Induction heating assembly

Abstract

There is provided an induction heating assembly for a vapour generating device, the induction heating assembly comprising: an outer wall; an induction heating coil arranged inside the outer wall and extending along the outer wall; a heating compartment defined inside the outer wall and comprising a base portion at a first end of the induction coil and having an opening opposite the base portion, and arranged to receive, in use, an elongate member to be heated by induction heating via the opening; and at least one movable member arranged to move in a longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil when an electric current flows through the induction heating coil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of induction heating components, and particularly to induction heating components for steam generating devices. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, devices that heat without burning or causing combustion of substances to produce vapor for users to inhale have become increasingly popular.

[0003] Such devices (often referred to as vaporizers) are typically handheld. Generally, such handheld vaporizers can be categorized into two groups: electronic cigarettes and tobacco vaporizers. Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, vaporizers, or cigarette analogues, are vaporizers that simulate smoking but do not contain tobacco. These devices produce inhalable vapor by heating a liquid solution containing flavor-releasing substances. An example of a flavor-releasing substance is nicotine. The liquid solution is also known as e-liquid. On the other hand, tobacco vaporizers (also known as heated tobacco products) contain tobacco that is heated rather than burned to produce inhalable vapor. Generally, e-liquid used in electronic cigarettes or tobacco used in tobacco vaporizers can be referred to as vaporizing substances. Typically, vaporizing substances are placed in a container, also called a cartridge or tobacco stick, which can be inserted into and removed from the vaporizer by the user. Therefore, the container holding the vaporizing substance is a consumable and is also referred to as a consumable.

[0004] Different steam generating devices employ different methods for heating the vapor-generating substance. A simple method is based on electric heating (also known as resistance heating) and involves supplying electricity to a heating element that is in direct or indirect contact with the vapor-generating substance. When the user activates the steam generating device, electricity is supplied to the heating element. The heating element is heated, which in turn heats the vapor-generating substance to produce inhalable vapor that can be inhaled by the user.

[0005] Another approach is based on induction heating. In this approach, an induction heating coil is provided in the steam generating device, along with an inductively heated element, also known as a sensor. The sensor can be in direct or indirect contact with the steam-generating substance. When an alternating current is supplied to the induction heating coil, an electromagnetic field (EM) is generated. The sensor is placed in the electromagnetic field and absorbs electromagnetic energy, converting it into heat. Using the generated heat, the steam-generating substance is heated, producing inhalable steam that can be inhaled by the user.

[0006] During the use of a steam generating device, the induction heating coil heats up due to resistive losses occurring within the coil and due to the high current flowing through it. Therefore, efficient cooling of the induction heating coil is desirable.

[0007] In existing technologies, such as those described in WO 2019 / 129630 A1, to improve cooling efficiency, the intake airflow path is made to pass through an induction heating coil, thereby using the heat generated in the induction heating coil to preheat the intake airflow before it reaches the heating compartment where the vapor-generating material is placed. This cools the induction heating coil, allowing it to function more efficiently.

[0008] However, since the induction heating coils are typically concentrated in a portion of the heating chamber, the cooling effect may be insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the efficiency of cooling the induction heating coils.

[0009] Furthermore, since the induction heating coil is typically concentrated in a portion of the heating chamber, the generated electromagnetic field is also concentrated in that portion of the heating chamber. However, in order to efficiently heat the steam-generating substance, the generated electromagnetic field must be altered during the steam generation phase. Therefore, there is a need to provide an induction heating assembly capable of changing the generated electromagnetic field and thus altering the heating profile during the steam generation phase.

[0010] One way to achieve this is by providing so-called segmented heating, which allows for increased efficiency and faster heating times by directing electricity to a concentrated area of ​​the vapor-generating material placed within the consumable. For induction-based heating, segmented heating is achieved through multiple induction heating coils and multiple sensors, which makes the vapor-generating device and consumable more complex. Because the sensors are typically placed near or inside the vapor-generating material to make direct or indirect contact with it, they are usually housed in the consumable rather than the vapor-generating device. This results in a waste of material used to manufacture the sensors and increases manufacturing costs.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for an improved induction heating assembly for steam generating devices that not only provides efficient cooling of the induction heating coil but also allows for changes in the heating profile during the steam generation process without increasing the complexity of the steam generating device. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The aforementioned problems and objectives are addressed by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an induction heating assembly for a steam generating apparatus is provided, the induction heating assembly comprising:

