KR20220002980A - Aerosol-generating device with heat 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 received in the casing 110 and has an opening 103 through which an aerosol substrate may be inserted into the heating chamber 102 , for example through an open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 . provided An insulating material 121 is disposed between the heating chamber 102 and the casing 110 , for example from the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 or in the vicinity of the opening 103 , from the heating chamber 102 . Heat bridges 119 ; 219 are disposed to dissipate heat to the casing 110 .

Description

Aerosol-generating device with heat bridge

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device having a thermal bridge. The heat transfer may dissipate heat from a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device to a casing of the aerosol-generating device or to the outside of the aerosol-generating device. In particular, the present disclosure is applicable, but not exclusively, to portable aerosol-generating devices that can be standalone and can be operated at low temperatures. Such a device may be configured to heat, without burning, tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, by conduction, convection, and/or radiation, to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

Assistive devices to assist habitual smokers in their desire to quit smoking traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolled cigarettes, due to the use and popularity of risk reduction or risk modifying devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly over the past few years. In contrast to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products, a variety of devices and systems for heating or warming aerosolizable materials are available.

Commonly available hazard reduction or hazard modification devices are heated substrate aerosol-generating devices or heat-not-burn devices. Devices of this type generate aerosols or vapors, typically by heating an aerosol substrate comprising wet leaf tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C. By heating the aerosol substrate without igniting or combusting it, an aerosol is released that contains the components desired by the user but does not contain toxic and carcinogenic ignition and combustion by-products. In addition, the aerosol produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically does not contain a burnt or bitter taste due to ignition and combustion, which may be objectionable to the user, so that the substrate is more susceptible to smoke and/or vapors. It does not require the sugars and other additives typically added to such ingredients to suit its taste.

In order to minimize the time between when the user first activates the device and the user can inhale the desired aerosol from the aerosol substrate, it is desirable to heat the aerosol substrate as quickly as possible to a temperature at which the aerosol can be emitted. . This entails the use of powerful heaters, which inevitably heats up the aerosol-generating device as a whole. In addition, users may typically use an aerosol-generating device for a fairly long period of time, thus adding to the problems associated with heating the entire aerosol-generating device. If the aerosol-generating device becomes too hot, it may become uncomfortable for the user to hold it with their hands. Worse, the aerosol-generating device would be completely unsuitable for use by the consumer if there was any risk that the user could be injured due to heat.

Existing aerosol-generating devices include insulation intended to reduce, to varying degrees of effect, heat transfer from the heating chamber to the outside of the aerosol-generating device. However, aerosol-generating devices have openings or openings that allow the aerosol substrate to be inserted into the heating chamber, and the heat generated during heating of the aerosol substrate tends to leak from these openings, by radiation, convection and/or conduction. . This is difficult to mitigate and can be particularly problematic in aerosol-generating devices that are used, for example, by the user bringing their mouths and lips into proximity with openings during use to inhale aerosol from the device.

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

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a casing in which the heating chamber is accommodated; an opening through which the aerosol substrate may be inserted into the heating chamber; an insulating material disposed at least partially between the heating chamber and the casing; and a heat bridge disposed to dissipate heat from the heating chamber to the casing.

The heat bridge can provide a path for conducting heat around the casing away from the heating chamber and thus dissipating it to the surrounding environment. Practically, the heat bridge may act as a heat sink. However, by conducting heat to the casing, the ability of the aerosol-generating device to dissipate heat may be further improved.

Optionally, the heating chamber includes a first end and a second end; the first end is opposite the second end; the opening is located adjacent the first end of the heating chamber; The heat bridge is disposed closer to the opening than the second end of the heating chamber. In such an arrangement, the heat bridge may provide a path for conducting heat away from the outer surface of the opening of the aerosol-generating device, thereby dissipating it into the surrounding environment.

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

Optionally, the heat bridge is disposed at least partially between the heating chamber and the opening.

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

Optionally, the heat bridge comprises a heat dissipating surface facing the 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 heat bridge is at least partially disposed to surround the heating chamber.

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

Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material, the insulation comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. In other words, heat bridges conduct heat better than insulation.

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

Optionally, the thermal bridge is externally ribbed.

Optionally, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a chassis; Both the heat bridge and the chassis complementarily surround the heating chamber; The chassis is made of a material that has a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge.

