JP2023089259A - Aerosol generation device having thermal bridge - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation device including a thermal bridge arranged to dissipate heat from a heating chamber to a casing.SOLUTION: An aerosol generation device has a heating chamber 102 into which an aerosol substrate is insertable for being heated to generate aerosol. The heating chamber 102 is housed in a casing 110, and an aperture 103 is provided, through which the aerosol substrate is insertable into the heating chamber 102, e.g., through an open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. An insulator 121 is disposed between the heating chamber 102 and the casing 110, and a thermal bridge 119 is arranged to dissipate heat from the heating chamber 102 to the casing 110, for example in the vicinity of the aperture 103 or from the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices with thermal bridges. 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 exterior of the aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to portable aerosol generating devices that are self-contained and capable of operating at low temperatures. Such devices may be configured to heat tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable materials by conduction, convection and/or radiation rather than burning them to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

The popularity and use of risk-reducing or risk-modifying devices (also known as vaporizers) to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit smoking conventional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and cigarettes. has grown rapidly in the last few years as a subsidy for Various devices and systems are available for heating or warming an aerosolizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products.

Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate-heated aerosol-generating devices or heated non-combustion devices. Devices of this type produce an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising moist tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C. generate By heating, rather than combusting or combusting, the aerosol substrate, an aerosol is released that contains the components desired by the user, but is free of the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and combustion. Additionally, aerosols produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable materials typically do not contain a burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning, which can be objectionable to the user. Thus, the base does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make the smoke and/or vapors more palatable to the user.

To minimize the time between when the user first activates the device and when the user can inhale the desired aerosol from the aerosol substrate, the aerosol substrate should be placed at a temperature at which the aerosol can be emitted. It is desirable to heat as rapidly as possible to This involves the use of powerful heaters, which inevitably cause high temperatures throughout the aerosol generating device. Additionally, users may typically use the aerosol-generating device for a significant 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. Worse still, the aerosol generating device would be completely unsuitable for consumer use if there was a risk that the user could be injured by heat.

Existing aerosol-generating devices include insulators intended to reduce the transfer of heat 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 through which the aerosol substrate is inserted into the heating chamber, through which the heat generated during heating of the aerosol substrate escapes by radiation, convection and/or conduction. Tend. This is difficult to mitigate and is particularly problematic in aerosol-generating devices that are used by the user, for example, by bringing their mouth and lips very close to the opening during use to suck the aerosol out of the device. there is a possibility.

Aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying claims.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate is insertable to be heated to generate an aerosol; a casing housing the heating chamber; an aperture through which the aerosol substrate is insertable into the heating chamber; an insulator disposed at least partially between the heating chamber and the casing; and for dissipating heat from the heating chamber to the casing. An aerosol-generating device is provided that includes a thermal bridge positioned at a.

A thermal bridge may provide a means for conducting heat from the heating chamber to the surroundings of the casing so that the heat can be distributed to the surrounding environment. In effect, the thermal bridge can act as a heat sink. However, conducting heat to the casing can further enhance the ability of the aerosol generating device to dissipate heat.

Optionally, the heating chamber includes a first end and a second end, the first end being opposite the second end and the aperture proximate the first end of the heating chamber. position and the thermal bridge is positioned closer to the aperture than the second end of the heating chamber. In such configurations, the thermal bridge may provide a means for conducting heat away from the outer surface of the aperture of the aerosol-generating device so that the heat can be distributed to the surrounding environment.

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

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

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

Optionally, the thermal bridge includes a heat dissipating surface facing a heat dissipating wall of the casing. Optionally, the heat dissipating surface is in direct contact with the heat dissipating 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, eg direct contact, with the heating chamber.

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, a thermal bridge is a better conductor of heat than an insulator.

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 comprise the same material. The thermal bridge may comprise metal and is preferably made essentially of metal. More specifically, the thermal bridge may comprise aluminum, and more preferably consists essentially of aluminum.

Optionally, the thermal bridge is ribbed on the outside.

Optionally, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a chassis, both the thermal bridge and the chassis complementary surrounding the heating chamber, the chassis being made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge.

