Aerosol-generating device having a holder comprising an engagement element

Abstract

A holder (109) is insertable into an aerosol generating device (100) configured to heat an aerosol substrate (128) carried by a substrate carrier (114) to generate an aerosol. The holder (109) has a rim (107) defining an opening (110), through which the substrate carrier (114) can be inserted into the holder (109) along a central axis (C). The holder further comprises at least two engaging elements (140), each of the engaging elements (140) having an elongated portion (144) extending between a first end (142a) connected to the rim (107) and a second end (142b) distal to the rim (107).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a holder for an aerosol-generating device, the holder having an engagement element for engaging an aerosol substrate, and to an aerosol-generating device incorporating the holder. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable aerosol-generating device that can be self-contained and operate at low temperatures. Such a device can heat tobacco or other suitable materials by conduction, convection, and / or radiation, rather than by burning, to produce an aerosol for inhalation. Background Art

[0002] Over the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in the popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as vaporizers) to help habitual smokers who want to quit traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and roll-up cigarettes. A variety of different devices and systems are available to heat or increase the temperature of an aerosolizable substance in a manner that is fundamentally different from burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0003] A commonly used device for risk reduction or risk modification is a heated substrate aerosol-generating device or a heat-but-not-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising moist tobacco leaves or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature typically in the range of 100°C to 350°C. Heating, but not burning, or burning, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol that contains the components sought by the user but contains less, or fewer, of the carcinogenic byproducts of combustion and burning.

[0004] In a general sense, it is desirable to quickly heat the aerosol substrate to a temperature at which the aerosol can be released without burning, and to maintain the aerosol substrate at that temperature. Obviously, the aerosol released from the aerosol substrate in the heating chamber is delivered to the user when there is airflow through the aerosol substrate.

[0005] Aerosol-generating devices of this type are portable devices and therefore energy consumption is an important design consideration.The present invention aims to address the problems of existing devices and to provide an improved aerosol-generating device and a heating chamber therefor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect, disclosed herein is a holder insertable into an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device being arranged to heat an aerosol substrate carried by a substrate carrier to generate an aerosol, the holder being arranged to receive the aerosol substrate carried by the substrate carrier, and comprising:

[0007] a rim defining an opening, the rim extending around the central axis at a first radial distance from the central axis, the substrate carrier being insertable into the holder through the opening along the central axis; and

[0008] At least two joining elements, each of the joining elements having an elongated portion extending generally parallel to the central axis between a first end connected to the edge and a second end remote from the edge; each joining element does not have any electric heating element for supplying heat to the aerosol substrate, and each elongated portion is located at a second radial distance from the central axis, wherein the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance.

[0009] This arrangement allows the aerosol matrix to be compressed by the coupling element, while separating compression from heating. This can be used to provide a removable holder and can also be used to retrofit an aerosol-generating device with a compression device (such as a coupling element) provided on a replacement holder. Compression of the aerosol matrix can eliminate air gaps in the aerosol matrix to improve heat conduction through the aerosol matrix.

[0010] Optionally, each engagement element has a support portion extending from the second end of the elongated portion towards the central axis to provide a platform for constraining insertion of the substrate carrier along the central axis.

[0011] Optionally, the support portions of the at least two engaging elements extend to meet each other. Optionally, the support portions of all engaging elements extend to meet each other. In some cases, the support portions of the engaging elements extend toward each other but do not meet, in other cases, they meet, touch, or even connect together at the central axis.

[0012] Optionally, each of the engagement elements is a rod.

[0013] Optionally, the engagement elements are evenly spaced around the rim.

[0014] Optionally, the engagement elements are spaced apart from one another by an air gap.

[0015] Optionally, the engagement elements are parallel to the central axis towards their second ends.

[0016] Optionally, the engagement elements are curved inwardly in an arc with a closest point to the central axis.

[0017] Optionally, the air gap is larger than the thickness of the joining elements.

[0018] Optionally, the holder further comprises a tubular side wall extending around the at least two engagement elements, the tubular side wall defining a heating chamber.

[0019] Optionally, the elongate portions are spaced apart from the inner surface of the tubular sidewall.The inner surface of the tubular sidewall may be spaced apart from the central axis by a third radial distance, wherein the second radial distance is less than the third radial distance.

[0020] Optionally, the holder further comprises a base, the position of which is further away from the edge than the second end of the elongated portion of the engaging elements. For example, the base may have an inner surface, the position of which is further away from the edge than the second end of the elongated portion of the engaging elements.

[0021] Optionally, the base is joined to the tubular sidewall.

[0022] Optionally, in the region of the second ends of the elongated portions of the engagement elements, the base closes the tubular side wall, for example to prevent air from flowing into a heating chamber defined by the tubular side wall.

[0023] Optionally, the sidewall and / or base is a mesh or has one or more holes.

[0024] Optionally, the base is spaced apart from the support portions.

[0025] Optionally, the surface of each of the engagement elements facing the central axis has a convex profile transverse to the central axis, preferably wherein the convex profile is an arc of a circle.

[0026] Optionally, the first end of the elongated portion of each engagement element has a portion that slopes towards the second end of the elongated portion and towards the central axis.In some examples, only one or some of the engagement elements have this shape.

[0027] Optionally, the joining elements comprise a material having a higher heat transfer coefficient than the material of the rim.

[0028] Optionally, the engagement elements are metal. Preferably, the engagement elements are made of stainless steel or copper.

[0029] Optionally, the rim is made of a heat-resistant plastic, preferably polyetheretherketone PEEK.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the present invention discloses the above-mentioned holder in combination with the substrate carrier, wherein the second radial distance is less than half the width of the substrate carrier. In this example, the substrate carrier is elongated along an axis, and the width is the dimension in a direction transverse to the axis.

[0031] According to a third aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising the above-mentioned holder retained in a recess in the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may further comprise:

[0032] power supply;

[0033] a heater arranged to supply heat to the holder; and

[0034] Control circuitry is configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power source to the heater.

[0035] Optionally, the holder may be removable from the aerosol generating device. More particularly, the holder may be removable from the heater, for example replaceable.

[0036] Optionally, the heater is permanently fixed to the aerosol-generating device.

[0037] Optionally, the heater is attached to the tubular sidewall.

[0038] Optionally, the heater is not in thermally conductive contact with the engagement elements.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol substrate carried by a substrate carrier, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0040] a holder for accommodating the substrate carrier; and

[0041] a heater, the holder being arranged to supply heat to the aerosol substrate when the substrate carrier is received in the holder,

[0042] Wherein, when the substrate carrier is contained in the holder, the holder is located between the heater and the aerosol substrate, and the holder comprises:

[0043] a rim defining an opening, the rim extending around the central axis at a first radial distance from the central axis, the substrate carrier being insertable into the holder through the opening along the central axis; and

[0044] At least two engaging elements, each of the engaging elements having an elongated portion extending generally parallel to the central axis between a first end connected to the edge and a second end remote from the edge, each elongated portion being located a second radial distance from the central axis, wherein the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance.

[0045] The fourth aspect may comprise various optional features of the holder of the first aspect or comprise the substrate carrier of the second aspect.

[0046] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol substrate carried by a substrate carrier, the aerosol generating device comprising:

[0047] a heater, the holder being arranged to supply heat to the aerosol substrate when the substrate carrier is received in the aerosol-generating device;

[0048] A holder having a rim defining an opening, the rim extending around a central axis, the substrate carrier being insertable into the holder through the opening along the central axis to accommodate the substrate carrier in the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the holder further comprises at least two rod-shaped engagement elements for holding the substrate carrier spaced apart from the heater, the engagement elements extending from the rim in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis.

[0049] Various optional features of the first aspect may be applied to the holder of the fifth aspect.Similarly, the fifth aspect may include the substrate carrier.

[0050] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a substrate carrier comprising an aerosol substrate is shown being loaded into the aerosol-generating device.

[0052] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device from the side, showing a substrate carrier comprising an aerosol substrate being loaded into the aerosol-generating device.

[0053] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device, in which it is shown that the substrate carrier including the aerosol substrate has been loaded into the aerosol generating device.

