Heating assembly for aerosol-generating device

Abstract

A heating assembly (12) for an aerosol-generating device (10). The heating assembly includes an airflow channel (14) and a heating element (38). The heating element is at least partially arranged in the airflow channel or at least partially around the airflow channel. The heating element comprises one or more through holes (32) for allowing air flowing through the airflow channel to also flow through the heating element. The heating element is an induction heating element comprising a flux concentrator. An aerosol-generating device, a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device, and an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus, an aerosol generating apparatus, a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus, and an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating apparatus and a cylinder.

[0002] An aerosol generating apparatus for generating inhalable vapors is known. Such an apparatus heats a liquid aerosol forming matrix to a temperature that causes one or more components of the liquid aerosol forming matrix to volatilize without burning the aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol forming matrix can be disposed in liquid form in a liquid storage section that is part of a replaceable or refillable cylinder. Conventionally, wicking elements have been employed for wicking the liquid aerosol forming matrix toward a heating coil.

[0003] A heating assembly for an aerosol generation apparatus is desired that improves the wicking of the liquid aerosol forming matrix to the heating element of the heating assembly. A heating assembly for an aerosol generation apparatus is also desired that improves the airflow above the heating element of the heating assembly to improve the entrainment of the volatile liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, a heating assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The heating assembly may include an airflow channel and a heating element. The heating element may be at least partially arranged in or at least partially surrounding the airflow channel. The heating element may include one or more through-holes for allowing air flowing through the airflow channel to also flow through the heating element.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heating assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The heating assembly includes an airflow channel and a heating element. The heating element is at least partially disposed in or at least partially surrounding the airflow channel. The heating element includes one or more through-holes for allowing air flowing through the airflow channel to also flow through the heating element.

[0006] Providing one or more through-holes in the heating element and guiding airflow through these through-holes can improve the contact surface between the heating element and the air flowing through the airflow channel. This can improve energy efficiency during aerosol generation. This can also improve the uniformity of aerosol generation.

[0007] The airflow channel may extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating assembly. The airflow channel may have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the airflow channel may have an elliptical, oval, or rectangular cross-section.

[0008] The main extension axis of the heating element can be orthogonal to the main extension axis of the airflow channel. The main extension axis of the airflow channel can be the same as the longitudinal axis of the heating assembly. In other words, the main extension axis of the heating element can be perpendicular to the main extension axis of the airflow channel.

[0009] The heating element may at least partially surround the airflow channel. The heating element may completely surround the airflow channel.

[0010] The heating element can be arranged directly adjacent to the airflow channel. The heating element can at least partially form the sidewall of the airflow channel.

[0011] Air flowing through the airflow channel can directly contact the heating element as it passes through one or more through-holes in the heating element.

[0012] The through-hole of the heating element can be arranged in the center of the airflow channel.

[0013] The inner diameter of the through-hole can correspond to the inner diameter of the airflow channel. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the through-hole can be smaller than the inner diameter of the airflow channel.

[0014] The cross-sectional shape of the through hole preferably corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the airflow channel.

[0015] The heating element can be circular. The heating element can have an annular shape. Preferably, the annular heating element surrounds a circular airflow channel.

[0016] The heating element can be oval-shaped. The heating element can also be elliptical in shape.

[0017] The heating element can be disc-shaped. Particularly preferred is that the heating element has an annular disc shape.

[0018] The heating element can be rectangular.

[0019] The heating element can be planar.

[0020] The heating element may have a thickness. The thickness may be between 10 micrometers and 250 micrometers, preferably between 15 micrometers and 100 micrometers, and more preferably between 20 micrometers and 60 micrometers.

[0021] Each individual through-hole passing through the heating element can have a diameter. The diameter can range from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.7 mm to 2 mm. If only a single through-hole is provided, the diameter of the through-hole can range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 3 mm, and more preferably from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. The heating portion of the heating element can be along the periphery of the single through-hole.

[0022] The heating element may include multiple through holes, which may be arranged in a regular pattern in the heating element.

[0023] One or more through holes can be configured as slits. The slits preferably have an extension axis orthogonal to the main extension axis of the airflow channel.

[0024] The heating element may include heating rails, and preferably may be composed of heating rails. The thickness of the heating rails may be between 2 micrometers and 500 micrometers, more preferably between 4 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

[0025] The heating element may include a zigzag heating track. The zigzag configuration can increase the total resistance of the heating track.

[0026] The heating element may be covered by a protective layer. The protective layer may include or be composed of glass.

[0027] The heating element may include a circular heating track.

[0028] The heating element may include at least two concentric heating tracks.

[0029] The heating element may include, and preferably may be composed of, a resistive material. The total resistance of the heating element may be between 0.1 ohms and 5 ohms, and preferably between 0.3 ohms and 2 ohms.

[0030] The heating element may include, and preferably be composed of, a sensor material. The heating element may be made of stainless steel. Preferably, the heating element may be made of magnetic stainless steel. The heating element may be made of AISI 430 grade stainless steel or any type of magnetic material.

[0031] The heating element may include metal foil, and preferably may be composed of metal foil.

[0032] The thickness of the heating element can be between 2 micrometers and 500 micrometers, and preferably between 4 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

[0033] The heating element can be configured as a detachable heating element.

[0034] The heating assembly may include a heating element retainer. The heating element retainer may be configured to removably retain the heating element. The heating element retainer may retain the heating element by means of one or more of the following methods: threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, or any type of connection.

