Aerosol-generating device with thermal bridge

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (100) has a heating chamber (102) into which an aerosol substrate is insertable to be heated to generate an aerosol. The heating chamber (102) is housed in the housing (110) and is provided with an aperture (103) through which the aerosol substrate is insertable into the heating chamber (102), such as through an open end (114) of the heating chamber (102). An insulation (121) is arranged between the heating chamber (102) and the housing (110), and a thermal bridge (119; 219) is arranged to dissipate heat from the heating chamber (102), e.g. Near the aperture (103) or from an open end (114) of the heating chamber (102), to the housing (110).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of April 30, 2020, application number 202080031813.0, and invention name “Aerosol generating device with thermal bridge”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device having a thermal bridge. The thermal bridge can dissipate heat from a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device to a housing of the aerosol generating device or to an exterior of the aerosol generating device. The present disclosure is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to a portable aerosol generating device that can be self-contained and operate at low temperatures. Such a device can be configured to heat, rather than burn, tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable materials by conduction, convection and / or radiation to produce an aerosol for inhalation. Background Art

[0003] Over the past several years, there has been a rapid growth in the popularity and use of reduced risk or modified risk devices, also known as vaporizers, to help habitual smokers who wish to quit traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and roll-ons. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosolizable substance as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0004] The device that is generally available, risk is reduced or risk is modified is the aerosol generating device of heated substrate or the device that heats but does not burn.This type of device produces aerosol or vapor by heating aerosol substrate to a temperature generally in the range of 150°C to 300°C, and aerosol substrate generally includes moist tobacco leaves or other suitable aerosolizable materials.Heating but not burning or burning aerosol substrate releases aerosol, and this aerosol includes the components sought by the user but does not include the toxic and carcinogenic byproducts generated by burning and burning.In addition, the aerosol produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable materials generally does not include the burnt taste or bitter taste that may be unpleasant for the user caused by burning and burning, and therefore, the substrate does not need sugar and other additives, and sugar and additives are generally added to such materials to make smoke and / or vapor more delicious for the user.

[0005] In order to minimize the time between the user activating the device for the first time and the user being able to inhale the desired aerosol from the aerosol matrix, it is desirable to heat the aerosol matrix as quickly as possible to a temperature at which the aerosol can be released. This involves the use of a powerful heater, which inevitably causes the aerosol generating device to heat up as a whole. In addition, the user may typically use the aerosol generating device over a considerable period of time, thereby exacerbating the problems associated with heating the entire aerosol generating device. If the aerosol generating device becomes too hot, the user may not be comfortable holding it in their hands. Worse still, if there is any risk that the user may be injured by the heat, the aerosol generating device will become completely unsuitable for consumer use.

[0006] Existing aerosol generating devices include insulation that is intended to reduce the transfer of heat from the heating chamber to outside the aerosol generating device with varying degrees of effectiveness. However, the aerosol generating device has an opening or orifice through which the aerosol substrate is inserted into the heating chamber, and the heat generated during the heating of the aerosol substrate tends to escape from this opening by radiation, convection and / or conduction. This is difficult to mitigate and can be particularly problematic when a user places their mouth and lips in close proximity to the opening during use of the aerosol generating device, for example to inhale an aerosol from the device. Summary of the invention

[0007] Various aspects of the disclosure are set out in the following claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a housing in which the heating chamber is accommodated; an orifice through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber;

[0009] insulation disposed at least partially between the heating chamber and the housing; and

[0010] A thermal bridge is arranged to dissipate heat from the heating chamber to the housing.

[0011] The thermal bridge may provide a means of conducting heat away from the heating chamber and around the housing so that the heat can be dissipated to the surrounding environment. Effectively, the thermal bridge may act as a heat sink. However, the ability of the aerosol generating device to dissipate heat may be further improved by conducting the heat to the housing.

[0012] Optionally, wherein the heating chamber comprises a first end and a second end; wherein the first end is opposite the second end; wherein the orifice is located proximate the first end of the heating chamber; wherein the thermal bridge is arranged closer to the orifice than to the second end of the heating chamber. In such an arrangement, the thermal bridge may provide a means of conducting heat away from the outer surface of the orifice of the aerosol generating device so that the heat can be dissipated to the surrounding environment.

[0013] Optionally, the thermal bridge at least partially defines the aperture.