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

Optionally, the chassis is made essentially of plastic and the heat bridge is made essentially of metal (preferably aluminum). Optionally, the casing covers the chassis. Optionally, the casing comprises metal, preferably made essentially of metal.

Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material/said first material, wherein the aerosol-generating device has an outer trim that at least partially defines an opening, wherein the outer trim comprises a third material, a third material has a lower thermal conductivity than the first material.

Optionally, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a heater, wherein the insulating material is disposed between the heater and the casing. In addition, the heat insulating material is preferably disposed between the heater and the heat bridge. The heater may be electric.

Optionally, the aerosol-generating device comprises a mounting element extending from between the heating chamber and the insulation. Optionally, the mounting element cooperates with the chassis and the insulation to secure the insulation and the heating chamber in place of the aerosol-generating device.

Optionally, the heating chamber has a flange, and the heat bridge is positioned in contact with a surface of the flange. Optionally, the heat bridge is positioned in contact with a surface of the flange of the heating chamber opposite the surface of the flange on which the mounting element is positioned.

Optionally, the heat bridge includes an opening portion and a casing portion; The opening portion is preferably located adjacent to the opening, and the casing portion is preferably located between the casing and a portion of the length of the insulation.

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

Optionally, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a spacing component between the heating chamber and the heat bridge.

Optionally, the spacing component comprises a heat resistant polymer material (preferably polyether ether ketone (PEEK)).

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a casing in which the heating chamber is accommodated; an insulating material disposed at least partially between the heating chamber and the casing; an opening through which the aerosol substrate may be inserted into the heating chamber; a heat bridge disposed in thermal contact with the casing and comprising a heat dissipating surface facing outward from the aerosol-generating device, wherein at least a portion of the heat bridge defines at least a portion of the opening or is between the heating chamber and the opening. at least partially disposed.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a casing in which the heating chamber is accommodated; an opening through which the aerosol substrate may be inserted into the heating chamber; an insulating material disposed at least partially between the heating chamber and the casing; and a heat bridge arranged to dissipate heat from the heating chamber to the exterior of the aerosol-generating device.

Each aspect above may include any one or more features recited in relation to the other aspect above.

Uses of words such as "device", "device" and the like are intended to be general rather than specific. Although these features of the present disclosure may be implemented using individual components, they may equally suitably be implemented using other suitable components or combinations of components.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" as used herein means "consisting at least in part." Accordingly, when interpreting a description that includes the term “comprising” in this document, other features or features described in the preface to the term may be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” should be interpreted in the same way. As used herein, "(s)" after a noun means the plural and/or singular form of the noun.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” refers to a system of particles dispersed in a gas or air, such as a mist, mist, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolise" (or "aerosolize") means to aerosolize and/or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of “aerosol/aerosolize” is consistent with each of “volatilize”, “spray” and “evaporate” as defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a spray or droplet comprising atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles. Aerosols also include sprays or droplets comprising any combination of atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment is now described only by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with a closure in a closed position;
2 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with the stopper in the open position;
3 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, into which an aerosol substrate carrier is inserted;
4 is a schematic view of the aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment, with the casing removed;
5 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment, with a casing and a part of the chassis removed;
6 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment, with a casing and another part of the chassis removed;
7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the aerosol-generating device according to the first embodiment, in the region of the opening;
8 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment, with the casing removed;
9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the aerosol-generating device according to the second embodiment, in the region of the opening;

first embodiment

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 opening 103 is provided that allows an aerosol substrate to be inserted into the heating chamber 102 . In this embodiment, the aerosol substrate is provided on a substrate carrier 104 . The substrate carrier 104 is generally elongate and the aerosol substrate is positioned towards, or positioned at, a first end of the substrate carrier 104 . The substrate carrier 104 provides a conduit between the second end of the substrate carrier 104 and the aerosol substrate, for example in the form of a tube of cardboard or plastic material, and optionally, for example, the substrate carrier 104 . A filter is provided along its length at its second end. As the aerosol substrate is heated in the heating chamber 102 , the aerosol and/or vapor generated from the aerosol substrate may be drawn through a conduit and inhaled by a user from the second end of the substrate carrier 102 , the substrate carrier The second end of 102 has a length sufficient to protrude from the opening 103 with the aerosol substrate positioned within the heating chamber 102 (as shown in FIG. 3 ).