[0014] outer wall;

[0015] An induction heating coil is arranged on the inner side of the outer wall and extends along the outer wall;

[0016] A heating chamber, defined inside the outer wall and including a base portion at a first end of an induction coil and having an opening opposite the base portion, is arranged to receive, in use, an elongated member to be heated by induction heating via the opening; and

[0017] At least one movable member is arranged such that it moves along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil when current flows through it. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are presented to better understand the inventive concept of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1a and Figure 1b Schematic diagrams of handheld steam generators with and without consumables according to embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0020] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d Examples of different consumables that can be used with steam generating devices according to different embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0021] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic diagram of an induction heating assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the induction heating assembly being in two different states: a "cold" state and a "hot" state.

[0022] Figure 4a and Figure 4b A schematic diagram of an induction heating assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the induction heating assembly being in two different states: a "cold" state and a "hot" state.

[0023] Figure 4c and Figure 4d A schematic diagram of an induction heating assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is in two different states: a "cold" state and a "hot" state after a consumable is inserted.

[0024] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A schematic diagram of an induction heating assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is in two different states: a "cold" state and a "hot" state after a consumable is inserted. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1aA schematic diagram of a steam generating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the steam generating apparatus including an induction heating component 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The steam generating device 1 is a handheld device with an elongated shape. As a handheld device, it can be held by a user with one hand without any assistance or difficulty. The steam generating device 1 can have, but is not limited to, a circular, rectangular, or elliptical cross-section. It can also have any other cross-section particularly suitable for a user to hold with one hand without assistance. Furthermore, some parts of the steam generating device 1 can have one type of cross-section, while other parts can have other suitable types of cross-sections.

[0027] Figure 1a The steam generating device 1 shown comprises three parts: an upper part, a middle part, and a lower part. The upper part may include a nozzle 50 through which a user inhales the generated steam. The nozzle 50 is detachably mounted to the middle part. Detachable mounting of the nozzle 50 to the middle part means that the user can completely or partially remove the nozzle 50, and the user can thus access at least a portion of the middle part. In different embodiments of the invention, the steam generating device 1 may not include the upper part, and in particular, the steam generating device 1 may not include the nozzle 50.

[0028] The intermediate portion includes an induction heating assembly 10. The induction heating assembly 10 includes an outer wall 13, an induction heating coil 11 defined inside the outer wall 13, and a heating chamber 12 defined inside the outer wall 13. The heating chamber 12 includes a base portion 14 at a first end of the induction coil 11 (also referred to as the first longitudinal end of the induction heating coil 11) and has an opening 15 opposite to the base portion 14. The heating chamber 12 is arranged to receive, in use, an elongated member to be heated by induction heating via the opening 15. In use, this means that a user can insert the elongated member into the heating chamber 12 via the opening 15 by completely or partially removing the nozzle 50.

[0029] Such elongated components typically include a steam-generating substance to produce steam upon heating. Such elongated components including a steam-generating substance are also referred to below as consumables.

[0030] Figure 1bA schematic diagram of a steam generating device 1 with an inserted consumable 200 is shown. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, the user completely or at least partially removes the nozzle 50 and inserts the consumable 200 into the heating chamber 12 via the opening 15. The steam generating device 1 with the consumable 200 inserted into the heating chamber 12 according to an embodiment of the invention can also be referred to as a steam generating system. In other words, the steam generating system according to the invention includes the steam generating device 1 and the consumable 200 according to different embodiments of the invention. Figure 1b Such a system is illustrated schematically in the figure.

[0031] The heating chamber 12 is in gas communication with the air inlet 161 and air outlet 162 formed in the induction heating assembly 10. When the nozzle 50 is installed, the air outlet 162 extends through the nozzle 50. This allows the user to draw air through the air outlet 162.

[0032] In one embodiment of the invention, the induction heating coil 11 has a cylindrical shape, such that the heating chamber 12 is also cylindrical. The heating chamber 12 is defined radially inside the induction heating coil and has a wall 17 surrounding the radially inside the induction heating coil 11.