[0014] Optionally, the thermal bridge is arranged at least partially between the heating chamber and the aperture.

[0015] Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a heat dissipation surface facing outwards from the aerosol generating device.

[0016] Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a heat dissipation surface facing the heat dissipation wall of the housing. Optionally, the heat dissipation surface is in direct contact with the heat dissipation wall of the housing.

[0017] Optionally, the thermal bridge is arranged to at least partially enclose the heating chamber.

[0018] Optionally, the thermal bridge is in contact, such as direct contact, with the heating chamber.

[0019] Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material and the insulation comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. In other words, the thermal bridge is better at conducting heat than the insulation.

[0020] Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material and the housing comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. In some other examples, the thermal bridge and the housing comprise the same material. The thermal bridge may comprise, and preferably is substantially made of, metal. More specifically, the thermal bridge may comprise, and more preferably is substantially made of, aluminum.

[0021] Optionally, the thermal bridge is externally ribbed.

[0022] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a chassis; the thermal bridge and the chassis both complementarily surround the heating chamber; the chassis is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge.

[0023] Optionally, the chassis is externally ribbed, or the housing is internally ribbed.

[0024] Optionally, the chassis is substantially made of plastic and the thermal bridge is substantially made of metal, preferably aluminium. Optionally, the housing covers the chassis. Optionally, the housing comprises metal and is preferably substantially made of metal.

[0025] Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a / the first material and the aerosol generating device has an outer trim at least partially defining the aperture, the outer trim comprising a third material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first material.

[0026] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a heater, and the insulation is arranged between the heater and the housing. The insulation is also preferably arranged between the heater and the thermal bridge. The heater may be electrically operated.

[0027] Optionally, the aerosol generating device comprises a mounting element extending between the heating chamber and the insulation. Optionally, the mounting element cooperates with the chassis and the insulation to secure the insulation and the heating chamber in place in the aerosol generating device.

[0028] Optionally, the heating chamber has a flange and the thermal bridge is located against a surface of the flange. Optionally, the thermal bridge is located against a surface of the flange of the heating chamber, the surface being opposite to the surface of the flange on which the mounting element is located.

[0029] Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises an aperture portion and a shell portion; the aperture portion is preferably located proximate the aperture, and the shell portion is preferably located between a portion of the length of the insulation and the shell.

[0030] Optionally, the aperture portion of the thermal bridge at least partially defines the aperture.

[0031] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a spacing member between the heating chamber and the thermal bridge.

[0032] Optionally, the spacing member comprises a heat resistant polymer material, preferably polyetheretherketone PEEK.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, which includes: a heating chamber, into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a housing, in which the heating chamber is accommodated; an insulator, which is at least partially arranged between the heating chamber and the housing; an orifice, through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber; a thermal bridge, which is arranged to be in thermal contact with the housing and / or includes a heat dissipation surface facing outward from the aerosol generating device, at least a portion of the thermal bridge defines at least a portion of the orifice, or is at least partially arranged between the heating chamber and the orifice.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided, which includes: a heating chamber, into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a shell, in which the heating chamber is accommodated; an orifice, through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber; an insulator, which is at least partially arranged between the heating chamber and the shell; and a thermal bridge, which is arranged to dissipate heat from the heating chamber to the outside of the aerosol generating device.

[0035] Each of the above aspects may include any one or more features mentioned in the other aspects above.

[0036] The use of the words "device," "means," and the like are intended to be generic rather than specific. Although the features of the present disclosure may be implemented using individual components, they may be implemented equally well using other suitable components or combinations of components.

[0037] It should be noted that the term "comprising" as used in this document means "consisting at least in part of...". Therefore, when interpreting statements in this document containing the word "comprising", there may also be features other than the one or those features following the word. Related terms such as "comprising" and "including" are to be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, "(one or more)" before a noun refers to the plural and / or singular form of the noun.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall refer to a system of particles dispersed in air or gas (such as mist, fog or smoke). Therefore, the term "aerosolization" refers to making an aerosol and / or dispersing into an aerosol. It should be noted that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolization is consistent with each of the above-defined volatilization, atomization and vaporization. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a mist or droplets consisting of atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles. Aerosols also include mists or droplets containing any combination of atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles.

[0039] Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with the closure member in a closed position.

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with the closure member in an open position.

[0042] Figure 3is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment, with an aerosol substrate carrier inserted therein.

