Hybrid heating furnace for aerosol generating device configured to handle consumables

Abstract

The heating furnace comprises a heating cavity (32) configured for receiving consumables (16), the heating cavity (32) being bounded between two separate heating plates (36) facing each other and supported by two side supports (66), each heating plate (36) having two side edges (36A) each attached to its respective side support (66), and at least one of the two heating plates (36) being arched laterally inward between the two side supports (66).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aerosol generating devices, and in particular to a heating chamber for an aerosol generating device configured to operate a consumable.

[0002] The consumable comprises an aerosol substrate comprising an evaporable material, such that the aerosol is formed when the aerosol substrate is heated by the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. Accordingly, this type of aerosol generating device, also known as a "non-combustion heating device", is adapted to generate an aerosol for inhalation by heating rather than burning.

Background Art

[0003] The popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to assist habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking conventional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and rolled tobacco. In contrast to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products, various devices and systems for heating or warming vaporizable materials are available.

[0004] Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate-heated aerosol generators or so-called "non-combustion heating devices." These types of aerosol generators typically generate aerosols or vapors by heating an aerosol substrate contained in a consumable separated from the aerosol generator. Such aerosol substrates typically consist of moist tobacco leaves or other suitable vaporizable materials that vaporize at temperatures typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C. By heating the aerosol substrate rather than burning or incinerating it, an aerosol is released that contains the components desired by the user but does not contain by-products from combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosol produced by heating the vaporizable material contained in the aerosol substrate does not contain the typical burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and incineration, which can be unpleasant to the user, nor does it contain smoke that can be irritating and polluting to the surroundings.

[0005] Consumables usable with such types of aerosol generating devices may take on a variety of shapes. Some may be elongated sticks, or any other suitable shape such as a plate. Generally, such tobacco articles are at least partially received in the heating chamber of a heating furnace of an aerosol generating device, which has one or more heaters for heating the consumables.

[0006] In some cases, heating the consumables is not entirely efficient, and users may face difficulties when inhaling aerosols, for example, requiring prolonged inhalation to obtain the desired amount of aerosol, thus resulting in an unpleasant user experience. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One of the objectives of this invention is to propose a consumable product that can provide users with a satisfying experience.

[0008] The present invention therefore proposes a heating furnace for an aerosol generating device configured to operate a consumable, the heating furnace comprising a heating cavity configured to receive the consumable, the heating cavity being bounded between two separate heating plates facing each other by being supported by two lateral supports, each heating plate having two lateral edges, each attached to its respective lateral support, and at least one of the two heating plates being laterally arched between the two lateral supports.

[0009] By providing at least one transversely arched heating plate, it is possible to favor contact between the heating plate and the consumables for efficient heat transfer without hindering the ease of inserting the consumables. Efficient heat transfer is beneficial for proper heating and generation of aerosols, and therefore provides a satisfactory experience for the user.

[0010] Each lateral arched heating plate is arched in either an inward or outward direction.

[0011] At least one of the heating plates is arched laterally and inward, so that the heating plates are closer to each other in the first region than in the second region, for example. The first region is, for example, the intermediate region, and the second region is, for example, the side region. This is advantageous for contact between the heating plates and the consumables for efficient heat transfer without hindering the ease of inserting the consumables. Efficient heat transfer is beneficial for proper heating and generation of aerosols, and therefore provides the user with a satisfactory experience.

[0012] The manufacture of a heating furnace is facilitated by providing a separate heating plate supported by a side support, which includes shaping one or both heating plates into an arched form.

[0013] In some embodiments, the heating plate is made from a first material, and the side support is made from a second material different from the first material.

[0014] The heating plate can therefore be made from a material that exhibits suitable properties, such as thermal conductivity and flexibility, for good thermal contact with the consumables to be received in the heating furnace and for transferring heat to the consumables.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the first material is a metal, such as aluminum, or steel, particularly stainless steel.

[0016] Metal heating plates can be molded to have high thermal conductivity and good flexibility.

[0017] According to several embodiments, the second material is a ceramic, such as glass ceramic, or a heat-stable thermoplastic resin, such as polyallyl ether ketone (PAEK), particularly polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

[0018] Ceramics can be selected to have electrical and thermal insulating properties compared to metals.

[0019] According to several embodiments, the first material has a first thermal conductivity, the second material has a second thermal conductivity, and the first thermal conductivity is strictly higher than the second thermal conductivity.

[0020] Preferably, each lateral arch-shaped heating plate is configured to elastically deform, preferably outward, when a consumable having a dimension greater than the distance between the two heating plates is inserted into the heating cavity.

[0021] This is advantageous for good contact between the heating plate and the consumables for efficient heat transfer without hindering the ease of inserting the consumables.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the two heating plates are arched laterally inward between two side supports.

[0023] This allows for good contact with the consumable on both sides for efficient heat transfer.