Optionally, the chassis is externally ribbed or the casing is internally ribbed.

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 comprises metal, preferably essentially made of metal.

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

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

Optionally, the aerosol-generating device includes a mounting element extending from between the heating chamber and the insulator. Optionally, the mounting element cooperates 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 lies against a surface of the flange. Optionally, the thermal bridge is located against a 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 includes an aperture portion and a casing portion, the aperture portion preferably located proximate the aperture, and the casing portion preferably a portion of the length of the insulator and the casing portion. located between

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

Optionally, the aerosol-generating 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 comprising: a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate is insertable to be heated to generate an aerosol; a casing containing the heating chamber; an insulator disposed at least partially between the heating chamber and the casing; an aperture through which the aerosol substrate is insertable into the heating chamber and disposed in thermal contact with the casing; and/or a thermal bridge including a heat-dissipating surface facing outwardly 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 generating device is provided that includes a partially disposed thermal bridge.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate is insertable to be heated to generate an aerosol; and a casing containing the heating chamber. an aperture through which the aerosol substrate is insertable into the heating chamber; an insulator disposed at least partially between the heating chamber and the casing; and a thermal bridge positioned to dissipate heat to the aerosol generating device.

Each of the aspects above may include any one or more of the features noted with respect to other aspects above.

Use of the words "apparatus", "device", etc. is intended to be generic rather than specific. Although these features of the disclosure can be implemented using individual components, they can likewise be implemented using other suitable components or combinations of components.

Note that the term "comprising" as used herein means "consisting at least in part of. Thus, when interpreting a phrase containing the term "comprising" herein, features other than those for which the term precedes may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted similarly. As used herein, a "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as mist, fog or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and/or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of aerosol/aerosolizing is consistent with each of the definitions of volatilizing, nebulizing and vaporizing above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used consistently to describe a mist or droplets containing particles that are nebulized, volatilized or vaporized. Aerosol also includes a mist or droplets containing any combination of nebulized, volatilized or vaporized particles.

Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with the lid in the closed position; FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment, with the lid in the open position; FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with an aerosol-based carrier inserted; FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment, with the casing removed; FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with parts of the casing and chassis removed; FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the aerosol generating device according to the first embodiment, with the casing and another part of the chassis removed; FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, in the region of an aperture; FIG. Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment, with the casing removed; Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the aerosol-generating device according to the second embodiment, in the region of the aperture;

First Embodiment Referring to FIGS. 1-7, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device 100 includes a casing 110 that houses various components of the aerosol-generating device 100 . An aperture 103 is provided through which an aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber 102 . In this embodiment, the aerosol substrate is provided within substrate carrier 104 . The substrate carrier 104 is generally elongated and the aerosol substrate is positioned toward or at the first end of the substrate carrier 104 . Substrate carrier 104 provides a conduit, for example in the form of a tube of cardboard or plastic material, between the aerosol substrate and the second end of substrate carrier 104 . Optionally, a filter is provided along the length of the conduit, eg at the second end of the substrate carrier 104 . Aerosol and/or vapor generated from the aerosol substrate as it is heated within the heating chamber 102 can be drawn through the conduit and inhaled by the user from the second end of the substrate carrier 102 . Substrate carrier 102 has a length sufficient to protrude through aperture 103 with an aerosol substrate in heating chamber 102 (as shown in FIG. 3).

Aerosol-generating device 100 may be described as a personal inhaler device, electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette), vaporizer, or vaping device. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 is a heated non-combustion (HnB) device. However, the aerosol-generating device 100 contemplated in this disclosure more generally heats an aerosolizable substance to produce an aerosol for inhalation, as opposed to burning tobacco as in conventional tobacco products. generate

Aerosol substrates and substrate carriers 104 are sometimes referred to as consumables. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable is in the form of a rod containing processed tobacco material, such as a crimped sheet or oriented strip of reconstituted tobacco (RTB) paper impregnated with a liquid aerosol former. be. The liquid aerosol former of this embodiment comprises vegetable glycerin (VG), but can be a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and VG. In this embodiment, the consumable uses pure VG without any flavorants or nicotine. Instead, the volatile flavorant and nicotine obtained from the RTB are co-vaporized with the aerosol former and entrained in the resulting condensed aerosol, which is inhaled by the user. However, in other embodiments, the consumable article has an aerosol former containing nicotine and other flavorants. In such cases, the consumable article typically contains another solid porous material for absorbing the aerosol former liquid, which may or may not contain, for example, tobacco. A mousse formed with a gelling agent and a suitable binder.