[0035] The heating element can be disposed on a substrate. The substrate can include glass. The substrate can be composed of glass.

[0036] The substrate layer may include one or more through-holes. The through-holes in the substrate layer may be aligned with the through-holes in the heating element.

[0037] The base layer can be made of thermal insulation material.

[0038] The substrate layer may include a tube. The substrate layer may be configured to wick a liquid aerosol forming matrix to the heating element. Therefore, the substrate layer may also be configured as a wicking layer.

[0039] The substrate layer can be an electrical insulator. The substrate layer can have low thermal conductivity. The substrate layer can comprise ceramics, glass, heat-resistant polymers, or silicon-based materials, preferably composed of ceramics, glass, heat-resistant polymers, or silicon-based materials, and more preferably zirconium oxide (zirconia oxide).

[0040] The thickness of the substrate layer can be between 5 micrometers and 1000 micrometers, and preferably between 30 micrometers and 400 micrometers.

[0041] The heating element can be held within the support structure of the aerosol generating device. The support structure can be configured to be removable. This allows the support structure to be replaced after the heater assembly of the aerosol generating device has been in operation for a period of time. Alternatively, the support structure can be non-removably fixed to the heating element.

[0042] The support structure can be connected to the heating element by different assembly methods: by screw clamping, by snap-fit ​​clamping, by adhesive or overmolding.

[0043] The support structure may include one or more of the following: a container for securing the disposable cylinder to its top side, an electrical connector for connecting the heating assembly to a controller and a power source, and a fixing system for attaching it to the aerosol generating device.

[0044] The heating element can be arranged adjacent to the flux concentrator, or preferably embedded in the flux concentrator.

[0045] The heating assembly may also include a wicking element configured to wick liquid aerosols toward the heating element to form a matrix.

[0046] The wicking element can be arranged to be in direct contact with the heating element. The wicking element can be arranged to be directly adjacent to the heating element.

[0047] The wicking element arrangement described herein can improve the thermal contact between the liquid aerosol forming matrix and the heating element. The wicking element arrangement described herein can also enhance the feed of the liquid aerosol forming matrix to the heating element due to the reduced viscosity of the liquid aerosol forming matrix within the wicking element. This effect is particularly pronounced in arrangements where the wicking element is adjacent to or in contact with the heating element.

[0048] The wicking element, which is in direct contact with the heating element, can be arranged near or far from the heating element. Particularly preferably, the wicking element is arranged near the heating element. The wicking element is preferably arranged on the large surface near the heating element. A base layer can be arranged on the large surface opposite the wicking element on its distal side.

[0049] The wicking element may have one or more through holes aligned with one or more through holes of the heating element. This allows air to be drawn through the airflow channel, through the through holes of the heating element, and through the through holes of the wicking element.

[0050] The wicking element can be arranged to at least partially surround the outer periphery of the heating element.

[0051] The wicking element can have a ring shape. The wicking element can have a ring-shaped disk shape.

[0052] The wicking element can cover 60% to 98% of the large surface area of ​​the heating element. The wicking element can cover 80% to 98% of the large surface area of ​​the heating element. The wicking element can cover 90% to 98% of the large surface area of ​​the heating element.

[0053] The edge of the wicking element, particularly the inner edge, can be radially away from the edge of the receptor, particularly the inner edge. The distance between the wicking element and the receptor can be between 0.3 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, more preferably between 0.7 mm and 1.5 mm, and most preferably 1 mm.

[0054] The wicking element may not cover a portion of the large proximal surface of the heating element. This uncovered area may surround the through-hole of the heating element. The remaining portion of the large proximal surface of the heating element may be covered by the wicking element. When the liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​wicked toward the heating element via the wicking element, the liquid aerosol forming matrix may be primarily evaporated in this uncovered area.

[0055] Partial coverage of the heating element by the wicking element may cause a meniscus of liquid aerosol forming matrix to form on the uncovered surface of the heating element not covered by the wicking element. This meniscus of the liquid aerosol forming matrix can be evaporated by the heating element without being blocked by the wicking element.

[0056] The wicking element can be configured as a coating on the heating element. The wicking element can be disposed on the heating element. The wicking element can be disposed on a first side of the heating element, and the substrate layer can be disposed on a second opposite side of the heating element.

[0057] The wicking element may comprise, and preferably comprises, glass or ceramic materials. The wicking element may comprise, and preferably comprises, polymeric materials such as, but not limited to, cotton, Kevlar, or any felt or sponge material capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 200°C. In a preferred embodiment, the wicking element may comprise, and preferably comprises, Kevlar or cotton. These materials may be advantageous from a toxicological perspective. These materials can readily conform to the shape of the heating element, thereby preventing gaps between the wicking element and the heating element.

[0058] The wicking element may include one or more tubes configured to wick a liquid aerosol matrix toward a heating element via capillary action. The heating element may include one or more tubes configured to wick a liquid aerosol matrix toward a heating element via capillary action. The base layer may include one or more tubes configured to wick a liquid aerosol matrix toward a heating element via capillary action. The tubes of the wicking element, heating element, and base layer may be aligned. The tubes of the wicking element, heating element, and base layer may not intersect with any through-holes in the wicking element, heating element, and base layer.

[0059] Pipes can be configured into a network. The term "pipe" or "multiple pipes" can refer to capillary channels or pores. Pipes can be arranged in regular geometric patterns, such as zigzag or checkerboard patterns.

