Heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device

Abstract

A heating apparatus (20) for an aerosol generating device (2) is disclosed, the heating apparatus comprising a cavity (42) having a major longitudinal axis and including an opening (40) through which an aerosol forming substance (12) can be received, a first insulator sleeve (22) including an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall being radially proximal to the cavity, the first insulator sleeve being disposed along a first portion of the cavity relative to the major longitudinal axis, and a second insulation (26) including an outer wall, the inner wall being radially proximal to the cavity, the second insulation being disposed along a second portion of the cavity, the second portion being positioned distal to the opening relative to the first insulation sleeve along the major longitudinal axis; and a heater (24) positioned radially inward relative to the outer wall of the second insulation and configured to provide heat to an aerosol forming material received within the cavity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating device for an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device including a heating device. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable aerosol generating devices that may be self-contained and cryogenic. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device having a heater disposed in a vacuum chamber or an insulated chamber. [Background technology]

[0002] It is an area of ​​growing interest to produce electronic cigarettes that heat solid or semi-solid aerosol-forming substrates, including tobacco, without burning them. These devices typically receive a rod of tobacco in a heating chamber. The rod is heated to release an aerosol that the user can inhale. One problem with these devices is that the heater that provides heat to the heating chamber can also undesirably heat the rest of the device. In small devices, this can be a disadvantage because the temperature of the outer surface of the device held by the user can become unacceptably high. To mitigate these effects, some aerosol generating devices are provided with a vacuum chamber that can space the heater from the outer surface. This can provide thermal isolation between the heating chamber and the outer surface held by the user.

[0003] In such aerosol generating devices, it is desirable to improve the efficiency of the heating operation so that the battery life of the device can be extended. To this end, vacuum insulation is incorporated inside the aerosol generating device to thermally insulate the cavity in which the aerosol substrate is heated, thereby limiting heat loss to the external environment. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to further improve heating efficiency and reduce undesirable heat losses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating apparatus for an aerosol generation device, the heating apparatus including: a cavity having a main longitudinal axis and including an opening through which an aerosol-forming substance can be received; a first insulator sleeve including an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall being radially proximal to the cavity and the first insulator sleeve being disposed along a first portion of the cavity relative to the main longitudinal axis; a second insulator including an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall being radially proximal to the cavity and the second insulator being disposed along a second portion of the cavity, the second portion being positioned distal to the opening relative to the first insulator sleeve along the main longitudinal axis; and a heater positioned radially inward relative to the outer wall of the second insulator and configured to provide heat to the aerosol-forming substance received in the cavity.

[0006] In this way, the first insulation sleeve provides an insulating region or length (i.e. space or gap) between the upper end of the heating area (the end of the heater towards the opening of the cavity) or the second part and the opening of the outer surface of the aerosol generation device in which the cavity or heating device is located, which can advantageously reduce the temperature of the heating device at the location of the opening.

[0007] The first insulation sleeve and second insulation may be considered to be double-walled insulation in that they each have a respective inner wall and an outer wall and are configured to prevent heat transfer or loss from the cavity (proximal to the inner wall) to the respective outer wall.

[0008] Placing the heater deeper inside the cavity effectively shortens the heating area and moves the heating area away from the opening of the cavity. Advantageously, it has been found that a smaller / shorter heating area (or heater cup bulk) in the heating device can improve the heating time of the heater and reduce energy consumption.

[0009] The first insulation sleeve and / or the second insulation preferably include a vacuum between their respective inner and outer walls. For example, the first insulation sleeve can be a vacuum insulation sleeve. The second insulation can be a second vacuum insulation.

[0010] Alternatively, the first insulation sleeve and / or the second insulation may include an insulating material between the respective inner and outer walls. For example, the first insulation sleeve may include an aerogel material between its inner and outer walls. The second insulation may include air between its inner and outer walls. Examples of insulating materials include, but are not limited to, air, an aerogel material, a powder or a fibrous insulating material.

[0011] The first insulation sleeve preferably includes a length along the major longitudinal axis of at least 3 millimeters (mm). The length may be greater than 3 mm, e.g., 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, or more. As will be appreciated, the greater the length, the deeper the heater is positioned within the cavity.