[0054] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device as viewed from the side, showing that a substrate carrier comprising an aerosol substrate has been loaded into the aerosol generating device.

[0055] Figure 5A Shown is a schematic cross-sectional view of a holder according to a first embodiment being inserted into a recess in an aerosol-generating device.

[0056] Figure 5B A schematic cross-sectional view of a holder according to a first embodiment is shown, the holder having been inserted into a recess in an aerosol-generating device, a substrate carrier comprising an aerosol substrate being inserted into the holder.

[0057] Figure 6A schematic perspective view of a holder according to a first embodiment is shown, the holder having a supporting portion.

[0058] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a holder according to a second embodiment which is similar to the first embodiment, but which does not have a supporting portion.

[0059] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a holder according to a third embodiment which is similar to the first embodiment, but whose support parts do not meet at a central axis.

[0060] Figure 9A A schematic perspective view of a holder according to a fourth embodiment is shown, the engagement element of which has a curved profile.

[0061] Figure 9B A schematic cross-sectional view of a holder of a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0062] Figure 10A A schematic perspective view of a holder according to a fifth embodiment is shown, the engagement element of which has at a first end a portion that is inclined towards the second end of the engagement element and towards the central axis of the holder.

[0063] Figure 10B A schematic cross-sectional view of a holder of a fifth embodiment is shown.

[0064] Figure 11A A schematic perspective view of a holder according to a sixth embodiment is shown, the holder having a side wall surrounding an engagement element.

[0065] Figure 11B A schematic cross-sectional view of a holder of a sixth embodiment is shown, the holder having a support portion and a base portion connected to a side wall below the support portion.

[0066] Figure 11C A schematic cross-sectional view of a variation of the holder of the sixth embodiment is shown, the holder having no support portion and having a base connected to the side wall below the lower end of the engagement element.

[0067] Figure 11D A schematic cross-sectional view of a variation of the holder of the sixth embodiment is shown, the holder having a support portion and no base portion connected to the side walls.

[0068] Figure 12A A schematic perspective view of a holder according to a seventh embodiment is shown, the holder having a side wall surrounding an engagement element and an engagement element passing through an edge of the side wall.

[0069] Figure 12BA schematic cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a holder is shown, the holder having a support portion and a base below the support portion.

[0070] Figure 12C A schematic cross-sectional view of a modification of the holder of the seventh embodiment is shown, the holder having no support portion and having a base connected to the side wall, and wherein the engagement element passes through the base.

[0071] Figure 12D A schematic cross-sectional view shows a modification of the holder of the seventh embodiment, the holder having no support portion and having a base below the lower end of the engagement element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] First embodiment

[0073] refer to Figures 1 to 6 According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a housing 102 that houses a number of different components of the aerosol-generating device 100. In the first embodiment, the housing 102 has a generally pebble shape, but it will be appreciated that any shape may be suitable so long as it is sized to accommodate the components described in the various embodiments set forth herein.

[0074] For convenience, the first end 104 of the aerosol generating device 100 (shown as facing Figures 1 to 4 The respective bottoms) are described as the bottom, base or lower end of the aerosol-generating device 100. The second end 106 of the aerosol-generating device 100 (shown as facing Figures 1 to 6 The top of each (respective tops) are described as the top or upper end of the aerosol-generating device 100. In use, the user typically orients the aerosol-generating device 100 with the first end 104 facing downward and / or in a distal position relative to the user's mouth, and the second end 106 facing upward and / or in a proximal position relative to the user's mouth.

[0075] The aerosol generating device 100 has a recess positioned toward the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. The recess is defined by a recess base 113 and a recess sidewall 116 that extends between the recess base 113 and the open end of the recess. The recess sidewall 116 and the recess base 113 are connected to each other. That is, the recess is cup-shaped. In a first embodiment, the recess sidewall 116 is tubular. More specifically, the recess sidewall is cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, the recess sidewall 116 has other suitable shapes, such as a tube with an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. In yet further embodiments, the recess sidewall 116 is tapered. The recess base 113 is sealed (e.g., sealed) to the recess sidewall 116 in an airtight manner to ensure that the recess does not expose the interior of the housing 102 to the outside world. This can help protect the interior of the aerosol generating device 100 from damage caused by dirt or water entering the interior. The recess is open towards the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. A holder 109 is nested inside the recess. The holder 109 is arranged to receive an aerosol substrate 128 carried by a substrate carrier 114 (also referred to as a "consumable") through an opening 110 defined by the rim 107, such as Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 5B When correctly inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100 , the substrate carrier 114 is received in the holder 109 and located within the recess.

[0076] Typically, the substrate carrier 114 includes a prepackaged aerosol substrate 128, such as tobacco or another suitable aerosolizable material, provided along with an aerosol collection area 130. Both the aerosol substrate 128 and the aerosol collection area 130 are encased in an outer layer 132 and abut each other at a boundary along a portion of the substrate carrier 114. The aerosol substrate 128 is heatable to generate an aerosol for inhalation and is positioned toward a tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114. The aerosol substrate 128 extends within the outer layer 132 across the entire width of the substrate carrier 114. In other embodiments, the recess is configured to receive an aerosol substrate 128 in other forms, such as a loose, pulverized material or a solid material that is otherwise packaged.

[0077] exist Figure 6In the embodiment of the present invention, holder 109 is shown as being separated from aerosol generating device 100. As can be seen, edge 107 extends around central axis C at a first radial distance R1 place from central axis C. Central axis C also limits the direction along which substrate carrier 114 can be inserted into holder 109 through opening 110, as described in detail below. Edge 107 has a plurality of engaging elements 140 in the form of rods, which are connected to edge 107 at their first end 142a so that engaging element 140 is maintained in position relative to each other, and contribute to the damage (for example, bending) of engaging element 140. In some cases, engaging element 140 is not rod-shaped, but can be flat bar or other cross sections. In some examples, engaging element 140 can not even have a constant cross section along their length, but this can vary along their length, for example, to provide a textured surface for gripping or to provide specific compression profile. Each engagement element 140 has an elongated portion 144 extending generally parallel to the central axis C from the rim 107 to a second end 142b distal to the rim. The engagement elements 140 are evenly spaced about the rim 107 in the sense that the spacing between adjacent engagement elements 140 is always the same, although in some examples this spacing may vary.

[0078] The elongated portion 144 is arranged to contact and compress the aerosol substrate 128 when the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the holder 109. The holder 109 is arranged so that when the substrate carrier 114 is correctly inserted into the holder 109, the engagement element 140 aligns with the aerosol substrate 128 to achieve such compression.

[0079] To ensure that the aerosol matrix is compressed, each elongated portion 144 is located at a second radial distance R2 from the central axis C, wherein the second radial distance R2 is less than the first radial distance R1. More specifically, at least a portion of the length of each elongated portion 144 is located at a position no more than the second radial distance R2 from the central axis C, and is configured to contact the matrix carrier 114.

[0080] The substrate carrier 114 also has a distance from its own central axis (not shown, but Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B and Figure 610). Since the substrate carrier 114 is cylindrical in this embodiment, the width of the substrate carrier is equal to twice the radial range R4, for example 2R4. The radial range R4 is less than the first radial distance R1 to allow the substrate carrier 114 to be assembled through the opening, but is greater than the second radial distance R2 to cause the above-mentioned compression. In the embodiment shown, the second radial distance R2 is less than half the width of the substrate carrier 114. However, in the case where the substrate carrier 114 is not cylindrical, the radial range R4 of the substrate carrier 114 varies depending on the circumferential position being considered (i.e., the angle around the central axis of the substrate carrier 114). This means that the first radial distance R1 and the second radial distance R2 may also need to vary in a complementary manner to accommodate the insertion of the substrate carrier 114 through the opening 110 and provide the desired compression. Although this may even mean that the desired effect can only be achieved when the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the holder in one or more specific orientations, it should be understood that suitable non-cylindrical designs (for example, based on an elliptical or square cross-section) can be implemented. It should be noted that Figure 5B The relationship between the first radial distance R1 and the second radial distance R2 and the radial extent R4 is shown, wherein the radial extent R4 is shown in an uncompressed portion of the substrate carrier 114, and the portion of the substrate carrier 114 aligned with the engagement element 140 (and therefore compressed) is shown as having a smaller width to represent this compression. Figure 5B They are not necessarily shown to scale but are presented to emphasize the compression effect.