[0060] The tube can be arranged to extend between the vias of the heating element. The tube can be arranged to extend between the vias of the wicking element. The tube can be arranged to extend between the vias of the substrate layer. The tube can be arranged to supply a liquid aerosol forming matrix to one or more of the vias of the wicking element, the heating element, and the substrate layer.

[0061] The wicking element can be arranged to wick a liquid aerosol forming matrix so as to create a meniscus of the liquid aerosol forming matrix between the wicking element and the heating element.

[0062] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating apparatus including a heating component as described herein.

[0063] The aerosol generating apparatus may include an airflow channel. The airflow channel may be a central airflow channel. The airflow channel of the aerosol generating apparatus may also include an airflow channel for a heating component.

[0064] Aerosol generating apparatus may include an air inlet. Alternatively, a cylinder as described herein may include an air inlet. The air inlet may be arranged to allow ambient air to be drawn into the airflow channels of the aerosol generating apparatus or the cylinder, respectively.

[0065] The airflow channel may include an inner diameter. The inner diameter may be between 1.5 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, and more preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0066] The aerosol generating apparatus may include a first air inlet configured to draw ambient air into a central portion of an airflow channel. The aerosol generating apparatus may also include a second air inlet configured to draw ambient air radially into a portion above a heating element.

[0067] The first air inlet can be located at the distal end of the aerosol generating device. The second air inlet can be located on the lateral sidewall of the aerosol generating device. The first air inlet can be fluidly connected to the airflow channel. The second air inlet can be fluidly connected to the airflow channel.

[0068] The airflow path connecting the first air inlet to the airflow channel and the airflow path connecting the second air inlet to the airflow channel can be merged at or near the heating assembly, preferably at or near the through hole of the heating element of the heating assembly.

[0069] In other words, the airflow channel may include a first portion fluidly connecting a first air inlet to the heating element, and the airflow channel may include a second portion fluidly connecting a second air inlet to the heating element. The first portion of the airflow channel may be arranged along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The second portion of the airflow channel may extend along or parallel to the transverse axis of the aerosol generating device. The first portion and the second portion of the airflow channel may merge at or near the heating element, more preferably at or near the through-hole of the heating element of the heating element.

[0070] The main extension axis of the first air inlet may extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The main extension axis of the second air inlet may extend along or parallel to the transverse axis of the aerosol generating device. The main extension axis of the second air inlet may be parallel to the main extension axis of the heating element.

[0071] Ambient air drawn into the space above the heating element through the second air inlet helps to direct heat away from the heating element, thus preventing overheating of the heating element.

[0072] Aerosol generating apparatus may include an induction coil. The induction coil may be arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field. The induction coil may be arranged such that a heating element (more particularly, a heating element of the heating element) is subjected to the alternating magnetic field. The heating element may be an induction heating element. Due to being subjected to the alternating magnetic field of the induction coil, the heating element may be heated by induced eddy currents in the heating element.

[0073] The induction heating element may include a flux concentrator. The induction heating element may be embedded in the flux concentrator. The flux concentrator may be configured to concentrate an alternating magnetic field toward the heating element. Preferably, the flux concentrator may be configured to concentrate the alternating magnetic field toward a specific region of the heating element. This configuration allows for localized heating of the sensor, and therefore allows for localized heating of the wicking element comprising the aerosol-forming matrix. In other words, the flux concentrator allows for effective heating of the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0074] Flux concentrators can be configured to shield alternating magnetic fields from external disturbances.

[0075] The induction coil can be made of copper, silver, gold, or any material with high conductivity. The wire of the induction coil can have a specific cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the wire can be circular, oval, square, or any other shape. The cross-sectional shape of the wire is preferably rectangular. The induction coil can have more than one winding. The induction coil can have one to five windings, preferably 1.5 to 4 windings, more preferably 1.7 to 3.5 windings, and most preferably 2.5 windings. The induction coil can have two windings. The induction coil can have three windings.

[0076] The flux concentrator can be made of a material with high relative permeability and low coercivity above 1 MHz. The flux concentrator can be made of ferrite, preferably nickel-zinc ferrite. The flux concentrator can have a U-shaped shape that rotates about its central axis. The induction coil can be arranged in the U-shaped flux concentrator. The flux concentrator can be located at the center of the induction coil. The flux concentrator can have a rod shape, or a pin shape, or a pointed shape, or any other shape. The flux concentrator can consist of a nearly closed loop with flat or tapered edges to increase the magnetic flux intensity. The flux concentrator can have a hole in its center along its longitudinal direction. This may be beneficial for providing an air connection from the airflow channel to the suction sensor.

[0077] A gap can be provided between the heating element and the induction coil of the heating assembly. The gap can be between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm, and more preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.1 mm. This gap ensures good energy transfer from the induction coil to the heating element. This gap ensures an electrical quality factor between 5 and 10.

[0078] The present invention further relates to a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the cylinder may include:

[0079] A liquid storage section, wherein the liquid storage section is used to maintain the liquid aerosol forming matrix; and

[0080] wicking element,

[0081] The wicking element can be fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion to enable wicking of the liquid aerosol to form a matrix, and the wicking element can be configured as described herein.

[0082] The present invention further relates to a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the cylinder comprises:

[0083] A liquid storage section, wherein the liquid storage section is used to maintain the liquid aerosol forming matrix; and

[0084] wicking element,

[0085] The wicking element is fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion to enable wicking of the liquid aerosol to form a matrix, wherein the wicking element is configured as described herein.