[0024] According to some embodiments, each arched heating plate is configured to elastically deform outward when inserting a consumable into the heating cavity, the consumable having a transverse dimension larger than the minimum distance between two heating plates, for example, particularly in the case of a plate-shaped consumable, a thickness larger than the minimum distance between two heating plates, or particularly in the case of a stick-shaped consumable, a diameter larger than the minimum distance between two heating plates.

[0025] This makes it possible to provide a tight fit between the heating plates and the consumable received between the heating plates, so that the heating plates contact the opposing surfaces of the consumable for good heat transfer. When the consumable is inserted, the heating plates elastically deform outward to allow the insertion; when the consumable is taken out, the heating plates elastically deform inward and return to the initial shape until another consumable is inserted.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the ratio of the minimum spacing between the heating plates to the maximum spacing between the heating plates is comprised between 0.8 and 0.9.

[0027] With such a ratio, it becomes possible to form a heating chamber in which the consumable can be easily inserted into the heating cavity and good contact between the heating plates and the consumable is achieved.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the side edge of one or each heating plate is received in a mounting channel of the side support.

[0029] The heating furnace can be easily assembled by fitting the side edges of the heating plates into the channels of the side supports.

[0030] According to some embodiments, one of the channels receiving at least one side edge for the two heating plates is angled relative to the other, particularly to conform to the lateral arched shape of the heating plates such that the heating plates are arched laterally inwardly or outwardly between the two side supports.

[0031] The appropriate lateral inward or outward arch shape of each arched heating plate is obtained, for example, due to the angle between the mounting channels, during assembly of the heating plate with the side support.

[0032] According to some embodiments, one or each channel has a boundary defined between two channel surfaces, and at least one of the two channel surfaces is configured for discontinuous contact with a lateral edge along the channel.

[0033] Discontinuous contact allows for limiting heat transfer from the heating plate to the side support. This restricts heat dissipation and retains heat on the heating plate for more efficient heating of consumables.

[0034] According to some embodiments, each channel surface configured for discontinuous contact is uneven or wavy along the channel, such as by alternating contact zones where the channel surface contacts the side edge with non-contact zones where the channel surface is spaced away from the side edge.

[0035] According to several examples, the thickness of each heating plate is between 50 μm and 2 mm.

[0036] According to several embodiments, the heating furnace has a length between 10 and 40 mm, particularly between 20 and 30 mm; a width between 5 and 20 mm, particularly between 10 and 15 mm; and / or a height between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, particularly between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0037] These dimensional ranges are suitable for manufacturing a heating furnace, and at least one heating plate is arched laterally and inward, and the heating plate is preferably elastically deformable to accommodate consumables and for proper heat transfer through the heating plate.

[0038] Preferably, the spacing between heating plates varies laterally, and the spacing is, for example, smaller in the intermediate region and larger in the lateral region adjacent to the lateral edge of the heating plate, or larger in the intermediate region and smaller in the lateral region adjacent to the lateral edge of the heating plate.

[0039] Preferably, the minimum spacing between heating plates is strictly smaller than the lateral dimensions of the consumables, particularly the thickness of the consumables, such as plate-shaped consumables, or the diameter of the consumables, such as stick-shaped consumables.

[0040] This ensures that when the consumable is inserted into the heating chamber between the two heating plates, the heating plates make contact with the opposing surfaces of the consumable.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the heating furnace is configured to receive plate-shaped consumables and / or stick-shaped consumables.

[0042] Due to the "plate shape" of the consumable, it is understood that the consumable extends between two parallel first planes and two parallel second planes perpendicular to the first planes, where the first and second planes are parallel to the article axis, and the distance between the second planes is at least 3 times, advantageously 5 times, and preferably 10 times greater than the distance between the first planes.

[0043] Such a shape is particularly advantageous for ensuring a rapid preheating phase of the consumable. Thus, the consumable may be ready to generate aerosols in just a few seconds (e.g., 5 seconds, or 15 seconds, or 20 seconds) after heating begins.

[0044] The "stick shape" of the consumable indicates that the consumable is cylindrical in shape, extending along the axis of the article, and preferably has a circular base or a polygonal base.

[0045] According to some embodiments, one or each of the heating plates is corrugated in the lateral direction. In particular, one or each of the heating plates is arched inward or outward in the lateral direction and is corrugated in the lateral direction.

[0046] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a heating furnace as defined above.

[0047] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device and consumables defined above, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to operate the consumables while heating them in a furnace in order to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user, and the heating furnace is configured such that, when the consumables are inserted into the heating chamber, each lateral arch-shaped heating plate elastically deforms outward to accommodate the consumables inside the heating furnace.