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with the housing removed.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with the housing and a portion of the chassis removed.

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment, with the housing and another part of the chassis removed.

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a portion of an aerosol-generating device in the region of the orifice according to a first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment, with the housing removed.

[0048] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a portion of an aerosol-generating device in the region of the orifice according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] First embodiment

[0050] See also Figure 1 and Figure 7 According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device 100 comprises a housing 110 which houses a plurality of different components of the aerosol generating device 100. An orifice 103 is provided through which an aerosol substrate can be inserted into a heating chamber 102. In the current embodiment, an aerosol substrate is provided in a substrate carrier 104. The substrate carrier 104 is generally elongated, and the aerosol substrate is positioned toward or at a first end of the substrate carrier 104. Between the aerosol substrate and the second end of the substrate carrier 104, the substrate carrier 104 provides a conduit, which is, for example, in the form of a tube of cardboard or plastic material, optionally with a filter arranged along its length, for example, at the second end of the substrate carrier 104. The aerosol and / or vapor generated when the aerosol substrate is heated in the heating chamber 102 can be drawn out through the conduit and inhaled by a user from the second end of the substrate carrier 102, the substrate carrier having a sufficient length so as to protrude from the orifice 103 (such as when the aerosol substrate is located in the heating chamber 102). Figure 3 as shown).

[0051] The aerosol generating device 100 may be described as a personal inhaler device, an electronic cigarette or (or e-cigarette), a vaporizer, or a smoking device. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 is a heat-not-burn (HnB) device. However, as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products, the aerosol generating device 100 contemplated in the present disclosure more often heats an aerosolizable substance to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

[0052] Aerosol substrate and substrate carrier 104 can be referred to as consumables. In the embodiment shown, the consumables are in the form of rods containing processed tobacco materials, for example, rolled sheets or oriented strips of reconstituted tobacco (RTB) paper impregnated with liquid aerosol forming agents. In the current embodiment, the liquid aerosol forming agent includes vegetable glycerin (VG), but can also be a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and VG. In the current embodiment, the consumables use pure VG, without any spices or nicotine. Instead, volatile spices and nicotine derived from RTB are vaporized simultaneously with the aerosol forming agent, and are entrained in the resulting condensed aerosol for the user to inhale. However, in other embodiments, the consumables have an aerosol forming agent comprising nicotine and other spices. In such cases, the consumables typically include other solid porous materials to absorb aerosol forming agent liquids, such as mousse formed by a gelling agent and a suitable adhesive, which may or may not include tobacco.

[0053] The housing 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 may have any shape and size suitable for fitting the components of the aerosol generating device 100, but is generally elongated. An orifice 103 is provided at a first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100, for example at one end of the elongated shape of the housing 110. In the figures, the first end 113 is shown at the top. The second end 115 of the aerosol generating device 100 is the end farthest from the orifice 103 and is shown at the bottom in the figures. This is the general orientation of the aerosol generating device 100 during use, and therefore, the first end 113 may be referred to as the top end, and the second end 115 may be referred to as the bottom end. More specifically, during use, the user typically orients the aerosol generating device 100 so that the second end 115 is downward and / or in a distal position relative to the user's mouth, and the first end 113 is upward and / or in a proximal position relative to the user's mouth.

[0054] The aerosol generating device 100 has a closure member 109 which is arranged between at least two positions, in particular in a closed position (eg Figure 1 ) and the open position (as shown Figure 2In the closed position, the closure 109 blocks the orifice 103 so that material cannot enter the heating chamber 102. In the open position, the orifice 103 is exposed to allow access to the heating chamber 102 via the orifice 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 109 is arranged to be movable between the closed position and the open position by sliding flat. In other embodiments, the closure 109 is arranged to pivot between the closed position and the open position, and / or rotate between the closed position and the open position.

[0055] An indicator 101 is provided on the aerosol generating device 100 to indicate information to the user. In this embodiment, the indicator 101 comprises a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or (as in the present embodiment) an LED strip, and the indicator 101 is provided on one side of the housing 110, such as between the first end 113 and the second end 115. The information indicated to the user by the indicator 101 may include the state of the aerosol generating device 100, such as whether the aerosol generating device 100 is turned off, in standby mode or turned on, the battery charge, the temperature of the heating chamber 102, or an indication of a time period.