Casing 110 of aerosol-generating device 100 may be of any suitable shape and size to accommodate the components of aerosol-generating device 100, but is generally elongate. An aperture 103 is provided at a first end 113 of the aerosol-generating device 100 , eg at one of the elongated ends of the casing 110 . In the drawing, the first end 113 is shown at the top. A second end 115 of the aerosol-generating device 100 is the end furthest from the aperture 103 and is shown at the bottom in the drawing. This is the manner in which the aerosol-generating device 100 is commonly oriented in use, so the first end 113 may be referred to as the top end and the second end 115 may be referred to as the bottom end. . More specifically, during use, the user typically controls the aerosol-generating device 1
00 with the second end 115 facing downward and/or in a distal position relative to the user's mouth, and with the first end 113 facing upward and/or in a position proximal to the user's mouth. Orient.

The aerosol-generating device 100 has a lid arranged to be movable between at least two positions, in particular a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1) and an open position (as shown in FIG. 2). 109. In the closed position, lid 109 blocks aperture 103 so that no material can enter heating chamber 102 . In the open position, aperture 103 is exposed to allow access to heating chamber 102 through aperture 103 . In the illustrated embodiment, lid 109 is arranged to be movable between closed and open positions by sliding. In other embodiments, lid 109 is arranged to pivot between closed and open positions and/or rotate between closed and open positions.

An indicator 101 is provided on the aerosol generating device 100 to indicate information to the user. In this embodiment, the indicator 101 includes a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or strip of LEDs (as in this embodiment), and the indicator 101 has, for example, a first end 113 and a second end 115. is provided on the side of the casing 110 between the Information indicated to the user by the indicator 101 includes the status of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., whether the aerosol generating device 100 is off, in standby mode, or on), the battery level, the An indication of temperature or session time may be mentioned.

As can be seen most clearly from FIG. 4, in which 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 aerosol-generating device 100 . It is also possible to attach the components of the aerosol generating device 100 using visible attachments such as screws or snap-fit connections with less impact on the appearance of the chassis 107 . Rather, casing 110 fits around chassis 107 , eg, covers chassis 107 , thereby providing an exterior or exterior surface for aerosol-generating device 100 . This means that casing 110 provides at least the majority of the visible surface of aerosol-generating device 100 .

In this embodiment, chassis 107 comprises plastic material and casing 110 comprises metal. The fact that chassis 107 is a plastic material means that chassis 107 can be formed simply and inexpensively by molding. Plastic materials also tend to have significantly lower thermal conductivities than metals. This means that chassis 107 is generally more insulating than casing 110 . The metal casing 110 allows the user to hold the outer casing 110 comfortably. Casing 110 may also be anodized, treated, or coated, for example with a powder coating, to have an attractive appearance and to resist scratches, abrasion, tarnishing or other deterioration. The higher thermal conductivity of the metal of the outer casing 110 compared to the plastic material of the chassis 107 allows any heat leaking into the casing 110 from the heating chamber 102 to be distributed more freely around the casing 110, Reduces local hotspots. However, it is noted that it is not necessary for chassis 107 to be a plastic material and casing 110 to be metal, and in other embodiments chassis 107 and casing 110 are formed of other materials. sea bream.

Chassis 107 includes two parts. Orienting the aerosol generating device 100 with the aperture 103 facing the viewer, the left portion 107a is the left hand side and the right portion 107b is the right hand side. Left portion 107 a and right portion 107 b mate in a plane that bisects 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. , extending in the direction described here. In effect, chassis 107 is divided into two substantially equal parts that are mirror images of each other with minor differences, for example, to accommodate small asymmetric features such as indicator 101 located on right hand part 107b.