[0033] The induction heating assembly 10 further includes at least one movable member (not in...) Figure 1a and Figure 1b As shown in the figure, the at least one movable member is arranged such that it moves along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil 11 when current flows through it. Details of at least one movable member according to different embodiments of the present invention will be further described below.

[0034] like Figure 1a As further shown, the lower portion of the steam generating device 1 includes a control unit 40 and a power supply 30. The power supply 30 is electrically connected to the induction heating coil 11. The power supply 30 can be a rechargeable battery or any other type of power source suitable for supplying current to the induction heating coil 11. The control unit 40 is configured to regulate the current supplied from the power supply 30 to the induction heating coil 11. In particular, the control unit 40 is configured to send instructions for regulating the current supplied from the power supply 30 to the induction heating coil 11.

[0035] As described in detail above, the consumable 200 to be heated by induction heating includes a vapor-generating substance 201. Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d (The details will be described in further detail below.) Different examples of consumables 200 that can be inserted by a user into the heated compartment 12 are shown. However, the consumables shown should not be considered as limiting the invention.

[0036] In some embodiments of the invention, the vapor-generating substance 201 is a liquid solution containing a flavor-releasing substance, also known as an e-cigarette liquid. The flavor-releasing substance may or may not include nicotine. In other embodiments of the invention, the vapor-generating substance 201 is tobacco. In some embodiments of the invention, the consumable 200 may further include a filter section 202 arranged to filter the generated vapor.

[0037] In some embodiments of the invention, the consumable 200 may further include an inductively heated element 210, also referred to as a sensor 210. The sensor 210 includes at least one conductive element arranged to be in direct or indirect contact with the vapor-generating substance 201. In another embodiment of the invention, described in further detail below, the sensor 210 is housed within the inductively heated assembly 10 instead of the consumable 200.

[0038] As described in detail above, Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d Examples of different consumables 200 are shown, which can be inserted by a user into the heating compartment 12 and thus can be used with the steam generating device 1 according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0039] Figure 2a A schematic diagram of consumable 200 is shown, which includes a vapor-generating substance 201 and receptors 210 arranged to be in direct or indirect contact with the vapor-generating substance 201. Receptors 210 are multiple conductive elements arranged at different locations within the vapor-generating substance 201.

[0040] Figure 2b The diagrams show different consumables, in which the sensor 210 is a single conductive element that extends along the longitudinal direction of the consumable 200 and is arranged to be in direct or indirect contact with the vapor-generating substance 201.

[0041] Figure 2c Showing with Figure 2a The consumable 200 shown is different from another consumable 200, which further includes a filter section 202. Although the sensor 210 is presented as... Figure 2a The illustration shows multiple conductive elements arranged at different locations within the vapor-generating substance 201, but the sensor could also be a single conductive element extending along the longitudinal direction of the consumable 200, such as... Figure 2b As shown.

[0042] Figure 2dA consumable 200 is shown, which includes a filter section 202 and a vapor-generating substance 201; however, the consumable 200 does not include a sensor. The vapor-generating substance 201 may be tobacco. Such a consumable 200 may also be referred to as a tobacco stick.

[0043] although Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c and Figure 2d The consumable 200 is shown to have a rectangular cross-section, but in embodiments of the invention where the heating chamber 12 has a cylindrical form and therefore a circular cross-section, the consumable 200 also has a circular cross-section. The consumable 200 may also have any other cross-section that allows the consumable 200 to be placed within the heating chamber 12.

[0044] When the user activates the steam generating device 1 by, for example, pressing a button or tapping the device a predetermined number of times at a predetermined frequency, the power supply 30 begins to supply current to the induction heating coil 11. The power supply 30 typically supplies direct current. The direct current is converted to alternating current (e.g., through a conversion circuit). Figure 1a and Figure 1b (Not shown in the image), alternating current is supplied to the induction heating coil 11, which in turn generates an electromagnetic field (EM).