The aerosol-generating device 100 may be represented as a personal inhaler device, an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette), a vaporizer, or a vaping device. In the embodiment shown, the aerosol-generating device 100 is a Heat not Burn (HnB) device. However, more generally, the aerosol-generating device 100 contemplated in this disclosure heats an aerosolizable material to generate an aerosol for inhalation, as opposed to burning a cigarette as in conventional tobacco products. do.

The aerosol substrate and substrate carrier 104 may be referred to as consumables. In the embodiment shown, the consumable is in the form of a rod comprising engineered tobacco material (eg, a pressed sheet or stretched strip of reconstituted tobacco (RTB) paper impregnated with a liquid aerosol former). In this embodiment, the liquid aerosol former comprises vegetable glycerin (VG), but may be a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and VG. In this embodiment, the consumable uses pure VG that does not contain any flavoring agents or nicotine. Instead, nicotine and volatile flavors derived from RTB are vaporized simultaneously with the aerosol former and incorporated into the resulting condensed aerosol for inhalation by the user. However, in other embodiments, the consumable has an aerosol former containing nicotine and other flavoring agents. In such cases, typically the consumable contains another solid porous material for absorbing the aerosol former liquid (eg, a mousse formed with a suitable binder and gelling agent, which may or may not contain tobacco).

The casing 110 of the aerosol-generating device 100 may be of any shape and size suitable for fitting the components of the aerosol-generating device 100 , but is generally elongate. The opening 103 is provided at the first end 113 of the aerosol-generating device 100 (eg, one of the elongate-shaped ends of the casing 110 ). In the figure, the first end 113 is shown at the top. The second end 115 of the aerosol-generating device 100 is the end furthest away from the opening 103 and is shown in the lower part of the figure. As this is generally the way the aerosol-generating device 100 is directed during use, 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 points the aerosol-generating device 100 so that the second end 115 is in a distal position and/or downwards relative to the user's mouth, and the first end 113 Orient the aerosol-generating device 100 to be in a proximal position and/or upward with respect to the user's mouth.

The aerosol-generating device 100 includes a closure 109 arranged to be movable between at least two positions, in particular between a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1 ) and an open position (as shown in FIG. 2 ). has In the closed position, the stopper 109 closes the opening 103 so that material cannot enter the heating chamber 102 . In the open position, the opening 103 is exposed to allow access to the heating chamber 102 through the opening 103 . In the embodiment shown, the closure 109 is arranged to be movable between a closed position and an open position by sliding. In other embodiments, the closure 109 is arranged to pivot between the closed and open positions and/or to rotate between the closed and open positions.

An indicator 101 for displaying information to the user is provided on the aerosol-generating device 100 . In this embodiment, the indicator 101 includes a light source (eg, a light emitting diode (LED) or an LED strip (as in this embodiment)), and the indicator 101 is on the side of the casing 110 . provided (eg, between the first end 113 and the second end 115 ). The information displayed to the user by the indicator 101 may include the state of the aerosol-generating device 100 , for example whether the aerosol-generating device 100 is turned off, in standby mode, or turned on, the battery an indication of the level, the temperature of the heating chamber 102 , or the duration of the session.

As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 4 , in which the aerosol-generating device 100 with the casing 110 removed is shown, the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a chassis 107 . The chassis 107 provides structural integrity to the aerosol-generating device 100 . Also, thus, the components of the aerosol-generating device 100 can be mounted using visible mounts, such as screws or snap-fit connections, without significantly considering their impact on the appearance of the chassis 107 . have. More precisely, the casing 110 fits around the chassis 107 (eg, covers the chassis 107 ), thus providing an outer or outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 . This means that the casing 110 provides at least the most 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 chassis 107 of plastic material means that it can be formed easily and inexpensively by molding. In addition, plastic materials tend to have a much lower thermal conductivity than metal, meaning that chassis 107 is generally more insulative than casing 110 . Depending on the metallic casing 110 , the outer casing 110 may be comfortable for a user to grip. In addition, to have an attractive appearance and to prevent scratches, abrasion, discoloration, or other deterioration, it may be anodized, chemically treated, or coated with, for example, a powder coating. Compared to the plastic material of the chassis 107 , due to the higher thermal conductivity of the metal of the outer casing 110 , any heat leaking from the heating chamber 102 to the casing 110 is more freely around the casing 110 . As it can be dispersed, it is possible to reduce local hotspots. It should be noted, however, that the chassis 107 of plastic material and the casing 110 of metal are not essential, and in other embodiments, the chassis 107 and casing 110 are formed of different materials.

