Heater tube with thermal insulation and electrical isolation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating assembly for an aerosol-generating device. The heating assembly comprises a substrate layer. The substrate layer is an electrically isolating substrate layer. The heating assembly further comprises a heating element. The heating element is arranged on a first portion of the substrate layer. The substrate layer further comprises a second portion, on which the heating element is not provided. The substrate layer is rolled into a tubular shape such that the first portion of the substrate layer is positioned as an inner layer. The second portion of the substrate layer is positioned as an outer layer surrounding the first portion of the substrate layer. The heating element is arranged between the first portion of the substrate layer and the second portion of the substrate layer. The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a heating assembly for an aerosol generation apparatus. The invention further relates to an aerosol generation apparatus. This disclosure further relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus and an aerosol forming matrix. Background Technology

[0002] An aerosol generating apparatus for generating inhalable vapors is known. Such an apparatus heats an aerosol forming matrix contained in an aerosol generating article without burning the aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol generating article may have a rod shape for insertion into a heating chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus. Heating elements of the heating assembly are typically arranged in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol forming matrix after the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0003] Heat generated by the heating element can be unintentionally dissipated to components of the device that are not intended to be heated. Generally, heat dissipation away from the heating chamber can lead to heat loss within the heating chamber, resulting in inefficient heating. Excessive energy may be required to heat the heating chamber to the desired temperature. Simultaneously, the heating element must be electrically isolated from the heating chamber to prevent short circuits. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Heating components for aerosol generation devices are desired that reduce heat loss from the heating chamber. Heating components that reduce heating of the outer casing of the device to be gripped by the user are desired. Heating components that provide effective thermal insulation are desired. Heating components that provide thermal insulation at low manufacturing cost are desired. Heating components that electrically isolate the heating element of the heating component from the heating chamber are desired. Heating components with optimized thermal insulation and optimized electrical isolation at low manufacturing cost are desired. Heating components that provide both thermal insulation and electrical isolation are desired.

[0005] According to embodiments of the present invention, a heating assembly for an aerosol generation apparatus is provided. The heating assembly may include a substrate layer. The substrate layer may be an electrically insulating substrate layer. The heating assembly may include a heating element. The heating element may be disposed on a first portion of the substrate layer. The substrate layer may include a second portion on which the heating element is not disposed. The substrate layer may be rolled into a tubular shape such that the first portion of the substrate layer can be positioned as an inner layer. The second portion of the substrate layer can be positioned as an outer layer surrounding the first portion of the substrate layer. The heating element may be disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the substrate layer.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heating assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The heating assembly includes a substrate layer. The substrate layer is an electrically insulating substrate layer. The heating assembly further includes a heating element. The heating element is disposed on a first portion of the substrate layer. The substrate layer further includes a second portion on which the heating element is not disposed. The substrate layer is rolled into a tubular shape such that the first portion of the substrate layer is positioned as an inner layer. The second portion of the substrate layer is positioned as an outer layer surrounding the first portion of the substrate layer. The heating element is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the substrate layer.

[0007] By providing a substrate layer having a first portion and a second portion, a single substrate layer can be used to sandwich a heating element between the two portions of the substrate layer. Therefore, the heating element is partially protected by the substrate layer. A separate inner layer or a separate outer layer is no longer required. Protection of the heating element (such as one or both of thermal protection from the outside and electrical isolation from the inside) can be achieved by a single substrate layer having the construction according to the invention described herein. Manufacturing costs can be reduced by using a single substrate layer. Manufacturing can be simplified by using a single substrate layer.

[0008] The electrically insulating substrate may be made of polyimide. The substrate may be configured to withstand temperatures between 220°C and 320°C, preferably between 240°C and 300°C, and most preferably about 280°C. The substrate may be made of Pyralux.

[0009] The substrate layer can be flexible. A flexible substrate layer has the advantage of being able to be rolled up or formed into a desired shape. The desired shape is preferably a tubular shape. Due to the flexibility of the substrate layer, a first portion of the substrate layer can be rolled up as a first step, and subsequently, a second portion of the substrate layer is rolled up around the first portion as a second step. Due to the flexibility of the substrate layer, the first portion of the substrate layer can follow the desired tubular shape during the first step. Due to the flexibility of the substrate layer, the second portion of the substrate layer can follow the tubular shape of the first portion of the substrate layer during the second step when the second portion of the substrate layer is rolled up around the first portion.