[0048] The present invention and its advantages are given merely as non-limiting examples and will be better understood by reading the following description, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation assembly comprising an aerosol generation device and consumables. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the consumables. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the consumables. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the heating furnace for an aerosol generation device. [Figure 5] This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the heating furnace in Figure 4, taken along line VV in Figure 4, where consumables have not been received into the heating furnace. [Figure 6] This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the heating furnace in Figure 4, taken along line VV in Figure 4, where consumables are received into the heating furnace. [Figure 7] This is a partial perspective view of the side support of a heating furnace. [Figure 8] This is a partial perspective view of the side support of another heating furnace. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a heating furnace showing a heat-generating conductor provided on a heating plate. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a graph showing the cross-sectional temperature profile in the heating furnace. [Figure 11] A perspective view of another consumable item is shown. [Figure 12] Figure 11 shows a lateral cross-sectional view of the heating furnace with the consumables inside. [Figure 13] A front view of another heating furnace is shown. [Figure 14] Figure 13 shows a front view of the heating furnace with consumables accepted inside. [Figure 15] A front view of another heating furnace is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Before describing the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the structural details described below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who are interested in this disclosure that other embodiments are possible and that the present invention can be implemented or carried out in various ways.

[0051] As used herein, the terms “aerosol generating device” or “device” may include a vaping device that delivers an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for vaping, using a heater element which is described in more detail below. The device may be portable. “Portable” may mean a device intended for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol) by operating a heating furnace for a variable amount of time, for example, which can be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be activated by the user, such as a vaping button. The device may include a temperature control unit that drives the temperature of the heating furnace and / or vaporizable material (aerosol precursor) to a specified target temperature, and then maintains that temperature at a target temperature that enables efficient aerosol generation.

[0052] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include suspended matter of vaporizable material as droplets and / or gas. Such suspended matter may be in a gas, including air. In general, the term aerosol may refer to / include vapor. The aerosol may contain one or more components of vaporizable material.

[0053] As used herein, the terms “vaporizable material” or “precursor” may refer to a smokeable material and an aerosol-forming agent, which may comprise, for example, nicotine or tobacco. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyols (e.g., sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol), non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may also comprise at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a humectant.

[0054] As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generation assembly 10 comprises an aerosol generation device 12 and a consumable set 14. The consumable set 14 comprises a consumable 16 and a mouthpiece 18. The mouthpiece 18 may be replaceable or may be a reusable part that can be detachably attached to the device. The consumable 16 is configured to work with the aerosol generation device 12.

[0055] The aerosol generating device 12 comprises a device body 20 extending along the device axis Y between a first end 22, i.e., the mouth end, and a second end 24, i.e., the bottom end. The device body 20 is configured to receive consumables 16 in a removable manner so that the aerosol generating device 12 can be operated together with the consumables 16 to generate aerosols, for example. The device body 20 defines the boundaries of the internal space of the aerosol generating device 12, which accommodates various elements designed to perform different functions of the aerosol generating device 12. The device body 20 houses, for example, a battery 26 for supplying power to the device aerosol generator 12, an electronic control module 28 for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 11, and a heating furnace 30 with a heating chamber 32 for receiving and heating the consumables 16.

[0056] The heating chamber 32 is designed to receive the consumable 16 at least partially. As shown in Figure 1, the heating chamber 32 opens at the first end 22 of the device body 20, for example, through an insertion opening 34 for inserting the consumable 16 into the heating chamber 32. The mouthpiece 18 can be, for example, slidably connected to or pivotally mounted on the device body 20 to allow the heating chamber 30 to open for insertion of the consumable. The heating chamber 32 extends, for example, along a longitudinal axis A parallel to or coinciding with the device axis Y.

[0057] The heating furnace 30 is configured to receive and heat at least a portion of the consumables 16 that are inserted into the heating chamber 32. The heating furnace 30 comprises a pair of heating walls 36 that face each other and define the boundary of the heating chamber 32. The heating walls 36 face each other and extend along the longitudinal axis A of the heating chamber 32.

[0058] The consumable 16 to be received in the heating chamber 32 is received between two heating walls 36. The two heating walls 36 are designed to heat two opposing surfaces of the consumable 16, as described below.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the consumable 16 extends along the article axis X and includes a tubular wrapper 40 that extends along the article axis X between the inlet end 42 and the outlet end 44 of the consumable 16, forming a base portion 46 for receiving the aerosol base material 48 and optionally a cooling portion 50.

[0060] The wrapper 40 defines the external envelope of the consumable 16.

[0061] The aerosol substrate 48 includes a vaporizable material. The vaporizable material is configured to vaporize when the substrate portion 46 is heated, for example, by the heating furnace 30 of the aerosol generating device 12 into which the consumable 16 is received. The aerosol substrate 48 is configured to allow air to flow through the aerosol substrate 48.

[0062] If provided, the cooling unit 50 is configured to circulate the aerosol from the base material 46 to the outlet end 44 while cooling the aerosol. Cooling the aerosol in the cooling unit 50 prevents the user from experiencing an unpleasant sensation of heat in their mouth or throat.

[0063] In this case, the base material portion 46 and the cooling portion 50 are the respective axial sections or axial length portions of the wrapper 40. The base material portion 46 extends from the inlet end 42 to the cooling portion 50, and the cooling portion 50 extends from the base material portion 46 of the consumable 16 to the outlet end 44.

