Aerosol generating device having a heated chamber with a heat shield

Abstract

A heating chamber (108) for an aerosol generating device (100) is provided. The aerosol generating device (100) has a heater (124) positioned outside the heating chamber (108), and the heating chamber (108) is arranged to receive an elongated substrate carrier (114) having an aerosol substrate (128) disposed toward a first end (134) of the elongated substrate carrier (114). The heating chamber (108) includes a tubular sidewall (126) defining an interior volume and having a first open end (110) through which the elongated substrate carrier (114) is receivable into the interior volume and through which air can flow toward the aerosol substrate (128). A contact surface (168) is provided, the contact surface being exposed to the interior volume for contacting the substrate carrier (114) at or near a second end of the interior volume. The heating chamber further includes a second end (111) distal to the first open end (110). A heating region (164) is provided through which heat from the externally positioned heater (124) is applied to the heating chamber (108). The heating chamber also includes a heat shield (166) at the second end (111) to inhibit heat flow from the heating region (164) to the at least one contact surface (168).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber with a heat shield. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable aerosol-generating devices that can be self-contained and cryogenic. Such devices can generate an aerosol for inhalation by heating tobacco or other suitable materials through conduction, convection, and / or radiation, rather than burning them. Background Art

[0002] Over the past few years, the popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk smoking devices (also known as vaporizers) have grown rapidly to help habitual smokers who want to quit traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and cigarettes. Various devices and systems are available that heat or increase the temperature of an aerosolizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products.

[0003] Commonly available risk-reduced or risk-modified smoking devices are heated substrate aerosol-generating devices or heat-but-not-burn devices. 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 150°C to 300°C. Heating, but not burning, or burning, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol that includes the components sought by the user but does not include the toxic and carcinogenic byproducts of combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosol generated by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material generally does not include the burnt or bitter taste that may be unpleasant to the user due to combustion and burning, and therefore, the substrate does not require the sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to the user.

[0004] In a general sense, it is desirable to quickly heat the aerosol substrate to a temperature at which the aerosol can be released and to maintain the aerosol substrate at that temperature. Obviously, the aerosol will only be released from the aerosol substrate and delivered to the user when there is airflow through the aerosol substrate.

[0005] Aerosol-generating devices of this type are portable, so energy consumption is an important design consideration. Ensuring that generated heat is supplied to certain portions of the aerosolizable material and inhibiting heat flow to other portions can help improve efficiency and provide proper operation. The present disclosure aims to address the problems of existing devices and provide an improved aerosol-generating device and heating chamber thereof. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating chamber for an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device having a heater positioned externally of the heating chamber, the heating chamber for receiving an elongated substrate carrier having an aerosol substrate arranged toward a first end of the elongated substrate carrier, and the heating chamber comprising: a tubular sidewall defining an interior volume and having a first end and a second end distal to the first end, through which the elongated substrate carrier is receivable into the interior volume and air can flow toward the aerosol substrate; a heating region via which heat from the externally positioned heater is applied to the heating chamber; a contact surface exposed to the interior volume for contacting the substrate carrier at or near the second end of the interior volume; and a heat shield at the second end for inhibiting heat flow from the heating region to the at least one contact surface.

[0007] Heat from the externally positioned heater is transferred to the interior volume through the tubular sidewall in the heating region. More particularly, heat is transferred by conduction in a radial direction from the externally positioned heater through the tubular wall to the interior volume. Heat can be transferred directly from the tubular sidewall to the aerosol substrate and / or indirectly from the tubular sidewall to the aerosol substrate by heating air flowing from the first end toward the aerosol substrate.

[0008] By means of suppressing the heat flow to the contact surface (for example, by interrupting the conduction flow path between the heater and the contact surface), the arrangement of the present invention reduces the exposure of the tip of the substrate carrier to the excessively high temperature from the heater, thereby reducing the generation of unwanted aerosol from the tip. The tubular sidewall can have a size (for example, diameter) larger than the size (for example, diameter) of the elongated substrate carrier at the position of the contact surface. Therefore, there is no contact between the tubular sidewall and the elongated substrate carrier at the position of the contact surface, which means that heat is not directly transferred to the tip of the substrate carrier from the tubular sidewall by conduction, thereby avoiding direct heating of the tip.

[0009] The second end may be closed such that air is drawn towards the aerosol substrate only through the first end, and more particularly between the outer layer of the elongate substrate carrier and the tubular wall.

[0010] The aerosol-generating device may include one or more heaters positioned externally of the heating chamber. The heating chamber may include one or more of the heating zones via which heat from a corresponding one of the one or more externally positioned heaters is applied to the heating chamber. The heat shield may be arranged to inhibit heat flow from each heating zone to the at least one contact surface.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one contact surface faces the first end of the tubular sidewall.

[0012] Optionally, the heat shield comprises a first material and the tubular sidewall comprises a second material, the first material having a lower thermal conductivity than the second material. In particular, the heat shield may be made of ceramic or a heat-resistant plastic such as PEEK. The tubular sidewall may be made of a metal such as stainless steel or copper.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one contact surface is a surface of the heat shield.

[0014] Optionally, the heat shield is annular.

[0015] Optionally, the heat shield is a separate element attached to the tubular sidewall.

[0016] Optionally, the contact surface extends from the tubular sidewall into the interior volume.

[0017] Optionally, the heating chamber further comprises a base at the second end of the tubular sidewall.

[0018] Optionally, the heating zone comprises a portion of the base.

[0019] Optionally, the heating zone comprises a portion of the tubular sidewall.

[0020] Optionally, the heat shield comprises a portion of the base.

[0021] Optionally, the heat shield extends from the base inwardly towards the interior volume to provide a platform for supporting the substrate carrier.

[0022] Optionally, the heat shield extends across the entire width of the base.

[0023] Optionally, the heat shield is a separate element attached to the base.

[0024] Optionally, the heating chamber further comprises an insert comprising the heat shield, wherein the insert is arranged for removable insertion into the interior volume of the heating chamber.

[0025] Alternatively, the insert may comprise a mesh or wire mesh.

[0026] Alternatively, the insert may comprise a plurality of rod-shaped elements.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising the above-mentioned heating chamber and a heater, wherein the heater is mounted to the tubular side wall and the heating area is defined by an area of ​​the tubular side wall that at least partially overlaps with the heater.

[0028] Optionally, the heater is mounted on a surface of the tubular sidewall facing away from the interior volume.

[0029] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises: a power supply; and control circuitry configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power supply to the heater.

[0030] Optionally, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a spacer for maintaining the substrate carrier in a central configuration within the heating chamber.

[0031] Optionally, the spacer is releasably coupled to the aerosol-generating device.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided, which includes the above-mentioned aerosol generating device and a substrate carrier.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an insert for a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device as described above, the insert comprising a heat shield for suppressing heat flow from a heating region of the heating chamber to the at least one contact surface, and the insert is sized to be inserted into an inner surface of the heating chamber so as to suppress heat flow from the heating region to the at least one contact surface.

[0034] Optionally, the insert comprises a mesh or wire mesh or a plurality of rod-shaped elements arranged to retain the heat shield at the distal end of the insert. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a substrate carrier of an aerosol substrate being loaded into the aerosol-generating device.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device from the side, showing a substrate carrier of an aerosol substrate being loaded into the aerosol-generating device.

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic perspective view of an aerosol-generating device, showing that a substrate carrier of an aerosol substrate has been loaded into the aerosol-generating device.

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device from the side, showing that a substrate carrier of an aerosol substrate has been loaded into the aerosol-generating device.

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG, highlighting the interaction between the substrate carrier and the protrusions in the heating chamber and the corresponding effect on the airflow path.

[0040] Figure 6A It is from Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of the side of a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device.

[0041] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Schematic perspective sectional view of a heating chamber is shown in FIG.

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view from the side of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, but with an alternative airflow arrangement.

[0043] Figure 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view from the side of a heating chamber according to a third embodiment, with heat shields positioned on a base.

[0044] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A Schematic perspective sectional view of a heating chamber is shown in FIG.

[0045] Figure 8C is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber and including a spacer according to a third embodiment.

[0046] Figure 9 A schematic perspective view of a heating chamber with side walls and a base formed by rods according to a fourth embodiment is shown.