[0086] Preferably, the wicking element is part of the cylinder and comes into contact with the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus when the cylinder is attached to the aerosol generating apparatus. The wicking element is then configured to wick the liquid aerosol forming matrix to the heating element of the heating assembly.

[0087] As an alternative, the wicking element can be an integral part of the heating assembly of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heating assembly including the wicking element can be part of the cylinder.

[0088] The cylinder may include a valve connected to the liquid storage section. The valve may be configured as a one-way valve. The valve may be configured to enable the liquid aerosol forming matrix to be wicked from the liquid storage section to the wicking element when the liquid storage section is fluidly connected to the wicking element.

[0089] The aerosol forming matrix may contain up to 3 ml of liquid, preferably up to 2 ml of liquid. The cartridge may be attached to the receptor body by screwing, snap-fitting, or any type of attachment technique.

[0090] The cylinder may include a first liquid storage portion. The first liquid storage portion may include a first liquid aerosol forming matrix. The cylinder may also include a second liquid storage portion. The second liquid storage portion may include a second liquid aerosol forming matrix. The first liquid aerosol forming matrix may be different from the second liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[0091] Providing different liquid aerosol forming matrices to the cylinder enables adaptability of the aerosols generated by the aerosol generating device. For example, the first aerosol forming matrix may contain nicotine, while the second aerosol forming matrix may contain flavorings. If modified aerosols are desired, it may be sufficient to replace either the first or second aerosol forming matrix separately. Furthermore, different aerosol forming matrices may have one or more of different viscosities, different wicking characteristics, and different evaporation characteristics. Therefore, it may not be desirable to mix these different aerosol forming matrices together and store, wick, and evaporate them together. With this invention, one or more of the following may be possible: improved storage, wicking, and evaporation of the individual aerosol forming matrices.

[0092] The first liquid storage section can be spatially separated from the second liquid storage section.

[0093] The first liquid aerosol matrix may contain nicotine.

[0094] The first liquid aerosol forming matrix may contain one or more of the following: free nicotine, nicotine salts, mixtures of nicotine salts, or a mixture of free nicotine and one or more nicotine salts.

[0095] The second liquid aerosol matrix may contain flavorings.

[0096] The second liquid aerosol forming matrix may contain a solvent or a mixture of solvent and flavoring.

[0097] The first liquid storage portion may have a volume for holding a first liquid aerosol forming matrix, said volume being different from the volume of the second liquid storage portion for holding a second liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[0098] The cylinder may also include a first wicking element fluidly connected to the first liquid storage portion.

[0099] The cylinder may also include a second wicking element fluidly connected to the second liquid storage section.

[0100] The first wicking element may include a first delivery portion configured to deliver a first liquid aerosol forming matrix to the heating element. The second wicking element may include a second delivery portion configured to deliver a second liquid aerosol forming matrix to the heating element.

[0101] One or both of the main surface areas of the first delivery portion may be planar, and the main surface area of ​​the second delivery portion may be planar.

[0102] The main surface area of ​​the first delivery section may be different from the main surface area of ​​the second delivery section.

[0103] The first core-suction element may have a partially annular shape.

[0104] The second wicking element may have a partially annular shape.

[0105] The first wicking element can be arranged to be fluidly separated from the second wicking element.

[0106] The cylinder may also include a central airflow channel.

[0107] The first wicking element can be fluidly connected to the central airflow channel. The second wicking element can be fluidly connected to the central airflow channel.

[0108] The central airflow channel may include a separation wall that separates the central airflow channel into a first part of the central airflow channel and a fluidly separated second part of the central airflow channel along its entire length or a portion thereof.

[0109] The first wicking element can be fluidly connected to a first portion of the central airflow channel, and the second wicking element can be fluidly connected to a second portion of the central airflow channel.

[0110] The cross-sectional surface area of ​​the first part of the central airflow channel may be different from that of the second part of the central airflow channel.

[0111] The separation wall can extend along the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

[0112] The central airflow channel can extend along the central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

[0113] The first liquid storage section can be configured to be detachable from the cylinder.

[0114] The second liquid storage section can be configured to be detachable from the cylinder.

[0115] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device as described herein and a cylinder as described herein.

[0116] Providing a replaceable cartridge for aerosol generation and holding the liquid aerosol forming matrix can improve sustainability by separating the replaceable liquid aerosol forming matrix from the components of the aerosol generation device. The components of the aerosol generation device can be used for extended periods.

[0117] As used herein, the terms “proximal,” “distal,” “downstream,” and “upstream” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which it is drawn by a user during use of the aerosol generating device.

[0118] An aerosol generating device may include an orifice through which aerosols exit the device and are delivered to a user during use. The orifice may also be referred to as a proximal end. During use, the user inhales through the proximal end or orifice of the aerosol generating device to inhale the aerosol generated by the device. Alternatively, the user may inhale directly through an aerosol-generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device. The opening at the proximal end may be an opening of a cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device includes a distal end opposite the proximal end or orifice. The proximal end or orifice of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as a downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as an upstream end. Components or portions of components of the aerosol generating device may be described as upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position between the proximal end, downstream end, or orifice and the distal end or upstream end of the aerosol generating device.

[0119] As used herein, an "aerosol generating device" relates to an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol-forming matrix to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming matrix may be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as a smoking article. The aerosol generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generating device may be a retainer. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol generating device may include a housing, a circuit system, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0120] As used herein with reference to the invention, the term "smoking" in relation to apparatus, articles, systems, matrix, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​completely or at least partially burned. The aerosol-generating apparatus of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming matrix to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix but at or above the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming matrix are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0121] The aerosol generating device may include a circuit system. The circuit system may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The circuit system may include additional electronic components. The circuit system may be configured to regulate the power supply to a heating element. Power may be continuously supplied to the heating element after the aerosol generating device is activated, or it may be supplied intermittently, such as based on puff-by-puff suction. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The circuit system may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element and preferably control the power supply to the heating element based on the resistance of the heating element.

