Heating chamber for aerosol generating device

Abstract

A heating chamber (11) for an aerosol generating apparatus (1) includes: a compression element (111) comprising a thermally active material; and a reaction surface (112), wherein the heating chamber (11) is adapted to receive an aerosol matrix (2) between the compression element (111) and the reaction surface (112), and the compression element (111) is configured to press the aerosol matrix (2) against the reaction surface (112), wherein the compression element (111) is configured to shift according to the temperature of the heating chamber (11) and the thermal response characteristics of the magnetic properties of the thermally active material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generating device. This disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable aerosol generating device, which may be self-contained and cryogenic. Such a device can heat, rather than burn, tobacco or other suitable aerosol matrix material through conduction, convection, and / or radiation to generate an aerosol for inhalation. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of devices that reduce or modify risk (also known as vaporizers) have grown rapidly, helping habitual smokers who want to quit using traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarettes, and rolled cigarettes. Various devices and systems provide access to substances that are heated or vaporized, unlike the burning of tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0003] Commonly used devices with reduced or modified risks are heated matrix aerosol generators or heated-but-not-burn (HNB) devices. These devices generate aerosols or vapors by heating an aerosol matrix (i.e., consumable) that typically comprises moist tobacco leaves or other suitable aerosolizable material to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C. Heating but not burning or ablazing the aerosol matrix releases aerosols that include the components sought by the user but exclude toxic and carcinogenic byproducts produced by combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols generated by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable materials generally do not contain the burnt or bitter taste that may be unpleasant to the user due to combustion.

[0004] However, within such devices, it is known that the aerosol matrix loses its structural integrity during heating, and the aerosol matrix may shrink and / or begin to release aerosolizable materials. This can lead to inconsistent heating of the aerosol matrix and adversely affect the aerosol generation characteristics of the device.

[0005] In addition, if the user removes the aerosol matrix from the device during heating operation, there is a risk that the user will come into contact with the hot parts of the aerosol matrix.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve one or more of these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, this disclosure provides a heating chamber for an aerosol generating apparatus, the heating chamber comprising: a compression element comprising a thermally active material; and a reaction surface, wherein the heating chamber is adapted to receive an aerosol matrix between the compression element and the reaction surface, and the compression element is configured to press the aerosol matrix against the reaction surface, wherein the compression element is configured to shift according to the temperature of the heating chamber and the thermal response characteristics of the magnetic properties of the thermally active material.

[0008] Applying compression to the aerosol matrix based on the temperature of the heating chamber enables consistent heating and prevents the aerosol matrix from being removed while hot. Furthermore, the compression of the aerosol matrix during heating improves aerosol generation. Additionally, the thermal response characteristics of the magnetic properties are passive and do not require a control circuit system to control the displacement.

[0009] Optionally, the heating chamber further includes a heating element disposed on or behind the compression element, or included within the compression element. Alternatively, the heating chamber further includes a heating element disposed on or behind the reaction surface, or included within the reaction surface. By providing a heating element on, behind, or within the compression element and / or the reaction surface, the heating element remains close to the aerosol matrix throughout any displacement and compression, thereby further improving heating consistency.

[0010] Optionally, the reaction surface is a second compression element configured to shift according to the temperature of the heating chamber. Compression uniformity within the aerosol matrix can be improved by providing compression from two opposing elements. Furthermore, the range of motion of each compression element can be halved compared to an example with a single compression element. With a reduced range of motion, a thermally active material with a reduced maximum magnetic field strength can be used, or the amount of thermally active material can be reduced.

[0011] Optionally, the heating chamber further includes a magnetic interaction element comprising a first magnetic material, wherein the thermally active material comprises a second magnetic material, the compression element displaces in response to a change in magnetic force between the first and second magnetic materials, at least one of the first and second magnetic materials has a threshold temperature at which it undergoes a magnetic phase transition, and the heating chamber is configured to raise the temperature of the heating chamber to an aerosol generation temperature above the threshold temperature during aerosol generation. By providing a magnetic interaction element configured to interact with the thermally active material, and by designing the thermally active material to undergo a magnetic phase transition, the compression element can be configured to move significantly between an open position where the aerosol matrix can be removed from the heating chamber and a closed position where a compressive force is applied to hold the aerosol matrix.

