102). The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material, and the insulator (121) comprises a second material, wherein the first material has a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material, and the casing (110) comprises a second material, wherein the first material has a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. Item 3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of Items 1 to 9. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) contains a metal. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) contains aluminum. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) has ribs on the outside. Further including the chassis (107), both the thermal bridge (119; 219) and the chassis (107) complementarily surround the heating chamber (102), and the chassis (107) is the thermal bridge (119; 219) The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than that of 219). 15. The aerosol-generating device (100) of claim 15, wherein the chassis (107) has ribs on the outside or the casing (110) has ribs on the inside. The aerosol-generating device (100) of claim 15 or 16, wherein the chassis is made essentially of plastic, and the thermal bridge (119; 219) is made essentially of metal. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the casing (110) covers the chassis (107). The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the casing (110) contains a metal, preferably the casing (110) is made essentially of metal. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising a mounting element (108) extending between the heating chamber (102) and the insulator (121). The mounting element (108) works with the chassis (107) and the insulator (121) to secure the insulator (121) and the heating chamber in place within the aerosol generating device (100). 20. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 20. One of claims 15-21, wherein the heating chamber (102) has a flange (116), and the thermal bridge (119; 219) is located relative to the surface of the flange (116). The aerosol generating device (100) according to the above. The thermal bridge (119; 219) is located relative to the surface of the flange (116) of the heating chamber (102), opposite to the surface of the flange (116) where the mounting element (108) is located. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 22, which is subordinate to claim 20 or 21. The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material / said first material, and the aerosol generating device (100) has an outer trim portion (111) that at least partially defines the aperture (103). The outer trim portion (111) includes a third material, wherein the third material has a lower thermal conductivity than the first material, according to any one of claims 1 to 23. Aerosol generation device (100). The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a heater, and the insulator (121) being arranged between the heater and the casing (110). The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 25, wherein the heater is an electric type. 25. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the insulator (121) is arranged between the heater and the thermal bridge (119; 219). The thermal bridge (119; 219) includes an aperture portion (118) and a casing portion (120), the aperture portion (118) preferably located in close proximity to the aperture (103), and said. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the casing portion (120) is preferably located between a part of the length of the insulator (121) and the casing (110). (100). 28. The aerosol generating device (100), wherein the aperture portion (118) of the thermal bridge (119; 219) at least partially defines the aperture (103). The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 29, further comprising a spacing component (220) between the heating chamber (102) and the thermal bridge (119; 219). 28. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 28, wherein the spacing component (220) comprises a heat resistant polymeric material preferably selected from at least one of silicon, polyurethane or polyetheretherketone, PEEK. ..

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