[0012] The first insulation sleeve may be disposed at or slightly spaced from the opening to define a first portion of the cavity along the main longitudinal axis, and the heater may be positioned along the main longitudinal axis at a location that is at least partially offset relative to the insulation sleeve. In one configuration, an end of the sleeve may be disposed proximal to the opening. It should be understood that if the heating device is provided within the aerosol generation device, the opening of the heating device cavity through which the aerosol-forming substance is inserted may be offset from the outer surface of the aerosol generation device, for example due to the casing of the device or even the casing of the heating device itself.

[0013] The second insulation surrounding the second portion of the cavity is positioned at least partially away from the first portion along the main longitudinal axis. This ensures that the heat transfer from the second insulation to the first portion / insulation sleeve is effectively discontinuous. The inner wall of the second insulation may include a metallic surface to allow effective heat transfer from the heater to the cavity. Providing a discontinuity between the second insulation and the first insulation sleeve ensures that the heat generation and transfer in the second portion of the cavity is effectively controlled. The first insulation sleeve may include an outer casing made of a non-metallic insulating material. This further prevents heat transfer via conduction between the first insulation and the second insulation and / or the heater.

[0014] The heater is preferably arranged on the inner wall of the second insulation between the inner and outer walls of the second insulation. The heating device preferably further comprises an electrical insulation layer provided between the heater and the inner wall. In this way, the safety of the device can be increased, since electrical conduction to the heating device or to other components of the aerosol generating device can be avoided. The electrical insulation layer can be provided as a layer of material deposited on the inner wall. Alternatively, this layer can be provided as a partial or complete coating on the heater.

[0015] The second insulation preferably defines or is provided within a second portion of the cavity, the second portion including an end of the cavity. In this manner, the second insulation provides an end of the cavity against which the received aerosol-forming consumable abuts. This end may be a closed end of the cavity, whereby there is a single opening for air flow and for inserting the aerosol-forming consumable, in which case the second insulation may be substantially cup-shaped. Alternatively, the end of the second portion includes one or more holes to allow air flow into the cavity.

[0016] The heater is preferably cup-shaped and defines a second portion of the cavity, the second portion including an end of the cavity. In this manner, the heater provides an end of the cavity against which the received aerosol-forming consumable abuts. In this manner, the heater may have a closed end such that there is a single opening for air flow and for inserting the aerosol-forming consumable. Alternatively, the end of the second portion includes one or more holes to allow air flow into the cavity.

[0017] The end of the cavity preferably includes one or more holes to allow air flow into the cavity. As should be understood for a cup-shaped heater with one or more holes, the second insulation may have openings or may even be substantially tubular (i.e., a second sleeve) to allow air to reach the bottom of the heater cup.

[0018] The outer wall of the second insulation preferably comprises a metal, such as stainless steel, and / or a plastic, such as polyetheretherketone, PEEK. It has been found that the outer wall can comprise PEEK and still provide sufficient insulating properties. Using PEEK as part of the outer wall can preferably reduce the weight of the heating device. When the outer wall comprises PEEK, this PEEK can be a form of PEEK that has low thermal conductivity.

[0019] The heater is preferably a resistive heater, thus providing a small, simple and easily powered form of heater. Alternatively, the heater may be an induction heater powered by a coil surrounding the second insulation.

[0020] The heating device preferably includes one or more wires configured to connect the heater to a power source. The one or more wires may be positioned through one or more gaps at the longitudinal end of the insulation sleeve (away from the opening) or at the interface between the insulation sleeves in the heater. In the case of a double insulation configuration, the wires may be positioned through one or more gaps between the first insulation and the second insulation. The one or more wires may be positioned through one or more gaps in the second insulation at the longitudinal end of the insulation towards the opening of the cavity (and at the longitudinal end of the first insulation away from the opening). In this way, there may be less contact between the wire and the insulation. This results in less heat being conducted from the walls of the second insulation and therefore less heat being carried out of the second insulation by the wire. This configuration is also simple to manufacture, which may reduce manufacturing costs. In one example, the wire has a single contact point with the second insulation. One or more seals may be connected to the interior and exterior walls and configured to surround the wire and prevent air from entering the second insulation and to hold the wire in place.

[0021] The wires can be of less mass, which can be advantageous in terms of the weight carried by the user and in reducing the thermal mass of the device. One or more seals can be provided in the gap to prevent air from entering the second insulation and to secure the wires in place. The gaps can be provided towards either end of the second insulation or elsewhere on the exterior / outer wall of the second insulation.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol generating device comprising a heating device according to the first aspect.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-forming consumable for insertion into a heating device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the aerosol-forming consumable comprising a filter, an aerosol-forming substance, and a packaging material arranged to hold the filter and the aerosol-forming substance so as to provide a predetermined gap between the filter and the aerosol-forming substance.