[0010] The substrate can be supplied as a sheet before being rolled into a tubular shape. The substrate can be supplied as a planar sheet before being rolled into a tubular shape. The substrate can be supplied as a rectangular sheet before being rolled into a tubular shape. Such sheet-like substrates are readily available, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0011] The substrate layer may have a length greater than its width before being rolled into a tubular shape. Alternatively, the substrate layer may have a length less than its width before being rolled into a tubular shape. The length and width of the substrate layer may be selected based on one or both of the diameter of the aerosol-generating article to be heated and the length of the matrix portion of the article. The length of the substrate layer refers to its length along the longitudinal axis of the substrate layer before being rolled into a tubular shape. The width of the substrate layer refers to its width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the substrate layer and measured in the plane of the substrate layer before being rolled into a tubular shape.

[0012] The substrate layer may have a length twice the circumference of the heating element tube, as described in more detail below.

[0013] More generally, the length of the substrate can be selected such that the second portion of the substrate can completely wrap around the first portion of the substrate during the process of rolling the second portion of the substrate around the first portion of the substrate.

[0014] The length of the first portion of the substrate may be the same as or similar to the width of the second portion of the substrate. The length of the second portion of the substrate may be the same as or similar to the width of the second portion of the substrate. The dimensions of the first portion of the substrate may be the same as or similar to the dimensions of the second portion of the substrate. The length and width of the first portion of the substrate may be the same as or similar to the length and width of the second portion of the substrate.

[0015] The surface area of ​​the second portion of the substrate may be equal to or greater than the surface area of ​​the first portion of the substrate. The surface area of ​​the third surface of the second portion of the substrate may be equal to or greater than the surface area of ​​the second surface of the first portion of the substrate.

[0016] After the substrate is rolled up, the outer diameter of the first part of the substrate can correspond to the inner diameter of the second part of the substrate.

[0017] The heating element may include a heating rail. The heating rail may be configured to generate heat. The heating rail may be a resistance heating rail. The heating element may include electrical contacts for electrically contacting the heating rail. The electrical contacts may be attached to the heating rail by any known means, for example, by soldering or welding. A first electrical contact may be attached to a first end of the heating rail, and a second electrical contact may be attached to a second end of the heating rail. The first end of the heating rail may be the proximal end of the heating rail, and the second end of the heating rail may be the distal end of the heating rail, or vice versa.

[0018] The heating rail can be made of stainless steel. It can be made of stainless steel with a thickness of approximately 50 μm. Preferably, it can be made of stainless steel with a thickness of approximately 25 μm. The heating rail can be made of a chromium-nickel-iron alloy with a thickness of approximately 50.8 μm. It can also be made of a chromium-nickel-iron alloy with a thickness of approximately 25.4 μm. The heating rail can be made of copper with a thickness of approximately 35 μm. It can also be made of constantan with a thickness of approximately 25 μm. It can be made of nickel with a thickness of approximately 12 μm. Finally, it can be made of brass with a thickness of approximately 25 μm.

[0019] The heating rails can be photoprinted onto the substrate. Alternatively, they can be chemically etched onto the substrate.

[0020] The term "heating rail" encompasses a single heating rail. Heating elements or heating rails can be printed on the first portion of the substrate layer.

[0021] The heating rail can be centrally positioned on the first portion of the substrate. The heating rail can be bench-shaped. The heating rail can be curved. The heating rail can be flat before the substrate is rolled into a tubular shape. The heating rail or heating element can be flexible. When the substrate is rolled into a tubular shape, the heating rail or heating element can follow the tubular shape of the substrate.

[0022] The heating element can be sandwiched between a first portion and a second portion of the substrate. After the substrate is rolled up, the first portion of the substrate can be arranged axially inside the heating element. After the substrate is rolled up, the second portion of the substrate can be arranged axially outside the heating element.

[0023] The first part of the substrate can electrically isolate the heating element from the inside of the tube formed by the tubular substrate.

[0024] The heating device may include a tube, preferably a metal tube, around which a substrate may be wrapped or rolled up. The metal tube is preferably stainless steel. Alternatively, the tube may be a ceramic tube. The tube may define the tubular shape of the heating device. After the substrate is rolled up, the outer diameter of the tube may correspond to the inner diameter of a first portion of the substrate.

[0025] As an alternative, the tube can be formed by placing a metal layer on the first portion of the substrate on the opposite side of the heating element while the substrate is being rolled up. Generally, the substrate can be easily rolled up by rolling it around a temporary cylindrical or conical support element. As another alternative, the first portion of the substrate can be made of PEEK, which can be directly formed into a tube.