[0122] The aerosol generating device may include a power source, typically a battery, within the body of the device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium-polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity sufficient to store enough energy for one or more uses; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosols for periods of approximately six minutes or multiples of six minutes. In another instance, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of discontinuous activations of the suction or heating element.

[0123] The cavity of the aerosol generating apparatus may have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing air vents disposed in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be disposed upstream of the cavity. The open end may be disposed downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal direction may be the direction extending along the longitudinal central axis between the open end and the closed end. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0124] The cavity can be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity can have a cylindrical shape. The cavity can have a hollow cylindrical shape. The shape of the cavity can correspond to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity can have a circular cross-section. The cavity can have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity can have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0125] An airflow channel can extend through the cavity. Ambient air can be drawn into the aerosol generating device, enter the cavity, and be drawn towards the user through the airflow channel. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece can be arranged, or the user can inhale directly from the aerosol generating article. The airflow channel can extend through the mouthpiece. As described herein, the heating element is preferably arranged in or adjacent to the airflow channel.

[0126] In any aspect 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 (such as, for example, 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. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, gold-containing alloys, iron-containing alloys, and alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, etc. And superalloys of iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In composite materials, resistive materials can be optionally embedded in insulating materials, encapsulated by insulating materials, coated by insulating materials, or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and desired external physicochemical properties.

[0127] As described, in any of the aspects of this disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may include an internal heating element, an external heating element, or both, wherein “internal” and “external” refer to the aerosol forming matrix. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. In one such embodiment, the resistance heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary devices, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material (such as a ceramic material) and then sandwiched within another insulating material (such as glass). A heater formed in this way can be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.

[0128] As an alternative to resistance heating elements, heating elements can be configured as induction heating elements. Induction heating elements can include induction coils and sensors. The heating element described herein can be a sensor. Generally, a sensor is a material capable of generating heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in an alternating magnetic field, if the sensor is conductive, eddy currents are typically induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the sensor is magnetic, another effect that typically contributes to heating is often referred to as hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss occurs primarily due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the sensor, as the magnetic orientation of these domain blocks aligns with the alternating magnetic field. Another effect contributing to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the sensor. Typically, all these changes occurring in the sensor at the nanometer scale or below are referred to as “hysteresis loss” because they generate heat within the sensor. Therefore, if the sensor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and eddy current generation contribute to heating the sensor. If the sensor is magnetic but non-conductive, hysteresis loss will be the only means of heating the sensor when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the sensor can be conductive or magnetic, or both. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the sensor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming matrix to induce aerosol formation. Heat transfer can be primarily via thermal conduction. This heat transfer is optimal if the sensor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0129] 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. For example, an aerosol-generating article can be a smoking article that generates aerosols that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of a user through their mouth. Aerosol-generating articles can be disposable.

[0130] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming matrix" refers to a matrix capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol forming matrix may suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0131] 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.

[0132] Example ex1. A heating assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the heating assembly comprises:

[0133] Airflow channels, and

[0134] Heating element,

[0135] The heating element is at least partially arranged in or around the airflow channel, and the heating element includes one or more through holes for allowing air flowing through the airflow channel to also flow through the heating element.

[0136] Example ex2. The heating assembly according to example ex1, wherein the main extension axis of the heating element is orthogonal to the main extension axis of the airflow channel.

[0137] Example ex3. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the through hole of the heating element is arranged at the center of the airflow channel.

[0138] Example ex4. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is circular.

[0139] Example ex5. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is disc-shaped.

[0140] Example ex6. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is rectangular.

[0141] Example ex7. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is planar.

[0142] Example ex8. A heating assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the heating element includes a plurality of through holes arranged in a regular pattern in the heating element.

[0143] Example ex9. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more through holes are configured as slits.

[0144] Example ex10. A heating assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the heating element includes a heating rail, preferably composed of a heating rail, preferably wherein the thickness of the heating rail is between 2 micrometers and 500 micrometers, more preferably between 4 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

[0145] Example ex11. A heating assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the heating element includes a zigzag heating track.

[0146] Example ex12. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element comprises at least two concentric heating tracks.

[0147] Example ex13. A heating assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the heating element comprises a sensor material, preferably composed of a sensor material.

[0148] Example ex14. A heating assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the heating element comprises a resistive material, preferably composed of a resistive material.

[0149] Example ex15. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is configured as a detachable heating element.

[0150] Example ex16. A heating assembly according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the heating element is arranged on a base layer, preferably wherein the protective layer comprises glass, and preferably wherein the protective layer is composed of glass.

[0151] Example ex17. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating element is arranged adjacent to the flux concentrator, preferably embedded in the flux concentrator.

[0152] Example ex18. A heating assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating assembly further includes a wicking element configured to wick liquid aerosol forming matrix toward the heating element.

[0153] Example ex19. A heating assembly according to example ex18, wherein the wicking element is arranged to be in direct contact with the heating element.

[0154] Example ex20. A heating assembly according to example ex19, wherein the wicking element, which is in direct contact with the heating element, is arranged near or far from the heating element.