[0081] The joining element 140 does not have an electric heating element for supplying heat to the holder 109 located on or within the joining element 140. Any heat source for heating the holder 109 is located on the aerosol generating device 100, specifically in this embodiment, on the recess sidewall 116. In other words, the joining element 140 does not have a heating element on or within the joining element 140. In other words, the heat is not supplied from the joining element 140, but from elsewhere. This means that the heat is not generated by an element on the joining element 140, an element within the joining element, or an element that directly contacts the joining element. This arrangement allows the holder 109 to be easily removed from the aerosol generating device 100 because there is no need to connect between the heat source located on the removable holder 109 and a power source. This simplifies the design of the holder 109 and the way it interfaces with the aerosol generating device 100, and also allows the aerosol generating device 100 to be modified using a compression device (such as the joining element 140) provided on a replacement holder 109.

[0082] The holder 109 that provides as independent element can allow the holder 109 of removable repeatedly, for example, to guarantee that substrate carrier 114 is correctly positioned in the holder.Before holder 109 and substrate carrier 114 are inserted into recess, holder 109 can be assembled on the substrate carrier 114 (and visual verification correctly aligns).In case holder 109 is taken out from recess, this arrangement also allows to clean holder easily.In other examples, holder 109 can be used as independent element supply, for being transformed into the aerosol generating device 100 that does not have bonding element 140 when manufacturing, so that bonding element 140 is provided for this aerosol generating device 100. Removable holder 109 can be arranged to be clipped into the appropriate position in the aerosol generating device 100, to allow to repeatedly take out and insert under transformation situation permanently or releasably (via fixture, latch etc., not shown) this removable holder is remained in appropriate position. This arrangement can also facilitate removal of the substrate carrier 114 after use without damaging the substrate carrier, as the substrate carrier 114 can be removed simultaneously with the holder 109 while retained in the holder 109. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood that the substrate carrier will disintegrate and leave debris in the recess, thereby reducing the need to clean the recess.

[0083] The arrangement described herein allows the aerosol substrate 128 to be compressed by the engagement element 140 while separating the compression function from the heating function. In other words, the advantage of separating the heating function from the compression function is that it can be more flexibly adapted to different substrate carriers 114 and / or aerosol generating devices 100.

[0084] 109. When substrate carrier 114 is correctly inserted into holder 109, joining element 140 is aligned with aerosol substrate 128. In addition, second end 142b of each joining element 140 is bent to extend toward central axis C, thereby forming support portion 148. In a first embodiment, the support portion 148 of each joining element 140 meets at central axis C. Correct alignment between joining element 140 and substrate carrier 114 can be ensured because support portion 148 prevents substrate carrier 114 from excessively inserting along central axis C by providing a platform for the tip 134 of contacting substrate carrier 114, thereby aligning aerosol substrate 128 with joining element 140. This then ensures that aerosol substrate 128 is compressed, while other parts of substrate carrier 114 are not compressed. In other examples, recess base 113 can also help prevent excessive insertion of substrate carrier 114. In any case, where an element such as support portion 148 or recess base 113 is used to prevent over-insertion of substrate carrier 114, the user can ensure proper insertion by pushing substrate carrier 114 into holder 109 and feeling an increase in resistance when tip 134 contacts support portion 148.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the support portions 148 of the engagement elements 140 meet, contact, and join together at the central axis C. In other examples, including some embodiments described below, this is not the case; for example, the support portions 148 may not extend all the way to the central axis C, e.g., they may extend toward the central axis C (and each other) but leave a gap at the central axis C. In some cases, the support portions 148 may not even contact each other.

[0086] In a first embodiment, substrate carrier 114 is roughly cylindrical, and edge 107 has roughly circular opening 110. Similarly, engagement element is arranged so that their innermost surface (those parts contacting with substrate carrier 114) is roughly in a circular arrangement. In other words, the contact surface of opening 110, engagement element 140 and the shape of substrate carrier 114 all correspond to each other. Should be appreciated that in all embodiments, general principle is to select the shape and size of opening 110 and engagement element 140 to allow substrate carrier 114 to pass opening 110 assembling, and allows contact and compression between engagement element 140 and substrate carrier 114. In other words, the present invention is not limited to any particular shape of substrate carrier 114 and holder 109, but can be selected any desired shape for these elements according to above-mentioned consideration.

[0087] When the opening 110, substrate carrier 114, and engagement element 140 have circular / cylindrical geometries, the dimensions R1, R2, and R4 are straightforward to interpret. Specifically, R1 is the radius of the circular opening 110, R4 is the radial dimension representing the cylindrical shape of substrate carrier 114, and R2 is the radial dimension of the portion of engagement element 140 that contacts the substrate carrier. Generalizing to the case where engagement element 140 is arranged in a shape other than a cylinder to adapt holder 109 to the shape of substrate carrier 114 (e.g., a cubic shape to provide compression to a cubic substrate carrier 114), R1, R2, and R4 effectively represent characteristic dimensions of the opening 110, engagement element 140, and substrate carrier 114, respectively. By way of example, a characteristic dimension can be a straight edge of a polygon, such as the largest or smallest such edge, the major or minor axis of an ellipse, and the like.

[0088] As described above, the interaction between R1 and R4 enables the size and shape of opening 110 to be determined to allow substrate carrier 114 to pass through opening 110. In the case where opening 110 is not circular (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, etc.), opening 110 can be used to encourage the user (visually or by feel) to correctly align substrate carrier 114 for insertion, for example, by aligning a flat surface of substrate carrier 114 with a linear edge of opening 110 or by aligning the major axis of an elliptical cross-section of substrate carrier 114 with the major axis of opening 110. Because engagement element 140 is held in position relative to opening 110, this can help the user correctly insert substrate carrier 114 into holder 109 to achieve the desired degree of compression. Typically, the contact surface of engagement element 140 forms a shape corresponding to (but smaller than) the shape of substrate carrier 114.

[0089] The heater 124 is mounted on an outer surface of the recess sidewall 116. That is, the heater 124 is mounted on a surface of the recess sidewall 116 that is remote from the interior volume of the recess. In other words, the heater 124 is permanently fixed to the aerosol-generating device 100. This can help protect the heater 124 from damage when the substrate carrier 114 and the holder 109 are inserted into the recess, while still being arranged to supply heat from the heater 124 to the holder 109. The heater 124 is typically electrically powered.

[0090] The first embodiment can be considered to disclose an aerosol-generating device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol substrate 128 carried by a substrate carrier 114. In this example, the aerosol-generating device 100 has a holder 109 for accommodating the substrate carrier 114 and a heater 124 arranged to supply heat to the aerosol substrate 128 when the substrate carrier 114 is accommodated in the holder 109. When the substrate carrier 114 is accommodated in the holder 109, the holder 109 is located between the heater 124 and the aerosol substrate 128. The holder 109 further includes a rim 107 defining an opening 110. The rim 107 extends around the central axis C at a first radial distance R1 from the central axis C. The substrate carrier 114 can be inserted into the holder 109 through the opening 110 along the central axis C. The holder has at least two engagement elements 140 (in this case, there are eight engagement elements 140), each of which has an elongated portion 144 extending generally parallel to the central axis C between a first end 142a connected to the rim 107 and a second end 142b remote from the rim 107. Each elongated portion 144 is located at a second radial distance R2 from the central axis C. The second radial distance R2 is smaller than the first radial distance R1.