[0012] Optionally, the compression element is arranged between the magnetic interaction element and the reaction surface. One of the first and second magnetic materials is ferromagnetic up to a Curie temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, and the other is paramagnetic above the Curie temperature. In this configuration, the magnetic force keeps the compression element open at low temperatures (below the Curie temperature), and the compression element does not prevent the addition or removal of the aerosol matrix at low temperatures.

[0013] Optionally, the magnetic interaction element is arranged on or behind the reaction surface, or included in the reaction surface, and one of the first and second magnetic materials is antiferromagnetic at temperatures up to a Néel temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, while the other of the first and second magnetic materials is ferromagnetic at the aerosol generation temperature. In this configuration, the magnetic force keeps the compression element closed at high temperatures (above the Néel temperature).

[0014] Optionally, the magnetic interaction element is arranged on or behind the reaction surface, or included in the reaction surface, and one of the first and second magnetic materials is ferromagnetic up to a Curie temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, while the other is diamagnetic. In this configuration, the magnetic force keeps the compression element open at low temperatures (below the Curie temperature).

[0015] Optionally, the heating chamber further includes an elastic element configured to bias the compression element toward or away from the reaction surface. The elastic element may be configured to resist forces exerted due to the magnetic properties of the thermally active material, thereby biasing the compression element in two different directions depending on the temperature within the heating chamber.

[0016] According to a second aspect, this disclosure provides an aerosol generating apparatus including a heating chamber as described above.

[0017] According to a third aspect, this disclosure provides an aerosol generation system comprising a heating chamber as described above, and an aerosol matrix disposed between a compression element and a reaction surface.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect, this disclosure provides a method for generating an aerosol, the method comprising: providing an aerosol matrix between a compression element and a reaction surface of a heating chamber as described above; operating the heating chamber to raise the temperature of the heating chamber to an aerosol generation temperature; extracting the aerosol from the heating chamber; operating the heating chamber to lower the temperature of the heating chamber to an aerosol matrix release temperature; and removing the aerosol matrix from the heating chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-section of an aerosol generating device that has already received consumables;

[0020] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic cross-section of a heating chamber containing an aerosol matrix according to the first embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-section of a heating chamber containing an aerosol matrix according to the second embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-section of a heating chamber containing an aerosol matrix according to the third embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5 It is a schematic cross-section of an alternative aerosol generating device that has received consumables;

[0024] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-section of the heating chamber, including the airflow channel. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-section of an aerosol generating device incorporated into a heating chamber according to this disclosure.

[0026] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a heating chamber 11, a power supply 12, and a control circuit system 13. The control circuit system 13 controls the power supply from the power supply 12 to the heating chamber 11 in order to heat the consumables 2 that have been received in the heating chamber 11.

[0027] The heating chamber 11 includes a compression element 111 and a reaction surface 112. The consumable 2 is received between the compression element 111 and the reaction surface 112, and the compression element 111 is configured to shift to press the consumable 2 against the reaction surface 112.

[0028] Specifically, the consumable includes at least an aerosol matrix 21 arranged in a heated chamber 11 for aerosol generation. The consumable may take the form of, for example, a cigarette, in which the aerosol matrix is ​​contained within a package. The cigarette may additionally include a mouthpiece 22, which includes a filter. In this configuration, the aerosol matrix 21 is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user inhales the aerosol through the mouthpiece 22.

[0029] To facilitate aerosol inhalation, the aerosol generating device may include airflow channels with inlets and outlets at different points on the housing of the aerosol generating device, wherein the airflow channels extend through the heating chamber 11.

[0030] Specifically, the aerosol generating device may include an opening capable of receiving the consumable 2 and also configured as an outlet for an airflow channel. In embodiments where the consumable 2 does not include the suction nozzle 22, the aerosol generating device may include a suction nozzle that is combined with or detached from the opening for inserting the consumable 2 into the heating chamber 11. For example, the opening for inserting the consumable 2 may have a flap including the suction nozzle.

[0031] The power source 12 can be, for example, a battery, or it can be a connection to an external power source.

[0032] The control circuit system 13 may include a general-purpose programmable circuit system or a hard-coded logic circuit system for controlling the heating chamber 11.

[0033] The control circuit system 13 may also include a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the heating chamber 11. Alternatively, the control circuit system 13 may estimate the temperature of the heating chamber 11 based on how it has recently controlled the heating chamber 11.

[0034] The control circuit system 13 may also include a user interface (such as a button or slider) for enabling aerosol generation in the heating chamber or for controlling the characteristics of aerosol generation, such as the duration of the aerosol generation phase, or the temperature profile at which the consumable 2 is heated or the peak temperature to which the consumable 2 is heated.