[0056] As in Figure 4 As can be seen most clearly in Figure 1, in which the aerosol generating device 100 is shown with the housing 110 removed, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a chassis 107. The chassis 107 provides structural integrity to the aerosol generating device 100. The chassis also allows components of the aerosol generating device 100 to be mounted using visible mountings, such as screws or snap-fit ​​connections, without significant regard for the impact on the appearance of the chassis 107. Instead, the housing 110 fits around the chassis 107, e.g. covers the chassis, and thus provides the outer or exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100. This means that the housing 110 provides at least the majority of the visible surface of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0057] In this embodiment, the chassis 107 comprises a plastic material and the housing 110 comprises a metal. The chassis 107 being a plastic material means that it can be easily and cheaply formed by molding. Plastic materials also tend to have a much lower thermal conductivity than metals, which means that the chassis 107 is generally more insulating than the housing 110. The housing 110 being metal allows the housing 110 to be pleasant for the user to hold. It can also be anodized, treated or coated, such as by powder coating, to make it attractive and resistant to scratches, wear, rust or other deterioration. Compared with the plastic material of the chassis 107, the higher thermal conductivity of the metal of the housing 110 allows any heat that leaks from the heating chamber 102 to the housing 110 to be more freely distributed around the housing 110, thereby reducing local hot spots. However, it should be noted that it is not necessary for the chassis 107 to be a plastic material and the housing 110 to be metal, and in other embodiments, the chassis 107 and the housing 110 are formed of other materials.

[0058] The chassis 107 comprises two parts. With the aerosol generating device 100 oriented with the orifice 103 facing the viewer, the left part 107a is on the left and the right part 107b is on the right. The left part 107a and the right part 107b fit together at a plane that bisects the aerosol generating device 100. The plane is parallel to the length of the aerosol generating device 100, which is in the direction between the first end 113 and the second end 115 and extends from the front to the back of the aerosol generating device 100 in the orientation described herein. Effectively, the chassis 107 is divided into two generally equal parts that are mirror images of each other except for minor differences, such as to accommodate small asymmetric features, such as the indicator 101 located on the right part 107b.

[0059] The outer surface of the chassis 107 is ribbed. That is, the chassis 107 includes a wall 117 having a generally uniform thickness over most of its extent, wherein ribs 124 are provided on the outwardly facing surface of the wall 117. These ribs stand upright from the outwardly facing surface. In the illustrated embodiment, most of the ribs 124 extend generally circumferentially around the housing 110 relative to the length of the aerosol generating device 100. However, at least one of the ribs 124 extends along the length of the aerosol generating device 100, generally perpendicular to the other ribs 124. In other words, the chassis 107 has ribs 124 that cross each other, for example, perpendicularly. Compared to the wall 117 alone, these ribs 124 increase the structural integrity of the chassis 107 without adding as much weight as would be added if the wall 117 itself were made thicker.

[0060] The housing 110 is mounted directly to the chassis 107. As with the chassis 107, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 110 comprises two parts. With the aerosol generating device 100 oriented with the orifice 103 facing the viewer, the left part 110a is on the left side and the right part 110b is on the right side. The left part 110a and the right part 110b are assembled together at the same plane as the plane in which the left part 107a and the right part 107b of the chassis 107 are assembled together. So, similar to the chassis 107, the housing 110 is divided into two generally equal parts, which are mirror images of each other, except for minor differences, for example to accommodate small asymmetric features, such as the indicator 101 located on the right part 110b.

[0061] In this embodiment, the inwardly facing surface and the outwardly facing surface of the housing 110 are both smooth. The profile of the inwardly facing surface is determined to follow the outer extent of the chassis 107, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, to follow the outer extent of the ribs 124. The inwardly facing surface of the housing 110 is fitted flush with the outer extent of the chassis 107. This allows the housing 110 to be firmly bonded to the chassis 107, for example, by glue. Advantageously, the space between the ribs 124 of the chassis 107 provides gaps between the walls of the chassis 107 and the inwardly facing surface of the housing 110. These gaps can simply be filled with air, which is itself a good insulator, and its thermal conductivity is less than many plastic materials at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the ribs 124 of the chassis 107 advantageously improve the thermal insulation properties of the aerosol generating device 100 between the heating chamber 102 and the housing 110. In a variant of this embodiment, the inner surface of the housing has the ribs 124, while the outer portion of the chassis is smooth. In another variation, both the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the chassis are ribbed.