[0026] The second portion of the substrate layer provides thermal insulation between the heating element and the ambient environment outside the tube formed by the tubular substrate layer. In other words, the second portion of the substrate layer provides thermal insulation between the heating element and the ambient environment outside the heating assembly.

[0027] The heating assembly may comprise only a single substrate layer. The heating assembly may not include a separate thermal insulation layer. Preferably, the substrate layer has the dual function of electrically isolating the heating element from the tube surrounded by a first portion of the substrate layer, and thermally insulating the heating element from the environment outside the heating assembly. Since two of these functions can be achieved by a single substrate layer, a heating assembly with a simple structure is provided, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while improving the functionality of the heating assembly.

[0028] The heating assembly may further include a heating chamber formed of a tube. The substrate layer may be rolled up at least twice around the heating chamber, preferably around the outer side of the heating chamber. Rolling up the substrate layer around the heating chamber for the first time means that a first portion of the substrate layer is rolled up around the heating chamber. Rolling up the substrate layer around the heating chamber for the second time means that a second portion of the substrate layer is rolled up around the first portion of the substrate layer.

[0029] The tube can be made of stainless steel. The length of the tube can be between 10 mm and 35 mm, preferably between 12 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 13 mm and 22 mm. The tube can be hollow. The hollow tube can have an inner diameter between 4 mm and 9 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 6 mm, or between 6.8 mm and 7.5 mm, preferably about 5.35 mm or about 7.3 mm. The thickness of the tube can be between 70 μm and 110 μm, preferably between 80 μm and 100 μm, preferably about 90 μm. The tube can have a cylindrical cross-section. The tube can have a circular cross-section.

[0030] A first portion of the substrate may include a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface of the first portion of the substrate may be arranged to directly contact the heating chamber. The second surface of the first portion of the substrate may directly contact the heating element. The second surface of the first portion of the substrate may directly contact the second portion of the substrate.

[0031] Similarly, the second portion of the substrate may include a third surface and an opposing fourth surface. The third surface of the second portion of the substrate may be arranged to directly contact the heating element. The third surface of the second portion of the substrate may be arranged to directly contact the second surface of the first portion of the substrate. The fourth surface of the second portion of the substrate may form the outer surface of the heating device.

[0032] The second portion of the substrate and one or more of the heating elements may be arranged to be spaced apart from the heating chamber by the first portion of the substrate.

[0033] The length of the first portion of the substrate may be equal to or less than the circumference of the tube. The first portion may completely wrap around the tube. The first portion may wrap around the tube once, such that the surface of the tube is adjacent to the first portion of the substrate after the first portion of the substrate has been wrapped around the tube. The length of the second portion of the substrate may be equal to the circumference of the first portion of the substrate, such that the second portion may wrap over the heating element and the first portion.

[0034] The circumference of the heating chamber can be approximately half the length of the substrate. The circumference of the heating chamber can also be equal to the circumference of the tube forming the heating chamber.

[0035] The first portion of the substrate may have a length equal to or less than the circumference of the tube. The second portion of the substrate may have a circumference equal to or greater than the circumference of the tube, such that it may wrap around the circumference of one or both of the tube and the first portion of the substrate at least once.

[0036] The tubes of the heating chamber may have a thickness between 70 μm and 110 μm, preferably between 80 μm and 100 μm, and more preferably about 90 μm.

[0037] The heating assembly may further include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be an NTC, Pt100, or preferably a Pt1000 temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be soldered to the heater. The temperature sensor may be provided with a connector. The temperature sensor may be provided with a metal connector. The connector (preferably a stainless steel connector) may be directly etched onto the substrate. The temperature sensor metal connector may then be soldered onto the stainless steel connector on the substrate. This allows for a simple manufacturing process. An exemplary manufacturing process is described below. The substrate may be laminated with a stainless steel sheet, creating a two-layer “sandwich” with a bottom layer of polyimide and a top layer of stainless steel sheet. A heating rail may then be photoprinted on a first portion of the sandwich (on the stainless steel side), and simultaneously, an electrical connector for the temperature sensor may be photoprinted on a second portion of the sandwich (on the stainless steel side); thus, the electrical connectors for both the heating rail and the temperature sensor can be photoprinted simultaneously. Then, the entire interlayer is chemically etched (polyimide resists chemical etching, so only the stainless steel is etched), allowing the heating rail and the stainless steel connector for the temperature sensor (here we are talking about the connector on the interlayer) to be etched simultaneously using the same process. Then, in the subsequent assembly stage, the temperature sensor metal connector (which may be copper or other materials) can be welded to the stainless steel connector, which sits on the surface of the "flexible heater interlayer" on a second portion of the interlayer.