The chassis 107 includes two parts. In the aerosol-generating device 100 with the opening 103 facing the viewer, the left portion 107a is on the left and the right portion 107b is on the right. The left part 107a and the right side 107b fit together in a plane that bisects the aerosol-generating device 100 . The plane is parallel to the length of the aerosol-generating device 100 , the length being in the direction between the first end 113 and the second end 115 , from the front of the aerosol-generating device 100 in the direction described herein. extends from the rear. Substantially, the chassis 107 consists of two substantially mirror images of each other, except for minor differences, to accommodate, for example, small asymmetric features, such as the indicator 101 positioned on the right side portion 107b. divided into equal parts.

The outer surface of the chassis 107 is ribbed. That is, the chassis 107 includes a wall 117 having a generally uniform thickness over most of its extent, the ribs 124 being provided on the outwardly facing surface of the wall 117 . The ribs protrude from the outwardly facing surface. In the embodiment shown, most of the ribs 124 extend around the casing 110 in a generally circumferential direction for the length of the aerosol-generating device 100 . However, at least one of the ribs 124 extends along the length of the aerosol-generating device 100 , generally perpendicular to the other ribs 124 . That is, the chassis 107 has ribs 124 that intersect each other vertically, for example. Ribs 124 increase the structural integrity of chassis 107 as compared to single wall 117 without adding as much weight as could be added by making wall 117 itself thicker.

The casing 110 fits directly into the chassis 107 . Like the chassis 107 , in the illustrated embodiment, the casing 110 includes two parts. In the aerosol-generating device 100 with the opening 103 facing the viewer, the left portion 110a is on the left and the right portion 110b is on the right. The left portion 110a and the right side 110b fit together in the same plane in which the left portion 107a and the right portion 107b of the chassis 107 fit together. Thus, similar to the chassis 107, the casing 110, with minor differences, for example, to accommodate small asymmetric features, such as the indicator 101 located on the right side portion 110b: It is divided into two substantially equal parts that are mirror images of each other.

In this embodiment, both the inwardly facing and outward facing surfaces of the casing 110 are smooth. The inwardly facing surface has a contour along the outer extent of the chassis 107 (eg, the outer extent of the ribs 124 in the illustrated embodiment). The inwardly facing surface of the casing 110 fits flush with the outer extent of the chassis 107 . Accordingly, the casing 110 can be firmly bonded to the chassis 107 , for example with an adhesive. Preferably, the space between the ribs 124 of the chassis 107 provides a gap between the wall of the chassis 107 and the facing surface of the casing 110 . These gaps can simply be filled with air, and air itself is a good insulator with a lower thermal conductivity at atmospheric pressure than many plastic materials. Accordingly, the ribs 124 of the chassis 107 advantageously improve the thermal insulation properties of the aerosol-generating device 100 between the heating chamber 102 and the casing 110 . In one variant of this embodiment, the inner surface of the casing has ribs 124 and the chassis is externally smooth. 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 throughout the first end 113 of the aerosol-generating device 100 provided with the opening 103 and the closure 109 . More precisely, the aerosol-generating device 100 has a sheathing 111 at a first end 113 . The sheathing 111 extends around the opening 103 , at least partially and in the illustrated embodiment entirely. That is, the sheathing material 111 at least partially defines the opening 103 . It also extends under the closure 109 (ie between the closure 109 and the remainder of the aerosol-generating device 100 ). In this first embodiment, the exterior material 111 includes a plastic material (eg, the same material as the chassis 107 ). It is held between the left portion 107a and the right portion 107b of the chassis 107 . The sheathing 111 is the 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 are shown in FIG. 5 with the casing 110 and the right side portion 107b of the chassis 107 removed, and in FIG. 6 with the casing 110 and the entire chassis 107 removed. , can be seen most clearly. It can be seen that the heating chamber 102 (or oven) is surrounded by an insulating material 121 . Also, with the power source 112 (eg, a cell or battery) of the aerosol-generating device 100 , the indicator 101 is more clearly visible. One thing to note is that insulation 121 and power source 112 , both generally cylindrical, are placed side by side to compactly package them inside casing 110 and chassis 107 .