[0062] In a first embodiment, the housing 110 does not extend across the entire extent of the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100, where the orifice 103 and the closure 109 are provided. Instead, the aerosol generating device 100 has a decorative element 111 at the first end 113. The decorative element 111 extends at least partially, and in the illustrated embodiment completely, around the orifice 103. In other words, the decorative element 111 at least partially defines the orifice 103. It also extends below the closure 109, i.e. between the closure 109 and the rest of the aerosol generating device 100. In this first embodiment, the decorative element 111 comprises a plastic material, for example the same material as the chassis 107. It is retained between the left part 107a and the right part 107b of the chassis 107. The decorative element 111 is the part of the aerosol generating device 100 that is closest to the user's mouth during use.

[0063] exist Figure 5The internal components of the aerosol generating device 100 can be most clearly seen in FIG. 1 , in which the housing 110 and the right portion 107b of the chassis 107 are removed and in FIG. Figure 6 107 are removed. It can be seen that the heating chamber 102 (or oven) is surrounded by insulation 121. The indicator 101 and the power source 112 of the aerosol generating device 100, such as a battery cell or battery, are also more visible. It is worth noting that the insulation 121 and the power source 112 (both of which are generally cylindrical) are arranged side by side to compactly package them inside the chassis 107 and the housing 110.

[0064] In more detail, the heating chamber 102 is positioned towards the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 101. The heating chamber 102 is generally cup-shaped, with an open end 114 positioned towards the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100, through which the aerosol substrate can enter the heating chamber 102 (see Figure 7 ). The orifice 103 of the aerosol generating device 100 coincides with the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the orifice 103 is generally circular, with a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the heating chamber 102. The aerosol substrate carrier 104 is generally cylindrical, with a diameter similar to the inner diameter of the heating chamber 102, and can therefore pass through the orifice 103 and the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 without difficulty. However, the orifice 103 and the aerosol substrate carrier 104 can have any shape or size, as long as at least a portion of the aerosol substrate carrier 104 can be received in the heating chamber 102 through the orifice 103 to allow the aerosol substrate to be heated in the heating chamber 102.

[0065] The heating chamber 102 is mounted within the insulation 121. Figure 7 1 , the heating chamber 102 has an outwardly projecting flange 116 at the open end 114. The flange 116 is annular, for example, it extends all the way around the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. The flange 116 extends radially outward from the sidewall of the heating chamber 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 116 extends perpendicular to the sidewall, for example, in a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the heating chamber 102.

[0066] A mounting element 108 is provided for mounting the heating chamber 102 in the insulation 121 and for mounting the combination of the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 in the aerosol generating device, or more precisely on the chassis 107. The mounting element 108 is generally annular, for example it extends around the periphery of the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. The mounting element 108 spaces the heating chamber 102 from the insulation 121. More precisely, the mounting element 108 is located between the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121, at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. The dimensions of the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 are such that the heating chamber 102 fits within the void defined by the inner wall of the insulation 121. With the heating chamber inserted into the void of the insulation, the only contact between the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 is via the mounting element 108. Compared to an arrangement where the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 are in greater contact with each other, the space elsewhere between the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 is filled with air, thereby improving the thermal insulation between the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting element 108 comprises polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK is used because it has a high resistance to thermal degradation and low thermal conductivity. Other materials, such as other thermoplastic materials, may be used.

[0067] The insulation 121 surrounds the heating chamber 102, except at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. In some embodiments, the insulation 121 is a fiber material or a foam material, such as a fleece. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation 121 includes a pair of nested tubes or cups, and the cavity therebetween is enclosed. The cavity can be filled with an insulating material, such as fiber, foam, gel or gas (e.g., under low pressure), and / or the cavity can include a vacuum. Advantageously, the vacuum requires a very small thickness to achieve high thermal isolation. It should be understood that the insulation 121 surrounds the heating chamber 102, except at the open end 114. Therefore, the insulation inhibits or limits the flow of heat from the heating chamber 102 to the housing 110. In addition, a heater (not shown) is typically positioned on the outer surface of the heating chamber 102, and the insulation 121 also surrounds this heater in a similar manner.