[0091] Another way to view the disclosure of the first embodiment is to provide an aerosol-generating device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol substrate 128 carried by a substrate carrier 114. The aerosol-generating device 100 includes a heater 124 that is arranged to supply heat to the aerosol substrate 128 when the substrate carrier 114 is received in the aerosol-generating device 100. A holder 109 is provided having a rim 107 defining an opening 110, the rim 107 extending about a central axis C. The substrate carrier 114 can be inserted into the holder 109 through the opening 110 (e.g., along the central axis C) to receive the substrate carrier 114 in the aerosol-generating device 100. The holder 109 has at least two rod-shaped engagement elements 140 (in this case, eight engagement elements 140) for holding the substrate carrier 114 spaced apart from the heater 124. The engagement elements 140 extend from the rim 107 in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis C.

[0092] As described elsewhere herein, the engagement elements 140 each have a portion for contacting and compressing the substrate carrier 114. The portion for contacting and compressing the substrate carrier 114 provides a reduced or restricted cross-sectional area for receiving the substrate carrier 114 (i.e., smaller than the opening 110 that would allow the substrate carrier 114 to pass through uncompressed and undamaged), thereby ensuring that compression occurs when the substrate carrier 114 is inserted.

[0093] In a first embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 is electrically powered. That is, the aerosol generating device 100 is arranged to use electrical power to heat the aerosol substrate 128. For example, the heater 124 is a thin film heater comprising a conductive (e.g., metal) track laminated on a flexible electrically insulating backing material (e.g., polyimide). To this end, the aerosol generating device 100 has a power source 120, such as a battery. The power source 120 is coupled to a control circuit system 122. The control circuit system 122 is in turn coupled to the heater 124. A user operates the aerosol generating device 100 using a control device (not shown), which is arranged to couple and disconnect the power source 120 to the heater 124 via the control circuit system 122.

[0094] The recess sidewalls 116 remain spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing 102 to prevent heat from flowing to the housing 102. To further improve the thermal insulation of the recess, the recess can be surrounded by insulation, such as fibers or foam materials (such as cotton wool, aerogel, or gas), or in other examples, vacuum insulation can be provided.

[0095] As described above, the holder 109 has eight engaging elements 140 that are arranged around and connected to the rim 107 for holding the substrate carrier 114 in a central position within the holder 109. Other numbers of engaging elements 140 may be used, for example, two or more, but fewer than four engaging elements 140 may sometimes result in the substrate carrier 114 being poorly centered within the holder 109. The engaging elements 140 provide and maintain a controlled gap for the airflow path (arrow B) between the inner surface of the recess sidewalls 116 (between adjacent engaging elements 140) and the substrate carrier 114. The aerosol generating device 100 operates by convection heating, wherein air in the air gap between the inner surface of the recess sidewalls 116 and the outer surface of the substrate carrier 114 is heated and drawn through the substrate carrier 114. Arrow B (reference Figure 4 ) shows the airflow path into the recess. As the air passes through the portion of the recess sidewall 116 corresponding to the position of the heater 124, the air is heated by the heater 124. The air flows downward along the sides of the substrate carrier 114 (in front of and behind the coupling element 140). The recess base 113 prevents further downward air flow, which means that the air enters the tip 134. Arrow A shows the airflow path through the aerosol substrate 128 and out of the second end 136 (top) of the substrate carrier 114. By Figure 6 In comparison, it can be seen that the wedge-shaped gaps between the support portions 148 of adjacent engagement elements 140 allow air to flow into the tips 134 of the substrate carrier 114 .

[0096] The space defined by the skin 132 of adjacent joining element 140, recess sidewall 116 and substrate carrier 114 limits the area that can be used for air flow.This space is less, and the difficulty that the user must suck in order to pass aerosol generating device 100 by air suction is just bigger (being called resistance to draw and increases).Can adjust the size, quantity and interval of joining element 140 to provide neither too low nor too high satisfactory resistance to draw.Jointing element 140 also can be made thicker (that is, extend farther from recess sidewall 116 towards central axis C in radial direction) to increase the air flow channel between recess sidewall 116 and substrate carrier 114, but before heater 124 begins to become invalid because the gap between recess sidewall 116 and substrate carrier 114 is too big, there is actual restriction to this air flow channel.Typically, the gap that is 0.2mm to 0.3mm around the outer surface of substrate carrier 114 is good compromise, and this allows to fine-tune resistance to draw within acceptable value by changing the size of thermal joining element 140. Compression of the aerosol substrate by the engagement element 140 also increases the resistance to draw, and this, combined with the airflow path restriction effect described above, has been found to produce a pleasant level of resistance to draw.

[0097] When a user desires to use the aerosol-generating device 100, the user first loads the aerosol-generating device 100 with the substrate carrier 114 by inserting the substrate carrier 114 into the holder 109. The substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the holder 109, oriented so that the first end or tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 enters the holder 109 first, so that the aerosol substrate 128 is positioned adjacent to the support portion 148, with the tip 134 contacting the support portion 148. In this embodiment, the interaction between the first end 142a of the engagement element 140 and the boundary of the aerosol substrate 128 and the less compressible adjacent aerosol collection area 130 of the substrate carrier 114 has the additional effect of also helping to alert the user that the substrate carrier 114 has been inserted far enough into the aerosol-generating device 100. Before or after this, the holder 109 is inserted into the recess until the lower edge of the support portion 148 rests against the inner surface of the recess base 113.

[0098] In use, when a user turns on the aerosol generating device 100, electrical power from the power supply 120 is supplied to the heater 124 via the control circuit system 122 (and under its control). The heater 124 heats the recess sidewall 116 and, in turn, heats the air inside the recess. This causes the portion of the substrate carrier 114 inside the recess to be heated to a certain extent by conduction. When the user draws air through the substrate carrier 114 (arrow A), the heated air passes through and heats the aerosol substrate 128, thereby causing aerosol and / or vapor to be released.

[0099] from Figure 3 and Figure 4 109 , only a portion of the length of the substrate carrier 114 is within the holder 109. The remaining length of the substrate carrier 114 protrudes from the holder 109. When the holder 109 is within the recess, at least a portion of the remaining length of the substrate carrier 114 also protrudes from the second end 106 of the aerosol-generating device 100 and can serve as a mouthpiece through which a user inhales an aerosol from the aerosol substrate 128. In other embodiments, the entire or substantially the entire substrate carrier 114 can be received in the aerosol-generating device 100, such that none or substantially none of the substrate carrier 114 protrudes from the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0100] It should be understood that when the user Figure 4 When the aerosol is sucked in the direction of arrow A, ambient air is drawn from the environment surrounding the aerosol generating device 100 into the recess (via Figure 4The ambient air flows in a space provided between the recess sidewall 116 and the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114, where it is then heated by the heater 124, thereby starting the cycle again.

[0101] The user can continue to inhale the aerosol as long as the aerosol substrate 128 continues to generate the aerosol, for example, as long as the aerosol substrate 128 has vaporized the remaining vaporizable components into a suitable aerosol. The control circuit system 122 adjusts the electrical power supplied to the heater 124 to ensure that the temperature inside the recess does not exceed a threshold level, for example, a temperature at which the aerosol substrate 128 will begin to burn.

[0102] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An enlarged view of the holder 109 being inserted into the recess is shown. As can be seen, the holder 109 fits neatly into the recess and is aligned with the recess sidewalls 116. Although Figure 5A and Figure 5B Show that substrate carrier 114 is only just inserted in holder 109 after holder 109 has been inserted in the recess, as mentioned above, but in some examples, substrate carrier 114 can be assembled in holder 109 and these two parts insert in the recess together. Edge 107 also can be used for limiting how far holder 109 can be inserted in the recess, for example, by allowing the interaction between edge 107 and the upper edge of recess sidewall 116. This may cause producing a gap between the inner surface of support portion 148 and recess base 113, and this then can be used to increase the volume of the heated air in the recess to heat aerosol matrix. Although this may increase the time (because there is more air) that the air in recess inside is heated to the desired temperature, in case heating, just can allow the user to inhale a larger amount of aerosol and / or steam, or carry out repeatedly inhalation closely, because a larger amount of warm air in the recess provides the large reservoir that the user can draw. In some cases, all or part of rim 107 may protrude outside of the recess, for example, to assist a user in gripping holder 109 to remove it from the recess.