[0047] Figure 10 A schematic perspective view of a heating chamber with side walls formed from a mesh material or wire mesh according to a fifth embodiment is shown.

[0048] Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to a sixth embodiment is shown, wherein the heat shield is flush with the rest of the base.

[0049] Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber with a heat shield extending across the entire base of the heating chamber according to a seventh embodiment is shown.

[0050] Figure 13A A schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to an eighth embodiment is shown, wherein the base of the heating chamber comprises a shelf portion and the heat shield sits on the shelf portion within the interior volume of the heating chamber.

[0051] Figure 13B Shown from Figure 13A A perspective view of the bottom of the heating chamber is shown.

[0052] Figure 14 A schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to a ninth embodiment is shown having a heat shield centrally located above the base of the heating chamber and a contact surface coupled to the upper face of the heat shield.

[0053] Figure 15 A schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to a tenth embodiment is shown having a heat shield coupled to a tubular side wall of the heating chamber, wherein a contact surface coupled to a surface of the heat shield faces a first open end of the heating chamber.

[0054] Figure 16 A schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to an eleventh embodiment is shown, the heating chamber having a heat shield forming a base and positioned in a recess between tubular side walls at the lower end of the heating chamber.

[0055] Figure 17 A schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to a twelfth embodiment is shown, wherein the base comprises a recess that does not extend through the entire base, and within the recess is a heat shield that is flush with the inner surface of the remainder of the base.

[0056] Figure 18A A schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to a thirteenth embodiment is shown, which includes a proximal segment of a tubular side wall, a distal segment of the tubular side wall, and an annular segment of a heat shield, which is arranged between the proximal segment and the distal segment of the tubular side wall to join them together and inhibit heat exchange between the two segments.

[0057] Figure 18B yes Figure 18A Schematic perspective sectional view of a heating chamber is shown in FIG.

[0058] Figure 19A A schematic perspective view of an insert according to a fourteenth embodiment is shown with side walls and a base formed by rods.

[0059] Figure 19B A schematic cross-sectional view of an insert according to a fourteenth embodiment is shown being inserted into a heating chamber.

[0060] Figure 19C A schematic cross-sectional view shows an insert inserted into a heating chamber and a substrate carrier inserted into the insert according to a fourteenth embodiment.

[0061] Figure 19D Is a Figure 19CSchematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device with an insert and a heating chamber.

[0062] Figure 19E is similar to Figure 19D and a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device including a spacer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] First embodiment

[0064] refer to Figures 1 to 6B According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a housing 102 that houses the various components of the aerosol-generating device 100. In the first embodiment, the housing 102 has an irregular shape, but it will be understood that any shape is possible as long as it is sized to accommodate the components described in the various embodiments set forth herein.

[0065] For convenience, the first end 104 of the aerosol generating device 100 (shown as facing Figure 1 6 ) is 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 Figure 1 6 ) are depicted as the top or upper end of the aerosol-generating device 100. During 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.

[0066] The aerosol-generating device 100 has a heating chamber 108 positioned toward the second end 106 of the aerosol-generating device 100. The heating chamber 108 is open toward the second end 106 of the aerosol-generating device 100. In other words, the heating chamber 108 has a first open end 110 that is toward the second end 106 of the aerosol-generating device 100. The heating chamber 108 is maintained spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing 102 to inhibit heat flow to the housing 102. To further improve the thermal insulation of the heating chamber 108, the heating chamber 108 can be surrounded by insulation, for example, fibers or foam materials (such as cotton wool, aerogel, or gas), or in other examples, vacuum insulation can be provided.

[0067] The heating chamber 108 is arranged to receive a substrate carrier 114 (also referred to as a "consumable"), such as Figures 1 to 5As shown. Typically, the substrate carrier 114 includes a pre-packaged aerosol substrate 128, such as tobacco or another suitable aerosolizable material, provided together with an aerosol collection area 130. The aerosol substrate 128 and the aerosol collection area 130 are both wrapped 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 first end 134 (or "tip") of the substrate carrier 114. The aerosol substrate 128 extends across the entire width of the substrate carrier 114 within the outer layer 132. In other embodiments, the heating chamber 108 is arranged to receive other forms of aerosol substrate 128, such as loose shredded material or otherwise packaged solid material.

[0068] The heating chamber 108 has a sidewall 126 extending between the base 112 (located at the second end 111 of the heating chamber) and the first open end 110. The sidewall 126 and the base 112 are connected to each other. In some embodiments, the sidewall 126 and the base 112 are formed as a single piece. In a first embodiment, the sidewall 126 is tubular. More specifically, the sidewall is cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, the sidewall 126 has other suitable shapes, such as a tube with an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. In other embodiments, the sidewall 126 is tapered.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 is closed, for example, sealed or airtight. That is, the heating chamber 108 is cup-shaped. This ensures that air drawn in through the first open end 110 is prevented from flowing out of the second end 111 by the base 112 and is instead directed through the aerosol substrate 128. This also ensures that the user can insert the substrate carrier 114 into the heating chamber 108 to a predetermined distance and not further.

[0070] The heater 124 is mounted on an outer surface of the heating chamber 108. That is, the heater 124 is mounted on a surface of the tubular sidewall 126 that faces away from the interior volume of the heating chamber 108. This can help protect the heater 124 from damage when the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108. The heater 124 is typically electrically powered. In a first embodiment, the heater 124 is a thin film heater comprising conductive (e.g., metal) traces laminated on a flexible, electrically insulating backing material (such as polyimide).

[0071] In a first embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 is electrically powered. That is, it is arranged to use electrical power to heat the aerosol substrate 128. To this end, the aerosol-generating device 100 includes 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 a 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 from the heater 124 via the control circuit system 122.

[0072] The footprint of the heater 124 defines a heating region 164. In other words, the heating region 164 is the portion of the tubular sidewall 126 to which heat from the heater 124 is applied to heat the heating chamber 108 (and thereby supply heat to the aerosol substrate 128). In other embodiments, the heating region 164 is the portion of the sidewall 126 that is heated by a heat source (e.g., an induction heater, a radiant heater, or even a heater that operates by combustion of a fuel). The heating region 164 is illustrated in the accompanying drawings (e.g., see FIG. Figure 6A and Figure 6B ) is shown as a cylindrical portion of the sidewall 126, but in some cases is discontinuous in the axial and / or circumferential directions along or around the sidewall 126. It should be noted that the heat does not stop at the heating region 164, but rather typically diffuses through the tubular sidewall 126 simply by conduction effects. The heating region 164 is a heating area where heat is transferred in the radial direction (through the sidewall 108) to the heating chamber 108. The heat transfer in the longitudinal direction along the tubular sidewall 126 can be reduced by reducing the thickness of the sidewall 126 as much as possible (e.g., 100 μm or less). However, this heat transfer cannot be completely eliminated. The discontinuous arrangement can be provided by arranging the conductive heating traces to cover areas that are part of the heating region 164 but not covering areas that are not intended to be part of the heating region 164. In the case of induction heating, the heated region 164 can be distinguished from the rest of the sidewall 126 by including a material that exhibits a particularly strong response to induction heating (e.g., a ferromagnetic material) in the heated region 164 and using a material that exhibits a less strong response (or virtually no response) in the rest of the sidewall 126. Similarly, for radiant or combustion heating embodiments, the radiant or combustion jet (e.g., a flame) can be directed at a specific region (or regions) of the sidewall 126, such regions defining the heated region 164. In some cases, the heated region 164 may even be or include a portion or all of the base 112.