[0068] The mounting element 108 extends from between the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121, around the end of the insulation 121 near the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102, to the outer surface of the insulation 121. The mounting element 108 cooperates with the chassis 107 and the outer surface of the insulation 121 to secure the insulation 121 and the heating chamber 102 in place in the aerosol generating device 100. In much the same way as the heating chamber 102 is nested within the insulation 121, there is a void within the chassis 107 to accommodate the insulation 121, with space between the insulation 121 and the chassis 107.

[0069] An additional mounting element (not shown) is provided at the end of the insulation 121 opposite to the end close to the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. However, the insulation 121 is only in contact with the chassis 107 via the mounting element 108 and the additional mounting element, and not elsewhere. This again improves the insulation of the heating chamber 102 relative to the exterior of the aerosol generating device 100, such as the housing 110.

[0070] The heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 are further held in place within the aerosol generating device 100 by a thermal bridge 119. The thermal bridge 119 is positioned against a surface of the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102 which is opposite to the surface of the flange 116 on which the mounting element 108 is positioned. Thus, the flange 116 is held between the thermal bridge 119 and the mounting element 108. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a gasket 125 between the thermal bridge 119 and the flange 116 to improve assembly, but this is not required. The thermal bridge 119 itself is mounted to the chassis 107, near the aperture 103, and serves to prevent the heating chamber 102 and the insulation 121 from moving towards the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal bridge 119 comprises an aperture portion 118 and a housing portion 120. The aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 is located proximate to the aperture 103, while the housing portion 120 is located between a portion of the length of the insulation 121 and the housing 110. The aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 at least partially defines the aperture 103 of the aerosol generating device 100, in particular the inner portion of the aperture 103. In more detail, in this embodiment, the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 extends all the way around the aperture 103, but in other embodiments, only partially around the aperture 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 has a hole therethrough, which provides the aperture 103 to the aerosol generating device 100. The housing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 comprises a wall 123 having external ribs 124, which protrude from a surface of the wall 123 that faces outwardly relative to the heating chamber 102. These ribs 124 serve to increase the surface area of ​​the outer shell part 120 of the thermal bridge 119 .

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture portion 118 and the housing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 are a continuous single piece. The thermal bridge 119 comprises a metal. In this embodiment, the metal is aluminum. Aluminum is used due to its high thermal conductivity, because aluminum is relatively light and easy to manufacture compared to other metals. In other embodiments, the thermal bridge 119 comprises aluminum or an alloy of some other metal or material, such as copper, iron, steel or any alloy thereof.

[0073] In this first embodiment, the outwardly facing surface of the housing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 is in good thermal contact with the housing 110. This may be achieved by using thermal paste or other suitable material between the housing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 and the housing 110. In other embodiments, this is achieved simply by ensuring close physical contact between the thermal bridge 119 and the housing 110.

[0074] The thermal bridge 119 is arranged to provide a path for heat to flow from the open end 114 of the heating chamber to the housing 110. As the housing 110 itself has a relatively high thermal conductivity, for example because it comprises metal, the heat flowing from the open end 114 of the heating chamber to the housing 110 via the thermal bridge 119 is conducted by the housing 110 and thereby spread around the housing 110. As the housing 110 provides the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100, the heat can be effectively radiated away from the aerosol generating device 100. Counterintuitively, instead of attempting to further trap the heat within the heating chamber 102, this arrangement recognises that it is better to allow the heat escaping from the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 to leave the orifice 103 of the aerosol generating device 100. This is more effective in preventing the aerosol generating device 100 from becoming undesirably hot near the orifice 103 than arrangements which further attempt to trap the heat at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102.

[0075] As described above, the decorative member 111 covers the thermal bridge 119 at the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100. Because the decorative member 111 comprises a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge 119, heat from the open end 114 of the heating chamber is inhibited or restricted from flowing to the decorative member, and therefore to the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 at the first end 113.

[0076] In the experimental analysis of the sample aerosol generating device according to the first embodiment, the heating chamber 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 was used in a repeated cycle to heat the aerosol substrate at room temperature so that the temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 reached a substantially steady state. It has been found that Figure 3 At point A, the temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches approximately 37 oC, point B on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches approximately 35 o C, point C on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches approximately 33 o C, point D on the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches approximately 29 o C, and point E of the inner surface of the chassis 107 reaches approximately 46 o C.