[0038] A temperature sensor may be disposed on the outer surface of the second portion of the substrate. The temperature sensor may be disposed adjacent to the heating element and separated from the heating element through the second portion of the substrate.

[0039] A temperature sensor can be positioned on the second portion such that, when the substrate is rolled up, the temperature sensor is located in a region corresponding to the center of the first portion. By positioning the temperature sensor in this way, the heating element can be associated with the temperature sensor, such that the temperature sensor is positioned adjacent to the hottest part of the heating element. The hottest part adjacent to the temperature sensor can be the center of the first portion. The heating element can be arranged at the center of the first portion. The temperature sensor can be arranged directly adjacent to the heating element, separated from it only by the thickness of the second portion of the substrate. After thermal imaging of the entire assembly to identify this hot spot and define its mechanical location, the temperature sensor can be precisely aligned with the hottest point of the heating rail. This information can then be fed back into the heating assembly design to allow for very precise alignment of the temperature sensor.

[0040] One or both of an adhesive layer and a glue layer may be disposed on a first surface of a first portion of the substrate. In other words, the adhesive layer or glue layer may be disposed on the surface of the first portion opposite to the side on which the heating element may be disposed. The adhesive layer or glue layer may be configured to securely hold the first portion of the substrate on the outer circumference of the tube.

[0041] The thickness of the adhesive layer can be between 15 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 20 μm and 30 μm, and more preferably about 25 μm.

[0042] The adhesive layer may be a silicone-based adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may include one or both of PEEK-based adhesives and acrylic adhesives.

[0043] One or both of an adhesive layer and a glue layer may be disposed on a third surface of the second portion of the substrate. The adhesive layer or glue layer may be configured to securely hold the second portion of the substrate onto the first portion of the substrate.

[0044] When the heating assembly is rolled into a tubular shape, a heat-shrinkable layer can be arranged around the heating assembly. The heat-shrinkable layer can be configured to shrink when heat is supplied to it. The heat-shrinkable layer can securely hold the heating assembly together. The heat-shrinkable layer can be configured to apply uniform inward pressure to the heating assembly. The heat-shrinkable layer can improve contact between one or both of the tube and a first portion of the substrate layer, and between the first portion and a second portion of the substrate layer. The heat-shrinkable layer can tightly hold most or all components of the heating assembly together. The heat-shrinkable layer can be used to replace the adhesive or glue layer described herein. Alternatively, the heat-shrinkable layer can be used to supplement the adhesive or glue layer described herein.

[0045] The thickness of the heat-shrinkable layer can be between 100μm and 300μm, preferably about 180μm.

[0046] The heat-shrinkable layer may be made of PEEK. The heat-shrinkable layer may be made of or include one or more of Teflon and PTFE.

[0047] The thickness of the substrate layer can be between 15 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 20 μm and 30 μm, and more preferably about 25 μm.

[0048] When preferably made of stainless steel, the heating element may have a thickness between 12 μm and 60 μm, preferably between 45 μm and 55 μm, and more preferably about 50 μm. When preferably made of stainless steel, the heating rail may have a thickness between 12 μm and 60 μm, preferably between 45 μm and 55 μm, and more preferably about 50 μm. When the heating element is made of brass, it may have a thickness between 20 μm and 30 μm, preferably about 25 μm. When preferably made of brass, the heating rail may have a thickness between 20 μm and 30 μm, preferably about 25 μm.

[0049] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating apparatus including a heating component as described herein.

[0050] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generation system, the system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus as described herein and an aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming matrix as described herein.

[0051] The proximal end of the heating assembly according to the invention is configured to be arranged within the aerosol generating apparatus in a direction toward the inlet or downstream end of the device. The distal end of the heating assembly according to the invention is configured to be arranged within the aerosol generating apparatus in a direction toward the distal or upstream end of the device.

[0052] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating apparatus with respect to the airflow passing through the aerosol generating apparatus during use. An aerosol generating apparatus according to the invention includes a proximal end through which, in use, aerosols exit the apparatus. The proximal end of the aerosol generating apparatus may also be referred to as an inlet end or a downstream end. The inlet end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of an aerosol generating article may also be referred to as an upstream end. Components or parts of a component of an aerosol generating apparatus may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position to the airflow path of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0053] In all aspects of this disclosure, the heating element may include a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, “conductive” ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics.