[0073] In general, the heating chamber 108 includes a heat shield 166, which can be part of the chamber or added to the chamber as a permanent or removable part (e.g., as part of a removable insert). In a first embodiment, the heat shield 166 is a disc of insulating material that is provided as a separate element attached to the base 112. Preferably, the heat shield 166 comprises a material that is different from the material used to form the tubular sidewall 126, in particular, a material that has a lower thermal conductivity than the material of the tubular sidewall 126 (e.g., an insulating material). This hinders the flow of conductive heat through the heat shield 166. The heat shield 166 is located between the heating area 164 and the contact surface 168, so that the heat shield 166 hinders the conductive flow of heat from the heating area 164 to the contact surface 168.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, the contact surface 168 faces the first open end 110 of the tubular sidewall 126. In the first embodiment, the contact surface 168 is the surface of the heat shield 166 that faces away from the base 112 (e.g., upward or toward the interior volume of the heating chamber 108). This arrangement means that the contact surface 168 is the surface that the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 will contact when the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, as shown. Positioning the contact surface 168 in this manner ensures that conductive heat flow from the heating area 164 to the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 is prevented in a simple manner. It can be clearly seen that the heat shield 166 inhibits conductive heat flow from the heating area 164 to the contact surface 168. In other words, conductive heat flow from the heating area 164 to the tip 134 is inhibited or interrupted by the heat shield 166 because the tip 134 rests on the contact surface 168 and must therefore be heated conductively by being transferred through the heat shield 166, which, as described above, is a thermally insulating element. The center of the tip 134 is also protected from excessive hot air flowing in the airflow path. Thus, overheating of the tip 134 is suppressed. At the same time, the contact surface 168 is sized to leave an uncovered (e.g., annular) portion of the tip 134 so that air can flow through the gap between the sidewall 126 and the substrate carrier 114 at the tip 134 to the aerosol substrate 128 ( Figure 5 Arrow B).

[0075] The heat shield 166 can comprise any material that resists deformation under the forces associated with contact from the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 when the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 and can withstand repeated heating to a temperature of approximately 200° C. by 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., such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), can be used. It should be noted that although the other embodiments described below allow for different arrangements of the heat shield 166, the above-mentioned considerations related to thermal and mechanical stability and suitable materials apply to all embodiments.

[0076] The sidewall 126 has a thickness that is much smaller than the length of the heating chamber 108, which means that the resistance to heat transfer through the sidewall 126 is negligible because the sidewall 126 is so thin, whereas the heat transfer along the sidewall 126 (i.e., parallel to the central axis of the sidewall 126 or around the circumference of the sidewall) has a small path along which conduction can occur, and thus the heat generated by the heater 124 (in this example, which is located on the outer surface of the heating chamber 108) remains concentrated near the heater 124, but quickly leads to heating of the inner surface of the heating chamber 108. This can help to reduce the conduction of heat from the heater 124 to the base 112. In addition, the thin sidewall 126 helps to reduce the thermal mass of the heating chamber 108, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the aerosol-generating device 100 because less energy is used to heat the sidewall 126.

[0077] The heating chamber 108, and in particular the sidewalls 126 of the heating chamber 108, comprise a material having a thermal conductivity of 50 W / mK or less to further improve the concentration of heat. In a first embodiment, the heating chamber 108 is metal, preferably stainless steel. The thermal conductivity of stainless steel is between approximately 15 W / mK and 40 W / mK, with the exact value depending on the specific alloy. As another example, 300 series stainless steel suitable for this application has a thermal conductivity of approximately 16 W / mK. Suitable examples include 304, 316, and 321 stainless steels, which are approved for medical use, are strong, and have sufficiently low thermal conductivity to allow the heat concentration described herein. In general, metals are suitable materials because they are strong, pliable, and easily shaped. In addition, the thermal properties of metals vary greatly from metal to metal and can be adjusted through careful alloying, if necessary. In this disclosure, "metal" refers to elemental (i.e., pure) metals as well as alloys of more than one metal or metals with other elements (e.g., carbon). It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, base 112 is thicker than sidewall 126, for example, 2 to 10 times the thickness of sidewall 126. In some cases, this can result in base 112 being between 200 μm and 500 μm thick, for example, approximately 400 μm thick, and can help provide support to sidewall 126 to strengthen it and prevent bending or other damage.

[0078] A plurality of projections 140 can be provided around the sidewall 126, and these plurality of projections extend into the interior of the volume defined by the sidewall 126. The width of the circumference of the projection 140 around the sidewall 126 is relatively small relative to its length parallel to the central axis of the sidewall 126 (or broadly speaking, in the direction from the base 112 of the heating chamber 108 to the first open end 110). Four is the preferred number of projections 140 for the center position of the substrate carrier 114 to be maintained at the heating chamber 108, although other numbers can be used. When the substrate carrier 114 has been inserted into the heating chamber 108, the projection 140 extends toward the substrate carrier 114 and engages this substrate carrier. The projection provides and maintains a controlled gap for the airflow path (arrow B) between the inner surface of the heating chamber 108 (between adjacent projections 140) and the substrate carrier 114. Forming the protrusions 140 by deforming or indenting the sidewall 126 has the advantage that these protrusions are integral with the sidewall 126 and therefore have minimal impact on heat flow. Furthermore, the protrusions 140 formed in this manner do not add any thermal mass, which would be added if additional components were added to the interior surface of the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108. Finally, indenting the sidewall 126 as described increases the strength of the sidewall 126 by introducing a portion that extends transversely to the sidewall 126.

[0079] The aerosol-generating device 100 operates by two means: conduction of surface heat from the protrusions 140 engaged against the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114 , and convective heating, wherein air in the air gap between the inner surface of the sidewall 126 and the outer surface of the substrate carrier 114 is heated and drawn through the substrate carrier 114 .

[0080] Obviously, in order to conduct heat into the aerosol substrate 128, the surface 145 of each projection 140 engages the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114. In order to mitigate the effects of any variations in the diameter of the substrate carrier 114 due to manufacturing tolerances, damage, or shrinkage caused by heating and drying, the projections 140 are preferably sized to extend far enough into the heating chamber 108 to compress the substrate carrier 114. This, in turn, ensures an interference fit between the surface 145 of each projection 140 and the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114. This compression of the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114 can also result in better conduction of heat through the aerosol substrate 128 by forcing air out of the aerosol substrate 128.

[0081] Figure 5 An enlarged view of the heating chamber 108 and substrate carrier 114 is shown. As can be seen, arrows B illustrate the airflow path that provides the above-described convective heating. Air flows downward along the sides of the substrate carrier 114 (in front of and behind the protrusions 140) to enter the tip 134. The airflow path occupies the equally spaced interstitial areas between the four protrusions 140.

[0082] The space defined by the skin 132 of adjacent protrusion 140, sidewall 126 and substrate carrier 114 limits the area that can supply air flow.This space is less, and the user must suck and air suction is passed aerosol generating device 100 more difficult (being called the resistance to suction that increases).Can adjust the size, quantity and the interval of protrusion 140 to provide neither too low nor too high satisfactory resistance to suction, and adjustment also allows balancing between conduction heating and convection heating.Heating chamber 108 also can be done bigger, to increase the air flow channel between sidewall 126 and the substrate carrier 114, but before heater 124 begins to lose effectiveness because the gap is too big, there is actual limit.Typically, the gap that is 0.2mm to 0.3mm around the outer surface of substrate carrier 114 is good compromise, and this allows fine-tuning resistance to suction within acceptable value by the size of changing protrusion 140.

[0083] Because the heated portion of the sidewall 126 (heating region 164) can broadly correspond to the location of the protrusions 140 (or a slightly larger area of ​​the sidewall 126), the generated heat is conducted through the protrusions 140 to the substrate carrier 114, while the heat is inhibited from conducting along the tubular sidewall 126 toward the first open end 110 and the base 112 by the thin sidewall 126. The first open end 110 and the base 112 exhibit a lower temperature rise when heated than the protrusions, in part because the first open end 110 and the base 112 do not directly receive heat (e.g., they are located away from the heating region 164) and also because of the low longitudinal conduction provided by the thin sidewall 126. At other locations, such as between adjacent protrusions 140, the air is heated, which convectively heats the aerosol substrate 128.

[0084] In some cases, further focusing of the heating can be provided by a thermally conductive layer (e.g., a thin metal layer such as copper, not shown) between the heater 124 and the heating chamber 108. In such cases, the heating region 164 can be defined as an area coated with the thermally conductive layer, which can be larger than the heater 124 alone. Such a thermally conductive layer can also help to further improve the thermal contact between the heater 124 and the heating chamber 108 and conduct heat to the protrusion 140. It will be appreciated that the thermally conductive layer can be used in conjunction with other heating means (combustion, radiation, conductive heating, etc.) to define a heating region 164 in which the heat received from the heat source is "spread" over the extent of the thermally conductive layer.