[0103] exist Figure 5A In FIG, the heater is not shown to emphasize the process of inserting the holder 109 into the recess. Figure 5B, heater 124 is shown positioned adjacent only a portion of aerosol substrate 128 toward the lower end of the recess. In other cases, heater 124 may be located in a different position, such as closer to the upper end of the recess, or heater 124 may be larger, covering the entire or substantially the entire outer surface of recess sidewall 116 (or corresponding to the entire or substantially the entire aerosol substrate 128). Because the recess and holder 109 are arranged to provide convective heating, localization of heating is not a significant issue with respect to uniform heating of aerosol substrate 128, since in a convective heating system, the heated air passes through the entire aerosol substrate 128 in any case. In any case, if more of recess sidewall 116 is to be heated, heater 124 may be provided with a heat transfer layer (e.g., a layer of copper, gold, or other high thermal conductivity material) to spread the heat over a larger area of recess sidewall 116 than the heater's footprint.

[0104] The edge 107 can comprise any material that can withstand repeated heating to a temperature of about 200°C with the aid of the heater 124. Suitable materials include ceramics (such as machinable glass ceramics) and other suitable materials (such as high temperature plastics). In some cases, polymers with an upper operating temperature of up to 250°C can be used, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The joining element 140 can be made of any suitable durable material for compressing the aerosol matrix (such as 300 series stainless steel, which has also been approved for medical use). Generally, metals are suitable materials because they are strong, pliable, and easy to shape. In addition, the thermal properties of metals vary greatly from metal to metal and can be adjusted by careful alloying if necessary to allow or prevent heat flow to the aerosol matrix 128 via the joining element 140. In the present disclosure, "metal" refers to elemental (i.e., pure) metals and alloys of more than one metal and other metals (such as carbon).

[0105] In some cases, the assembly between holder 109 and recess sidewall 116 is close enough so that considerable heat is also conducted to joining element 140 from heater 124. In these cases, the heating of aerosol substrate 128 is a balance between conduction heating and convection heating. By increasing the contact area between joining element 140 and recess sidewall 116 (this then reduces air gap and reduces convection heating), the balance can be turned to conduction heat transfer. In other cases, conduction heat flow can be promoted by including a heat conducting layer (being made of the high thermal conductivity layer such as copper, gold, etc.), to improve the heat transfer from recess sidewall 116 to joining element 140. In other examples, the heat conducting layer can be softer than recess sidewall 116 and / or joining element 140, so that the heat conducting layer is slightly deformed and improves the contact between recess sidewall 116 and joining element 140. Heat joining element 140 can be made of the material with a higher heat transfer coefficient than the material of edge 107. This may help the bonding element 140 conduct heat to the substrate carrier 114 while preventing heat from flowing out of the recess via the rim 107 .

[0106] In an alternative example, the heater 124 is not in thermally conductive contact with the engagement element 140. For example, the engagement element 140 can be spaced apart from the inner surface of the recess sidewall 116, causing the heat transfer from the heater 124 to the aerosol substrate 128 to be largely convective.

[0107] Although the holder described above is described in the context of the holder being used within an aerosol generating device 100, Figure 6 The examples shown illustrate that the present disclosure extends to a separate holder 109, for example, as described above for retrofitting existing devices.

[0108] An alternative embodiment will now be described by showing only the holder 109. Figure 6 , the holder 109 of any of the following embodiments may be substituted Figures 1 to 4 The holder 109 shown in the aerosol-generating device 100 is shown in FIG. 1 , whereby the operation of the aerosol-generating device is substantially the same as described above. Although each of the following embodiments of the holder 109 is shown without the inserted substrate carrier 114 to emphasize the differences between the embodiments, the present invention extends to the holder 109 including the substrate carrier 114 inserted therein.

[0109] Second embodiment

[0110] refer to Figure 7 , except for the following explanation, the aerosol generating device 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the reference Figures 1 to 6The aerosol-generating device 100 of the described first embodiment is identical and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0111] In the second embodiment, the second end 142b of the engagement element 140 is not bent about and extends toward the central axis C. Instead, there is no support portion 148. This means that no portion of the engagement element 140 blocks the flow of air into the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114, thereby improving the flow of air into the substrate carrier 114 and through the aerosol substrate 128. The engagement element 140 is sufficiently rigid to resist deformation in response to the substrate carrier 114 being inserted into the holder, and thereby provide the above-mentioned compression.

[0112] Because support portion 148 is absent, once substrate carrier 114 has been inserted into holder 109 to the correct distance (i.e., with aerosol substrate 128 aligned with engagement element 140), there is nothing to prevent further insertion of the substrate carrier. In some examples, over-insertion of substrate carrier 114 is prevented by recess base 113 in the sense that, when holder 109 is mounted in the recess, substrate carrier 114 cannot be inserted further than desired because the substrate carrier is prevented from further movement by recess base 113.

[0113] In other examples, over-insertion is prevented by the interaction of the first end 142a of the engagement element 140 with the boundary between the aerosol substrate 128 and the aerosol collection area 130. More specifically, because the aerosol collection area 130 is harder, more rigid, or less compressible than the aerosol substrate 128, the user can feel the difference in resistance as the force required to continue inserting the substrate carrier increases when the first end 142a of the engagement element 140 is aligned with the boundary.

[0114] In further example again, edge 107 is arranged to rest on the upper edge (end of recess sidewall 116 closest to shell 102) of recess sidewall 116, in this way for making joining element 140 not extend always to recess base 113.This means that the user can be assembled on the substrate carrier 114 with holder 109 outside aerosol generating device, and the tip 134 of visual verification substrate carrier 114 is aligned with the second end 142b of joining element 140.Because joining element 140 does not extend always to recess base 113 in this example, therefore when holder 109 and substrate carrier 114 inserted in the recess together, tip 134 also will be spaced apart from recess base 113.Each in these options all guarantees to expose the whole area of tip 134, to improve air flow in the substrate carrier 114.

[0115] Third embodiment

[0116] refer to Figure 8 , except for the following explanation, the holder 109 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the reference Figures 1 to 6 The holder 109 of the first embodiment described is identical and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0117] The arrangement in the third embodiment is Figure 6 The arrangement shown is very similar, but in Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the support portions 148 of the engagement elements 140 do not merge and join together. The engagement elements 140 are sufficiently rigid to resist deformation in response to the substrate carrier 114 being inserted into the holder and thereby provide the above-mentioned compression.

[0118] The third embodiment balances some of the effects of the first and second embodiments. The support portion prevents further movement, preventing the substrate carrier 114 from being over-inserted into the holder 109. The thickness of the support portion 148 keeps the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 spaced apart from the recess base 113, as in the first embodiment. Similarly, because the support portion 148 of the engagement element 140 does not converge at the central axis, the exposed area of the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 is greater than in the first embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment is characterized by improved air flow into the substrate carrier 114 compared to the first embodiment.

[0119] In some variations of the third embodiment, some, but not all, support portions 148 of the engagement element 140 may meet (and in some cases even join) other support portions 148 near the central axis C.

[0120] Fourth embodiment

[0121] refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B , except for the following explanation, the holder 109 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the reference Figure 7 The holder 109 of the described second embodiment is identical and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0122] The arrangement in the fourth embodiment is similar to Figure 7 The arrangement shown is very similar, but in Figure 9A and Figure 9B In FIG. 1 , the elongated portion 144 of the engagement element 140 is not straight, but is curved inwardly toward the center axis C. As shown in FIG.