[0155] Example ex21. A heating assembly according to any one of examples ex18 to ex20, wherein the wicking element has one or more through holes aligned with one or more through holes of the heating element.

[0156] Example ex22. A heating assembly according to any one of examples ex18 to ex21, wherein the wicking element is arranged to at least partially surround the outer periphery of the heating element.

[0157] Example ex23. A heating assembly according to any one of examples ex18 to ex22, wherein the wicking element has an annular shape.

[0158] Example ex24. A heating assembly according to any one of Examples ex18 to ex23, wherein the wicking element is configured as a coating on the heating element, wherein the wicking element is preferably disposed on the heating element, wherein the wicking element is more preferably disposed on a first side of the heating element and the base layer is disposed on a second opposite side of the heating element.

[0159] Example ex25. A heating assembly according to any one of Examples ex18 to ex24, wherein the wicking element comprises a glass or ceramic material, preferably composed of a glass or ceramic material.

[0160] Example ex26. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising a heating component according to any one of Examples ex1 to ex25.

[0161] Example ex27. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example ex26, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a first air inlet configured to draw ambient air into a central portion of the airflow channel, and wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a second air inlet configured to draw ambient air radially above the heating element.

[0162] Example ex28. A cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the cylinder comprises:

[0163] A liquid storage section, wherein the liquid storage section is used to maintain the liquid aerosol forming matrix; and

[0164] wicking element,

[0165] The wicking element is fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion to enable wicking of the liquid aerosol to form a matrix, wherein the wicking element is configured according to any one of examples ex18 to ex25.

[0166] Example ex29. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to example ex26 or ex27 and a cylinder according to example ex28.

[0167] The features described with respect to one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0168] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0169] Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generation device is shown;

[0170] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the heating assembly of the aerosol generation device is shown;

[0171] Figure 3 A top view showing an embodiment of the heating assembly is provided.

[0172] Figure 4 A top view showing an embodiment of the heating assembly is provided.

[0173] Figure 5A top view showing an embodiment of the heating assembly is provided.

[0174] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the heating assembly.

[0175] Figure 7 A top view showing an embodiment of the heating assembly is provided.

[0176] Figure 8 An exploded cross-sectional side view showing an embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus, cylinder, and heating assembly is shown.

[0177] Figure 9 Show Figure 8 Components in an assembled state

[0178] Figure 10 Show in more detail Figure 9 evaporation area

[0179] Figure 11 A through 11F illustrate several embodiments of the induction coil and flux concentrator.

[0180] Figure 12 A through 12C illustrate several embodiments of a resistance heating element.

[0181] Figure 13 The support structure of the heating assembly is shown.

[0182] Figure 14 Show Figure 13 The operation of the heating component in the embodiments, and

[0183] Figure 15 The diagram shows the various components of the cylinder, the support structure for maintaining the heating assembly, and the main body of the aerosol generating device.

[0184] Figure 1 An aerosol generating apparatus 10 is shown. The aerosol generating apparatus 10 includes a heating assembly 12. The heating assembly 12 is arranged in direct contact with an airflow passage 14. The airflow passage 14 is fluidly connected to an air inlet 16. The air inlet 16 is arranged in a lateral sidewall of the aerosol generating apparatus 10. The air inlet 16 is located upstream of the heating assembly 12. The air inlet 16 allows ambient air to be laterally drawn into the aerosol generating apparatus 10 and drawn towards the heating assembly 12. As described herein, the air then flows through the heating element 38 of the heating assembly 12, through the airflow passage 14, and out through an air outlet 18. The airflow passage 14 is also fluidly connected to the air outlet 18. The air outlet 18 is located downstream and proximal to the heating assembly 12.

[0185] The aerosol generating apparatus 10 also includes a liquid storage section 20 comprising a liquid aerosol forming matrix. The liquid storage section 20 is fluidly connected to a heating assembly 12. The liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​wicked toward the heating assembly 12 and evaporated by the heating assembly. The evaporated aerosol forming matrix is ​​entrained in air flowing through the heating assembly 12. Further downstream of the airflow channel 14, the air is cooled to cause droplets of the aerosol forming matrix to form in the airflow, thereby generating an inhalable aerosol. The liquid storage section 20 is part of a replaceable cartridge 22. The cartridge 22 can be replaced after the liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​depleted. The cartridge 22 preferably comprises only the liquid storage section 20 and the airflow channel 14.

[0186] The aerosol generating apparatus 10 also includes a body 24. A cylinder 22 is removably attached to the body 24 of the aerosol generating apparatus 10. The body 24 includes a heating assembly 12. The body 24 also includes a power supply 26 in the form of a battery for powering the heating assembly 12. A controller 28 is provided for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating apparatus 10, particularly for controlling the electrical power supply from the power supply 26 to the heating assembly 12. A suction sensor 30 is provided for detecting user suction. In response to detecting suction, the controller 28 controls the electrical power supply from the power supply 26 to the heating assembly 12 to evaporate the liquid aerosol forming matrix from the liquid storage section 20.

[0187] Figure 2 A more detailed view of the heating assembly 12 is shown. More specifically, a through-hole 32 is provided in the heating assembly 12 to allow airflow 34 to pass through it. Air flows through the heating assembly 12 from the distal direction toward the proximal direction along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 10. Simultaneously, a liquid aerosol forming matrix 36 is wicked laterally from the liquid storage section 20 toward the heating assembly 12.