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

The heating chamber 102 is mounted in the heat insulating material 121 . As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 7 , the heating chamber 102 has a flange 116 that projects outwardly at an open end 114 . Flange 116 is annular (eg, it extends completely around open end 114 of heating chamber 102 ). The flange 116 extends radially outwardly from the sidewall of the heating chamber 102 . In the embodiment shown, the flange 116 extends perpendicular to the sidewall, for example in a plane with the central axis of the heating chamber 102 as perpendicular thereto.

A mounting element 108 for mounting the heating chamber 102 within the insulation 121 and for mounting the combination of the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 to an aerosol-generating device or more specifically to a chassis 107 . ) is provided. The mounting element 108 is generally annular (eg, it extends around the insulation 121 and the outer perimeter of the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 ). The mounting element 108 separates the heating chamber 102 from the insulation 121 . More specifically, the mounting element 108 is positioned, at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 , between the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 . The dimensions of the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 allow the heating chamber 102 to fit within a void defined by the inner wall of the insulation 121 . With the heating chamber inserted into the cavity of the insulation, the contact between the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 is only through the mounting element 108 . Since the space elsewhere between the heating chamber 102 and the thermal insulation material 121 is filled with air, the heating chamber 102 and the thermal insulation material 121 are in greater contact with each other compared to the arrangement. (121) to improve the insulation of the liver. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting element 108 comprises polyether ether ketone (PEEK). PEEK is used because it is very resistant to thermal degradation and has low thermal conductivity. Other materials may be used, such as other thermoplastics.

Insulation 121 surrounds the heating chamber 102 except for the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 . In some embodiments, the insulation 121 is a fibrous or foam material, such as wool. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation 121 includes a pair of overlapping tubes or cups surrounding a cavity therebetween. The cavity may be filled/filled with an insulating material (eg, fiber, foam, gel or (eg, low pressure) gas), and the cavity may include a vacuum chamber. Preferably, the vacuum chamber requires a very small thickness to achieve high thermal insulation. It will be appreciated that the insulation 121 surrounds the heating chamber 102 except for the open end 114 . Accordingly, it inhibits or limits the flow of heat from the heating chamber 102 to the casing 110 . Also, a heater (not shown) is typically located on the outer surface of the heating chamber 102 , and insulation 121 also surrounds this heater in a similar manner.

The mounting element 108 extends from between the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 to the outer surface of the insulation 121 around an end of the insulation 121 adjacent the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 . do. The mounting element 108 cooperates with the chassis 107 and the outer surface of the insulation 121 to secure the insulation 121 and the heating chamber 102 in place of the aerosol-generating device 100 . Cavity within chassis 107 for accommodating insulation 121 while having a space between insulation 121 and chassis 107 in much the same way as heating chamber 102 is superimposed on the interior of insulation 121 . There is this.

An additional mounting element (not shown) is provided at the end of the insulation 121 opposite the end adjacent the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 . However, the insulation 121 only contacts the chassis 107 via the mounting element 108 and the additional mounting element, but not elsewhere. This also improves the insulation of the heating chamber 102 to the exterior of the aerosol-generating device 100 (eg, the casing 110 ).

The heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 are further held in place within the aerosol-generating device 100 by a heat bridge 119 . The heat bridge 119 is positioned in contact with a surface of the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102 opposite the surface of the flange 116 on which the mounting element 108 is positioned. Accordingly, the flange 116 is held between the heat bridge 119 and the mounting element 108 . In the embodiment shown, there is a gasket 125 between the heat bridge 119 and the flange 116 to improve fit, although this is not required. The heat bridge 119 is self-mounted to the chassis 107 near the opening 103 and prevents movement of the insulation 121 and the heating chamber 102 towards the first end 113 of the aerosol-generating device 100 . works to do