[0077] Second embodiment

[0078] See also Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The aerosol-generating device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is the same as the aerosol-generating device 100 of the first embodiment, except that the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment is positioned in the position of the decorative member 111 and has a different form.

[0079] In more detail, the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment does not extend around the insulation 121. Effectively, the housing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 of the first embodiment is omitted and the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 of the first embodiment is adapted to replace the decorative element 111 of the first embodiment. The thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment at least partially defines the aperture 103. More precisely, the thermal bridge 219 extends all the way around the aperture 103 in this embodiment, but only partially around the aperture 103 in other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the thermal bridge 219 has a hole therethrough which provides the aperture 103 to the aerosol generating device 100. The thermal bridge 219 is held in place by the housing 110, i.e. the periphery of the thermal bridge 219 is in contact with the housing 110, for example between the left and right portions 110a, 110b of the housing 110.

[0080] The spacer 220 extends between the thermal bridge 219 and the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102. In the embodiment shown, there is also a gasket 125 between the spacer 220 and the flange 116 to improve assembly. The spacer 220 has a hole passing through it, which is similar in size to the hole of the thermal bridge 219, and the two holes are aligned so that they further define the orifice 103 together. The spacer 220 is generally tubular. In this embodiment, the spacer 220 includes PEEK. PEEK is useful because it inhibits or limits heat from being transferred to the thermal bridge 219 from the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102 by conduction. The thermal bridge 219 includes metal, in this embodiment, aluminum. The thermal bridge 219 can alternatively include an alloy of aluminum. Other materials, such as copper, iron, steel, or any alloy thereof, can also be used.

[0081] Similar to the first embodiment, instead of attempting to further trap heat within the heating chamber 102, the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment also attempts to allow heat escaping from the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 to leave the orifice 103 of the aerosol generating device 100. This is achieved by the thermal bridge 219 conducting heat away from the periphery of the orifice 103 towards the housing 110. Specifically, the thermal bridge 219 extends around the orifice 103 on the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device. It also extends below the closure 109, i.e., between the closure 109 and the rest of the aerosol generating device 100. It is retained between the left part 110a and the right part 110b of the housing 110. The periphery of the thermal bridge 219 is in direct contact with the housing 110. The location of the thermal bridge 219, for example on the outer or external surface of the aerosol generating device 100 at the first end 113, allows the thermal bridge 219 to radiate heat from the orifice 103 to the surrounding environment. Furthermore, by being in thermal contact with the housing 110, heat can flow from the thermal bridge 219 to the housing 110 and be distributed around the housing 110, where the heat can be radiated to the surrounding environment. The surfaces of the thermal bridge 219 and the housing 110 that contact each other can be tightly fitted, and / or thermal paste or some other heat conductive medium can be applied between the surfaces to ensure good thermal conduction between the thermal bridge 219 and the housing 110.

[0082] In the experimental analysis of the sample aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment, the heating chamber 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 was used in a repeated cycle to heat the aerosol substrate at room temperature so that the temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 reached a substantially steady state. It has been found that Figure 3 At point A shown, the temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches approximately 36°C, point B of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches approximately 33°C, point C of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches approximately 32°C, point D of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reaches approximately 29°C, and point E of the inner surface of the chassis 107 reaches approximately 49°C. It will be appreciated that these temperatures are at least slightly lower than the temperatures reached by the aerosol generating device based on the first embodiment, at least in terms of the outer surface of the housing 110. However, to balance this, it is found that the presence of metal around the orifice 103 (i.e. the metal surface of the thermal bridge 219) in the second embodiment causes more heat to be radiated from the aerosol generating device 100 to the vicinity compared to the first embodiment, in which the decorative piece 111 of plastic material is present on the surface around the orifice 103. Considering that the user's mouth is close to this part of the aerosol generating device 100 during use, this makes a significant difference to the user's experience, which is that the temperature of the surface around the orifice 103 is higher in the second embodiment compared to the first embodiment, even though measurements show the opposite.

[0083] Definitions and Alternative Embodiments

[0084] It will be appreciated from the above description that many features of these different embodiments are interchangeable with one another. The present disclosure extends to further embodiments which contain features from different embodiments combined together in a manner not specifically mentioned.

[0085] As used herein, the term "vapour" or "vapor" means: (i) the form to which a liquid naturally transforms when sufficient heat is applied; or (ii) liquid / moisture particles suspended in the atmosphere and visible as clouds of steam / mist; or (iii) a fluid that fills space like a gas but liquefies under pressure alone below its critical temperature.