[0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device including a heating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-forming consumable. [Figure 3A-3D] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating device. [Figure 4A-4B] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating device. [Figure 5A-5B] FIG. 5 is a further schematic diagram of the heating device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] As described herein, a vapor is generally understood to refer to a substance that is in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is fine solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" may be used interchangeably herein, particularly with respect to the form of inhalable medium produced for inhalation by a user.

[0027] In certain examples below, double-walled insulation (i.e., an insulation sleeve and a second insulation) is described as a vacuum insulation, where a vacuum is provided between the inner and outer walls of each insulation, however, it should be understood that the insulation described herein need not include a vacuum between the insulation walls, but may instead include insulating materials such as aerogel, powder or fibrous materials, or even air.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an aerosol generating device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device 2 is illustrated in an assembled configuration that allows exemplary internal components to be viewed. The aerosol generating device 2 is a heat-non-combustion device, which may also be referred to as a tobacco vapor device, and includes a heating device 4 configured to receive an aerosol-generating material, e.g., an aerosol substrate, such as a tobacco rod. The aerosol generating device 2 may include a power source, such as a battery, and control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heating device 4. The heating device 4 is operable to heat, rather than burn, a rod of aerosol-generating material to generate a vapor or aerosol for inhalation by a user. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the aerosol generating device 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an exemplary aerosol generating device according to the present invention. Other types and configurations of tobacco vapor products, vaporizers, or e-cigarettes may also be used as aerosol generating devices according to the present invention.

[0029] 2 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol-forming consumable 6 for insertion into the heating arrangement 4 of an aerosol generating device 2. The aerosol-forming consumable 6 has a cylindrical body 8, which is provided with a filter 10 towards a first end and an aerosol-forming substance 12 at a second end of the body 8. The aerosol-forming substance 12 may be a solid or semi-solid aerosol-forming substrate, including tobacco. The aerosol-forming consumable 6 further comprises an empty space 14 positioned within the body 8 between the filter 10 and the aerosol-forming substance 12. This space 14 collects aerosol formed or generated from the aerosol-forming substance 12 when the aerosol-forming substance 12 is heated, before the generated aerosol is inhaled by a user through the filter 10.

[0030] The aerosol-forming consumable 6 also includes a packaging material 16 that holds the filter 10 and the aerosol-forming substance 12 in place and provides a space 14 between the filter 10 and the aerosol-forming substance 12. The packaging material 16 has suitable properties to ensure the integrity of the aerosol-forming consumable 6, for example, so that the aerosol-forming consumable 6 does not wrinkle and collapse into the space 14 when inserted into the heating device, or tear when the aerosol-forming consumable is removed from the heating device. The space 14 may be formed from a tubular member made of a stiff paper material that provides some rigidity while allowing the generated aerosol to easily flow through the space 14 to the filter 10. The length of the aerosol-forming substance 12 in the body 8 may be comparable to the longitudinal length of the heating region in the heating assembly.

[0031] As will be further described later in connection with the heating assembly of the present invention, the distribution of the aerosol-forming material 12 and the empty space 14 in the consumable 6 is selected to be compatible with or appropriate for the corresponding heating and insulating regions, respectively, to optimize heating efficiency and reduce undesired heat loss of the heating apparatus 4. For example, the top end of the aerosol-forming material 12 may be located at the same longitudinal height as the top end of the heating region when the aerosol-forming consumable 6 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 2. However, the top end of the aerosol-forming material 12 may be positioned at a higher or lower height than the top end of the heating region to adjust the balance between heating efficiency, vapor production, etc.

[0032] 3A-3D show different cross-sectional configurations of a heating device 20 having heater regions and insulation passages according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of a vacuum insulation sleeve 22, a heater cup 24, and a vacuum insulation cup 26, while FIG. 3B-3D show different combinations of a vacuum sleeve 22, a heater cup 24, and / or a vacuum cup 26. Some of the insulation in the specific examples in FIG. 3A-5B are described as having a vacuum between the inner and outer walls of the insulation cup and insulation sleeve. However, it will be understood that the vacuum in one or even both of the insulation can be replaced with other insulation media / materials, such as air, aerogel material, powder or fibrous insulation material.