In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal bridge 119 includes an opening portion 118 and a casing portion 120 . An opening portion 118 of the heat bridge 119 is positioned adjacent to the opening 103 , and the casing portion 120 is positioned between the casing 110 and a portion of the length of the heat insulating material 121 . The opening portion 118 of the heat bridge 119 at least partially defines the opening 103 of the aerosol-generating device 100 (in particular, the inner portion of the opening 103 ). More specifically, the opening portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 extends completely around the opening 103 in this embodiment, but in other embodiments it only extends as part of a path around the opening 103 . . In the embodiment shown, the opening portion 118 of the heat bridge 119 has a hole therethrough, thereby providing an opening 103 to the aerosol-generating device 100 . The casing portion 120 of the heat bridge 119 includes a wall 123 having an outer rib 124 that protrudes from the surface of the wall 123 facing out with respect to the heating chamber 102 . The ribs 124 serve to increase the surface area of the casing portion 120 of the heat bridge 119 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the opening portion 118 and the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 are a single contiguous portion. The heat bridge 119 includes a metal. In this embodiment, the metal is aluminum. Aluminum is used because of its high thermal conductivity and because it is relatively lightweight and enables easy manufacture compared to other metals. In other embodiments, the thermal bridge 119 comprises an alloy of aluminum or some other metal or material (eg, copper, iron, steel, or any alloy thereof).

In this first embodiment, the outwardly facing surface of the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 is suitably in thermal contact with the casing 110 . This may be accomplished 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 achieved merely by ensuring intimate physical contact between the heat bridge 119 and the casing 110 .

The heat 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 . Because the casing 110 itself has a relatively high thermal conductivity (eg, because it contains metal), heat flowing from the open end 114 of the heating chamber to the casing 110 through the heat bridge 119 is transferred to the casing 110 . By conducting by 110 , it diffuses around the casing 110 . In this case, since the casing 110 provides the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 , heat can be effectively radiated away from the aerosol-generating device 100 . Counter-intuitively, this arrangement does not attempt to trap additional heat within the heating chamber 102 , but rather allows heat that leaks from the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 to pass through the opening of the aerosol-generating device 100 ( 103) recognizes that it is more appropriate to be able to move away from it. This prevents the aerosol-generating device 100 from becoming undesirably hot in the vicinity of the opening 103 , more effectively than an arrangement that further attempts to trap heat within the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 . .

As described above, the casing 111 covers the heat bridge 119 at the first end 113 of the aerosol-generating device 100 . Since the sheathing 111 comprises a material of lower thermal conductivity than the heat bridge 119 , heat from the open end 114 of the heating chamber is transferred to the sheathing and thus the aerosol-generating device 100 at the first end 113 . ) is inhibited or restricted from flowing to the outer surface of the

In the experimental analysis of the sample aerosol-generating device based on the first embodiment, the heating chamber 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100 is used in repeated cycles for heating the aerosol substrate in a room temperature environment, so that the aerosol-generating device 100 is The temperature reached almost steady state. At point A shown in FIG. 3 , the temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 has reached about 37° C.; point B of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 reached about 35°C; Point C of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 reached about 33°C; point D of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 reached about 29°C; It was confirmed that the point E of the inner surface of the chassis 107 reached about 46°C.

second embodiment

8 and 9 , in the aerosol-generating device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat bridge 219 of the second embodiment is positioned at the position of the exterior material 111 and has a different shape It is the same as the aerosol-generating device 100 of the first embodiment, except that

More specifically, the heat bridge 219 of the second embodiment does not extend around the heat insulating material 121 . Substantially, the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge portion 119 of the first embodiment is omitted, and the opening portion 118 of the thermal bridge portion 119 of the first embodiment forms the exterior material 111 of the first embodiment. adapted to replace The thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment at least partially defines the opening 103 . More specifically, the thermal bridge 219 extends completely around the opening 103 in this embodiment, but in other embodiments it extends only as part of a path around the opening 103 . In the embodiment shown, the heat bridge 219 has a hole therethrough, thereby providing an opening 103 to the aerosol-generating device 100 . The thermal bridge 219 is held in place by the casing 110 (ie, the perimeter of the thermal bridge 219 is, for example, between the left portion 110a and the right portion 110b of the casing 110 ). , in contact with the casing 110).

A spacer 220 extends between the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102 and the heat bridge 219 . Also in the embodiment shown, there is a gasket 125 between the spacer 220 and the flange 116 to improve the fit. Spacer 220 has a hole through it of dimensions similar to those of thermal bridge 219 , the two holes being aligned such that they together further define opening 103 . Spacer 220 is generally tubular. In this embodiment, the spacer 220 comprises PEEK. PEEK is useful because it inhibits or limits the transfer of heat from the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102 to the heat bridge 219 by conduction. Thermal bridge 219 comprises a metal (in this embodiment, aluminum). Alternatively, the thermal bridge 219 may include an alloy of aluminum. Also, other materials may be used, such as copper, iron, steel, or any alloy thereof.