[0086] Consistent with this definition, the terms "vaporise" or "vaporize" refer to: (i) to change or cause to become a vapor; and (ii) the condition whereby a particle changes physical state (i.e., from a liquid or solid to a gas).

[0087] As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall refer to a system of particles dispersed in air or gas (such as mist, fog or smoke). Therefore, the term "aerosolization" refers to making an aerosol and / or dispersing into an aerosol. It should be noted that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolization is consistent with each of the above-defined volatilization, atomization and vaporization. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a mist or droplets consisting of atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles. Aerosols also include mists or droplets containing any combination of atomized, volatilized or vaporized particles.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (100), comprising: a heating chamber (102) into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a housing (110) in which the heating chamber (102) is accommodated; an orifice (103) through which the aerosol matrix can be inserted into the heating chamber (102); a thermal insulator (121) at least partially disposed between the heating chamber (102) and the housing (110); and a thermal bridge (119; 219) arranged to dissipate heat from the heating chamber (102) to the housing (110), The aerosol generating device (100) further comprises a base frame (107); the thermal bridge (119; 219) and the base frame (107) both complementarily surround the heating chamber (102); the base frame (107) is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge (119; 219); wherein the aerosol generating device (100) further comprises a mounting element (108) extending between the heating chamber (102) and the insulation (121), and wherein the mounting element (108) cooperates with the base frame (107) and the insulation (121) to secure the insulation (121) and the heating chamber in place in the aerosol generating device (100), The aerosol generating device (100) further comprises a spacing component (220) between the heating chamber (102) and the thermal bridge (119; 219).

2. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The heating chamber (102) comprises a first end proximate to the orifice (103) and a second end opposite to the first end of the heating chamber (102), wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is arranged closer to the first end of the heating chamber (102) than to the second end of the heating chamber (102).

3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) at least partially defines the aperture (103).

4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) is at least partially arranged between the heating chamber (102) and the orifice (103).

5. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal bridge (119, 219) comprises a heat dissipation surface facing outwardly from the aerosol generating device (100).

6. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The thermal bridge (119, 219) comprises a heat dissipation surface facing a heat dissipation wall of the housing (110).

7. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The heat dissipation surface is in direct contact with the heat dissipation wall of the housing (110).

8. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) is arranged to at least partially enclose the heating chamber (102).

9. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) is in contact with the heating chamber (102).

10. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material and the thermal insulation (121) comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material.

11. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material and the housing (110) comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material.

12. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises metal.

13. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises aluminum.

14. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) is externally ribbed.

15. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The chassis (107) is ribbed externally, or the housing (110) is ribbed internally.

16. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The chassis is substantially made of plastic and the thermal bridge (119; 219) is substantially made of metal.

17. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein: The housing (110) covers the base frame (107).

18. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein: The housing (110) comprises metal, and preferably wherein the housing (110) is substantially made of metal.

19. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein: The heating chamber (102) has a flange (116), and the thermal bridge (119; 219) is positioned against a surface of the flange (116).

20. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 19, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) is positioned against a surface of the flange (116) of the heating chamber (102) which is opposite to the surface of the flange (116) on which the mounting element (108) is positioned.

21. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, 15 to 20, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a / the first material, and the aerosol generating device (100) has an outer trim (111) at least partially defining the orifice (103), the outer trim (111) comprising a third material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first material.

22. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1-9, 15-20, further comprising a heater, and the insulation (121) is arranged between the heater and the housing (110).

23. An aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 22, wherein: The heater is electrically operated.

24. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 22, wherein: The thermal insulation (121) is arranged between the heater and the thermal bridge (119; 219).

25. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, 15 to 20, wherein: The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises an aperture portion (118) and a housing portion (120); the aperture portion (118) is preferably positioned proximate the aperture (103), and the housing portion (120) is preferably located between a portion of the length of the insulation (121) and the housing (110).

26. An aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 25, wherein: The aperture portion (118) of the thermal bridge (119; 219) at least partially defines the aperture (103).

27. An aerosol generating device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, 15 to 20, wherein: The spacer member (220) comprises a heat-resistant polymer material, preferably at least one selected from silicon, polyurethane or polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

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