[0045] When the consumable 200 is inserted into the heating chamber 12, the receptor 210 (located in the consumable) can be... Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c An example of a sensor (shown in the diagram) is arranged in the generated electromagnetic field and absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it into heat. In some embodiments of the invention described in further detail below, the sensor 210 is housed in the induction heating assembly 10 instead of the consumable 200, and is arranged in the induction heating assembly 10 such that the sensor is positioned in the generated electromagnetic field. The sensor 210, arranged in the generated electromagnetic field, absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it into heat. Using the generated heat, the vapor-generating substance 201 is heated, and vapor that can be inhaled by a user is produced.

[0046] The beginning of current flowing through the induction heating coil 11 is also referred to below as the beginning of the steam generation stage. On the other hand, the termination of current flowing through the induction heating coil 11 is also referred to below as the termination of the steam generation stage.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, the steam generating device 1 may include more or fewer of the three parts described above. For example, as described in detail above, the steam generating device 1 may not include the upper part. In particular, the steam generating device 1 may not include the described suction nozzle 50. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the consumable 200, which can be inserted into the heating chamber 12 of the induction heating assembly 10, is related to... Figure 2c or Figure 2d The described consumable 200 includes a filter section 202, and the vapor generating device 1 may not include the described mouthpiece 50. The user can inhale vapor generated by the filter section 202 of the consumable 200, similar to a conventional cigarette.

[0048] As described in detail above, the induction heating assembly 10 includes at least one movable member arranged such that it moves along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil 11 when current flows through it.

[0049] See below for reference Figure 3a and Figure 3b In one embodiment of the invention described, the movable component is another coil 21, also referred to below as movable coil 21.

[0050] like Figure 3a As shown, the movable coil 21 is arranged such that at least one winding of the movable coil 21 is arranged between two adjacent windings of the induction heating coil 11. Figure 3a The diagram shows the steam generating device 1 in a state where no current flows through the induction heating coil 11. This state of the steam generating device 1 will be referred to as the "cold" state below. In this state, the windings of the induction heating coil 11 and the movable coil 21 are tightly connected. The induction heating coil 11 is electrically insulated from the movable coil 21.

[0051] The induction heating coil 11 can be made of copper stranded wire. As described in detail above, when the user activates the steam generating device 1 by, for example, pressing a button or tapping the device a predetermined number of times at a predetermined frequency, the power supply 30 begins to supply current to the induction heating coil 11. As the current flows through the induction heating coil 11 for an extended period, and the corresponding steam generation process proceeds, the induction heating coil 11 heats up. As described in detail above, the induction heating coil 11 heats up due to resistive losses occurring in the copper stranded wire. Furthermore, the induction heating coil 11 can also heat up due to the high current flowing through it, and thus the temperature of the induction heating coil can also increase.

[0052] The steam generating device 1 is referred to below as the "hot" state when current is flowing through the induction heating coil 11 and the temperature of the induction heating coil 11 is higher than the temperature of the induction heating coil 11 before the current began to flow through it.

[0053] Figure 3b The induction heating assembly in a "hot state" is shown.

[0054] The movable coil 21 is arranged to move along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil 11 based on the temperature of the induction heating coil 11, thereby changing the winding pitch of the induction heating coil 11. The winding pitch of the induction heating coil 11 is the distance between the centers of adjacent turns of the induction heating coil 11.

[0055] The movable coil 21 is arranged to expand along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil 11 when current flows through it, thereby increasing the winding pitch of the induction heating coil 11. Specifically, the movable coil 21 is arranged to expand along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil 11 as the temperature of the induction heating coil 11 increases (the aforementioned "thermal state"), thereby increasing the winding pitch of the induction heating coil 11. As the movable coil 21 expands along the longitudinal direction, the winding of the movable coil 21 compresses or pushes the winding of the induction heating coil 11, thereby increasing the winding pitch of the induction heating coil 11.

[0056] The movable coil 21 is further arranged to contract along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil 11 as the temperature of the induction heating coil 11 decreases. The temperature of the induction heating coil 11 decreases when the current supplied to the induction heating coil 11 decreases or when the power supply 30 stops supplying current to the induction heating coil (when the steam generation stage ends). As the movable coil 21 contracts longitudinally, the winding of the movable coil 21 presses down on the winding of the induction heating coil 11, thereby reducing the winding pitch of the induction heating coil 11.