[0054] As described, in any aspect of this disclosure, the heating element may include an external heating element, where “external” refers to an aerosol forming matrix. The external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils or heating rails on a dielectric substrate (such as polyimide). The dielectric substrate is a substrate layer. The flexible heating foil or heating rail may be shaped to follow the periphery of the heating chamber. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of one or more metal meshes, flexible printed circuit boards, molded interconnect devices (MIDs), ceramic heaters, flexible carbon fiber heaters, or may be formed on a suitable shaped substrate layer using coating techniques such as plasma vapor deposition. The external heating element may also be formed using a metal with a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary devices, the metal may be formed as a rail between a first portion and a second portion of the substrate layer. An external heating element formed in this manner can be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0055] The heating element advantageously heats the aerosol-forming matrix by means of conduction. Alternatively, heat from an internal or external heating element can be conducted to the matrix by means of a thermally conductive element.

[0056] During operation, the aerosol-forming matrix can be completely contained within the aerosol-generating device. In this case, the user can inhale through the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, during operation, a smoking product containing the aerosol-forming matrix can be partially contained within the aerosol-generating device. In this case, the user can inhale directly through the smoking product.

[0057] The heating element can be configured as an induction heating element. An induction heating element may include an induction coil and a sensor. Generally, the sensor is a material capable of generating heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the invention, the sensor may be conductive or magnetic, or both. The alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the sensor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming matrix, thereby forming an aerosol. Heat transfer may be primarily by thermal conduction. This heat transfer is optimal if the sensor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming matrix. When an induction heating element is used, it can be configured as an external heater as described herein. If the induction heating element is configured as an external heating element, the sensor element is preferably configured as a cylindrical sensor that at least partially surrounds the heating chamber. The heating rail described herein can be configured as a sensor. The sensor may be arranged between a first portion and a second portion of the substrate. The second portion of the substrate may be surrounded by an induction coil. The sensor and the induction coil may be part of a heating assembly.

[0058] Preferably, the aerosol generating apparatus includes a power supply configured to supply power to one or both of the heating element and the heating assembly. The power supply preferably includes a power source. Preferably, the power source is a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging. For example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous aerosol generation for approximately six minutes, or for multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of suction cycles or discontinuous activation of the heating assembly.

[0059] The power supply may include control electronics. The control electronics may include a microcontroller. The microcontroller is preferably a programmable microcontroller. The circuitry may include additional electronic components. The circuitry may be configured to regulate the power supply to the heating element. Power may be supplied continuously to the heating element after system activation, or it may be supplied intermittently, such as on a per-port suction basis. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses.

[0060] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming matrix" refers to a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Volatile compounds can be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming matrix. As an alternative to heating or combustion, in some cases, volatile compounds can be released through chemical reactions or by mechanical stimulation (such as ultrasound). The aerosol-forming matrix can be solid or liquid, or may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming matrix may be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0061] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable.

[0062] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating apparatus" refers to an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol-forming matrix to generate an aerosol. An aerosol generating apparatus may interact with one or both of an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix or a cylinder comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. In some instances, an aerosol generating apparatus may heat the aerosol-forming matrix to promote the release of volatile compounds from the matrix. Electrically operated aerosol generating apparatus may include an atomizer, such as an electric heater, to heat the aerosol-forming matrix to form an aerosol.

[0063] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation system" refers to the combination of an aerosol generation apparatus and an aerosol forming matrix. When the aerosol forming matrix forms part of an aerosol generation article, the aerosol generation system refers to the combination of the aerosol generation apparatus and the aerosol generation article. In an aerosol generation system, the aerosol forming matrix and the aerosol generation apparatus cooperate to generate aerosols.

[0064] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0065] Example A: A heating assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus, the heating assembly comprising:

[0066] Substrate layer, wherein the substrate layer is an electrically isolated substrate layer, and

[0067] Heating elements, wherein the heating elements are disposed on a first portion of the substrate layer,

[0068] The substrate layer includes a second portion, and the heating element is not disposed on the second portion.

[0069] The substrate is rolled into a tubular shape such that a first portion of the substrate is positioned as an inner layer, a second portion of the substrate is positioned as an outer layer surrounding the first portion of the substrate, and the heating element is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the substrate.

[0070] Example B: The heating assembly according to Example A, wherein the substrate layer is flexible.

[0071] Example C: A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the substrate layer is provided as a sheet before being rolled into the tubular shape.

[0072] Example D: A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the surface area of ​​the second part is equal to or greater than the surface area of ​​the first part.