[0064] The consumable 16 may, for example, be in the shape of a plate. The consumable 16 may, for example, be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, particularly a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0065] The consumable 16 has a cross-section taken perpendicular to the article axis X, that is, in a plane perpendicular to the article axis X. Preferably, the cross-section of the consumable 16 is constant along the article axis X.

[0066] The consumable 16 may, for example, have a rectangular cross-section, that is, a cross-section having four sides. The consumable 16 may, for example, have a trapezoidal cross-section, or preferably a rectangular cross-section.

[0067] The wrapper 40 comprises, for example, two wide peripheral walls 52 that are opposite and parallel to each other, and two opposing narrow peripheral walls 54. This makes it possible to give the consumable 16 a plate shape.

[0068] The width of each surrounding wall (wide surrounding wall 52 or narrow surrounding wall 54) is the distance between two edges of the surrounding wall that are parallel to the article axis X. The width of each wide surrounding wall 52 is strictly greater than the width of each narrow surrounding wall 54.

[0069] The two wide perimeter walls 52 are spaced apart along a first transverse direction T1 perpendicular to the article axis X. The two narrow perimeter walls 54 are spaced apart along a second transverse direction T2 perpendicular to the article axis X and the first transverse direction T1.

[0070] The two wide perimeter walls 52 are preferably flat. The two narrow perimeter walls 54 are, for example, flat. Preferably, the two narrow perimeter walls 54 are parallel to each other, as shown in Figure 2. This results in a rectangular cuboid shape for the consumable 16. In a modified example, the two narrow perimeter walls 54 are, for example, inclined at a non-zero angle relative to the other. This results in a trapezoidal cross-section for the cooling section 50.

[0071] The consumable 16 has external dimensions including a length L along the article axis X between the inlet end 42 and the outlet end 44, a width W perpendicular to the article axis X between the narrow surrounding walls 54, and a depth D perpendicular to the article axis X between the wide surrounding walls 52. The width W of the consumable 16 is along the second transverse direction T2, and the depth D of the consumable 16 is along the first transverse direction T1.

[0072] In one embodiment, the length L of the consumable 16 is between 20 mm and 45 mm, the width W of the consumable 16 is between 7 mm and 17 mm, and / or the depth D of the consumable 16 is between 0.7 mm and 2.0 mm. In a particular embodiment, the length L of the consumable 16 is approximately equal to 33 mm, the width W is approximately equal to 12.4 mm, and / or the depth D of the consumable 16 is approximately equal to 1.65 mm.

[0073] The width W of the consumable 16 is, for example, at least 3 times the depth D of the consumable 16, preferably at least 5 times the depth D of the consumable 16, and more preferably at least 10 times the depth D of the consumable 16. The ratio of the width to the depth (W / D) of the consumable 16 is, for example, 3 or more, particularly 5 or more, and even more particularly 10 or more.

[0074] If provided, the cooling section 50 includes, for example, a void or at least one reinforcing element that can be received into the cooling section 50, in order to reinforce the cooling section 50, in particular to prevent the surrounding walls of the wrapper 40 (wide surrounding wall 50 and narrow surrounding wall 52) from collapsing inward.

[0075] The thickness of the surrounding wall of the wrapper (in all embodiments of the present invention) may preferably be 75 to 140 microns. In one embodiment, the paper has a thickness of 125 microns. The wrapper may be formed from a paper sheet having a basis weight of, for example, at least 70 g / m2, more preferably at least 75 g / m2, and most preferably at least 78 g / m2. In one embodiment, the paper has a basis weight of about 100 g / m2. The porosity of the paper may be less than 100 CU, preferably 0 to 80 CU. In one embodiment, the paper has a porosity of 40 CU.

[0076] The wrapper 40 comprises, for example, paper and / or nonwoven fabric and / or aluminum foil. The wrapper 40 is preferably locally porous, but in possible embodiments, the wrapper may be locally porous or perforated (for example, by a row of through holes) to allow air to enter the cooling section.

[0077] The wrapper 40 preferably comprises paper. The paper may be the same as that used as tip paper in conventional tobacco articles. In a modified example, the paper is different from that of one of the conventional tobacco articles.

[0078] The wrapper 40 comprises, for example, aluminum. The aluminum extends in the base material 46 to prevent condensation leakage and / or vapor leakage. The aluminum extends, for example, only in the base material 46, or extends in both the base material 46 and the cooling section 50.

[0079] In one embodiment, the wrapper 40 is a laminate of paper and aluminum that extends along the entire length of the consumable 16 from the inlet end 42 to the outlet end 44.

[0080] As shown in Figure 4, the heating furnace 30 includes a heating chamber 32 that extends along the longitudinal axis A, with a boundary defined between two opposing heating walls 36.

[0081] The heating chamber 32 is configured to receive the consumable 16 with the article axis X substantially coinciding with the longitudinal axis A, and the consumable being held between two heating walls 36.

[0082] Each heating wall 36 has a lateral edge 36A, which extends laterally between two lateral edges 36A. The lateral edges 36A extend along the longitudinal axis A, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0083] The heating chamber 32 extends along the longitudinal axis A between the rear end 62 and the front end 64. Each heating wall 36 extends axially, for example, between the rear end 62 and the front end 64. The insertion opening 34 is located at the front end 64.