[0033] The vacuum insulation sleeve 22 has an inner wall 28 and an outer wall 30 that enclose a vacuum therebetween. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "vacuum" refers to a space in which the pressure is significantly less than atmospheric pressure due to the removal of free matter, particularly air. The quality of the vacuum formed between the inner wall 28 and the outer wall 30 may be low, medium or high.

[0034] The inner wall 28 and the outer wall 30 are radially spaced apart from one another to define a sealed space therebetween in which a vacuum is created. In this example, the inner wall 28 and the outer wall 30 form concentric cylinders joined at opposite ends of the vacuum sleeve.

[0035] The vacuum sleeve 22 is hollow and defines a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, and the aerosol-forming consumable 6 can be received through an opening 32 at the first end and exit through the second end. In other words, the vacuum sleeve 22 provides a tunnel through which the aerosol-forming consumable 6 can pass in a supported manner. The opening 32 serves as an access point for inserting the consumable 6 into the heating device 20 in its assembled configuration.

[0036] The vacuum sleeve 22 has a generally elliptical or circular cross-section when viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis along one of its ends. In this example, the vacuum sleeve 22 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. However, in alternative examples, the vacuum sleeve 22 may be formed in other types of cross-sectional shapes, such as shapes that are generally square or polygonal.

[0037] Vacuum insulation sleeve 22 also includes a groove 34 for connecting with heater cup 24, as shown in Figures 3B and 3D. The connection can be a push-fit type, where groove 34 is made of a plastic or otherwise flexible material, into which the lip of heater cup 24 can be snapped into place. Alternatively, groove 34 can be a threaded-fit type connection, into which the lip of heater cup 24 can be screwed.

[0038] 3B shows the vacuum insulator sleeve 22 placed over the heater cup 24. The heater cup 24 is cup-shaped with a wall 36, a bottom 38, and an opening 40 through which the aerosol-forming consumable 6 is received. A cavity 42 is defined when the heater cup 24 is connected to the vacuum insulator sleeve 22, with the opening 32 of the sleeve 22 being where the consumable 6 is inserted, and the bottom 38 of the heater cup 24 being the closed end of the cavity 42 against which the inserted consumable 6 abuts. In this example, the inner surfaces of the heater cup wall 36 and the inner wall 28 of the vacuum sleeve 22 are substantially aligned with one another, thereby allowing the consumable 6 to be easily inserted into the cavity 42. As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, the inner surface may be tapered, textured, or have ridges to control the degree and depth of contact between the wall and the consumable. The heater cup 24 may be a resistive heater or alternatively be made from a dielectric material.

[0039] The heater cup 24 further includes a lip 44 disposed toward the opening 40 of the heater cup 24 for mounting in the groove 34 of the vacuum sleeve 22, as described above. Mounting the vacuum sleeve 22 in the opening 40 of the heater cup 24 prevents heat from the heater cup 24 from being conducted out of the heating apparatus and device. To optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of the heating apparatus, the length of the aerosol-forming substance 12 in the aerosol-forming consumable 6 should be substantially the same as (or slightly longer than) the length of the cavity 42 surrounded by the heater cup 24. This means that heat is released from the heater cup 24 only to the aerosol-forming substance portion of the inserted consumable. The length of the space 14 in the aerosol-forming consumable does not necessarily have to match the length of the cavity 42 surrounded by the vacuum insulator sleeve 22. The relative lengths of the filter 10, space 14 and aerosol-forming substance 12 in the aerosol-forming consumable 6 suitable for a heating apparatus according to the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] 3C shows heater cup 24 disposed within vacuum insulator cup 26. Vacuum insulator cup 26 has an inner wall 46 and an outer wall 48 between which a vacuum is enclosed. In this particular example, heater cup 24 is configured to be inserted into a chamber 50 defined by an outer surface of inner wall 46 of vacuum insulator cup 26. Inner wall 46 of vacuum insulator cup 26 is tubular, e.g., substantially cylindrical, having an outer (e.g., circumferential) surface and an inner (e.g., circumferential) surface to match the outer surface of heater cup 24. Outer wall 48 is tubular, e.g., substantially cylindrical, having an outer (e.g., circumferential) surface and an inner (e.g., circumferential) surface. Inner wall 46 and outer wall 48 further include bottom portions 52, 54, respectively, to provide the cup shape.

[0041] In an alternative not shown, a heater trace may be provided in place of the heater cup 24, and the trace may be disposed on the inner surface of the inner wall 46 of the vacuum insulator cup 26 such that the inner surface of the inner wall 46 defines a portion of the cavity 42 of the heater apparatus 20. Thus, as will be appreciated, in this alternative, the cavity is defined by the inner surface of the inner wall of the vacuum insulator sleeve and the vacuum insulator cup.