[0073] Example E: A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element includes a heating rail.

[0074] Example F: A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is printed on a first portion of the substrate layer.

[0075] Example G: A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is sandwiched between a first portion of the substrate and a second portion of the substrate.

[0076] Example H: A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein a first portion of the substrate electrically isolates the heating element from the inside of the tube formed by the tubular substrate.

[0077] Example I: A heating assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein a second portion of the substrate layer thermally insulates the heating element from the ambient outside of the tube formed by the tubular-shaped substrate layer.

[0078] Example J: A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating assembly comprises only a single substrate layer and does not include a separate thermal insulation layer.

[0079] Example K: A heating assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the heating assembly further includes a heating chamber formed of a tube, wherein the substrate layer is rolled up at least twice around the heating chamber, preferably around the outer side of the heating chamber.

[0080] Example L: According to the heating assembly of Example K, the first portion of the substrate layer includes a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface of the first portion of the substrate layer is arranged to directly contact the heating chamber, and preferably wherein the second surface is in direct contact with the second portion of the substrate layer.

[0081] Example M: ​​A heating assembly according to Example K or L, wherein a second portion of the substrate and one or more of the heating elements are arranged to be spaced apart from the heating chamber by a first portion of the substrate.

[0082] Example N: A heating assembly according to any one of Examples K to M, wherein the circumference of the heating chamber is approximately half the length of the substrate layer.

[0083] Example O: A heating assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the heating assembly further includes a temperature sensor.

[0084] Example P: The heating assembly according to Example O, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed on the outer surface of the second portion of the substrate layer.

[0085] Example Q: A heating assembly according to Example O or P, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged adjacent to the heating element and separated from the heating element by a second portion of the substrate layer.

[0086] Example R: A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein one or both of the adhesive layer and the glue layer are disposed on a first portion of the substrate layer opposite to the side on which the heating element is disposed.

[0087] Example S: A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein when the heating assembly is rolled into the tubular shape, a heat-shrinkable layer is arranged around the heating assembly.

[0088] Example T: The heating assembly according to Example S, wherein the heat-shrinkable layer is made of PEEK.

[0089] Example U: An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising a heating component according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0090] Example V: An aerosol generation system, including an aerosol generation apparatus according to Example U and an aerosol generation article including an aerosol forming matrix.

[0091] The features described with respect to one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0092] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0093] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the heating assembly after it has been rolled into a tubular shape is shown;

[0094] Figure 2 An embodiment of the heating assembly before it is rolled into a tubular shape is shown;

[0095] Figure 3 The heating assembly is shown before it is rolled into a tubular shape together with the tube. Figure 2 In one embodiment, the substrate layer of the heating assembly is wrapped around the tube;

[0096] Figure 4 Other embodiments of the temperature sensor for the heating assembly are shown; and

[0097] Figure 5 An aerosol generation system is shown, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus and an aerosol forming matrix disposed in an aerosol generation article. Detailed Implementation

[0098] Figure 1 A heating assembly is shown. The heating assembly is rolled into a tubular shape. The heating assembly includes a substrate layer 10. The substrate layer 10 includes a first portion 12 and a second portion 14. The substrate layer 10 is made of polyimide. The substrate layer 10 is flexible. The substrate layer 10 is initially used as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sheet shown is provided and then rolled into a tubular shape. The substrate 10 is rectangular. The length of the substrate 10 is approximately twice the width of the substrate 10.

[0099] Heating element 16 is disposed on the first portion 12. After the heating assembly is rolled into a tubular shape, heating element 16 is disposed between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the substrate 10. Heating element 16 is centrally disposed on the first portion 12.

[0100] The first portion 12 of the substrate 10 is configured to be rolled up or wrapped around the tube 18. The tube 18 forms a heating chamber 20. The heating chamber 20 is the hollow inner side of the tube 18. The heating chamber 20 is configured to receive an aerosol forming matrix 46, which... Figure 5 This is shown in more detail below. During the operation of heating element 16 to heat the aerosol forming matrix 46 in heating chamber 20, an inhalable aerosol is generated. Tube 18 is constructed as a hollow cylindrical tube 18. Tube 18 is made of metal. Heating element 16 is disposed on the surface of a first portion 12 of substrate layer 10, said surface being opposite to the surface of the contact tube 18 of the first portion 12 of substrate layer 10. The first portion 12 of substrate layer 10 is in direct contact with tube 18.