Similar to the first embodiment, rather than attempting to further trap heat within the heating chamber 102 , again the heat bridge 219 of the second embodiment is, at the open end 114 , the heating chamber 102 . Attempts are made to allow heat leaking from the aerosol-generating device 100 to travel away from the opening 103 of the device 100 . This is accomplished by a heat bridge 219 that conducts heat away from the perimeter of the opening 103 towards the casing 110 . Specifically, the heat bridge 219 extends around the opening 103 and over the first end 113 of the aerosol-generating device. It also extends under the closure 109 (ie between the closure 109 and the remainder of the aerosol-generating device 100 ). It is held between the left part 110a and the right part 110b of the casing 110 . The periphery of the heat bridge 219 is in direct contact with the casing 110 . For example, depending on the location of the thermal bridge 219 on the outer or outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 of the first end 113 , the thermal bridge 219 may heat the heat bridge 219 away from the opening 103 into the surrounding environment. can be emitted. Also, by being in thermal contact with the casing 110 , heat may flow from the heat bridge 219 to the casing 110 , and may diffuse around the casing 110 , radiating away from the casing 110 perimeter to the surrounding environment. can be Since the surfaces of the thermal bridge 219 and the casing 110 that are in contact with each other may/could be interference fit and a thermal paste or some other thermally conductive medium may be applied between the surfaces, the thermal bridge 219 ) to ensure excellent heat conduction from the casing 110 .

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 used in repeated cycles for heating the aerosol substrate in a room temperature environment, so that the aerosol-generating device 100 is The temperature reached almost steady state. At point A shown in FIG. 3 , the temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 has reached about 36° C.; point B of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 reached about 33°C; Point C of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 reached about 32°C; point D of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device 100 reached about 29°C; It was confirmed that the point E of the inner surface of the chassis 107 reached about 49°C. It will be appreciated that this temperature is slightly cooler than that achieved by the aerosol-generating device based on the first embodiment, at least as far as the outer surface of the casing 110 is concerned. Correspondingly, however, in the second embodiment, the presence of the metal surrounding the opening 103 (ie the metal surface of the heat bridge 219 ) is such that this sheathing material 111 of plastic material present on the surface is the opening 103 . It has been found that surrounding 103 causes more heat to radiate from the aerosol-generating device 100 in its vicinity than the first embodiment. Considering the proximity of the user's mouth to this part of the aerosol-generating device 100 during use, this causes a significant difference to the user experience, and despite the measurements indicating the opposite, the It is recognized that the temperature of the surface is hotter in the second embodiment than in the first embodiment.

Definitions and Alternative Embodiments

It will be appreciated from the description above that many features of the different embodiments are interchangeable. This disclosure extends to further embodiments including features from different embodiments combined together in ways not specifically mentioned.

As used herein, the term "vapour" (or "vapor") refers to (i) a form in which a liquid is naturally transformed by the action of a sufficient degree of heat; or (ii) particles of liquid/moisture suspended in the atmosphere and appearing as cloudy vapor/smoke; or (iii) a fluid that fills a space like a gas but is below its critical temperature, which can be liquefied by pressure alone.

Consistent with this definition, the term "evaporate" (or "vaporize") includes (i) turning to or causing a change to vapor; and (ii) when the particle changes its physical state (ie, from a liquid or solid to a gaseous state).

As used herein, the term “aerosol” refers to a system of particles dispersed in a gas or air, such as a mist, mist, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolise" (or "aerosolize") means to aerosolize and/or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of “aerosol/aerosolize” is consistent with each of “volatilize”, “spray” and “evaporate” as defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a spray or droplet comprising atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles. Aerosols also include sprays or droplets comprising any combination of atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles.