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

Casing 110 fits directly onto chassis 107 . Similar to chassis 107, in the illustrated embodiment, casing 110 includes two parts. When the aerosol generating device 100 is oriented with the aperture 103 facing the viewer, the left portion 110a is the left hand side and the right portion 110b is the right hand side. Left portion 110a and right portion 110b mate in the same plane as left portion 107a and right portion 107b of chassis 107 mate. Thus, similar to chassis 107, casing 110 is divided into two substantially equal parts that are mirror images of each other with minor differences to accommodate small asymmetric features such as indicator 101 located on right hand part 110b. It is

In this embodiment, both the inward and outward facing surfaces of casing 110 are smooth. The inward facing surface is contoured to follow the outer extent of chassis 107, such as the outer extent of ribs 124 in the illustrated embodiment. The inward facing surface of casing 110 fits flush with the outer extent of chassis 107 . This makes it possible to reliably bond the casing 110 to the chassis 107, for example with an adhesive. Advantageously, the spaces between ribs 124 of chassis 107 provide clearance between the walls of chassis 107 and the inward facing surface of casing 110 . These gaps can simply be filled with air. Air itself is a good insulator with a lower thermal conductivity than many plastic materials at atmospheric pressure. Ribs 124 of chassis 107 thus advantageously improve the insulating properties of aerosol-generating device 100 between heating chamber 102 and casing 110 . In a variation of this embodiment, the inner surface of the casing has ribs 124 and the chassis is smooth on the outside. In another variation, both the inner surface of the casing and the outer surface of the chassis are ribbed.

In a first embodiment, casing 110 does not extend over first end 113 of aerosol generating device 100 where aperture 103 and lid 109 are provided. Rather, aerosol-generating device 100 has trim portion 111 at first end 113 . Trim portion 111 extends at least partially around aperture 103, and in the illustrated embodiment extends entirely. In other words, trim portion 111 at least partially defines aperture 103 . The trim portion 111 also extends under the lid 109 , ie between the lid 109 and the rest of the aerosol generating device 100 . In this first embodiment, trim portion 111 comprises a plastic material, eg, the same material as chassis 107 . Trim portion 111 is held between left side portion 107a and right side portion 107b of chassis 107 . Trim portion 111 is the portion of 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 seen most clearly in FIG. 5 with the casing 110 and the right portion 107b of the chassis 107 removed, and in FIG. 6 with the casing 110 and the entire chassis 107 removed. . It can be seen that the heating chamber 102 (or oven) is surrounded by insulation 121 . The indicator 101 is also more visible with the power source 112 of the aerosol generating device 100, such as a cell or battery. One point is that insulator 121 and power supply 112 , both of which are generally cylindrical, are placed side by side to pack them compactly inside chassis 107 and casing 110 .

More specifically, the heating chamber 102 is located towards the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 101 . The heating chamber 102 is generally cup-shaped with an open end 114 located toward the first end 113 of the aerosol-generating device 100 through which the aerosol substrate enters the heating chamber 102 (see FIG. 7). can enter. Aperture 103 of aerosol-generating device 100 meets open end 114 of heating chamber 102 . In the illustrated embodiment, aperture 103 is substantially circular with a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of heating chamber 102 . The aerosol substrate carrier 104 is substantially cylindrical with a diameter similar to the inner diameter of the heating chamber 102 so that it can pass through the aperture 103 and the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 without difficulty. However, as long as the apertures 103 and the aerosol substrate carrier 104 can receive at least a portion of the aerosol substrate carrier 104 through the apertures 103 into the heating chamber 102 such that the aerosol substrate can be heated within the heating chamber 102 . It can be of any shape or size.

Heating chamber 102 is mounted within insulator 121 . As can be seen most clearly from FIG. 7, the heating chamber 102 has an outwardly projecting flange 116 at the open end 114 . Flange 116 is annular and extends, for example, all around open end 114 of heating chamber 102 . A 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 sidewalls, eg, in a plane with the central axis of the heating chamber 102 and perpendicular to the central axis.