[0042] The vacuum insulator cup 26 provides insulation for the heater cup 24 and minimizes the amount of heat that reaches the exterior surface of the device. It should be understood that the cross-sectional shape of the vacuum insulator cup 26 is selected to match the vacuum sleeve 22 and / or heater cup 24 according to design requirements. As seen most clearly in FIG. 3A, the vacuum insulator cup 26 includes an inner raised portion 56 upon which the lip 44 of the heater cup 24 may rest, and an outer shelf 58 for abutting the second end of the vacuum sleeve 22.

[0043] The fully constructed dual vacuum heating apparatus is shown in Figure 3D. As seen in Figures 3C and 3D, a gap 60 is provided between the outer surface of the bottom 38 of heater cup 24 and the inner surface of the inner wall 46 of vacuum insulator cup 26. One or more holes, not shown, may be provided in the wall or bottom of heater cup 24 and / or vacuum insulator cup 26 surrounding gap 60 to improve airflow from the inserted consumable aerosol-forming material.

[0044] Figures 4A and 4B show different cross-sectional configurations of another heating device 120 having a heating region and different types of insulation passages according to the present disclosure. Figures 4A and 4B show a heater cup 122 similar to that described with reference to Figures 3A-3D, which is cup-shaped with a wall 124, a bottom 126, and an opening 128 through which the aerosol-forming consumable 6 is received. The heater cup 122 also includes a lip 130 for mounting to an insulation sleeve or resting on the insulation cup, as described with reference to Figure 3.

[0045] The length of the heater cup 122 is made substantially the same as (or slightly shorter than) the length of the aerosol-forming material portion of the consumable 6 specifically designed for the heating device 120 in order to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of the heating device 120. In this manner, heat is emitted from the heater cup 122 only to the aerosol-forming material portion of the inserted consumable.

[0046] The heating device 120 further includes an insulation sleeve 132 that includes an insulating material 134, such as an aerogel sheet or a superwool sheet. The insulating material 134 may be formed into a hollow cylindrical shape and define an inner surface 136 and an outer surface 138. Alternatively, the insulating material 134 may be encased in a casing material that has low thermal conductivity.

[0047] The insulation sleeve 132 defines a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, and the aerosol-forming consumable 6 can be received through an opening 140 at the first end and exit through the second end. The insulation sleeve 132 thus provides a tunnel through which the aerosol-forming consumable 6 can be supported. The opening 140 serves as an access point for inserting the consumable 6 into the heating device 120 in its assembled configuration.

[0048] The insulation sleeve 132 has a generally elliptical or circular cross-section when viewed parallel to the longitudinal axis along one of its ends. In this example, the insulation sleeve 132 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. However, in alternative examples, the insulation sleeve 132 can be formed in other types of cross-sectional shapes, such as shapes that are generally square or polygonal.

[0049] The insulation sleeve 132 may be attached to the heater cup 122 in a variety of ways. In one example, the insulation material 134 may be wrapped around the top end of the heater cup 122, including the heater cup lip 130, to form the sleeve 132. In another example, the lip 130 may cut into the insulation material 134 as it is threaded into the insulation material 134. In yet another example, the insulation sleeve 132 has grooves in the casing material that allow for a push-fit or threaded connection with the heater cup 122.

[0050] A cavity 142 is defined when the heater cup 122 is connected to the insulator sleeve 132, with the opening 140 in the sleeve 132 being the opening to the cavity 142 and the bottom 38 of the heater cup 126 being the closed end of the cavity 142. In this example, the inner surfaces of the heater cup walls 124 and the inner walls of the sleeve 132 are substantially aligned with one another, thereby allowing the consumable 6 to be smoothly inserted into the cavity 142. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the inner surfaces may be tapered, textured or have ridges to control the degree and depth of contact between the walls and the consumable. The heater cup 122 may be a resistive heater or alternatively be made from a dielectric material.

[0051] The length of the space 14 in the aerosol-forming consumable is comparable to the length of the cavity 142 surrounded by the insulation sleeve 132. However, it should be understood that this is not necessarily the case and the length of the space 14 may be shorter than the cavity 142 surrounded by the sleeve 132 (e.g., if the filter 10 is lowered into the cavity 142). The relative lengths of the filter 10, space 14 and aerosol-forming material 12 in an aerosol-forming consumable 6 suitable for a heating device according to the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0052] As seen in Figure 4B, the heater cup 122 is positioned within a vacuum insulator cup 144, similar to the vacuum insulator cup 26 described in Figure 3. The vacuum insulator cup 144 provides insulation for the heater cup 122.