[0084] The heating furnace 30 comprises two side supports 66 that are separated from each other and spaced apart laterally. Each side support 66 extends, for example, along the longitudinal axis A.

[0085] Each heating plate 36 extends laterally between two side supports 66, with each side edge of the heating plate 36 attached to the respective side support 66.

[0086] The heating chamber 32 has a cross-section (taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A) having four sides defined by two heating plates 36 and two side supports 66. Preferably, the heating chamber 32 has a closed contour in the cross-section taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0087] Referring to the first transverse direction T1 and the second transverse direction T2, the heating plates 36 are spaced apart from each other along the first transverse direction T1 and extend along the second transverse direction T2. ​​The side supports 66 are spaced apart from each other along the second transverse direction T2 and extend along the first transverse direction T1.

[0088] The heating plate 36 forms opposing wide walls of the heating chamber 32, and the side support 66 forms opposing narrow walls of the heating chamber 32, which has a rectangular cross-section.

[0089] In the following, unless otherwise specified, the heating furnace 30 in a free state, without any consumables 16 inserted into the heating chamber 32, is referred to.

[0090] One or each heating plate 36 is arched laterally and inward. Preferably, each heating plate 36 is arched laterally and inward. Each arched heating plate 36 is particularly arched laterally and inward when there are no consumables 16 in the heating chamber 32.

[0091] The heating chamber 32 has a substantially rectangular contour, for example, in which one or each of its wide sides (corresponding to the heating plate 36) is curved inward.

[0092] Each arched heating plate 36 is arched toward the inside of the heating chamber 32 between its side edges 36A.

[0093] Each arched heating plate 36 has a recess on its outer surface facing the heating chamber 32 and a protrusion on its inner surface that defines the boundary of the heating chamber 32.

[0094] Since one or each of the heating plates 36 is arched inward, the two heating plates 36 are not parallel to each other.

[0095] The intermediate regions 36B of the heating plates 36 are closer together than the side regions of the heating plates 36 adjacent to the side support 66. The spacing between the heating plates 36 is small in the intermediate regions 36B and large in the side regions of the heating plates 36. The spacing between the heating plates 36 is particularly small in the intermediate regions 36B.

[0096] When moving across the heating chamber 32 from one side support 66 to the other side support 66, the distance between the heating plates 36 gradually decreases from the side support 66 to the intermediate region 36B of the heating plate 36, and then gradually increases from the intermediate region 36B of the heating plate 36 to the other side support 66.

[0097] As shown in Figure 5, each heating plate 36 is arched laterally and inward. In a modified example, only one of the two heating plates 36 is arched laterally and inward, while the other heating plate 36 is flat.

[0098] Minimum spacing S between heating plates 36 MIN The maximum distance S between the heating plate 36 and the heating plate 36 MAX The ratio preferably includes 0.8 to 0.9.

[0099] The spacing between the heating plates 36 is preferably smallest in the intermediate region 36B of the heating plates 36 and / or largest between the side edges 36A of the heating plates 36.

[0100] Minimum spacing S between heating plates 36 MIN Preferably, this is strictly less than the thickness of the consumable 16. This ensures that the consumable 16 inserted into the heating furnace 30 is pressed between the heating plates 36.

[0101] As shown in Figure 5, advantageously, each arched heating plate 36 has a minimum distance S between two heating plates 36. MIN The consumable 16, which has a greater thickness than the consumable 16, is configured to elastically deform outward when inserted into the heating chamber 32.

[0102] This results in a minimum interval S MIN Despite having a greater thickness, it is ensured that the user can easily insert the consumable 16 into the heating chamber 32. Therefore, good contact between the heating wall 36 and the consumable joint 16 is ensured for good heat transfer between the heating wall 36 and the consumable joint 16.

[0103] Preferably, the heating plate 36 is made from a first material, and the side support 66 is made from a second material different from the first material. The first material is preferably a metal, such as aluminum, or steel, particularly stainless steel. The second material is preferably a ceramic, such as glass ceramic, or a heat-stable thermoplastic resin, such as polyallyl ether ketone (PAEK), particularly polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The heat-stable thermoplastic resin is a thermoplastic resin that is stable at high temperatures. The thermoplastic resin can operate continuously at temperatures up to, for example, 200°C, preferably up to 250°C. Preferably, the thermoplastic resin can operate at temperatures up to 300°C for, for example, a short period of time.

[0104] The thickness of each heating plate 36 and / or each side support 36 is, for example, between 50 μm and 2 mm.

[0105] The heating furnace 30 has dimensions that allow it to accommodate the consumables 16.

[0106] As shown in Figure 4, the heating furnace 30 has a length LH along the longitudinal axis A, a width in the transverse direction along which the side supports 66 are spaced apart (i.e., along the second direction T2), and a height DH in the transverse direction along which the heating plates 36 are spaced apart (i.e., along the first direction T1).