[0085] 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 heating chamber 108. The substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108, which is oriented so that the first end or tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 enters the heating chamber 108 first, so that the aerosol substrate 128 is positioned adjacent to the base 112, with the tip 134 contacting the contact surface 168. The substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the heating chamber 108 until the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 abuts against the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. In this embodiment, the interaction between the upper edge 142 of the protrusion 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 alerting the user that the substrate carrier 114 has been inserted far enough into the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0086] Will be from Figure 3 and Figure 4, when the substrate carrier 114 has been inserted as far as it can go into the heating chamber 108, only a portion of the length of the substrate carrier 114 is within the heating chamber 108. The remaining length of the substrate carrier 114 protrudes from the heating chamber 108. 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 by sucking. 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 protrudes from the aerosol-generating device 100.

[0087] The heat shield 166 provides a support platform above the base 112 of the heating chamber 108, and the length of the aerosol substrate 128 (between the tip 134 and the aerosol collection area 130) generally corresponds to the distance between the top edge 142 of the protrusion 140 (closest to the first open end 110 of the heating chamber 108) and the contact surface 168. In another embodiment, the distance between the top edge 142 of the protrusion 140 and the uppermost portion of the heat shield 166 is slightly shorter than the length of the aerosol substrate 128. This means that the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 extends slightly past the uppermost portion of the heat shield 166, thereby compressing the aerosol substrate 128 at the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114. Thus, heat shield 166 may be partially inserted into substrate carrier 114 due to compression of aerosol substrate 128 , but tip 134 does not contact the inner surface of base 112 to ensure heat shield 166 inhibits conductive heat flow from base 112 to aerosol substrate 128 .

[0088] An annular region exists around the heat shield 166 that provides an airflow path from the gap between the inner surface of the sidewall 126 (between adjacent protrusions 140 near the protrusions 140) and the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114 to the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114. This effect is achieved by the heat shield 166 extending at least about 1 mm higher than the remainder of the base 112 (toward the first open end 110 of the heating chamber 108).

[0089] In use, when a user turns on the aerosol-generating device 100, electrical power from the power source 120 is supplied to the heater 124 via (and under the control of) the control circuit system 122. The heater 124 conducts heat into the aerosol substrate 128 via the heating region 164, thereby heating the aerosol substrate 128 to a temperature at which it can begin to release vapor or aerosol. In addition, convective heating of the aerosol substrate 128 occurs, as described above.

[0090] Once heated to a temperature at which the aerosol can be released, the user can inhale the aerosol by sucking on the aerosol through the second end 136 of the substrate carrier 114. That is, the aerosol is generated from the aerosol substrate 128 at the first end 134 of the substrate carrier 114 located in the heating chamber 108 and is drawn along the length of the substrate carrier 114, through the aerosol collection area 130 in the substrate carrier 114, to the second end 136 of the substrate carrier, where the aerosol enters the user's mouth. Figure 4 Arrow A in FIG shows this flow of aerosol.

[0091] It should be understood that when the user is Figure 4 When the aerosol is sucked in the direction of arrow A, the aerosol flows out from the vicinity of the aerosol matrix 128 in the heating chamber 108. This action draws ambient air from the environment surrounding the aerosol generating device 100 (via the first open end 110) into the aerosol generating device 100. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Ambient air is drawn into the heating chamber 108 along a flow path indicated by arrow B in FIG. 1 . The ambient air flows in a space provided between the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108 and the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114, where it is heated by the heater 124. The heated air in turn heats the aerosol substrate 128, causing aerosol to be generated as the heated air is drawn through the aerosol substrate 128.

[0092] 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 and maintained it at a suitable temperature. The control circuit system 122 adjusts the electrical power supplied to the heater 124 to ensure that the temperature of the aerosol substrate 128 does not exceed a threshold level, for example, a temperature at which the aerosol substrate 128 will begin to burn.

[0093] Although the above-described heating chamber 108 is described in the context of being housed within the aerosol-generating device 100, Figure 6A and Figure 6B The example shown in indicates that the present disclosure extends to a separate heating chamber 108. In fact, although Figure 6A and Figure 6B 1. The heating chamber 108 is shown having a heater 124 on an outer surface thereof, but the present disclosure extends to a heating chamber 108 having no such heater 124, but instead having only a heating area 164 for receiving heat from a heat source.

[0094] An alternative embodiment will now be described by describing the heating chamber 108 alone. Figure 6A and Figure 6B, the heating chamber 108 of any of the following embodiments may replace Figures 1 to 4 The heating chamber 108 is shown in the aerosol-generating device 100 in FIG, whereby the operation of the aerosol-generating device is substantially the same as set out above.

[0095] Second embodiment

[0096] 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 Figure 1 The aerosol-generating device 100 of the first embodiment described to Figure 6 is identical and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0097] The aerosol-generating device 100 of the second embodiment has a different arrangement for allowing air to be drawn into the heating chamber 108 during use than the aerosol-generating device of the first embodiment.

[0098] In more detail, an airflow passage or channel 113 is provided in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. In a second embodiment, the channel 113 is located in the middle of the base 112. The channel extends through the base 112 so as to be in fluid communication with the environment outside the heating chamber 108. In other embodiments, the channel 113 is provided elsewhere on the base 112, multiple channels are provided through the base 112, one or more channels are provided through the sidewall 126 adjacent to the base 112, or a portion of the base 112 and / or the sidewall 126 is perforated.

[0099] An inlet 137 is provided extending through the housing 102. The inlet 137 is arranged to be in fluid communication with the passage 113. In a second embodiment, the inlet 137 is positioned along a portion of the length of the housing 102 between the first end 104 and the second end 106 of the aerosol-generating device 100. The housing 102 also defines a gap 139 between the inlet 137 in the housing 102 and the passage 113 in the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. The gap 139 provides fluid communication between the inlet 137 and the passage 113 so that air can enter the heating chamber 108 from the environment external to the housing 102 via the inlet 137, the gap 139 and the passage 113. In other words, the airflow passage 113 traverses the base 112.

[0100] During use, when a user inhales the aerosol at the second end 136 of the substrate carrier 114, air is drawn from the environment surrounding the aerosol-generating device 100 into the heating chamber 108. More particularly, air passes through the inlet 137 in the direction of arrow C and into the void 139. From the void 139, the air passes through the passage 113 in the direction of arrow D and into the heating chamber 108. This allows first the aerosol, and then the aerosol mixed with the air, to be drawn through the substrate carrier 114 in the direction of arrow D for inhalation by the user at the second end 136 of the substrate carrier 114.

[0101] The heat shield 166 also has an orifice (aligned with the channel 113 in the base 112) through which air enters the interior of the heating chamber 108. That is, in this example, the air flow path also crosses the heat shield 166. In the example shown, the air drawn in via arrows C and D is fresh air from the outside, which means that this air is not heated to the extent that it can produce an aerosol when passing through the aerosol substrate 128. The heating is mainly carried out conductively via the heater 124 and the heating area 164. However, due to the presence of the protrusions 140 in this embodiment, there is an air gap between the inner surface of the heating chamber 108 (between the protrusions) and the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114. This means that convective heating can also occur in the manner described above. In other examples, this air gap does not need to be present, and in the example shown as Figure 7 The alternative airflow paths of arrows C and D in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can heat the aerosol substrate 128 by conduction when cool, fresh air is drawn in.

[0102] This arrangement makes conductive heating (via protrusion 140) independent of the discussion of draw resistance set forth above with respect to the first embodiment. In other words, the contact surface area of ​​protrusion 140 can be freely selected without concern for the effect on draw resistance, since the airflow path is no longer affected by protrusion 140 but instead passes through the base 112 of the heating chamber. The effect of preventing overheating of the tip 134 by the heat shield 166 still exists in the sense that the heater 124 heats the heating area 164 and protrusion 140 to supply heat to the aerosol substrate 128 through the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier, but the conductive heat transfer to the contact surface 168 (and therefore to the tip 134) is interrupted by the presence of the insulating heat shield 166. In some cases, the air can be heated upon entering the heating chamber 108, so that the air helps transfer heat to the aerosol substrate 128 by convection.

[0103] In variations of the second embodiment, the inlet 137 is located in different locations. In one particular embodiment, the inlet 137 is located at the first end 104 of the aerosol-generating device 100. This allows the air path through the entire aerosol-generating device 100 to be substantially linear, for example, where air enters the aerosol-generating device 100 at the first end 104, which is generally positioned distally toward the user during use, thereby flowing through (or over, past, etc.) the aerosol substrate 128 within the aerosol-generating device 100, and exits into the user's mouth at the second end 136 of the substrate carrier 114, which is generally positioned proximally toward the user during use, for example, in the user's mouth.