[0188] Figure 3 A top view showing an embodiment of the heating assembly 12 is provided. This embodiment of the heating assembly 12 is configured as an induction heating assembly 12. The heating assembly 12 includes a heating element 38. The heating element 38 is configured as a sensor. The heating element 38 is heated by being subjected to an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field is generated by an induction coil 54 of the aerosol generating device 10. The induction coil 54 is arranged to at least partially surround the heating element 38. Figure 3 As depicted in the figure, this embodiment provides a plurality of through holes 32, instead of as in Figure 2 The single through-hole 32 is shown in the figure.

[0189] To supply the liquid aerosol forming matrix to the heating element 38, a tube 40 is provided in the base layer 42 of the heating element 38. The base layer 42 of the heating assembly 12 is preferably made of glass. The base layer 42 establishes the dimensional stability of the heating assembly 12. Furthermore, the base layer 42 allows the tube 40 to be formed within the base layer 42 and thus can act as a wicking element 46. The tube 40 in the base layer 42 extends within a sensor to allow the liquid aerosol forming matrix to be wicked from the liquid storage portion 20 toward the heating element 38. The tube 40 has a lateral extension for wicking the liquid aerosol forming matrix from the liquid storage portion 20 toward a through-hole 32 in the heating element 38. The liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​evaporated by the heating element 38 in the outer periphery of the through-hole 32. Air flowing through the through-hole 32 can entrain the evaporated aerosol forming matrix to form an aerosol downstream. The base layer 42 and the tube 40 may have a contact region 44 in which the base layer 42 and the tube 40 contact the liquid storage portion 20. The contact region 44 is laterally away from the heating element 38. In the region of the contact region 44, a valve may be provided to supply the liquid aerosol forming matrix to the tube 40 only when the liquid aerosol forming matrix in the tube 40 is depleted and thus a negative pressure is generated in the tube 40. This prevents leakage of the liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[0190] Figure 4 A top view showing another embodiment of the heating assembly 12. This embodiment is similar to... Figure 3 The embodiments shown share many similarities. However, in this embodiment, the through-hole 32 is configured as a slit. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the through-hole 32 has a circular cross-section. Therefore, the tube 40 has a U-shaped configuration to enable the supply of a liquid aerosol forming matrix from the liquid storage section 20 to the sliding through-hole 32.

[0191] Figure 5 A top view showing another embodiment of the heating assembly 12. In this embodiment, a separate wicking element 46 is coated onto the heating element 38. The wicking element 46 is coated onto the proximal or downstream large surface of the heating element 38. A base layer 42 is disposed on the opposite distal large surface of the heating element 38 (similar to...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 (The embodiment shown in the diagram). However, the wicking element 46 does not extend laterally toward the liquid storage portion 20. The liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​still wicked from the liquid storage portion 20 toward the wicking element 46 and the heating element 38 by means of the tube 40 in the base layer 42. Similar to the previously discussed embodiments, through holes 32 are arranged in the base layer 42 and the heating element 38 to allow airflow through the heating assembly 12. These through holes 32 also extend through the wicking element 46. The through holes 32 in the base layer 42, the heating element 38, and the wicking element 46 are aligned with each other.

[0192] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the heating assembly 12. The figure clearly shows the alignment of the through holes 32 in the base layer 42, the heating element 38, and the wicking element 46. Furthermore, the liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​depicted being supplied laterally from the liquid storage section 20 toward the wicking element 46 via tubes 40 in the base layer 42.

[0193] Figure 7 A top view of an embodiment of the heating assembly 12 is shown. More specifically, with the wicking element 46 arranged on the heating element 38, the evaporation of the liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​depicted. A single through-hole is shown in the heating element 38. This can be applied to embodiments in which the heating element 38 includes only a single through-hole 32, or it can be applied to embodiments having multiple through-holes 32 (in which case, in...). Figure 7 (The diagram illustrates the working principle of a single through-hole 32). A heating element 38 surrounds the through-hole 32. The heating element 38 may have an annular shape. A wicking element 46 is arranged on top of the heating element 38. The wicking element 46 may also have an annular shape. However, it is important that the inner diameter of the through-hole 32 of the heating element 38 is smaller than the inner diameter of the through-hole 32 of the wicking element 46. Therefore, an uncovered region 48 is formed in the heating element 38, in which the wicking element 46 is not present. The liquid aerosol forming matrix wicked towards the heating element 38 by the wicking element 46 forms a meniscus of the liquid aerosol forming matrix in the region of the uncovered region 48. Heating of the heating element 38 causes the liquid aerosol forming matrix in the region of the uncovered region 48 to evaporate, so that the wicking element 46 does not obstruct the evaporating aerosol forming matrix from being entrained in the airflow 34 passing through the through-hole 32. The temperature of the heating element 38 can be highest in the outer periphery of the through-hole 32, thereby causing the liquid aerosol forming matrix to evaporate.

[0194] Figure 8 An exploded cross-sectional side view showing an embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 10, cylinder 22, and heating assembly 12. In this embodiment, the heating element 38 is configured to be removable as part of the sensor body 50. The heating element 38 (and preferably in...) Figure 8 The base layer 42 (not shown) is held by the receptor holder 52. The receptor body 50 also includes an air inlet 16. The receptor body 50 is sandwiched between the cylinder 22 and the body 24 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0195] The main body 24 of the aerosol generating device 10 includes an induction coil 54 that is at least partially surrounded by a flux concentrator 56. In this embodiment, the flux concentrator 56 has a U-shaped design to concentrate the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil 54 toward the heating element 38.