[0101] An adhesive layer or bonding agent may be disposed between the first portion 12 of the substrate 10 and the tube 18 to improve the connection between the substrate 10 and the tube 18. Another adhesive layer or bonding agent may be disposed between the first portion 12 of the substrate 10 and the second portion 14 of the substrate 10 to improve the connection between the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 of the substrate 10. Except for the area where the heating element 16 is disposed, the first portion 12 of the substrate 10 and the second portion 14 of the substrate 10 are in direct contact. In the area of ​​the first portion 12 of the substrate 10 where the heating element 16 is disposed, the heating element 16 is in direct contact with the second portion 14 of the substrate 10.

[0102] Figure 1A temperature sensor 38 is further shown. The temperature sensor 38 is a Pt100 or Pt1000 temperature sensor. The temperature sensor 38 is disposed on the outside of the second portion 14 of the substrate 10 after the second portion 14 of the substrate 10 is wrapped around the first portion 12 of the substrate 10. The temperature sensor 38 is disposed adjacent to the heating element 16 and spaced apart from the heating element 16 by the thickness of the second portion 14 of the substrate 10. The heating element 16 is disposed at the center of the first portion 12 of the substrate 10. The temperature sensor 38 is disposed on the second portion 14 of the substrate 10 such that the temperature sensor 38 rests beside the heating element 16 after being wrapped, so as to measure the hottest area of ​​the heating assembly during operation of the heating assembly.

[0103] Figure 2 The heating assembly is shown before it is wrapped around the heating chamber 20, which is surrounded by the tube 18. (See diagram.) Figure 2 As can be seen, the heating assembly is provided as a sheet. A first portion 12 of the substrate 10 is disposed next to a second portion 14 of the substrate 10. A heating element 16 is centrally disposed on the first portion 12 of the substrate 10. A temperature sensor 38 is disposed on the second portion 14 of the substrate 10.

[0104] The heating assembly includes a first heating element contact region 22 and a second heating element contact region 24. The first heating element contact region 22 and the second heating element contact region 24 are disposed on a first portion 12 of the substrate layer 10. The first heating element contact region 22 and the second heating element contact region 24 are electrically connected to the heating element 16. Specifically, the first heating element contact region 22 provides contact with a first portion of the heating element 16, and the second heating element contact region 24 provides contact with a second portion of the heating element 16, such that current can be supplied between the first portion and the second portion of the heating element 16.

[0105] A first electrical contact 26 is provided to contact the first heating element contact area 22. A second electrical contact 28 is provided to contact the second heating element contact area 24. The first heating element contact area 22, the second heating element contact area 24, the first electrical contact 26, and the second electrical contact are provided such that the heating element 16 can be electrically contacted, and current can be supplied to and pass through the heating element 16. Figure 5 The supply of current is described. The power supply unit 50 is configured to supply electrical energy to the heating element 16. The controller 52 (also...) Figure 5(As shown in the diagram) is configured to contact temperature sensor 38 and to operate temperature sensor 38 or receive the output of temperature sensor 38. The operation of the heating assembly by controller 52 can be controlled by a feedback loop taking into account the output of temperature sensor 38, or it can be controlled by using a predetermined lookup table stored in controller 52 and by controller 52 comparing the output of temperature sensor 38 with the lookup table.

[0106] The heating assembly includes a first temperature sensor contact area 30 and a second temperature sensor contact area 32. The first temperature sensor contact area 30 and the second temperature sensor contact area 32 are disposed on a second portion 14 of the substrate layer 10. The heating assembly includes a third electrical contact 34 and a fourth electrical contact 36. The third electrical contact 34 is provided to contact the first temperature sensor contact area 30. The fourth electrical contact 36 is provided to contact the second temperature sensor contact area 32. The first temperature sensor contact area 30, the second temperature sensor contact area 32, the third electrical contact 34, and the fourth electrical contact are provided to electrically contact and operate a temperature sensor 38.

[0107] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor 38 includes a third temperature sensor contact region 40 and a fourth temperature sensor contact region 42. The third temperature sensor contact region 40 and the fourth temperature sensor contact region 42 are disposed close to the temperature sensor 38 on a second portion 14 of the substrate layer 10. The first temperature sensor contact region 30 is electrically connected to the third temperature sensor contact region 40, and the second temperature sensor contact region 32 is electrically connected to the fourth temperature sensor contact region 42.