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 insulator 121 within the aerosol generating device or more specifically to the chassis 107 . Mounting element 108 is generally annular and extends around the outer edge of heating chamber 102 and insulator 121 , for example at open end 114 of heating chamber 102 . Mounting element 108 separates heating chamber 102 from insulator 121 . More specifically, mounting element 108 is located between heating chamber 102 and insulator 121 at open end 114 of 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 within the cavity defined by the inner walls of the insulator 121 . The only contact between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 is through the mounting element 108 as the heating chamber is inserted into the cavity of the insulator. Because the space elsewhere between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 is filled with air, the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 are more insulated from each other than in configurations where the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 are in greater contact with each other. Thermal isolation between body 121 is improved. In the illustrated embodiment, attachment 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.

Insulator 121 surrounds heating chamber 102 except at open end 114 of heating chamber 102 . In some embodiments, insulator 121 is a fibrous or foam material, such as wool. In the illustrated embodiment, insulator 121 includes a pair of nested tubes or cups enclosing a cavity therebetween. The cavity may be filled with a thermally insulating material such as fibre, foam, gel or gas (eg at low pressure) and/or the cavity may contain a vacuum. Advantageously, a vacuum requires only a very small thickness to obtain high thermal insulation. It will be appreciated that insulator 121 surrounds heating chamber 102 except at open end 114 . Thus, blocking or restricting heat flow from the heating chamber 102 to the casing 110 . In addition, a heater (not shown) is typically located on the exterior surface of heating chamber 102, and insulator 121 also surrounds this heater as well.

Mounting element 108 extends from between heating chamber 102 and insulator 121 (around the end of insulator 121 proximate open end 114 of heating chamber 102 ) to the outer surface of insulator 121 . Mounting element 108 cooperates with outer surfaces of chassis 107 and insulator 121 to secure insulator 121 and heating chamber 102 in place within aerosol generating device 100 . In much the same way that the heating chamber 102 is nested inside the insulator 121, the insulator 121 has a space inside the chassis 107 to accommodate the insulator 121 with a space between the insulator 121 and the chassis 107. there is a vacancy in

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

Heating chamber 102 and insulator 121 are further held in place within aerosol-generating device 100 by thermal bridge 119 . Thermal bridge 119 lies against a surface of flange 116 of heating chamber 102 opposite the surface of flange 116 on which mounting element 108 lies. Flange 116 is thus retained between thermal bridge 119 and 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 required. The thermal bridge 119 itself is attached to the chassis 107 near the aperture 103 and functions to prevent movement of the heating chamber 102 and insulator 121 towards the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100 .

In the illustrated embodiment, thermal bridge 119 includes aperture portion 118 and casing portion 120 . Aperture portion 118 of thermal bridge 119 is located adjacent aperture 103 and casing portion 120 is located between a portion of the length of insulator 121 and casing 110 . The aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 at least partially defines the aperture 103 of the aerosol-generating device 100, in particular the interior portion of the aperture 103. More specifically, aperture portion 118 of thermal bridge 119 extends all the way around aperture 103 in this embodiment, but only partially around aperture 103 in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, aperture portion 118 of thermal bridge 119 has a hole therethrough that provides aperture 103 to aerosol generating device 100 . Casing portion 120 of thermal bridge 119 includes walls 123 with external ribs 124 . External ribs 124 protrude from the surface of wall 123 facing outwardly with respect to heating chamber 102 . Ribs 124 serve to increase the surface area of casing portion 120 of thermal bridge 119 .

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

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

A thermal bridge 119 is positioned 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, e.g., comprises metal, heat flowing from the open end 114 of the heating chamber through the thermal bridge 119 to the casing 110 is conducted by the casing 110 and thereby heats the surroundings of the casing 110 . spread to Because the casing 110 provides the exterior surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 , heat can be effectively radiated from the aerosol-generating device 100 . Counter-intuitively, this configuration prefers to direct the heat escaping from the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 away from the aperture 103 of the aerosol generating device 100, rather than trying to trap more heat within the heating chamber 102. perceive it as good. This prevents unnecessarily high temperatures in the vicinity of the aperture 103 of the aerosol generating device 100 more effectively than configurations that attempt to trap more heat within the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 .

As mentioned above, the trim portion 111 covers the thermal bridge 119 at the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100 . Because the trim portion 111 comprises a material with 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 external surface of the aerosol generating device 100 at the first end 113. is prevented or restricted.