[0035] In use, the aerosol generating device 1 can be operated in the following ways:

[0036] • Consumable 2 is provided in the heating chamber 11, between the compression element 111 and the reaction surface 112. This can be performed by the user of the aerosol generating device.

[0037] • The heating chamber 11 is operated to raise its temperature to an aerosol generation temperature, which is at least hot enough to release aerosol from the aerosol matrix 21 of the consumable 2. The heat can be supplied by one or more heating elements 115 included in the heating chamber 11.

[0038] • Aerosol is drawn from the heating chamber 11. For example, the user can inhale it through the mouthpiece 22.

[0039] • Operate the heating chamber 11 to reduce its temperature to the aerosol matrix release temperature. This can be achieved passively by stopping the supply of heat to the heating chamber 11.

[0040] • Remove consumable 2 from heating chamber 11. This can be done by the user after consumable 2 has been released.

[0041] In embodiments of the invention, the compression element 111 includes a thermally active material configured such that at least a portion of the displacement of the compression element 111 occurs passively based on the temperature of the heating chamber 11 and the thermal response characteristics of the thermally active material. In some embodiments, this passive displacement may be combined with actively controlled displacement (e.g., displacement driven by an actuator), but this is not required.

[0042] Specifically, the compression element 111 comprises a material whose magnetic properties change according to temperature. For example, as will be shown with reference to a specific embodiment, such a change in magnetic properties can be a phase transition between two types of magnetic behavior (including ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and diamagnetic behavior). In this specification, "ferromagnetic" includes both ferromagnetism and ferromagnetic behavior. Alternatively (though less preferred), the change in magnetic properties can be a continuous change in field strength without a phase transition. A phase transition is preferred because it can provide relatively high instantaneous forces, allowing the displacement of the compression element to overcome, for example, friction or any viscosity associated with aerosol-generated byproducts.

[0043] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic cross-section of the heating chamber 11, showing additional details of the compression element 111 and the reaction surface 112 in the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the cross-section extends in a plane viewed along the "length" direction of consumable 2.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the compression element 111 interacts magnetically with the magnetic interaction element 113. The magnetic interaction element 113 may be, for example, one or more portions of a first magnetic material attached to the interior of the heating chamber 11, such that the compression element 111 is arranged between the magnetic interaction element 113 and the reaction surface 112.

[0045] In this configuration, the thermally active material of the compression element 111 includes a second magnetic material, which may be the same as or different from the first magnetic material of the magnetic interaction element 113. During the aerosol generation phase, the temperature of the heating chamber 11 rises to the aerosol generation temperature, at which aerosol is generated from the consumable 2. As the temperature within the heating chamber 11 rises during the aerosol generation phase, at least one of the first and second magnetic materials undergoes a change in magnetic properties, and the interaction force between the compression element 111 and the magnetic interaction element 113 changes.

[0046] In the specific configuration of the first embodiment, when the heating chamber 11 is in Figure 2AAt the low-temperature state shown, at least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is ferromagnetic, while the other of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material can be either ferromagnetic or paramagnetic. As a result, the compression element 111 and the magnetic interaction element 113 experience an attractive force that biases the compression element 111 away from the reaction surface 112.

[0047] On the other hand, when the heating chamber 11 is at a high temperature in the aerosol generation chamber, such as Figure 2A As shown, both the first and second magnetic materials are paramagnetic, and there is no significant attraction between the compression element 111 and the magnetic interaction element 113. To achieve this, the magnetic materials must be selected such that, if the magnetic material has a paramagnetic temperature range, the upper limit of that range (Curie temperature) is lower than the aerosol generation temperature.

[0048] When the heating chamber 11 cools down to below the Curie temperature (aerosol matrix release temperature), the magnetic properties return to their low-temperature state, and the compression element 111 and the magnetic interaction element 113 are attracted again, causing the compression element 111 to return to the open position, where the consumable 2 can be inserted and removed.

[0049] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As further demonstrated, when the magnetic interaction is eliminated at a high temperature above the Curie temperature, a second force is applied to cause displacement of the compression element 111. For example, an elastic element 114 (e.g., a spring) can be arranged adjacent to the magnetic interaction element 113 to provide a force opposite to the attraction between the magnetic interaction element 113 and the compression element 111, thereby biasing the compression element 111 away from the reaction surface 112. When the magnetic attraction is removed, the elastic element 114 displaces the compression element 111 toward the reaction surface 112, thereby causing compression of the aerosol matrix 21.