[0057] Since the movable coil 21 is made of a material that undergoes a transformation based on the material's temperature, the movable coil 21 is arranged to expand and contract along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil 11 based on the temperature of the induction heating coil 11. This transformation includes at least expansion as the material's temperature rises and contraction as the material's temperature falls after the rise. The expansion and contraction can be reversible. The expansion of the movable coil 21 can also be referred to as the movement of the movable coil 21. Similarly, the contraction of the movable coil can also be referred to as the movement of the movable coil. When the induction heating coil 11 heats up, heat is transferred from the induction heating coil 11 to the surrounding environment, and therefore the movable coil 21 also heats up and expands accordingly. On the other hand, when the induction heating coil 11 cools down, the movable coil 21 also cools down and contracts accordingly.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the movable coil 21 is made of shape memory alloy.

[0059] In another embodiment of the invention, the movable coil 21 is made of a bimetallic material. Preferably, the bimetallic material has a low Curie temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, a bimetallic material with a low Curie temperature may be used more preferably instead of a shape memory alloy. This ensures that the winding pitch of the induction heating coil 11 gradually widens. It is preferable to use a bimetallic material with a low Curie temperature to avoid the bimetallic strip heating up in the generated electromagnetic field.

[0060] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, the induction heating assembly 10 further includes a first coil holding wall 18 at the first longitudinal ends of the induction heating coil 11 and the movable coil 21, and a second coil holding wall 19 at the opposite longitudinal ends of the induction heating coil 11 and the movable coil 21. The induction heating coil 11 is arranged such that a first gap is formed between the terminal winding of the induction heating coil 11 and the second coil holding wall 19, and the movable coil 21 is arranged such that a second gap is formed between the terminal winding of the movable coil 21 and the first coil holding wall 18. The first gap is larger than the second gap. The first coil holding wall 18 and the second coil holding wall 19 are orthogonal to the wall 17 of the heating chamber 12.

[0061] When current flows through the induction heating coil 11, the movable coil 21 is arranged to expand toward the second coil holding wall 19, thereby causing the induction heating coil 11 to expand toward the second coil holding wall 19. Specifically, as the temperature of the induction heating coil 11 rises, the movable coil 21 is arranged to expand toward the second coil holding wall 19, thereby causing the induction heating coil 11 to expand toward the second coil holding wall 19, as... Figure 3b As shown.

[0062] As the induction heating coil 11 expands with increasing temperature, its surface area expands, which increases the cooling efficiency of the induction heating coil 11.

[0063] Another advantage relates to the change in the magnetic field generated during the steam generation phase. At the start of the steam generation phase, the induction heating coil 11 is wound tightly together, and the generated electromagnetic field is concentrated at a specific location in the heating chamber 12. This can be used to ensure a rapid first puff by concentrating the generated electromagnetic field on a specific portion of the sensor 210 when the user activates the steam generating device 1. As the steam generation phase progresses, the induction heating coil 11 becomes more dispersed, and thus the heating is distributed throughout the sensor 210.

[0064] As described in detail above, the increase in the surface area of ​​the induction heating coil 11 leads to an increase in the cooling efficiency of the induction heating coil 11. In this embodiment of the invention, the arrangement of the induction heating assembly 10 allows the path of the intake airflow on the induction heating coil 11 (as described in WO 2019 / 129630 A1) to also be used for additional cooling of the induction heating coil 11. For this purpose, as... Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, a partition is formed between the outer wall 13 and the induction heating coil 11, defining a vent that is arranged to allow air to flow around the induction heating coil 11 and the movable coil 21 and to the heating chamber 12. Figure 3a and Figure 3b In the image, arrows indicate the airflow passing through the vent.

[0065] In the above embodiments, it has been described that the induction heating coil 11 is arranged near the base portion 14 of the heating chamber 12 and expands toward the second coil retaining wall 19. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the induction heating coil 11 may be arranged near the opening 15 of the heating chamber 12 and expand toward the base portion 14 of the heating chamber 12.

[0066] In other embodiments of the invention, the movable component is a receptor 210. Reference is made below. Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 4c , Figure 4d , Figure 5a and 5b These embodiments are described further.