[0104] Third embodiment

[0105] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The arrangement shown in is very similar, but in Figure 8A and Figure 8B In FIG, there is no protrusion 140. The heat shield 166 inhibits heat flow from the heated area to the contact surface 168 in the same manner as set forth above.

[0106] In this embodiment, the heating chamber 108 can still provide conductive heating by contacting the substrate carrier 114 around its circumference and using an air flow path such as in the second embodiment. In other examples, the cross-section of the heating chamber 108 can be non-circular (e.g., oval, square, etc.) and can contact the substrate carrier 114 at portions of its circumference to provide conductive heating and compression.

[0107] In another example, the gap between the heating chamber and the substrate carrier can be achieved by a spacer positioned above, at, or near the first open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. In still other examples, the heating can be entirely convective, and there may be no contact at all between the sidewall 126 and the outer surface 132 of the substrate carrier 114. Figure 8CAs shown, an exemplary spacer 190 can be disposed above the first open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 to allow the substrate carrier 114 to remain centered within the heating chamber 108 when the protrusion 140 is not present. In other words, the substrate carrier 114 is spaced away from the inner surface of the sidewall 126, thereby leaving an annular air gap between the outer surface 132 of the substrate carrier and the tubular sidewall 126. In other words, the spacer 190 can maintain the substrate carrier 114 in a centered configuration within the heating chamber 108.

[0108] In the embodiment shown, the spacer 190 has an annular cross-section through which the substrate carrier 114 can be inserted and tightly held therein. The spacer 190 is provided with perforations to allow air to flow into the heating chamber (as indicated by arrows B). Alternatively, the spacer 190 may not extend completely around the circumference of the substrate carrier 114, may have an interrupted annular cross-section, or may be formed by discrete protrusions that hold the substrate carrier 114 centrally in the heating chamber 108.

[0109] In one embodiment, the spacer 190 is a spacer that is provided with a plurality of openings 137 and 138 for use with the substrate carrier 114. The spacer 190 is provided with a plurality of openings 137 and 138 for use with the substrate carrier 114. The spacer 190 is provided with a plurality of openings 137 and 138 for use with the substrate carrier 114. The spacer 190 is provided with a plurality of openings 137 and 138 for use with the substrate carrier 114. The spacer 190 is provided with a plurality of openings 137 and 138 for use with the substrate carrier 114. The spacer 190 is provided with a plurality of openings 137 and 138 for use with the substrate carrier 114.

[0110] The spacer 190 is shown flush with the housing 102 at the second end 106 of the aerosol-generating device 100. In some embodiments, the spacer 190 may be recessed into the aerosol-generating device 100, for example so that the housing protects the spacer 190 from damage.

[0111] In this embodiment, the spacer 190 is permanently fixed to the aerosol-generating device 100, but in some cases the spacer may be removable (in other words, the spacer 190 may be releasably coupled or may be releasably coupled to the aerosol-generating device 100), for example, the spacer 190 may be clipped to the outer body 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100. In such embodiments, the spacer 190 may be attached to the substrate carrier 114 before both the substrate carrier 114 and the spacer 190 are introduced into the aerosol-generating device 100, such that the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 rests against the contact surface 168 and the spacer 190 is clipped into place, as shown. Figure 8C Attaching the spacer 190 to the substrate carrier 114 prior to insertion into the heating chamber 108 allows the user to carefully monitor the attachment process, thereby reducing potential damage to the substrate carrier 114. Additionally, the user can visually inspect that the spacer 190 has been properly assembled to the substrate carrier 114.

[0112] While embodiments with spacers 190 are particularly useful in embodiments without protrusions 140, they can be used in embodiments where protrusions 140 or other portions are present to contact and hold the substrate carrier 114 in place within the heating chamber 108. For example, the spacers 190 can provide additional support (beyond the protrusions 140 or other contacting portions) to center the substrate carrier 114 and can also help retain heat within the heating chamber 108 by partially obstructing the first open end 110 to reduce the flow of heated air out of the heating chamber 108.

[0113] Fourth embodiment

[0114] refer to Figure 9 , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0115] Figure 9 The sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108 includes a plurality of rod-shaped elements 176. In the example shown, the rods 176 are bent toward the central axis at the second end 111 of the heating chamber 108 to form a base, but this is optional and in some cases, the base can be solid, similar to the previous embodiment. In still other examples, the tubular sidewall 126 can be solid, and the base formed by the rods. Figure 9 The base of the heating chamber 108 shown in FIG includes a heat shield 166 having an upwardly facing contact surface 168. The heating zone 164 is shown along a portion of a rod 176.

[0116] Furthermore, the heating chamber 108 is configured to receive an elongated substrate carrier 114 in a manner similar to the previous embodiments. The heating chamber 108 is shown having a rim 107 coupled to the proximal end of the heating chamber 108. Figure 9 108, but allows the upper end of the rod to be secured in the rim 107, thereby helping to protect the rod from damage, such as bending. The heating chamber 108 can be configured so that the heating region 124 of the tubular sidewall 126 is heated, for example, by providing a heater (such as a heater) around the outside of the heating chamber 108 in the heating region 164. Figures 1 to 5 The heating chamber 108 is heated by using a heater 124 in the heating chamber 108 or the elongated substrate carrier 114 is heated directly. Figure 9 The embodiment shown in allows the heat flow path to the contact surface 168 to be reduced relative to a solid wall having a thickness equal to the diameter of the rod 176 .

[0117] The rod-shaped element 176 can be considered as a solid side wall 126 (see, for example, Figure 6A and Figure 6B ) have been removed to form the orifice, leaving the rod 176 as shown. Of course, the heating chamber 108 need not be formed by removing wall sections to leave the rod 176, but can preferably be formed by assembling a series of appropriately shaped rods 176 and joining them together to form Figure 9 The resulting structure acts to remove some of the conductive heat transfer channels relative to the solid sidewalls while allowing for larger air gaps to allow for convective heat transfer. In other words, although the heat shield 166 has an increased thermal resistivity relative to the material forming the sidewalls 126 (or elongated rods 176), Figure 9 The geometry of the heating chamber 108 shown in is such that there is increased thermal resistance in the vertical direction (relative to the solid sidewalls 126) because the heat transfer path is reduced (assuming the elongated rods have the same thickness as the tubular sidewalls 126).

[0118] The rods 176 can be arranged to perform much the same function as the protrusions 140 in the first and second embodiments; providing compression of the aerosol substrate 128 and maintaining good thermal contact with the substrate carrier 114 even if the aerosol substrate 128 shrinks when heated and dried.

[0119] Fifth embodiment

[0120] refer to Figure 10 , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the fifth embodiment is similar to that of the reference Figures 1 to 6BThe heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0121] Heating chamber 108 and Figure 9 The heating chamber is similar to that of the embodiment of the present invention; however, the side walls 126 and the base are formed by mesh 180 instead of Figure 9 The heating chamber 108 is formed of a rod-shaped element 176. In some embodiments, the heating chamber 108 can include both the mesh 180 and the rod-shaped element. In other examples, the base can be formed of a solid material and only the sidewall 126 can be formed of a mesh (or vice versa). The heating area 164 is shown along a portion of the sidewall 126.

[0122] The heating chamber 108 is shown having a rim 107 coupled to the proximal end of the heating chamber 108. This serves to protect the upper end of the mesh 180 from damage.

[0123] The heating chamber 108 may be configured such that the heating region 124 of the tubular sidewall 126 directly heats the heating chamber 108 or the elongated substrate carrier 114 . Figure 10 The embodiment shown in allows for a reduced heat flow path to the first end 134 of the elongated substrate carrier 114 . Figure 10 Embodiments may be configured such that the base of the heating chamber 108 has a heat shield 166 positioned inside the heating chamber 108 , wherein the contact surface 168 is provided by an upper surface of the heat shield 166 .

[0124] Similar to the discussion of the fourth embodiment above, the mesh 180 can be considered to reduce the conductive heat transfer path relative to the solid sidewall 126, as the mesh resembles a solid sidewall with portions removed, thereby reducing the conductive heat transfer path from the heated area 164 to the contact surface. This has the effect of increasing thermal resistance relative to the solid tubular sidewall 126. Thus, the mesh sidewall 126 inhibits conductive heat flow along the wall to the base. Any heat that is conducted as far as the base 112 is further prevented from causing overheating of the tip 134 by the insulating heat shield 166, which prevents conductive heat transfer to the tip 134.