[0107] The heating furnace 30 has, for example, a length LH between 10 mm and 40 mm, particularly between 20 mm and 30 mm; a width WH between 5 mm and 25 mm, particularly between 10 mm and 20 mm; and / or a height DH between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, particularly between 1 mm and 2 mm. The height DH of the heating furnace 30 is, for example, the maximum distance S between the heating plates 36. MAX It is measured at [location / location].

[0108] Each heating plate 36 is attached to the side support 66 by, for example, fitting the corresponding side edge 36A of the heating plate 36 into a mounting channel 68 provided on the side support 66.

[0109] Each mounting channel 68 extends along the corresponding side support 66, preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0110] Each arched heating plate 36 is bent between two side supports 66, for example, so that the heating plate 36 is arched laterally and inward.

[0111] As shown in Figure 5, the two mounting channels 68 that receive the side edges 36A of each arched heating plate 36 are inclined with respect to the other when viewed along the longitudinal axis A, for example, so that the two side edges 36A of the arched heating plate 36 define a non-zero angle between them.

[0112] As a result, when the heating plate 36 is attached to the side support 66, the heating plate 36 is pressurized to take on a lateral and inward arched configuration.

[0113] Each mounting channel 68 has a side opening 68A and a bottom 68B. Each side edge 36A enters the corresponding mounting channel 68 through the side opening 68 and extends toward the bottom 68B of the mounting channel 68.

[0114] Correspondingly, when viewed along the longitudinal axis A, on each side support 66, the side edges 36A of the two heating plates 36 mounted on the side support 66 define a non-zero angle between them.

[0115] When viewed along the longitudinal axis A on each side support 66, the side openings 68A of the two mounting channels 68 provided on the side support 66 are closer to each other than the bottoms 68B of the two mounting channels 68. The distance between the side openings 68A of the two mounting channels 68 is strictly less than the distance between the bottoms 68B.

[0116] This makes it possible to provide a relative inclination between the mounting channels 68 of the side support 66 and, therefore, between the side edges 36A attached to the side support 66.

[0117] As shown in Figure 7, each mounting channel 68 has a boundary defined between two channel surfaces 70.

[0118] Each channel surface 70 of the mounting channel 68 is configured for continuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68, or for discontinuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68.

[0119] Each channel surface 70 configured for continuous contact is, for example, contoured along the mounting channel 68 and / or flat.

[0120] Each channel surface 70 configured for discontinuous contact is, for example, uneven along the mounting channel 68 or wavy along the mounting channel 68.

[0121] Each mounting channel 68 has both channel surfaces 70 configured for continuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68, and both channel surfaces 70 configured for discontinuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68, or has one channel surface 70 configured for continuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68 and the other channel surface configured for discontinuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68.

[0122] As shown in Figure 7, each mounting channel 68 has both of its channel surfaces 70 configured for continuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68.

[0123] As shown in Figure 8, one mounting channel 68 has both channel surfaces 70 configured for continuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68, and the other mounting channel 68 has both channel surfaces 70 configured for discontinuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the other mounting channel 68.

[0124] In one modification, each mounting channel 68 has both channel surfaces 70 configured for discontinuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68. In another modification, each mounting channel 68 has one channel surface 70 configured for continuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68, and one channel surface 70 configured for discontinuous contact with the side edge 36A that is received by the mounting channel 68.

[0125] As shown in Figure 9, the heating furnace 30 is configured to generate heat that is transferred from the heating plate 36 to the consumables 16 received in the heating chamber 32.

[0126] In some embodiments, the heating furnace 30 includes on each heating plate 36 a heat-generating conductor 72 configured to generate heat by the Joule effect when the heat-generating conductor 72 is connected to an electrical energy source, particularly a battery 26.

[0127] The heat-generating conductor 72 is, for example, a high-impedance resistor used to increase heat generation due to the Joule effect.

[0128] If the heating plate 36 is conductive, i.e., made of metal, the heat-generating conductor 72 is electrically insulated from the heating plate 36, for example. This ensures that the current applied to the heat-generating conductor 72 is not dissipated in the heating plate 36. The electrical insulator can be obtained, for example, by sandwiching the heat-generating conductor 72 between two sheets made of an electrical insulating material such as Kapton®.

[0129] Preferably, the heating furnace 30 is configured to generate heat in the intermediate region 36B of each heating plate 36 without generating heat at the side edges 36A of the heating plates 36.

[0130] On each heating plate 36, the intermediate heating region 36B where heat is generated preferably extends to more than 40% of the width of the heating plate 36, preferably more than 50% of the width of the heating plate 36, more preferably more than 60% of the width of the heating plate 36, and / or less than 90% of the width of the heating plate 36, preferably less than 80% of the width of the heating plate 36.

[0131] As shown in Figure 10, the heating furnace 30 is able to generate a transverse temperature profile having a high-temperature central zone and a low-temperature lateral zone, where the temperature of the central zone defines a plateau at a substantially constant temperature.