[0123] In more detail, the first end 142a of each engaging element 140 is connected to the rim 107 in the same manner as described above. The rim 107 has an opening 110 with a radius R1. As previously described, the engaging elements 140 extend inward from the inner surface of the rim 107 to a second radial distance R2. However, from this point, the engaging elements 140 do not extend parallel to the central axis toward their second ends 142b, but instead curve inward in an arc, with a closest point to the central axis C, represented here as R'2. This shape of the engaging elements 140 can provide increased compression toward the central portion of the aerosol substrate 128. In other examples, the closest point radius R'2 can be located away from the middle of the elongated portion 144, for example, toward the first end 142a or the second end 142b of the engaging element 140. In other words, the surface of each engaging element 140 facing the central axis C has a convex profile that is transverse to the central axis C. The convex profile shown is an arc of a circle, but other curves are also possible. In practice, the closest approach point R'2 can be reached linearly, in the sense that the elongated portion 144 can be straight but not extend parallel to the central axis C. Since the engagement elements 140 in this embodiment are not connected to each other at their second ends 142b, the second ends 142b are more easily pushed outward by the substrate carrier 114 during insertion than the other portions, since the second ends 142b are further away from their fixed points in the rim 107 and can therefore be further away from their default position. Arranging the engagement elements 140 to extend in a direction that is not parallel to the central axis C can be used to ensure that the second ends 142b of the engagement elements 140 are closest to the central axis C to compensate for their distance from the rim 107.

[0124] Furthermore, in some cases, additional compression of the tip 134 can be beneficial in helping to hold any loose material in place so that it does not fall out and foul the recess. On the other hand, over-compression of the tip 134 can create even more loose material, exacerbating the situation. Similarly, the portion of the aerosol substrate 128 closest to the boundary between the aerosol substrate 128 and the aerosol collection area 130 can be protected from compression by the aerosol collection area 130 and thus may require a narrower space (smaller R'2) to achieve the desired level of compression. For these reasons, it may be desirable to provide varying amounts of compression along the length of the aerosol substrate 128.

[0125] In other examples, the engagement elements 140 may be smooth curves in the sense that the entire length of each engagement element 140 is a smooth curve and there is no initial portion extending inwardly to the radius R2 before the curved portion begins.

[0126] In other examples, the engagement element 140 may not have a curved profile, but may be more angular and / or result in a pointed profile.

[0127] In still further examples, only some of the engagement elements 140 may be curved as shown, or each (or one or more subsets) of the engagement elements 140 may have a different R'2 value indicating a different curvature.

[0128] Some examples of the fourth embodiment may feature a joining element 140 having a more complex curvature, such as to provide multiple portions of the elongated portion 144 with close proximity to the central axis C. In some cases, each local closest point of approach of the joining element 140 may be the same distance R'2 from the central axis C. In other examples, each local closest point of approach of the joining element 140 may be at a different distance (R'2, R"2, R"'2, etc.) from the central axis C. This may provide additional compression in particularly advantageous portions (e.g., the midpoint of the tip 134 and the aerosol substrate 128) and, if desired, may provide reduced compression at other points, or indeed no compression at all.

[0129] In practice, some or each of the engagement elements 140 may correspond to a different one of the above variations (or indeed, Figure 7 The engaging element 140 is shown).

[0130] Fifth embodiment

[0131] refer to Figure 10A and Figure 10B , except for the following explanation, the holder 109 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the reference Figure 7 The holder 109 of the described second embodiment is identical and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0132] The arrangement in the fourth embodiment is similar to Figure 7 The arrangement shown is very similar, but in Figure 10A and Figure 10B , the first end 142 a of the engagement element 140 is inclined from the edge 107 in a direction toward the central axis C and toward the second end 142 b of the engagement element 140 .

[0133] The first end 142a is shown as being angled in a straight line, but in other examples, it may have a curved profile. Having this shape of the first end 142a of the engagement element 140 helps guide the substrate carrier 114 toward alignment with the central axis C as the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the holder 109, as the first end 142a acts somewhat like a funnel. This can be particularly useful when the holder 109 is mounted in a recessed portion, so that the user may not be able to clearly observe the insertion process.

[0134] Furthermore, the form of the holder 109 can help adapt (eg, modify) a recess designed with a large (eg, wide) substrate carrier 114 to receive and heat a smaller (particularly thinner) substrate carrier 114. Figure 10A and Figure 10B While the shape of the engagement element 140 in FIG. 1 results in a significant narrowing, it will be appreciated that even a slightly shorter angled first end 142 a can result in a narrower second radial distance R2 and, therefore, accommodate a narrower substrate carrier. This is also true to some extent for other embodiments, as R2 (and / or R′2) can be made narrower as desired to adapt an existing recess to a smaller sized substrate carrier 114.

[0135] Sixth embodiment

[0136] refer to 11A to 11D , except for the following explanation, the holder 109 according to the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the reference Figure 6 The holder 109 of the first embodiment described is identical and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0137] The arrangement in the sixth embodiment is Figure 6 The arrangement shown is very similar, but in Figure 11A In FIG, the holder includes a tubular sidewall 126 positioned around the engagement element 140 (at a greater radial distance from the central axis C). Furthermore, a base is disposed at the lower end of the tubular sidewall 126, below the second end 142b (and support portion 148) of the engagement element 140 (further from the rim 107). The tubular sidewall 126 surrounds the engagement element 140 and defines a heating chamber. As can be seen, the base also helps define the heating chamber by closing the lower end of the tubular sidewall 126. Figure 11A The holder 109 is shown in a perspective view, and Figures 11B to 11D A cross-sectional view showing a variation of the internal structure.

[0138] Providing a tubular sidewall 126 and base surrounding the engagement element 140 can help protect the engagement element 140 (and the substrate carrier 114 when inserted into the holder 109) from damage. In addition, this protective effect also prevents the engagement element 140 from bending outward when the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the holder because there is a limit to how far the engagement element 140 can bend outward before the tubular sidewall 126 prevents further movement. This is particularly useful in applications such as Figure 11C The illustrated absence of the support portion 148 may be particularly advantageous, as it may help maintain the second end 142b of the engagement element 140 at a distance R2 from the central axis.

[0139] Providing tubular sidewall 126 and base can be considered as providing self-contained heating chamber, and this heating chamber has many features identical with the combination of above-mentioned holder 109 and recess.The advantage that holder 109 is provided as self-contained unit is that the requirement of the recess in aerosol generating device 100 is not so strict.For example, recess can be any size or shape, and tubular sidewall 126 can be arranged to the size of closely interfacing with recess sidewall 116 with heat being transferred to the inside of heating chamber from heater 124.Similarly, joining element 140 can be spaced any distance from the inner surface of tubular sidewall 126, so that grip and compress substrate carrier 114 of any size.In a similar manner, the length of tubular sidewall 126 can be selected to neatly fit in the recess and press against recess base 113 and keep edge 107 and recess base 113 apart from the distance of expectation, for example, with joining element 140 and heater 124 being aligned.

[0140] The base serves to catch any loose material that falls from the substrate carrier, allowing the holder 109 to be removed and cleaned (where the holder 109 is removable). Even where the holder 109 is not removable (e.g., in a permanently fixed retrofit situation), the presence of the base reduces the requirements for the recess into which the holder 109 fits, as the recess base 113 does not need to completely seal the recess, as the base and tubular sidewall 126 combine to prevent loose material, moisture, etc. from entering the interior of the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0141] The base is coupled to the lower end of the tubular sidewall 126. In some examples, the base closes the tubular sidewall 126 in the sense that airflow exiting the lower end of the tubular sidewall 126 is blocked by the base. This can help direct air flowing downward along the inner surface of the tubular sidewall 126 into the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114, thereby contributing to the advantage of providing a self-contained heating chamber. Additionally, in the region of the second end 142b of the elongated portion 144 of the joining element 140, the base can prevent air from flowing into the heating chamber defined by the tubular sidewall 126. This ensures that the air flowing into the tip 134 has been heated by the heater, thereby providing greater control over the heating of the aerosol substrate 128. Of course, in Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 5A and Figure 5B The same is true of the recess shown in and discussed with reference to the first embodiment. Providing the tubular side wall 126 and the base connected to each other in such a sealing manner allows the recess to have a different form than that described in the first embodiment.