[0125] The mesh 180 is also breathable and thus can help improve air flow and reduce draw resistance, thereby increasing design freedom in this regard.

[0126] Apart from Figure 9 and Figure 10 In addition to the mesh and rod variations, thermal resistance can be increased by selectively thinning all or a portion of the sidewall 126 or selectively forming holes in the sidewall 126. Any of these ways of increasing thermal resistance can be applied to the solid tubular sidewall 126 design described herein.

[0127] Sixth embodiment

[0128] refer to Figure 11 , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the sixth embodiment is similar to that of the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0129] The distal end 111 of the heating chamber includes a base portion 112 that is formed as an integral part with the side wall 126 and extends radially inwardly therefrom, but does not completely close the distal end 111 , leaving a central aperture.

[0130] The orifice is filled by a heat shield 166, thereby closing the distal end 111. The heat shield has a contact surface 168 that is shaped and sized to have an area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​the substrate carrier 114, meaning that the tip 134 can fit completely within the contact surface 168. Thus, the heat shield 166 inhibits heat flow from the heated area 164 along a portion of the tubular sidewall 126 to the contact surface 168. Figure 11 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the heat shield is flush with the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. In other examples, the heat shield 166 may extend toward the first open end 110 and, therefore, not be flush with the base 112, but may form a platform. In this latter example, the heat shield 166 may not have a contact surface 168 sized to have an area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​the substrate carrier 114, resulting in an arrangement similar to that shown in the first embodiment.

[0131] The apertures in the base portion 112 reduce the thermal mass of the heating chamber 108 (relative to the entire base, such as in the first embodiment), thereby increasing the efficiency of supplying heat to the heating chamber 108 .

[0132] Seventh embodiment

[0133] refer to Figure 12 , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the seventh embodiment is similar to that of the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0134] The base 112 is integrally constructed with the tubular sidewall 126 at the second end 111 of the sidewall 126. In this embodiment, no perforations are present in the base 112. A heat shield 166 is coupled to the base such that the heat shield is positioned above the base 112 within the heating chamber 108 and such that the heat shield 166 extends across the entire base. The heat shield 166 has a contact surface 168 such that the first end of the elongated substrate 134 will contact the contact surface 168 when fully inserted into the heating chamber 108. Arranging the heat shield 166 so that it extends across the entire base 112 ensures that even if the substrate carrier is not inserted correctly (i.e., coaxially with the tubular wall 126) but is inserted off-center, the tip 134 will contact the contact surface 168, thereby interrupting the conductive heat flow path from the heating region 164 to the tip 134.

[0135] Eighth embodiment

[0136] refer to Figure 13A and Figure 13B , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the eighth embodiment is similar to that of the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is similar (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate like features. Figure 13A A cross-sectional view of the heating chamber 108 of this embodiment is shown, and Figure 13B A perspective view of the heating chamber 108 from below is shown, wherein a cross-sectional view shows the interior of the heating chamber 108 .

[0137] The distal end 111 of the heating chamber comprises a base portion 112, which is formed as an integral part with the sidewall and extends radially inwardly from the sidewall, but does not completely close the distal end 111, thereby leaving a central aperture. In other words, the base portion 112 forms a shelf, wherein the perforation is in the center of the heating chamber 108. In the illustrated embodiment, a heat shield 166 is supported by the shelf formed by the base portion 112. The heat shield has a contact surface 168, which is a surface facing the first open end 110. In use, when the first end of the elongated substrate carrier 114 was fully inserted into the heating chamber, the first end 134 contacted the contact surface 168 of the heat shield 166.

[0138] The construction of the heating chamber 108 according to the eighth embodiment can be simpler than that of the other embodiments because the heat shield 166 can be cut to size, pushed onto the bottom portion 111, and held there by a friction or interference fit. In addition, the aperture in the base portion 112 reduces the thermal mass of the heating chamber 108 (relative to the seventh embodiment), thereby improving the efficiency of supplying heat to the heating chamber 108.

[0139] Ninth embodiment

[0140] refer to Figure 14 , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the ninth embodiment is similar to that of the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0141] Heat shield 166 is coupled to base 112 of heating chamber at distal second end 111. Contact surface 168 is coupled to heat shield 166 at distal second end of heating chamber 111 such that contact surface 168 is located closer to first open end 110 than the heat shield.

[0142] The contact surface 168 is configured such that when the elongated substrate carrier 114 is fully inserted into the heating chamber 108, the first end of the elongated substrate carrier 134 contacts the contact surface 168. The heat shield 166 is formed of a thermally insulating material. The heat shield inhibits heat flow between the heated area 164 and the contact surface 168 because heat flow from the heated area 164 must be conducted downward along the sidewall 126 and then through the heat shield 166 to reach the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114.

[0143] While in previous embodiments, the upper surface of heat shield 166 was contact surface 168, in this embodiment, heat shield 166 and contact surface 168 are separate from one another. This means that contact surface 168 can be formed from a different material than heat shield 166. This can mean that each element can be formed from a material best suited for the task. Additionally, the interface between heat shield 166 and contact surface 168 can further introduce an insulating effect through interfacial thermal resistance. Thus, where contact surface 168 is formed from a separate layer from heat shield 166, in some embodiments, heat shield 166 can be constructed from a less expensive or less thermally resistive material.

[0144] Tenth embodiment

[0145] refer to Figure 15 , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the tenth embodiment is similar to that of the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0146] The heat shield 166 of the tenth embodiment is a separate annular element and is attached to the tubular sidewall 126, extending radially inwardly from the sidewall 126. A portion of the heating zone 164 is located on the tubular sidewall 126 between the ends 110, 111.

[0147] In this embodiment, the heat shield 166 extends perpendicular to the tubular sidewall 126 and extends into the interior volume. In related embodiments, the heat shield 166 can be formed by any number of protrusions that protrude inwardly from the tubular sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108, either individually or linked together.

[0148] The heat shield 166 has a separate layer (with the first open end 110 in the heating chamber) forming a contact surface 168 and facing the heating chamber. Figure 14 168). The heat shield 166 inhibits heat flow from the heating region 164 (located along a portion of the sidewall 126) to the contact surface 168. In some examples, the contact surface 168 may not contact the sidewall 126 to further inhibit conductive heat flow to the contact surface 168 and, thereby, to the tip 134. The heat shield 166 may be formed of a material such as plastic, while the contact surface 168 may be formed of a more wear-resistant material such as metal. The contact surface 168 may also evenly distribute pressure on the heat shield 166.

[0149] The aperture in the center of the heat shield 166 and contact surface 168 may be particularly useful in embodiments utilizing the alternative airflow path shown in the second embodiment.

[0150] Eleventh embodiment

[0151] refer to Figure 16 , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the eleventh embodiment is similar to the heating chamber 108 of the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0152] The base 112 is formed by a heat shield 166 that is coupled to the tubular sidewall at the distal end inside the heating chamber and extends across the entire cross-section of the heating chamber 108. In an alternative embodiment, the heat shield 166 can be coupled to the tubular sidewall 126 outside the heating chamber, from below the distal end of the tubular sidewall 126. A portion of the heating region 164 between the ends 110, 111 is located on the tubular sidewall 126.

[0153] In this example, the contact surface 168 is simply the upper surface of the heat shield 166, facing the first open end 110 of the heating chamber. The absence of any base reduces thermal mass and improves efficiency. In addition, assembly of this embodiment is very simple, as the heat shield 166 only needs to be cut to the appropriate shape and inserted into the first open end 110 of the tubular sidewall.

[0154] Twelfth embodiment

[0155] refer to Figure 17 , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the twelfth embodiment is similar to the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0156] In the twelfth embodiment, a recess is formed in the base 112, and the heat shield 166 is disposed in the recess. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat shield 166 is flush with the base 112.

[0157] In yet another embodiment, the heat shield 166 may extend proximal to the base 112 toward the first open end 110 of the heating chamber 108, thereby forming a platform that is secured in place via the recess.