Claims (31)

An aerosol-generating device (100) comprising:
a heating chamber 102 into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol;
a casing 110 in which the heating chamber 102 is accommodated;
an opening (103) allowing the aerosol substrate to be inserted into the heating chamber (102);
a thermal insulator (121) disposed at least partially between the heating chamber (102) and the casing (110); and
a heat bridge (119; 219) arranged to dissipate heat from the heating chamber (102) to the casing (110);
aerosol-generating device 100 . According to claim 1,
The heating chamber (102) includes a first end adjacent the opening (103) and a second end opposite the first end of the heating chamber (102);
wherein the heat bridge (119; 219) is disposed closer to the first end of the heating chamber (102) than the second end of the heating chamber (102). 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
The heat bridge (119; 219) at least partially defines the opening (103). 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
The heat bridge (119; 219) is disposed at least partially between the heating chamber (102) and the opening (103). 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The heat bridge (119, 219) comprises a heat dissipating surface facing outward from the aerosol-generating device (100). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The heat bridge (119, 219) comprises a heat dissipating surface facing the heat dissipating wall of the casing (110), the aerosol-generating device (100). 7. The method of claim 6,
The aerosol-generating device (100), wherein the heat dissipating surface is in direct contact with the heat dissipating wall of the casing (110). 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The aerosol-generating device ( 100 ), wherein the heat bridge ( 119 ; 219 ) is at least partially arranged to surround the heating chamber ( 102 ). 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
the heat bridge (119; 219) is in contact with the heating chamber (102). 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The heat bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material,
The insulating material 121 includes a second material,
wherein the first material has a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The heat bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material,
The casing 110 includes a second material,
wherein the first material has a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The heat bridge (119; 219) comprises a metal, aerosol-generating device (100). 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
wherein the heat bridge (119; 219) comprises aluminum. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The heat bridge (119; 219) is externally rib-shaped, an aerosol-generating device (100). 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
the aerosol-generating device ( 100 ) further comprises a chassis ( 107 );
both the heat bridge (119; 219) and the chassis (107) complementarily surround the heating chamber (102);
The chassis (107) is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the heat bridge (119; 219). 16. The method of claim 15,
The chassis (107) is externally ribbed, or the casing (110) is internally ribbed. 17. The method of claim 15 or 16,
the chassis is made essentially of plastic;
wherein the heat bridge (119; 219) is made essentially of metal. 18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17,
The casing (110) covers the chassis (107), the aerosol-generating device (100). 19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18,
The aerosol-generating device ( 100 ), wherein the casing ( 110 ) comprises a metal, preferably the casing ( 110 ) is made essentially of metal. 20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19,
An aerosol-generating device (100), further comprising a mounting element (108) extending between the heating chamber (102) and the insulation (121). 21. The method of claim 20,
The mounting element (108), in cooperation with the chassis (107) and the insulation (121), secures the insulation (121) and the heating chamber in place of the aerosol-generating device (100). (100). 22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21,
The heating chamber (102) has a flange (116),
the heat bridge (119; 219) is positioned in contact with the surface of the flange (116). 22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein
The heat bridge (119; 219) is positioned in contact with a surface of the flange (116) of the heating chamber (102) opposite the surface of the flange (116) on which the mounting element (108) is located. generating device 100 . 24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
The thermal bridge 119; 219 comprises a first material/the first material,
The aerosol-generating device (100) has a sheathing (111) at least partially defining the opening (103),
The exterior material 111 includes a third material,
and the third material has a lower thermal conductivity than the first material. 25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24,
It further includes a heater,
The insulating material 121 is disposed between the heater and the casing 110, the aerosol generating device (100). 26. The method of claim 25,
wherein the heater is electric. 27. The method of claim 25 or 26,
The heat insulator 121 is disposed between the heater and the heat bridge 119; 219, the aerosol generating device 100. 28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 27,
the heat bridge (119; 219) includes an opening portion (118) and a casing portion (120);
The opening portion 118 is preferably located adjacent to the opening 103,
The aerosol-generating device ( 100 ), wherein the casing portion ( 120 ) is preferably located between the casing ( 110 ) and a portion of the length of the insulation ( 121 ). 29. The method of claim 28,
the opening portion (118) of the heat bridge (119; 219) at least partially defines the opening (103). 30. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 29,
An aerosol-generating device (100), further comprising a spacing component (220) between the heating chamber (102) and the heat bridge (119; 219). 29. The method of claim 28,
The spacing component (220) preferably comprises a heat-resistant polymer material selected from at least one of silicone, polyurethane, or polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

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