[0142] In some cases, the tubular sidewall 126 and / or base is formed of a mesh or has one or more holes. This can allow air heated by the heater 124 to flow into the heating chamber and generally improve convective heating of the aerosol-generating device 100 without relying on conduction through the tubular sidewall 126. In addition, the use of mesh material and / or holes reduces the amount of material forming the tubular sidewall 126 and base, which means that less energy is required to heat the holder 109 and thereby improves the efficiency of the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0143] consider Figure 11B and Figure 11C , which shows the difference between Figure 6 and Figure 7 The holder 109 of FIG. 1 corresponds to the holder 109 of FIG. 2 but has a tubular side wall 126 and a base that surrounds the engagement element 140. Figure 11A and Figure 11B In each of the base and the second end 142b of the engagement element 140 (and Figure 11B 134). This provides space to collect any loose material that falls out of the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 without blocking the airflow path into the tip 134. It also provides a reservoir of heated air below the tip 134 to allow a larger amount of air to be drawn through the substrate carrier 114. In other examples, the second end 142b and / or the support portion 148 can contact the base, or even be located in a recess in the base or attached to the base.

[0144] The inner surface of tubular sidewall 126 is located at a position of the third radial distance R3 from central axis. R3 is greater than R2, but can be greater than, less than or equal to R1. Although joining element 140 is shown as being spaced apart from tubular sidewall 126, in some examples, joining element 140 can contact (even be connected to) tubular sidewall 126. In this case, the contact between tubular sidewall 126 and joining element 140 is close enough so that quite a lot of heat is also conducted to joining element 140 from heater 124 through tubular sidewall 126. In these cases, the heating of aerosol substrate 128 is a balance between conduction heating and convection heating. By increasing the contact area between joining element 140 and tubular sidewall 126 (this then reduces air gap and reduces convection heating), the balance can be turned to conduction heat transfer. In other cases, conduction heat transfer can be improved by including a heat conducting layer (for example, such as a high thermal conductivity material of copper, gold, etc.), to improve the heat transfer from tubular sidewall 126 to joining element 140. In further examples, the heat conductive layer may be softer than the tubular sidewall 126 and / or the engagement element 140 , such that the heat conductive layer deforms slightly to improve contact between the tubular sidewall 126 and the engagement element 140 .

[0145] Figure 11D Another variation of the sixth embodiment is shown in which a tubular sidewall 126 is present but a base is absent. As described above, the tubular sidewall 126 can provide protection for the engagement element 140. Furthermore, the absence of the base can facilitate light entry into the heating chamber when the user is assembling the holder 109 to the substrate carrier 114 outside the device, which in turn helps the user visually inspect whether the substrate carrier 114 is properly installed in the holder 109. In yet another example, in the absence of the tubular sidewall 126, the base can be configured to be coupled to the second end 142b of the engagement element 140.

[0146] Seventh embodiment

[0147] refer to 12A to 12D , except for the following explanation, the holder 109 according to the seventh embodiment is the same as that of the reference Figure 6 The holder 109 of the first embodiment described is identical to and also identical to 11A to 11D Similarity is present and like reference numerals are used to indicate like features.

[0148] The arrangement in the seventh embodiment is Figure 6 The arrangement shown is very similar, but in Figure 12A In FIG, the holder includes a tubular sidewall 126 positioned around the engagement element 140 (at a greater radial distance from the central axis C). Furthermore, a base is disposed at the lower end of the tubular sidewall 126, below the second end 142b (and support portion 148) of the engagement element 140 (further from the rim 107). The tubular sidewall 126 surrounds the engagement element 140 and defines a heating chamber. As can be seen, the base also helps define the heating chamber by closing the lower end of the tubular sidewall 126. Figure 12A The holder 109 is shown in a perspective view, and 12B to 12D A cross-sectional view showing a variation of the internal structure.

[0149] and 11A to 11DIn contrast, a separate rim 107 is not provided. Instead, the upper end of the tubular sidewall 126 functions as the rim 107, as the first end 142a of each engagement element 140 is mounted within the upper end of the tubular sidewall 126. For this reason, the upper end of the tubular sidewall 126 is referred to as the rim 107 in the seventh embodiment. In the example shown, the first end 142a of the engagement element 140 is attached to the rim by passing through a hole in the rim 107. In other cases, the engagement element 140 can simply be joined to the rim 107 by welding or brazing, or can be fitted into a recess in the tubular sidewall 126 that does not completely penetrate the sidewall. This arrangement provides the functionality described above with respect to the sixth embodiment, but in a simpler manner, as a second rim 107 is not required. Given that the rim 107 previously interacted with other elements (e.g., the top of the recessed sidewall 116) to prevent the retainer 109 from being over-inserted into the recess, it is clear that the protruding portion of the first end 142a of the engagement element 140 can also serve the same purpose.

[0150] Figure 12B With Figure 11B It operates in essentially the same manner, except for the differences highlighted above, and therefore will not be described in detail. Figure 12C Shown is a modification that wherein the second end 142b of joining element 140 extends through the base and outwardly protrudes from the outer surface of the base.This can provide stability for joining element 140 by providing anchor point on the base, and this provides extra rigidity for joining element 140, thereby allows them to be made thinner when not sacrificing the compression effect of expectation.This can help compensation joining element 140 not have the situation of the support portion 148 that is connected to other support portions 148, thereby allows joining element to be forced away from central axis C when matrix carrier 114 is inserted in holder 109.In this case, base provides the effect of support portion 148, because it prevents matrix carrier 114 from inserting farther than expected.Be connected (for example brazing, welding etc.) to the inner surface of base or remain in other embodiments of proper position in the recess of the whole thickness that does not extend through base at the second end 142b of joining element, see similar effect.

[0151] exist Figure 12D In the , you can see something like Figure 12C The holder 109 shown, but the second end 142b of the engagement element 140 does not extend as far to the base. Figure 11C The holders shown function in a generally equivalent manner and therefore need not be discussed again in detail.

[0152] Definitions and Alternative Embodiments

[0153] It will be appreciated from the above description that many features of these different embodiments are interchangeable with one another.The present disclosure extends to further embodiments comprising features from different embodiments combined together in a manner not specifically mentioned.

[0154] For example, any of the arrangements set forth in the first to fifth embodiments may be provided with a tubular sidewall 126 or base, or both, as discussed with respect to the sixth and seventh embodiments. Similarly, each embodiment may be permanently fixable in a recess in the aerosol-generating device 100 (for retrofitting), or it may be a repeatedly removable embodiment.

[0155] The various different shape variations of the engagement elements 140 for the compressed aerosol substrate 128 discussed in the fourth embodiment may also be provided in any of the other embodiments, with their associated advantages. Similarly, while each embodiment shows eight engagement elements 140, a holder 109 having any number of engagement elements 140, two or more, may be provided in accordance with the teachings set forth above, and the holder may be sized to be compatible with any suitable recess.

[0156] Each retainer 109 may be provided with a rim 107 of the form shown in the first to sixth embodiments, or with an engagement element 140 coupled directly to the tubular side wall 126, as in the seventh embodiment.

[0157] Figures 6 to 12D The holder 109 and corresponding recess are shown separated from the aerosol-generating device 100. This is to emphasize that the advantageous features described for each embodiment of the arrangement of the holder 109 are independent of other features of the aerosol-generating device 100. In particular, the holder 109 has many uses, not all of which are relevant to the aerosol-generating device 100 described herein.

[0158] Furthermore, the thickness of the engaging element 140 (including the thickness of the support portion 148, which may be different from the thickness of the engaging element 140) may be selected to achieve the desired effect and need not be consistent with the relative dimensions shown in the figures. In fact, different engaging elements 140 (and support portions 148) may have different thicknesses if desired.

[0159] It should be understood that the closest distance (R2) that each engagement element extends toward the central axis C can be different for each engagement element 140. Similarly, the distance that each support portion 148 extends toward the central axis C can be different for each support portion 148. While each embodiment shows the first end 142a of each engagement element 140 joined to the rim 107 at the same height (i.e., distance from the opening 110), in some embodiments, this height may not be the same for each engagement element 140.

[0160] The term "heater" should be understood to refer to any device for outputting sufficient thermal energy to form an aerosol from the aerosol substrate 128. The transfer of thermal energy from the heater 124 to the aerosol substrate 128 can be conductive, convective, radiative, or any combination thereof. As non-limiting examples, conductive heaters can directly contact and press against the aerosol substrate 128, or these heaters can contact a separate component that itself causes the aerosol substrate 128 to heat up through conduction, convection, and / or radiation. Convective heating can include heating a liquid or gas, which thereby transfers thermal energy (directly or indirectly) to the aerosol substrate.