[0132] Such a temperature profile is obtained, in particular, by providing a separate heating plate connected via a side support, at least one of which is arched laterally inward for good thermal contact with the consumables. The side support, made of a second material different from the first material of the heating plate and / or mounting channel, having discontinuous contact between the channel surface and the side edge of the heating plate, avoids the dissipation of thermal energy in the side support and maintains thermal energy in the heating plate by controlling the thermal cross-sectional profile. A heat-generating conductor extending only to the central zone of the heating plate allows heat to be generated at the appropriate location on the heating plate 36. The drop in the temperature profile on the sides in Figure 10 is due to the fact that active heating does not occur on the sides, which are heated only by the loss of heat conduction from the center to the sides of the heating plate 36.

[0133] The width of the central zone advantageously corresponds to the width of the consumable 16. This makes it possible to heat the consumable 16 uniformly in the lateral direction for efficient aerosol generation.

[0134] Optionally, a temperature equalization sheet (not shown) is provided on each heating plate 36, for example, by being inserted between the heating plate 36 and the heat-generating conductor 72 placed on the heating plate 36, or by covering the heat-generating conductor 72 placed on the heating plate 36. The temperature equalization sheet is made of a thermally conductive material such as graphite, for example, to disperse the heat generated by the heat-generating conductor 72 onto the heating plate 36 and equalize the temperature of the heating plate 36. Preferably, the temperature equalization sheet extends to at least the central zone of the heating plate 36, preferably only to the central zone of the heating plate.

[0135] During operation, the heating furnace 30 is initially empty, and the consumables 16 are inserted into the heating chamber 32 through the insertion opening 34.

[0136] During insertion, the heating plate 36 elastically deforms so that it makes good contact with the consumable 16, particularly the base material portion 46 of the consumable 16, when the consumable 16 is inserted into the heating chamber 32.

[0137] The consumable 16 is pressed between the two heating walls 36.

[0138] The heat-generating conductor 72 generates heat when energized, and the heat is transferred to the consumable 16 via the heating plate 36, having a uniform lateral temperature distribution over the width of the consumable for efficient aerosol generation.

[0139] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments discussed above. Other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0140] In particular, a heating furnace 30 having a heating chamber 32 whose boundary is defined by two opposing heating walls 36, at least one of which is arched, can be configured to accept consumables 16 having shapes other than plate shapes.

[0141] In some embodiments, the consumable 16 exhibits a stick shape, as shown in Figure 11. The consumable 16 has a cylindrical shape extending along the article axis X, having a circular or polygonal cross-section, as shown in Figure 8.

[0142] Preferably, the ratio between two lateral dimensions of the consumable 16 taken along any pair of radial dimensions perpendicular to the article axis X is 2 or less and 0.5 or more.

[0143] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the consumable 16 has a circular cross-section. In other embodiments, the consumable 16 has a regular polygonal cross-section.

[0144] As shown in Figure 12, when the consumable 16 is inserted into the heating chamber 2, the consumable 16 is pressed between two opposing heating walls 36.

[0145] Each inwardly arched heating wall 36 (both of them in this case) elastically deforms outward when the consumable 16 is inserted into the heating chamber 32. The consumable 16 is pressed between the two heating walls 36. This results in good surface contact with the consumable 16, and thus enables efficient transfer of thermal energy.

[0146] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications disclosed above and with reference to Figures 1-12. Other embodiments and modifications are also conceivable.

[0147] As shown in Figure 13, at least one or each of the heating plates 36 is arched outward laterally relative to the heating cavity 32.

[0148] In some embodiments, both heating plates 36 are arched outward in the lateral direction relative to the heating cavity 32. In some embodiments, one heating plate 36 is flat and the other heating plate 36 is arched outward in the lateral direction.

[0149] The spacing of the heating plates 36 along the spacing direction of the heating plates 36 (i.e., the first transverse direction T1) changes along the spacing direction of the support 66 (i.e., the second transverse direction T2).

[0150] The distance between the heating plates 36 gradually increases when moving from one support 66 to the other, and then decreases.

[0151] Preferably, the heating furnace 30 is configured such that one or each heating plate 36 elastically deforms outward when a consumable 16 is inserted, having dimensions larger than the dimensions of the heating cavity 32, particularly in the direction of spacing between the heating plates 36 (i.e., the first transverse direction) than the spacing between the heating plates 36.

[0152] The side edges of one or each of the transversely arched heating plates 36 are preferably received in channels 68 of a side support 66 that are angled to conform to the transversely arched shape of the heating plate 36.

[0153] As shown in Figure 14, this embodiment allows for a tight fit between the heating plates 36 and the consumables 16 inserted between the heating plates 36. In particular, each heating plate 36, which is arched outward in the lateral direction, can closely conform to the shape of the consumables 16 inserted between the heating plates 36. This provides good contact between the heating plates 36 and the consumables 16. This is especially true for stick-shaped consumables 16, as shown in Figure 14.

[0154] As shown in the embodiments in Figures 1 to 14, each lateral arch-shaped heating plate 36 has a profile that coincides with the arc and extends laterally along the arc.