[0067] Figure 4a The sensor 210 is shown to be elongated, having a first end and a second end. The sensor 210 is arranged in the induction heating assembly 10 to penetrate the base portion 14 of the heating chamber 12, protruding into the heating chamber 12 at its first end. In particular, the sensor 210 may have a blade or needle shape.

[0068] The induction heating assembly 10 further includes an expandable member 220. The expandable member 220 is arranged such that one end of the expandable member 220 is connected to a second end of the sensor 210. The expandable member 220 is arranged to expand as its temperature rises when current flows through the induction heating coil 11, thereby further pushing the sensor 210 into the heating chamber 12, as... Figure 4b As shown.

[0069] In one embodiment of the invention, the expandable member 220 is arranged in an induction heating assembly such that it is thermally coupled to a second end of the sensor 210. The expandable member 220 is made of a material that undergoes a transformation based on temperature. This transformation includes at least expansion as the material's temperature increases and contraction as the material's temperature decreases after the increase. The expansion and contraction can be reversible. The expansion and contraction of the expandable member 220 can also be referred to as movement of the expandable member 220.

[0070] Figure 4c An induction heating assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a consumable 200 is inserted into the heating chamber 12 of the induction heating assembly 10. The consumable 200 is... Figure 2d The consumable 200 shown is [list of consumables]. The vapor-generating substance 201 is tobacco. [Example of consumable 200 is missing from the original text.] Figure 4c As shown, when the consumable 200 is inserted into the heating chamber 12 of the induction heating assembly 10, the consumable 200 is inserted such that the tobacco portion 201 faces the base portion 14 of the heating chamber 12, and the filter portion 202 is in the upper part of the heating chamber 12. Since the sensor 210 is arranged in the induction heating assembly 10 to penetrate the base portion 14 of the heating chamber 12 with its first end protruding into the heating chamber 12, when the consumable 200 is inserted into the heating chamber 12 as described above, the sensor 210 only pierces the bottommost part of the tobacco portion 201.

[0071] When the user activates the steam generating device 1 by, for example, pressing a button or tapping the device a predetermined number of times at a predetermined frequency, the power supply 30 begins to supply current to the induction heating coil 11, and the sensor 210 is heated, as described in detail above. The steam generation process begins.

[0072] As the steam generation process proceeds, the sensor 210 heats up, and correspondingly, the expansion member 220, thermally connected to the second end of the sensor 210, also heats up and expands, thereby pushing the sensor 210 further into the tobacco portion 201. Thus, as the steam generation process continues, a new portion of the tobacco portion 201 is heated. This in Figure 4d As shown in the image.

[0073] When the power supply 30 stops supplying current to the induction heating coil 11 and thus the steam generation process terminates, an electromagnetic field is no longer generated. The sensor 210 begins to cool. The expandable member 220, which is in thermal communication with the sensor 210, also begins to cool. The user can remove the consumable 200 from the steam generation device 1. As the expandable member 220 cools, it contracts, thereby causing the sensor 210 to move back towards its original position. In embodiments where the expandable member 220 contracts completely reversibly, the sensor 210 returns to its original position.

[0074] Accordingly, as the steam generation process proceeds, the sensor 210 moves further within the tobacco section 201 and thereby provides segmented heating.

[0075] In this embodiment of the invention, segmented heating is achieved using a single sensor 210, compared to steam generating devices that provide multiple fixed sensors for segmented heating. This simplifies the design of the steam generating device 1 and the consumables 200.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the sensor 210 is reusable because it is housed in the induction heating assembly 10 of the steam generating device 1 instead of in the consumable 200, which reduces manufacturing costs and provides a more sustainable product.

[0077] The expandable member 220 can be as follows: Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 4c and Figure 4d The bimetallic leaf spring shown.

[0078] In another embodiment of the invention, the expandable member 220 may be as follows: Figure 5a and Figure 5b (A bimetallic coil spring is shown schematically in the induction heating assembly 10, with a consumable 200 inserted into the heating chamber 12 of the induction heating assembly 10.) Here, Figure 5a The sensor 210 is shown again to pierce only the bottom of the tobacco portion 201 of the consumable 200 inserted into the heating compartment 12. Figure 5b It is shown that as the bimetallic coil spring 220 heats up during the vapor generation process, the sensor is further pushed into the tobacco portion.