[0158] In any event, the heat shield operates to provide a contact surface 168 facing the first open end 110 of the heating chamber 108. In this way, the conductive heat flow path from the heating region 164 (located on a portion of the sidewall 126) to the contact surface 168 is interrupted by the heat shield 166.

[0159] The heat shield has a contact surface 168 that is shaped and sized to have an area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​the substrate carrier 114, which means that the tip 134 can fit completely within the contact surface 168. Thus, the heat shield 166 inhibits heat flow from the heated region 164 along a portion of the tubular sidewall 126 to the contact surface 168. Figure 17 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the heat shield is flush with the base 112 of the heating chamber 108. In other examples, the heat shield 166 can extend toward the first open end 110 and, therefore, not be flush with the base 112, but can form a platform. In this latter example, the heat shield 166 need not have a contact surface 168 sized to have an area at least as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​the substrate carrier 114, but rather produce an arrangement similar to that shown in the first embodiment.

[0160] Thirteenth embodiment

[0161] refer to Figure 18A and Figure 18B , except for the following explanation, the heating chamber 108 according to the thirteenth embodiment is similar to the reference Figures 1 to 6B The heating chamber 108 of the first embodiment described is identical (and operates in the same manner), and like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0162] Figure 18A and Figure 18BThe heating chamber 10 is shown as being formed by tubular sidewalls 126a, 166, and 126b. The tubular sidewall is formed from three sections. The proximal first section 126a includes the heating region 164. The intermediate second section is a heat shield 166. The distal third section 126b is another section of the tubular sidewall. In other words, the proximal and distal sections 126a and 126b of the tubular sidewall are joined to each other via the heat shield 166.

[0163] The third section 126b is joined to the base 112, which includes a platform 148, but in other embodiments it may be flat. The upper surface of the platform 148 faces the first open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 and serves as a contact surface 168.

[0164] The heat shield 166 inhibits heat flow from the proximal section 126a of the tubular sidewall to the distal section 126b of the tubular sidewall. This in turn prevents heat from being transferred from the heating region 164 to the contact surface 168 on the base 112. This in turn reduces heat flow to the tip 134 of the elongated substrate carrier 114.

[0165] It should be noted that this is another example in which the roles of the heat shield 166 and the contact surface 168 have been separated from each other (similar to the situations in the ninth and tenth embodiments). As explained above, this allows the materials of each of the heat shield 166 and the contact surface 168 to be selected to optimize the tasks they are to perform.

[0166] The platform 148 also raises the tip 134 away from the base and allows loose material to fall from the tip 134 without impeding air flow into the tip 134 .

[0167] Fourteenth embodiment

[0168] refer to Figure 19A According to a fourteenth embodiment, an insert 192 is provided such that the insert 192 is adapted to be insertable into the heating chamber 108. The insert 192 includes the heat shield 166 and thus allows an existing heating chamber 108 (which may not include the heat shield 166) that is fixed inside the aerosol-generating device 100 to be "retrofitted" so as to include the heat shield 166. With the insert 192 inserted into the heating chamber 108, the heat shield 166 inhibits the heat from entering the heating area 164 (see FIG. 1 ) of the heating chamber 108 when the insert 192 is inserted into the heating chamber 108. Figures 19B to 19E) to the heat flow of contact surface 168. In more detail, insert 192 is arranged to slide in heating chamber 108 and also receives substrate carrier 114 in the mode of setting forth above about heating chamber 108. As a part for disposable retrofit upgrade to existing heating chamber, insert 192 can be permanently fixed in heating chamber 108. Alternatively, insert 192 can be removable. For example, insert 192 can be arranged to be clamped to appropriate position so that use in aerosol generating device, but once aerosol substrate 128 has been exhausted, just can remove. This arrangement can help to remove substrate carrier 114 after use and can not damage this substrate carrier, because substrate carrier 114 can be removed simultaneously with insert 192 and remain in insert 192. Similarly, in case removal, insert 192 just can make new substrate carrier 114 be installed in insert 192, then insert 192 and substrate carrier 114 both are loaded in heating chamber 108. Loading the substrate carrier 114 into the insert 192 prior to insertion into the heating chamber 108 can allow the user to carefully monitor the loading process, thereby reducing possible damage to the substrate carrier 114 and ensuring by visual inspection that the substrate carrier 114 has been properly assembled into the insert 192. This also allows for easy cleaning of the insert 192.

[0169] The arrangement of the fourteenth embodiment is similar to that described in the previous embodiments, except that the heat shield is provided on an insert 192 that is inserted into the heating chamber 108. The insert 192 can be provided in many configurations, but the insert 192 shown is structurally similar to that described in the previous embodiments. Figure 9 The fourth embodiment of the described heating chamber 108 is similar. Differences from the previous embodiment are explained below; like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features from the previous embodiment.

[0170] Figure 19A The exemplary insert of includes a plurality of rod-shaped elements 176. In the example shown, the rods 176 are bent at the second end toward the central axis to form a base. In still other examples, the insert sidewalls may be solid and the base may be formed of rods. The insert base and insert sidewalls may also be made of a mesh or wire mesh, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 10 108, or in any suitable combination. It should be understood that many configurations of insert 192 are possible that are similar to the other described embodiments of heating chamber 108. In particular, insert 192 can have solid sidewalls and optionally also have protrusions 140.

[0171] The base of the insert 192 includes a heat shield 166 having an upwardly facing contact surface 168. More generally, the heat shield 166 can be disposed at or near a lower end of the insert 192.

[0172] The insert 192 is shown with the optional feature of a rim 107 coupled to the proximal end of the insert 192. The rim 107 is an optional feature, but may have the advantage of allowing the upper end of the insert 192 to rest on or be secured to the upper end of the heating chamber 108 into which the insert is inserted (see, for example, FIG. Figure 19B ). With the insert 192 inserted into the heating chamber, all or part of the rim 107 can be positioned outside the interior of the heating chamber 108 in a manner that is easily accessible or gripped by a user, thereby allowing the insert 192 to be removed (e.g., for cleaning). The rim 107 of the insert 192 can also provide additional structural support for the side walls of the insert 192. In the example shown, the upper end of the rod 176 is secured in the rim 107, thereby helping to protect the rod 176 from damage, such as damage due to bending.

[0173] refer to Figure 19B and Figure 19C , it can be seen that the insert 192 is configured to have dimensions such that the insert can be inserted into the heating chamber and that when inserted into the heating chamber, the heat shield 166 inhibits heat from being conducted from the heating region 164 of the heating chamber to the contact surface 168 of the heat shield 166. Figure 19B , the insert 192 is shown being inserted into the heating chamber 108. In the example shown, the stem 176 of the insert 192 is configured to sit flush with the side wall 126 of the heating chamber. This allows heat to be transferred from the side wall 126 of the heating chamber 108 to the insert 192 by conduction. The insert 192 is also shown configured so that the lower surface of the heat shield 166 is in contact with the base of the heating chamber 108, with the insert 192 inserted into the heating chamber, as shown. Figure 19C shown.

[0174] It will be appreciated that, where the rod 176 is in contact with the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108 at the heating region 164, conduction of heat from the heating region 164 to the contact surface 168 is inhibited by the heat shield 166. This, in turn, inhibits conduction of heat from the heating region 164 to the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114. It will also be seen that, where the lower surface of the insert's heat shield 166 is in contact with the base of the heating chamber 108 (to which heat can be conducted from the heating region 164 via the sidewall 126 of the heating chamber 108), the heat shield 166 inhibits conduction of heat from the heating region 164 to the contact surface 168.

[0175] Furthermore, the insert 192 is configured to receive the elongated substrate carrier 114 in a manner similar to the previous embodiments, such as Figure 19CAs shown. The dimensions of the illustrated insert 192 are determined so that the rods 176 compress the substrate carrier when the substrate carrier is inserted into the insert. This can provide an interference fit between the substrate carrier 114 and the insert 192 and improve heat conduction from the rods 176 of the insert 192 to the aerosol substrate 128. When the substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the insert 192, the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 contacts the contact surface 168. There is an annular portion of the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114 that does not contact the contact surface 168. By comparison Figure 19A and Figure 19C As can be seen, there is an airflow path by which air can be drawn from outside the heating chamber 108 through the gaps between the rods 176 of the insert 192 and into the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114. In alternative embodiments, the sidewalls of the insert 192 can be solid and in such a configuration, the airflow path according to the second embodiment can be suitable. In other examples, a spacer 190 can be used, as described below with reference to Figure 19E described.