[0155] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 15, one or each of the heating plates 36 is corrugated in the transverse direction. Each corrugated heating plate 36 exhibits a profile in which the cross section is corrugated in a plane parallel to the first transverse direction T1 and the second transverse direction T2. ​​Each corrugated heating plate 36 has parallel ridges on each surface of the heating plate 36 that are separated by parallel grooves.

[0156] In particular, one or each of the lateral arch-shaped heating plates 36 is corrugated in the lateral direction. Each of the lateral arch-shaped and corrugated heating plates 36 extends laterally along the arc, becoming wavy along the arc.

[0157] Each waveform heating plate 36 can provide good contact with the consumable 16 inserted between the two heating plates 36.

[0158] In some embodiments, only one heating plate 36 is corrugated laterally, or both heating plates 36 are corrugated laterally. In such embodiments, only one heating plate 36 is arched laterally, or both heating plates 36 are arched laterally, and each arched heating plate 36 is arched laterally inward or outward relative to the heating cavity 32. In some embodiments, one heating plate 36 is flat and the other heating plate 36 is arched laterally and corrugated, or each heating plate 36 is arched laterally inward or outward, and only one or both heating plates 36 are corrugated laterally.

[0159] As shown in Figure 15, each heating plate 36 is arched inward and laterally, and each heating plate 36 is corrugated laterally.

[0160] In Figure 15, for illustrative purposes, the curvature of the arc following each heating plate 36 is high, and the waveform height for each heating plate 36 is high. In reality, the curvature of the arc following each heating plate 36 may be smaller, and / or the waveform height for each heating plate 36 may be smaller.

[0161] All annotations made in relation to embodiments having one or two inwardly lateral arched heating plates 36, particularly with reference to Figures 1-12, apply to embodiments having one or two outwardly arched heating plates 36, in particular to embodiments relating to the material of the heating plates 36, the material of the support 66, the heat generated in the heating plates 36, the dimensions of the heating furnace 30, and the shape of the mounting channels 68.

Claims

1. A heating furnace for an aerosol generating device configured to operate a consumable (16), wherein the heating furnace comprises a heating cavity (32) configured to receive the consumable (16), the heating cavity (32) being bounded between two separate heating plates (36) facing each other by being supported by two side supports (66), each heating plate (36) having two side edges (36A) each attached to the respective side support (66), at least one of the two heating plates (36) being laterally arched between the two side supports (66), the side edges of one or each laterally arched heating plate (36) being received into channels (68) of the side supports (66), the channels (68) being angled one to the other to conform to the laterally arched shape of the heating plate (36).

2. The heating furnace according to claim 1, wherein the heating plate (36) is made from a first material, and the side support (66) is made from a second material different from the first material.

3. The heating furnace according to claim 2, wherein the first material is a metal, such as aluminum, or steel, particularly stainless steel.

4. The heating furnace according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second material is a ceramic, such as glass ceramic, or a heat-stable thermoplastic resin, such as polyallyl ether ketone (PAEK), particularly polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

5. A heating furnace according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first material has a first thermal conductivity, the second material has a second thermal conductivity, and the first thermal conductivity is strictly higher than the second thermal conductivity.

6. The heating furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each lateral arch-shaped heating plate (36) is arch-shaped in a lateral inward or lateral outward direction relative to the heating cavity (32).

7. The heating furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each lateral arch-shaped heating plate (36) is configured to elastically deform outward when a consumable (16) having a dimension larger than the distance between the heating plates (36) is inserted into the heating cavity.

8. The heating furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein both heating plates (36) are arched laterally inward between the two side supports (66).

9. The heating furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each lateral arch-shaped heating plate (66) is configured to elastically deform outward when a consumable (16) having a lateral dimension greater than the minimum distance between the two heating plates (66) is inserted into the heating cavity.

10. The heating furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ratio of the minimum distance between the heating plates (36) to the maximum distance between the heating plates (36) is between 0.8 and 0.

9.

11. A heating furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein one or each channel (38) has a boundary defined between two channel surfaces (70), and at least one of the two channel surfaces (70) is configured for discontinuous contact with the side edge along the channel (70).

12. The heating furnace according to claim 11, wherein each channel surface (70) configured for discontinuous contact is uneven or wavy along the channel (70) such that it alternately defines contact zones where the channel surface (70) contacts the side edge and non-contact zones where the channel surface (70) is spaced away from the side edge.

13. The heating furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 12, having a length (LH) between 10 and 40 mm, particularly between 20 and 30 mm, a width (WH) between 5 mm and 25 mm, particularly between 10 and 20 mm, and a height (DH) between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, particularly between 1 mm and 2 mm.

14. A heating furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 13, configured to receive a plate-shaped consumable (16) or a stick-shaped consumable (16).

15. An aerosol generating device comprising a heating furnace (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to claim 15 and consumables, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to operate the consumables while heating them in a heating furnace in order to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by the user.

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