[0161] Radiative heating includes, but is not limited to, transferring energy to the aerosol matrix 128 by emitting electromagnetic radiation within the ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, or radio wave portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radiation emitted in this manner can be absorbed directly by the aerosol matrix 128 to cause heating, or the radiation can be absorbed by another material (such as a susceptor or fluorescent material) that causes the radiation to be re-emitted at a different wavelength or spectral weighting. In some cases, the radiation can be absorbed by a material that then transfers heat to the aerosol matrix 128 by any combination of conduction, convection, and / or radiation.

[0162] The heater can be electrically powered, combustion driven, or powered by any other suitable means. An electrically powered heater can include a resistive track element (optionally including an insulating package), an induction heating system (e.g., including an electromagnet and a high-frequency oscillator), etc. The heater 124 can be arranged around the exterior of the aerosol matrix 128, can partially or completely penetrate into the aerosol matrix 128, or any combination thereof.

[0163] The term "temperature sensor" is used to describe an element that is capable of determining the absolute or relative temperature of a portion of the aerosol-generating device 100. This may include a thermocouple, a thermopile, a thermistor, etc. The temperature sensor may be provided as part of another component, or it may be a separate component. In some examples, more than one temperature sensor may be provided, for example to monitor heating of different portions of the aerosol-generating device 100, for example to determine a thermal profile.

[0164] With reference to the above-mentioned embodiment, the aerosol matrix 128 comprises tobacco in a dried or smoked form, for example, and in some cases has additional ingredients for flavoring or for producing a smoother or otherwise more pleasant experience. In some examples, an aerosol matrix 128 such as tobacco can be treated with a vaporizer. The vaporizer can improve the aerosol generated from the aerosol matrix. For example, the vaporizer can include a polyol (such as glycerol) or a glycol (such as propylene glycol). In some cases, the aerosol matrix may not contain tobacco or even nicotine, but may contain natural or artificially obtained ingredients for flavoring, volatilization, improving smoothness and / or providing other pleasant effects. The aerosol matrix 128 can be provided as a solid or paste-type material in a pulverized, granulated, powdered, granular, strip or sheet form, optionally in a combination of these forms. Similarly, the aerosol matrix 128 can be a liquid or gel. In fact, some examples can include both a solid portion and a liquid / gel portion.

[0165] Thus, the aerosol-generating device 100 may also be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "heating but not burning tobacco device," a "device for vaporizing tobacco products," and the like, and it is to be construed as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol substrate.

[0166] The embodiment of the aerosol-generating device 100 is described as being configured to receive an aerosol substrate 128 in a prepackaged substrate carrier 114. The substrate carrier 114 can be generally similar to a cigarette, having a tubular region with the aerosol substrate arranged in a suitable manner. Some designs may also include a filter, an aerosol collection region, a cooling region, and other structures. An outer layer of paper or other flexible planar material, such as foil, may also be provided, for example, to hold the aerosol substrate in place to further resemble a cigarette.

[0167] As used herein, the term "fluid" should be interpreted as generally describing non-solid materials capable of flowing, including but not limited to liquids, pastes, gels, powders, etc. "Fluidized material" should accordingly be interpreted as a material that is inherently fluid, or a material that has been modified to behave as a fluid. Fluidization may include but is not limited to: powderization, dissolution in a solvent, gelation, thickening, dilution, etc.

[0168] As used herein, the term "volatile" refers to a substance that can readily change from a solid or liquid state to a gaseous state. As a non-limiting example, a volatile substance can be a substance that boils or sublimates at a temperature close to room temperature at ambient pressure. Thus, "volatilize" or "volatilise" should be interpreted as meaning to volatilize (a material) and / or cause it to evaporate or disperse into a vapor.

[0169] As used herein, the term "vapor" means: (i) the form to which a liquid naturally converts when exposed to sufficient heat; or (ii) liquid / moisture particles suspended in the atmosphere and visible as clouds of steam / fume; or (iii) a fluid that fills space like a gas but liquefies under pressure alone below its critical temperature.

[0170] Consistent with this definition, the terms "vaporize" or "vaporize" refer to: (i) to change or cause to change into a vapor; and (ii) the condition where a particle changes physical state (ie, from a liquid or solid to a gas).

[0171] As used herein, the term "atomize" or "atomize" shall mean: (i) reducing (a substance, especially a liquid) into very small particles or droplets; and (ii) leaving the particles in the same physical state (liquid or solid) as before atomization.

[0172] As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall refer to a system of particles dispersed in air or gas (such as mist, fog or smoke). Thus, the term "aerosolize" or "aerosolize" refers to making and / or dispersing into an aerosol. It should be noted that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolization is consistent with each of volatilization, atomization and vaporization as defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a mist or droplets comprising atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles. Aerosols also include mists or droplets comprising any combination of atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles.

Claims

1. A holder (109) capable of being inserted into an aerosol-generating device (100), the aerosol-generating device (100) being arranged for heating an aerosol substrate (128) carried by a substrate carrier (114) to generate an aerosol, the holder (109) being arranged for receiving the aerosol substrate (128) carried by the substrate carrier (114) when inserted into the aerosol-generating device (100), and comprising: a rim (107) defining an opening (110), the rim (107) extending around the central axis (C) at a first radial distance (R1) from the central axis (C), the substrate carrier (114) being insertable into the holder (109) through the opening (110) along the central axis (C); at least two engaging elements (140), each of the engaging elements (140) having an elongated portion (144) extending generally parallel to the central axis (C) between a first end (142a) connected to the rim (107) and a second end (142b) remote from the rim (107), each engaging element (140) not having any electrical heating element for supplying heat to the aerosol substrate (128), and each elongated portion (144) being located a second radial distance (R2) from the central axis (C), wherein the second radial distance (R2) is less than the first radial distance (R1), wherein the engaging elements (140) are separated from each other by an air gap; and A tubular sidewall (126) extends around the at least two engagement elements (140), wherein the elongated portion (144) is spaced from an inner surface of the tubular sidewall (126).

2. The holder (109) according to claim 1, wherein Each engagement element (140) has a support portion (148) extending from the second end of the elongated portion (144) toward the central axis (C) to provide a platform for limiting insertion of the substrate carrier (114) along the central axis (C).

3. The holder (109) according to claim 2, wherein The support portions (148) of the at least two engaging elements (140) extend to meet each other.

4. The holder (109) according to claim 1, wherein Each of these engagement elements (140) is a rod.

5. The holder (109) according to claim 1, wherein The engagement elements (140) are evenly spaced around the rim (107).

6. The holder (109) according to claim 1, wherein The tubular sidewall (126) defines a heating chamber.

7. The holder (109) of claim 1, further comprising a base located further from the rim (107) than the second ends of the engagement elements (140).

8. The holder (109) according to claim 7, wherein The tubular sidewall (126) and / or the base is mesh or has one or more holes.

9. The holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first end of the elongated portion (144) of each engagement element (140) has a portion that is inclined toward the second end of the elongated portion (144) and toward the central axis (C).

10. The holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The engagement elements (140) comprise a material having a higher heat transfer coefficient than the material of the rim (107).

11. The holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: These engagement elements (140) are metal.

12. The holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The rim (107) is made of heat-resistant plastic.

13. The holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The rim (107) is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

14. The holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The engagement elements (140) are parallel to the central axis (C) towards second ends (142b) of the engagement elements.

15. The holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The engaging elements (140) are curved inwardly in an arc shape, with their closest points to the central axis (C).

16. An aerosol generating system comprising a holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and a substrate carrier (114), wherein: The second radial distance (R2) is less than half the width or diameter of the substrate carrier (114).

17. An aerosol-generating device (100) comprising a holder (109) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the holder being retained in a recess in the aerosol-generating device (100).

18. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 17, wherein: The holder (109) is removable from the aerosol-generating device (100).

19. An aerosol generating device (100) comprising the system according to claim 16, wherein: The holder (109) is retained in a recess in the aerosol-generating device (100).

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