In an experimental analysis of a sample aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment, the heating chamber 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100 was repeatedly used and the aerosol substrate was placed in a room temperature environment such that the temperature of the aerosol-generating device 100 reached a near steady state. heated with At point A shown in FIG. It was found that surface point C reached about 33°C, point D on the exterior surface of aerosol-generating device 100 reached about 29°C, and point E on the interior surface of chassis 107 reached about 46°C. .

Second Embodiment Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, an aerosol-generating device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure has the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment at the trim portion 111, except that it has a different configuration. , are the same as the aerosol generating device 100 of the first embodiment.

More specifically, thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment does not extend around 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. It is The thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment at least partially defines the aperture 103 . More specifically, thermal bridge 219 extends all the way around aperture 103 in this embodiment, but only partially around aperture 103 in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, thermal bridge 219 has a hole therethrough that provides aperture 103 to aerosol generating device 100 . Thermal bridge 219 is held in place by casing 110 . That is, the peripheral edge of thermal bridge 219 contacts casing 110, for example, between left side portion 110a and right side portion 110b of casing 110. As shown in FIG.

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

Rather than trying to further trap heat within the heating chamber 102 as in the first embodiment, the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment also directs heat escaping from the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 to the aerosol generating device 100 . Attempt to move away from aperture 103 . This is accomplished by thermal bridge 219 conducting heat from the periphery of aperture 103 towards casing 110 . In particular, thermal bridge 219 extends around aperture 103 on first end 113 of the aerosol generating device. Thermal bridge 219 also extends under lid 109 , ie between lid 109 and the rest of aerosol-generating device 100 . A thermal bridge 219 is held between the left side portion 110a and the right side portion 110b of the casing 110 . A peripheral edge of the thermal bridge 219 is in direct contact with the casing 110 . For example, positioning the thermal bridge 219 at the first end 113 on the exterior or exterior surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 allows the thermal bridge 219 to radiate heat from the aperture 103 to the surroundings. Further, by being in thermal contact with casing 110, heat can flow from thermal bridge 219 to casing 110 and diffuse around casing 110, where it can be radiated to the surrounding environment. The surfaces of thermal bridge 219 and casing 110 that are in contact with each other may be tightly mated and/or a thermal paste or other heat transfer medium may be applied between the surfaces to provide thermal conductivity from thermal bridge 219 to casing 110 . good heat conduction can be ensured.

In an experimental analysis of a sample aerosol-generating device according to the second embodiment, the heating chamber 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100 was repeatedly used and the aerosol substrate was placed in a room temperature environment such that the temperature of the aerosol-generating device 100 reached a near steady state. heated with At point A shown in FIG. It was found that point C on the surface reached about 32°C, point D on the exterior surface of aerosol-generating device 100 reached about 29°C, and point E on the interior surface of chassis 107 reached about 46°C. . It will be appreciated that these temperatures, at least as far as the outer surface of the casing 110 is concerned, are slightly lower than the temperatures achieved by the aerosol generating device according to the first embodiment. However, to offset this, due to the presence of the metal surrounding the aperture 103 (i.e. the metal surface of the thermal bridge 219) in the second embodiment, this trim 111 of 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 its vicinity than in the first embodiment. Given the proximity of the user's mouth to this portion of the aerosol-generating device 100 during use, this makes a noticeable difference to the user's experience, even though measurements indicate the opposite. , 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 disclosure extends to further embodiments that include combining features of various embodiments together in forms not specifically recited.

As used herein, the term "vapor" (or "vapor") means: (i) a liquid is naturally converted by the action of heat to a sufficient degree; or (ii) particles of liquid/moisture suspended in the atmosphere and visible as clouds of steam/smoke, or (iii) filling space like a gas but liquifying under pressure only when below the critical temperature. Fluid that can.

Consistent with this definition, the term "vaporize" (or "vaporize") means: (i) converting to or effecting conversion to vapor; and (ii) if the particle changes physical state (ie from liquid or solid to gaseous state).