[0176] Figure 19D An aerosol-generating device 100 according to a fourteenth embodiment is shown, comprising a heating chamber 108 with an insert 192 having a heat shield 166. The rim 107 of the insert 192 rests on the first open end 110 of the heating chamber 108, and the rods 176 forming the side walls of the insert 192 sit flush along the side walls 126 of the heating chamber. A substrate carrier 114 is inserted into the insert 192 for use and contacts the contact surface 168 at its tip 134.

[0177] exist Figure 19E In the 19A to 19D An alternative insert 192 to the insert shown in FIG has been inserted into the heating chamber 108 of the aerosol generating device 100. In this example, the insert 192 has solid side walls (ie, unlike 19A to 19D 176 as in the insert), and the dimensions of the insert are determined so that the substrate carrier 114 is not compressed by the side walls of the insert 192 when inserted therein. In fact, there is a spacer 190 between the side walls of the insert 192 and the substrate carrier 114. Figure 8C The spacer 190 is disposed above the first open end 110 of the heating chamber 108 and is configured to retain the substrate carrier 114 within the insert 192 such that a gap is maintained between the outer layer 132 of the substrate carrier 114 and the sidewalls of the insert 192. The spacer 190 may be removable, as described above ( Figure 8C) to allow the insert 192 to be inserted into / removed from the heating chamber. In some examples, a spacer 190 can be attached to the insert 192 to facilitate insertion / removal.

[0178] Alternative configurations of the insert 192 are possible, for example, where the base of the insert 192 or the heat shield 166 does not contact the base of the heating chamber 108, or where, with the insert 192 inserted into the heating chamber, the sidewalls (or rods 176) of the insert 192 do not sit flush with the heating chamber 108. In this latter example, the spacer 190 can be used to ensure that the insert 192 (and the substrate carrier 114 held therein) remains in the desired position centered within the heating chamber 108.

[0179] Definitions and Alternative Embodiments

[0180] As can be understood from the above description, many features of these different embodiments are interchangeable with each other. The present disclosure extends to other embodiments that include features from different embodiments combined in a manner not specifically mentioned. For example, any one of the heat protection arrangements set forth herein can be used with the airflow path (first and second embodiments), wherein in each case the base is slightly modified to allow air to flow through the base into the heating chamber 108. Similarly, the rods or mesh walls of the fourth and fifth embodiments can be applied to any one of the different embodiments of the heat shield 166. The protrusion 140 for compressing the aerosol matrix provided in the first embodiment can also be provided in any one of the other embodiments, with its associated advantages. Similarly, the insert can be provided with the features of any one of the embodiments of the heating chamber disclosed herein and the size is determined to be compatible with any appropriate heating chamber.

[0181] Each heating chamber 108 may be provided with a flange or rim at the first open end 110 for structural support, and may optionally be formed of an insulating material to prevent heat leakage to the housing 102 .

[0182] Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B 8 to 18 show the heating chamber 108 separate from the aerosol-generating device 100. This is to emphasize that the advantageous features described for the design of the heating chamber 108 are independent of the other features of the aerosol-generating device 100. In particular, the heating chamber 108 has many uses, not all of which are relevant to the aerosol-generating device 100 described herein. Such designs may benefit from protrusions for conducting heat to and / or compressing the aerosol substrate and / or providing strength to the sidewalls 126 of such a heating chamber. Such uses are advantageously provided by the heating chamber described herein.

[0183] In addition, the heating chamber 108 in any of the embodiments shown can be removed from the aerosol-generating device 100, for example, for cleaning. In such cases, the heating region 164 will typically not be used to mount the heater 124, as making electrical connections to the heater may complicate a removable heating chamber 108. Instead, the heating chamber may have a heating region 164 that is arranged to heat conductively, by radiation, or via combustion, for example. Where the heating chamber is removable, the heat shield may be positioned external to the heating chamber, for example, between a wall of the cavity in which the heating chamber 108 is mounted and the heating chamber itself.

[0184] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the heat shield 166 and / or contact surface 168 may preferably be used with the alternative airflow paths set forth in the second embodiment to allow air to flow into the tip 134 of the substrate carrier 114. In other examples, the contact surface 168 may not be flat (as schematically illustrated in the figures), but may be convex or shaped to extend inwardly into the heating chamber 108 to provide a platform to contact the tip 134, which in turn may allow air to flow into the tip 134.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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 128 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] Thus, the aerosol-generating device 100 may also be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "heat-but-do-not-burn tobacco device," a "device for vaporizing tobacco products," etc., and this is to be interpreted as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are also applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol substrate.

[0191] The embodiment of the aerosol-generating device 100 is described as being arranged 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] Consistent with this definition, the terms "vaporize" or "vaporize" refer to: (i) changing or causing to change into a vapor; and (ii) the condition where a particle changes physical state (ie, from a liquid or solid to a gas).

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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 droplet comprising atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles. Aerosols also include mist or droplets comprising any combination of atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles.

Claims

1. A heating chamber (108) for an aerosol-generating device (100), the aerosol-generating device (100) having a heater (124) positioned outside the heating chamber (108), the heating chamber (108) being adapted to receive an elongated substrate carrier (114) having an aerosol substrate (128) disposed toward a first end (134) of the elongated substrate carrier (114), and comprising: a tubular sidewall (126) defining an interior volume and having an open first end (110) through which the elongate substrate carrier (114) is receivable within the interior volume and a base (112) at a second end (111) distal to the first end (110), wherein the base (112) is closed such that, in use, air is drawn into the heating chamber (108) only through the open first end (110) toward the aerosol substrate (132); a heating region (164) through which heat from the externally located heater (124) is applied to the heating chamber (108); a contact surface (168) exposed to the interior volume for contacting the substrate carrier (114) at or near the second end; and A heat shield (166) is provided at the base (112) to inhibit heat flow from the heating region (164) to the at least one contact surface (168).

2. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1, wherein: The at least one contact surface (168) faces the first end (110) of the tubular sidewall (126).

3. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The heat shield (166) comprises a first material and the tubular sidewall (126) comprises a second material, the first material having a lower thermal conductivity than the second material.

4. The heating chamber (108) of claim 3, wherein: The heat shield is made of ceramic and / or the tubular side wall is made of metal.

5. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The at least one contact surface (168) is a surface of the heat shield (166).

6. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The heat shield (166) is annular.

7. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The heat shield (166) is a separate element attached to the tubular sidewall (126).

8. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The contact surface (168) extends from the tubular sidewall (126) into the interior volume.

9. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1, wherein: The heating region (164) includes a portion of the base (112).

10. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The heating region (164) includes a portion of the tubular sidewall (108).

11. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1 or claim 9, wherein: The heat shield (166) comprises a portion of the base (112).

12. The heating chamber (108) of claim 11, wherein The heat shield (166) extends from the base (112) inwardly toward the interior volume to provide a platform for supporting the substrate carrier (114).

13. The heating chamber (108) of claim 11, wherein: The heat shield (166) extends across the entire width of the base (112).

14. The heating chamber (108) of claim 11, wherein: The heat shield (166) is a separate element attached to the base (112).

15. The heating chamber (108) of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an insert (192) comprising the heat shield (166), wherein The insert (192) is arranged for removable insertion into the interior volume of the heating chamber (108).

16. The heating chamber (108) of claim 15, wherein: The insert comprises a mesh or wire mesh or a plurality of rod-shaped elements.

17. An aerosol generating device (100) comprising the heating chamber (108) and the heater (124) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The heater (124) is mounted to the tubular sidewall (126), and the heating region (164) is defined by a region of the tubular sidewall (126) that at least partially overlaps the heater (124).

18. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 17, wherein: The heater (124) is mounted on a surface of the tubular sidewall (126) facing away from the interior volume.

19. An aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 17 or claim 18, comprising: Power supply (120); as well as Control circuitry (122) is configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power source to the heater (124).

20. An aerosol-generating device (100) as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising a spacer (190) for maintaining the substrate carrier (114) in a central configuration within the heating chamber (108).

21. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 20, wherein: The spacer (190) is releasably coupled to the aerosol-generating device (100).

22. An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 17 to 21 and the substrate carrier (114).

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