[0053] The vacuum insulator cup 144 has an inner wall 146 and an outer wall 148 between which a vacuum is enclosed. The inner wall 46 and the outer wall 48 further include bottom portions 150, 152, respectively, to provide a cup shape.

[0054] It should be understood that the cross-sectional shape of the vacuum insulation cup 144 is selected to match the insulation sleeve 132 and / or heater cup 122 according to design requirements. The interface between the insulation sleeve 132 and the vacuum insulation cup 144 may be a mating connection, such as a push-fit or threaded-fit connection, or may rest against one another, or even leave a gap therebetween.

[0055] In an alternative not shown, a heater trace may be provided in place of the heater cup 122, and the trace may be disposed on an inner surface of the inner wall 146 of the vacuum insulator cup 144 such that the inner surface of the inner wall 146 defines a portion of the cavity 142 of the heater device 120. Thus, as will be appreciated, in this alternative, the cavity is defined by the inner surface of the inner wall of the vacuum insulator sleeve and the vacuum insulator cup.

[0056] 5A and 5B show further schematic views of the heating device 120 of FIG. 4 with the aerosol-forming consumable 6 inserted into the cavity 142. As can be seen in these particular examples, the length of the space 14 in the consumable 6 is greater than the length of the insulation sleeve 132. It can also be seen that the aerosol-forming material portion is entirely contained within the heater cup 122 portion of the device 120.

[0057] 5A and 5B show wires 148 connecting heater cup 122 (or heater traces) to a power source (not shown). Thus, the bottom of vacuum insulator cup 144 includes one or more apertures to allow wires 148 to pass from cavity 142 through cup 122. In another example, not shown, for ease of manufacturing, vacuum insulator cup 144 surrounding heater cup 122 may be replaced with a vacuum insulator sleeve (i.e., a hollow cylinder without a bottom). In yet another example, wires 148 may be routed out of cavity 142 at the interface between insulator sleeve 132 and vacuum insulator cup 144, in which case one or more apertures (or gaps all around) are provided at the interface to allow wires 148 to pass between the power source and heater cup 122.

Claims

1. A heating device for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a cavity having a major longitudinal axis and including an opening into which an aerosol-forming substance can be received; a first heat-insulating sleeve including an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall being radially proximal to the cavity, the first heat-insulating sleeve being arranged along a first portion of the cavity with respect to the major longitudinal axis; a second heat-insulating body including an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall being radially proximal to the cavity, the second heat-insulating body being arranged along a second portion of the cavity, the second portion being positioned distally of the opening with respect to the first heat-insulating sleeve along the major longitudinal axis; a heater positioned radially inwardly with respect to the outer wall of the second heat-insulating body and configured to provide heat to an aerosol-forming substance received within the cavity; a heating device comprising the above.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the first heat-insulating sleeve and / or the second heat-insulating body includes a vacuum between the respective inner wall and outer wall.

3. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the first heat-insulating sleeve and / or the second heat-insulating body includes a heat-insulating material between the respective inner wall and outer wall.

4. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the first heat-insulating sleeve includes a length of at least 3 millimeters along the major longitudinal axis.

5. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is arranged between the outer wall and the inner wall of the second heat-insulating body on the inner wall of the second heat-insulating body.

6. The heating device according to claim 5, further comprising an electrical insulating layer provided between the heater and the inner wall.

7. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the second heat-insulating body includes an end of the cavity.

8. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is cup-shaped and includes an end of the cavity.

9. The heating device according to claim 7, wherein the end of the cavity includes one or more holes to allow for the flow of air into the cavity.

10. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the outer wall of the second heat insulator includes a metal such as stainless steel and / or a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

11. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the heater is a resistance heater.

12. The heating device according to claim 1, comprising one or more wires configured to connect the heater to a power source.

13. An aerosol generating device configured to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the aerosol generating device comprising the heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An aerosol-forming consumable for insertion into the heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a filter, an aerosol-forming substance, and a packaging material arranged to hold the filter and the aerosol-forming substance so as to provide a predetermined gap between the filter and the aerosol-forming substance. An aerosol-forming consumable comprising the above.

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