As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as mist, fog or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and/or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of aerosol/aerosolizing is consistent with each of the definitions of volatilizing, nebulizing and vaporizing above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used consistently to describe a mist or droplets containing particles that are nebulized, volatilized or vaporized. Aerosol also includes a mist or droplets containing any combination of nebulized, volatilized or vaporized particles.

Claims (31)

An aerosol-generating device (100), comprising:
a heating chamber (102) into which an aerosol substrate is insertable to be heated to generate an aerosol;
a casing (110) in which said heating chamber (102) is housed;
an aperture (103) through which the aerosol substrate is insertable into the heating chamber (102);
an insulator (121) disposed at least partially between said heating chamber (102) and said casing (110);
a thermal bridge (119; 219) arranged to dissipate heat from said heating chamber (102) to said casing (110). The heating chamber (102) includes a first end proximal to the aperture (103) and a second end opposite the first end of the heating chamber (102), wherein the thermal 2. Aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the bridge (119; 219) is arranged closer to the first end of the heating chamber (102) than to the second end of the heating chamber (102). (100). 3. The aerosol-generating device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) at least partially defines the aperture (103). 3. Aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is at least partially arranged between the heating chamber (102) and the aperture (103). The aerosol-generating device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thermal bridge (119, 219) comprises a heat-dissipating surface facing outwardly from the aerosol-generating device (100). The aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermal bridge (119, 219) comprises a heat-dissipating surface facing a heat-dissipating wall of said casing (110). 7. The aerosol-generating device (100) of claim 6, wherein the heat-dissipating surface is in direct contact with the heat-dissipating wall of the casing (110). Aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is at least partially arranged to enclose the heating chamber (102). The aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermal bridge (119; 219) is in contact with said heating chamber (102). said thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material and said insulator (121) comprises a second material, said first material having a higher thermal conductivity than said second material; Aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1-9. The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material and the casing (
110) comprises a second material, said first material having a higher thermal conductivity than said second material. The aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises metal. The aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises aluminium. The aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said thermal bridge (119; 219) is externally ribbed. further comprising a chassis (107), both said thermal bridge (119; 219) and chassis (107) complementarily surrounding said heating chamber (102), said chassis (107) said thermal bridge (119; 219), the aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than 219). 16. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 15, wherein the chassis (107) is externally ribbed or the casing (110) is internally ribbed. 17. Aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the chassis is essentially made of plastic and the thermal bridge (119; 219) is essentially made of metal. The aerosol-generating device (100) of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the casing (110) covers the chassis (107). The aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said casing (110) comprises metal, preferably said casing (110) is essentially made of metal. The aerosol-generating device (100) of any one of claims 15-19, further comprising a mounting element (108) extending between the heating chamber (102) and the insulator (121). The mounting element (108) cooperates 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). 21. The aerosol-generating device (100) of claim 20, wherein 22. Any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the heating chamber (102) has a flange (116) and the thermal bridge (119; 219) is located against a surface of the flange (116). An aerosol generating device (100) according to . Said thermal bridge (119; 219) lies against a surface of said flange (116) of said heating chamber (102) opposite the surface of said flange (116) on which said mounting element (108) lies. 23. An aerosol-generating device (100) according to claim 22 when dependent on , claim 20 or 21. The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material/the first material and the aerosol generating device (100) has an outer trim portion (111) that at least partially defines the aperture (103). 24. The method of any preceding claim, wherein said outer trim portion (111) comprises a third material, said third material having a lower thermal conductivity than said first material. An aerosol generating device (100). The aerosol-generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heater, and wherein said insulator (121) is arranged between said heater and said casing (110). 26. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 25, wherein the heater is electrically powered. 27. 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). Said thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises an aperture portion (118) and a casing portion (120), said aperture portion (118) preferably located in close proximity to said aperture (103), and said Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a casing portion (120) is preferably located between a portion of the length of said insulator (121) and said casing (110). (100). 29. The aerosol-generating device (100) of claim 28, 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 the preceding claims, further comprising a spacing component (220) between said heating chamber (102) and said thermal bridge (119; 219). 29. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 28, wherein said spacing component (220) comprises a heat resistant polymeric material preferably selected from at least one of silicone, polyurethane or polyetheretherketone, PEEK. .

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