[0079] The induction heating coil 11 has a length approximately equal to that of the tobacco portion 201 of the consumable 200. The induction heating coil 11 may also cover only the bottom portion of the consumable 200. The tobacco portion 201 may have a length of approximately 18 mm. The expandable member 220 can expand by approximately 10 mm.

[0080] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor 210 may include a conductive tip and a conductive core. The conductive core is surrounded by an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may include a plastic material. This allows the generated electromagnetic field to be shielded, so that the hottest part of the sensor 210 is the tip, while heat can still be convectioned to the expandable member 220.

[0081] In different embodiments of the invention, instead of being heated solely through thermal communication with the sensor 210, the expandable member 220 is self-heated by induction heating. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the sensor 210 is formed of a bimetallic material. This further reduces the number of components in the induction heating assembly 10 and simplifies the design of the steam generating device 1.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present invention where the movable component is the sensor 210, the induction heating assembly 10 may not include the aforementioned movable coil 21. In different embodiments of the present invention, the induction heating assembly 10 may include two movable components: the sensor 210 as a movable component and the movable coil 21 as a movable component.

[0083] In an embodiment of the induction heating assembly 10 of the present invention, the following two movable components are included: a sensor 210 as a movable component and a movable coil 21 as a movable component. The control unit 40 can control the current supplied from the power source 30 to the induction heating assembly 10, such that the second end of the induction heating coil 11 follows the first end of the sensor 210.

[0084] Although detailed embodiments have been described, these embodiments are provided only to provide a better understanding of the invention as defined by the appended claims and should not be considered as limiting.

Claims

1. An induction heating assembly for a steam generating apparatus, the induction heating assembly comprising: outer wall; An induction heating coil is arranged on the inner side of the outer wall and extends along the outer wall; A heating compartment is defined inside the outer wall and includes a base portion at the first end of the induction heating coil and has an opening opposite the base portion, and is arranged to receive an elongated member to be heated by induction heating through the opening in use. as well as At least one movable member is arranged such that it moves along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil when current flows through it. in, The movable component is a movable coil, which is arranged such that at least one winding of the movable coil is arranged between two adjacent windings of the induction heating coil.

2. The induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The movable coil is arranged to expand along the longitudinal direction of the induction heating coil when current flows through it, thereby increasing the winding pitch of the induction heating coil.

3. The induction heating assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The movable coil is made of shape memory alloy.

4. The induction heating assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The movable coil is made of bimetallic strips.

5. The induction heating assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The movable coil is electrically insulated from the induction heating coil.

6. The induction heating assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a first coil retaining wall at a first end of the induction heating coil and a second coil retaining wall at a second end of the induction heating coil and the movable coil.

7. The induction heating assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The induction heating coil is arranged such that a first gap is formed between the terminal winding of the induction heating coil and the second coil holding wall, and the movable coil is arranged such that a second gap is formed between the terminal winding of the movable coil and the first coil holding wall, wherein the first gap is larger than the second gap, and wherein... When current flows through the induction heating coil, the movable coil expands toward the second coil retaining wall, thereby causing the induction heating coil to expand toward the second coil retaining wall.

8. The induction heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Another movable component is a sensory heating element, which is arranged to penetrate the base portion of the heating chamber and protrude into the heating chamber at its first end. The induction heating assembly further includes an expandable member arranged such that one end of the expandable member is connected to a second end of the induction heating element.

9. The induction heating assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The expandable member is arranged to expand as the temperature of the expandable member increases when current flows through the induction heating coil, thereby pushing the induction heating element further into the heating chamber.

10. The induction heating assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, The expandable member is arranged to be thermally connected to the second end of the inductive heating element.

11. The induction heating assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, The expandable member is arranged to be inductively heated by the induction heating coil.

12. The induction heating assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein, The inductive heating element has the shape of a blade or needle and is arranged to pierce the bottom portion of the elongated member when it is inserted into the heating chamber.

13. The induction heating assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising a control unit arranged to control the current flowing through the induction heating coil such that a second end of the induction heating coil follows the movement of the inductively heating element.

14. A steam generating apparatus comprising an induction heating component according to any one of the preceding claims.

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