[0108] Figure 3 This shows the state before the heating assembly is wrapped around the tube 18. Figure 2 Heating components. Figure 3 A tube 18 is further shown positioned adjacent to the heating assembly prior to the wrapping step. The heating assembly may be wrapped around the tube 18 such that a first portion 12 of the substrate 10 on which the heating assembly is disposed is first wrapped around the tube 18. After the first portion 12 of the substrate 10 is wrapped around the tube 18, a second portion 14 of the substrate 10 on which the temperature sensor 38 is disposed is wrapped around the first portion 12 of the substrate 10.

[0109] Figure 4 Different embodiments for the contact temperature sensor 38 are shown. Figure 4 In A, the third temperature sensor contact area 40 and the fourth temperature sensor contact area 42 are arranged next to each other in the direction of the third and fourth contacts, and are spaced apart from the temperature sensor 38. In contrast, in Figure 2 and 3In this configuration, the third temperature sensor contact area 40 and the fourth temperature sensor contact area 42 are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the substrate layer 10 and spaced apart from the temperature sensor 38. Alternatively, as... Figure 4 As shown in Figure B, the third temperature sensor contact area 40 and the fourth temperature sensor contact area 42 are spaced apart from the temperature sensor 38 along the longitudinal axis of the substrate layer 10. Figure 4 In the final option shown in C, the temperature sensor 38 is in direct contact with the first temperature sensor contact area 30 and the second temperature sensor contact area 32.

[0110] Similar to the contact of temperature sensor 38, heating element 16 can also be connected to... Figure 2 Or the different contacts shown in 3 (especially as shown for temperature sensor 38).

[0111] Figure 5 An aerosol generation system is shown, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus 44 and an aerosol forming matrix 46 contained in an aerosol generation article 48. A heating assembly, as described herein, is arranged around a tube 18 forming a heating chamber 20 of the aerosol generation apparatus. The aerosol generation article 48 can be inserted into the heating chamber 20 of the aerosol generation apparatus 44. The heating assembly is operable to heat the aerosol forming matrix 46 of the aerosol generation article 48. Heating of the aerosol forming matrix 46 generates an inhalable aerosol. A user can directly inhale from the proximal end 54 of the aerosol generation article 48. The heating assembly is powered by a power supply device 50. The power supply device 50 is arranged within the aerosol generation apparatus 44. The power supply from the power supply device 50 to the heating assembly is controlled by a controller 52.

Claims

1. A heating assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus, the heating assembly comprising: Substrate layer, wherein the substrate layer is an electrically isolated substrate layer, and Heating elements, wherein the heating elements are disposed on a first portion of the substrate layer, The substrate layer includes a second portion, and the heating element is not disposed on the second portion. The substrate is rolled into a tubular shape such that a first portion of the substrate is positioned as an inner layer, a second portion of the substrate is positioned as an outer layer surrounding the first portion of the substrate, and the heating element is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the substrate.

2. The heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is flexible.

3. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate layer is provided as a sheet before being rolled into the tubular shape.

4. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface area of ​​the second portion is equal to or greater than the surface area of ​​the first portion.

5. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating element comprises a heating rail.

6. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating element is printed on a first portion of the substrate layer.

7. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first portion of the substrate electrically isolates the heating element from the inside of the tube formed by the tubular substrate.

8. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating assembly further comprises a heating chamber formed of a tube, wherein the substrate layer is rolled up around the heating chamber at least twice.

9. The heating assembly of claim 8, wherein the substrate layer is rolled up around the outside of the heating chamber at least twice.

10. The heating assembly of claim 8, wherein the first portion of the substrate layer includes a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface of the first portion of the substrate layer is arranged to be in direct contact with the heating chamber.

11. The heating assembly of claim 10, wherein the second surface is in direct contact with a second portion of the substrate layer.

12. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating assembly further comprises a temperature sensor.

13. The heating assembly of claim 12, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed on the outer surface of the second portion of the substrate layer.

14. The heating assembly of claim 12, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged adjacent to the heating element and is separated from the heating element by a second portion of the substrate layer.

15. The heating assembly of claim 12, wherein after the first portion of the substrate is rolled into the tubular shape and the second portion of the substrate is rolled around the first portion of the substrate, the temperature sensor is arranged adjacent to the heating element and separated from the heating element by the second portion of the substrate.

16. The heating assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the heating assembly is rolled into the tubular shape, the heat-shrinkable layer is arranged around the heating assembly.

17. The heating assembly of claim 16, wherein the heat-shrinkable layer is made of PEEK.

18. An aerosol generating apparatus comprising a heating component according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. An aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation apparatus according to claim 18 and an aerosol generation article having an aerosol forming matrix.

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