[0050] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As further shown, one or more heating elements 115 may be provided to supply heat to the chamber 11. The heating element 115 may be any known type of heating element, such as a combustible heating element or an electronic resistance heating element.

[0051] Heating elements (multiples) 115 can be arranged at various locations around the heating chamber 11. For example, heating elements 115 can be arranged at the compression element 111 (on the surface of the compression element 111 or contained within the compression element). In this case, because the compression element 111 is configured to be displaced, it may be necessary to provide a flexible or sliding fuel / electricity supply to the heating elements 115. However, because the compression element 111 is configured to compress the aerosol matrix 21, this positioning can have the benefit of improved thermal contact and more efficient heating of the matrix.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the heating element 115 may be located in a fixed position, such as the wall of the heating chamber, for example behind the compression element 111 (i.e., the compression element is between the heating element and the reaction surface), or at the reaction surface 112 (located on or embedded in the reaction surface 112).

[0053] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the heating chamber 11 is shown, as Figure 2A and Figure 2B A variation of the first embodiment is shown. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the reaction surface is not a fixed surface and is also configured to undergo displacement similar to that previously described for the compression element. In other words, the reaction surface 112 can be configured as a second compression element that is configured to displace according to the temperature of the heating chamber. In a simple case, the heating chamber 11 is substantially symmetrical, and the displacement of the second compression element 112 is configured to function in the same manner as the first compression element 111.

[0054] More generally, the number of compression elements is not limited. For example, chamber 11 can have a triangular configuration, which is arranged to receive consumable 2 between three compression elements arranged at 120-degree intervals around consumable 2. In this case, the "reaction surface" function of each compression element is distributed between the other two compression elements.

[0055] Figure 4 An alternative arrangement in a third embodiment, which is a variant of the first embodiment, is shown.

[0056] In the third embodiment, the magnetic interaction element 113 is arranged across the heating chamber 11 facing the compression element 111, such that the consumable 2 is received between the magnetic interaction element 113 and the compression element 111. In this case, the magnetic interaction element 113 may be adjacent to or combined with the reaction surface 112 (e.g., located on, within, or behind the reaction surface).

[0057] In the third embodiment, various types of magnetic configurations can be used.

[0058] In the first case, the compression element 111 and the magnetic interaction element 113 can be configured to not experience magnetic force at low temperatures and to experience magnetic attraction at the aerosol generation temperature. This can be achieved by using a magnetic material that is antiferromagnetic at temperatures below the Nell temperature (below the aerosol generation temperature) in one of the compression element 111 and the magnetic interaction element 113, and by using a magnetic material that is ferromagnetic at the aerosol generation temperature in the other of the compression element 111 and the magnetic interaction element 113.

[0059] Meanwhile, in the first configuration, the elastic element 114 can be configured to bias the compression element 111 toward the open position, in which the consumable 2 is released. This allows the consumable 2 to be inserted and removed when the heating chamber 11 is at a low temperature (e.g., close to room temperature). Alternatively, since there is no magnetic force at low temperatures in this configuration, the elastic element 114 can be omitted, leaving the user of the aerosol generating device to apply minimal force to move the compression element 111 to the open position where the consumable 2 can be inserted and removed.

[0060] In the second case, the compression element 111 and the magnetic interaction element 113 can be configured to experience magnetic repulsion at low temperatures and not experience magnetic force at aerosol generation temperatures.

[0061] This can be achieved by arranging the two ferromagnetic materials opposite each other in a repulsive configuration. More specifically, the compression element 111 can be arranged to have a magnetic field aligned along a first direction, and the magnetic interaction element 113 can be arranged to have a magnetic field aligned in the opposite direction to the first direction. If at least one of the first magnetic material used in the magnetic interaction element 113 and the second magnetic material used in the compression element 111 has a Curie temperature lower than the aerosol generation temperature, then there is no magnetic repulsion when the heating chamber 11 is at the aerosol generation temperature.

[0062] Alternatively, and more preferably, the second case can be achieved by using ferromagnetic and strongly diamagnetic materials, thus eliminating the need for field alignment. More specifically, regardless of the magnetic field orientation of the ferromagnetic material, the diamagnetic material will generate an opposite field, and the ferromagnetic and diamagnetic materials will repel each other. If the ferromagnetic material has a Curie temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, then there will be no repulsive force at the aerosol generation temperature.