[0196] The wicking element 46 is arranged as part of the cylinder 22. The wicking element 46 is fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion 20 of the cylinder 22. In the assembled state (as shown below) Figure 9 (As discussed), the wicking element 46 contacts the heating element 38 in order to supply the liquid aerosol forming matrix from the liquid storage section 20 to the heating element 38.

[0197] Figure 9 Show Figure 8 Components in an assembled state. Specifically, Figure 9 This illustrates how ambient air is drawn into the aerosol generating device 10 through air inlet 16. The airflow passes through heating element 38 and through through-hole 32 of heating assembly 12. Figure 9 Further shown is the evaporation region 60, in which the meniscus 62 of the liquid aerosol forming matrix in the uncovered region 48 and immediately adjacent to the wicking element 46 (see below). Figure 10 (As shown in more detail below) it was evaporated.

[0198] Figure 10 Show in more detail Figure 9 The evaporation region 60. The liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​wicked by the wicking element 46 toward the uncovered region 48 of the heating element 38. Thus, a meniscus 62 of the liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​formed. The liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​then evaporated by heating by the heating element 38, as indicated by reference numeral 64.

[0199] Figure 11 Several embodiments of the induction coil 54 and flux concentrator 56 are shown. Figure 11 A shows an induction coil 54 with a circular cross-sectional shape. Figure 11 B to Figure 11 F shows an alternative rectangular cross-sectional shape for the induction coil 54. Figure 11 A to Figure 11 C shows a flux concentrator 56 with a U-shaped design. Figure 11 D shows the center pin-shaped flux concentrator 56. Figure 11 E and Figure 11 F shows a flux concentrator 56, which essentially encloses the induction coil 54 except for the proximal opening.

[0200] Figure 12 A to Figure 12 C illustrates several embodiments of the resistance heating element 38. Figure 12 Embodiment A shows a heating element 38 configured as a resistance heating track. The resistance heating track has a circular shape surrounding the through-hole 32. The resistance heating track is arranged on a substrate layer 42. Figure 12B illustrates an embodiment of heating element 38, wherein heating element 38 is configured as a resistance heating track with a tortuous shape. Figure 12 C illustrates an embodiment of heating element 38, wherein heating element 38 is configured as a resistance heating track having two concentric heating tracks.

[0201] Figure 13 A support structure 66 for the heating assembly 12 is shown. This support structure 66 is advantageous if the heating element 38 is configured as a detachable component sandwiched between the cylinder 22 and the body 24 of the aerosol generating device 10. The support structure 66 includes a cylinder receiver 68 that allows the cylinder 22 to be attached to the support structure 66. The heating assembly 12 is also held by the support structure 66. The cylinder 22 can be attached to a proximal portion of the support structure 66. Proximal to the heater assembly, the support structure 66 includes a connecting portion 70. The connecting portion 70 is configured to connect the support structure 66 to the body 24 of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0202] Figure 14 Shown in Figure 13 The operation of the heating assembly 12 in this embodiment. A liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​wicked toward the heating element 38. The heating element 38 is held by a support structure 66. The meniscus of the liquid aerosol forming matrix formed in the uncovered area 48 of the heating element 38 is evaporated and entrained in the airflow passing through the heating assembly 12. In this embodiment, the airflow is depicted from a proximal direction rather than as in... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The lateral airflow is shown in the embodiment.

[0203] Figure 15 The various components of the cylinder 22, the support structure 66 holding the heating assembly 12, and the main body 24 of the aerosol generating device 10 are shown. The support structure 66 allows for the removal and replacement of the heating assembly 12. Furthermore, the support structure 66 allows for the removable attachment of the cylinder 22. The cylinder 22 is preferably replaced after the liquid aerosol forming matrix held in the liquid storage portion 20 of the cylinder 22 has been depleted.

Claims

1. A heating assembly for an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the heating assembly comprises: Airflow channels, and Heating element, The heating element is at least partially arranged in or around the airflow channel, and the heating element includes one or more through-holes for allowing air flowing through the airflow channel to also flow through the heating element, and the heating element is an induction heating element including a flux concentrator.

2. The heating assembly according to claim 1, wherein the main extension axis of the heating element is orthogonal to the main extension axis of the airflow channel.

3. The heating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element is circular.

4. The heating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element is disc-shaped.

5. The heating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element includes a plurality of through holes arranged in a regular pattern in the heating element.

6. The heating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more through holes are configured as slits.

7. The heating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element comprises a sensor material, preferably composed of a sensor material.

8. The heating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating assembly further comprises a wicking element configured to wick a liquid aerosol forming matrix toward the heating element.

9. The heating assembly of claim 8, wherein the wicking element has one or more through holes aligned with one or more through holes of the heating element.

10. The heating assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the wicking element has an annular shape.

11. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the wicking element is configured as a coating on the heating element, wherein the wicking element is preferably disposed on the heating element, wherein the wicking element is more preferably disposed on a first side of the heating element and the base layer is disposed on a second opposite side of the heating element.

12. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising a heating component according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a first air inlet configured to draw ambient air into a central portion of the airflow channel, and wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a second air inlet configured to draw ambient air radially above the heating element.

14. A cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the cylinder comprises: A liquid storage section, wherein the liquid storage section is used to maintain the liquid aerosol forming matrix; as well as wicking element, The wicking element is fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion to enable wicking of the liquid aerosol to form a matrix, wherein the wicking element is configured according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

15. An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation apparatus according to claim 12 or 13 and the cylinder according to claim 14.

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