[0063] In the second case, the elastic element 114 can be configured as in the first embodiment, having a bias that displaces the compression element 111 toward the reaction surface 112.

[0064] Figure 5This is a schematic cross-section of the alternative aerosol generating device 1 that has received consumable 2. Aerosol generating device 1 and consumable 2 are compared with a reference. Figure 1 The described features are largely similar; only the differences are described here.

[0065] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, an airflow channel extends through the aerosol generating device 1 between the inlet and a separate outlet. However, as... Figure 5 As shown, the inlet and outlet of the airflow channel can also be the same points on the housing of the aerosol generating device, and the heating chamber 11 can have a canister-shaped configuration with only one opening. In this configuration, air is drawn into the aerosol matrix 21 through a portion of the opening and drawn out of the aerosol matrix 21 through the other portion of the opening.

[0066] This difference in airflow channels may require modifications to the heating chamber 11, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0067] More specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the heating chamber 11 may include one or more protrusions 116 configured to maintain space between the consumable 2 and the wall of the heating chamber 11, allowing air to flow around the consumable 2. The protrusions may, for example, be ribs extending along the heating chamber 11. The protrusions(multiple) 116 must be configured to avoid interfering with the displacement of the compression element 111. However, the protrusions(multiple) 116 can provide synergistic benefits of assisted compression by limiting the cross-section of the heating chamber 11 that can be occupied by the consumable 2.

[0068] In one embodiment, the compression element 111 itself can be configured to maintain an airflow passage around the consumable 2 in the same manner as the protrusion 116. That is, the compression element 111 can be arranged between the inlet portion of the heating chamber 11 and the consumable receiving portion of the chamber 11. Thus, when the compression element 111 is displaced to compress the consumable 2, this has the secondary effect of increasing the cross-section of the passage for air to flow into the heating chamber 11. In such an embodiment, a can-type heating chamber 11 can be used without providing a protrusion 116 separate from the compression element 111.

Claims

1. A heating chamber for an aerosol generating apparatus, the heating chamber comprising: A compression element, comprising a thermally active material; as well as Reaction surface, The heating chamber is adapted to receive an aerosol matrix between the compression element and the reaction surface, and the compression element is configured to press the aerosol matrix against the reaction surface. The compression element is configured to shift according to the thermal response characteristics of the heating chamber and the magnetic properties of the thermally active material. The heating chamber further includes a magnetic interaction element comprising a first magnetic material, wherein: The thermally active material includes a second magnetic material. The compression element shifts in response to changes in the magnetic force between the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material. At least one of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material has a threshold temperature at which the material undergoes a magnetic phase transition, and The heating chamber is configured to raise its temperature to an aerosol generation temperature above the threshold temperature during aerosol generation.

2. The heating chamber according to claim 1, further comprising a heating element disposed at the compression element.

3. The heating chamber according to any of the preceding claims further includes a heating element disposed on the reaction surface.

4. The heating chamber of claim 1, wherein, The reaction surface is a second compression element configured to shift according to the temperature of the heating chamber.

5. The heating chamber according to claim 1, wherein, The compression element is arranged between the magnetic interaction element and the reaction surface, and One of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is ferromagnetic at a Curie temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, and the other of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is paramagnetic at a temperature above the Curie temperature.

6. The heating chamber according to claim 1, wherein, The magnetic interaction element is arranged at the reaction surface, and One of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is antiferromagnetic at a Nell temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, while the other of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is ferromagnetic at the aerosol generation temperature.

7. The heating chamber according to claim 1, wherein, The magnetic interaction element is arranged at the reaction surface, and One of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is ferromagnetic at a Curie temperature below the aerosol generation temperature, and the other of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material is diamagnetic.

8. The heating chamber of claim 1, further comprising an elastic element configured to bias the compression element toward or away from the reaction surface.

9. An aerosol generating apparatus comprising a heating chamber according to any of the preceding claims.

10. An aerosol generation system comprising a heating chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an aerosol matrix disposed between the compression element and the reaction surface.

11. A method for generating an aerosol, the method comprising: An aerosol matrix is ​​provided between the compression element and the reaction surface of the heating chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 8; Operate the heating chamber to raise its temperature to the aerosol generation temperature; Extract aerosols from the heating chamber; Operate the heating chamber to reduce its temperature to the aerosol matrix release temperature; as well as Remove the aerosol matrix from the heating chamber.

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