Heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device

Abstract

A heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device is disclosed, the heating apparatus (10) comprising a first tube (12) comprising an electrically conductive material and having an opening (20) through which an aerosol-forming substrate can be received, a second tube (14) comprising an electrically conductive material and disposed radially outwardly relative to the first tube, at least one electrical insulator component (18) arranged to space the first tube from the second tube, and a heater (22) disposed on an outer surface of the first tube, electrically connected to the first tube and the second tube, and configured to provide heat to the received aerosol-forming substrate by thermal conduction.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] It is a developing area of ​​interest to produce electronic cigarettes that heat but do not burn solid or semi-solid aerosol-forming substrates, including tobacco. These devices typically receive a tobacco rod in a heating chamber. The rod is heated to release an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user. 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 compact devices, this can be a disadvantage, as the temperature of the exterior surface of the device held by the user can become unacceptably high. To mitigate these effects, some aerosol generating devices include a vacuum chamber that can space the heater from the exterior surface. This can provide thermal isolation between the heating chamber and the exterior 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 insulators have been implemented within the aerosol generating devices to thermally insulate the cavity in which the aerosol substrate is heated, thereby limiting heat loss to the external environment.

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

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device is provided, the heating apparatus comprising: a first tube comprising a conductive material and having an opening through which an aerosol-forming substrate can be received; a second tube comprising a conductive material and arranged radially outwardly relative to the first tube; at least one electrical insulator component arranged to space the first tube from the second tube; and a heater provided on an outer surface of the first tube, electrically connected to the first tube and the second tube, and configured to provide heat to the received aerosol-forming substrate by thermal conduction.

[0006] In this way, the first tube and the second tube can be used as an electrical connector of the heater while providing insulation or an insulating space between the two tubes. The first tube and the second tube essentially form a double-walled insulator, where the first tube and the second tube are the two respective walls in which the insulating space is provided. The insulation / insulating space ensures that the heat generated by the heating device can be effectively used to heat the aerosol-generating substrate received within the heating device. The electrical insulator component between the two tubes prevents electrical current from passing directly between the first tube and the second tube and can also encapsulate the space between the first tube and the second tube.

[0007] As will be appreciated, the first tube and the second tube may be made of or include metallic materials or other electrically conductive materials as will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Similarly, the at least one electrical insulator component includes a material that ensures electrical insulation between the first tube and the second tube while maintaining the integrity of the space between the two tubes. Advantageously, the heating apparatus allows for the heater to be located within the insulating space between the two tubes while providing a convenient mechanism for providing electrical energy to the heater within a very small space.

[0008] Preferably, a vacuum is enclosed between the first tube and the second tube, or an insulating material is provided between the first tube and the second tube. Preferably, the heater is provided in the vacuum. In this way, the space (or insulating space) between the first tube and the second tube can effectively prevent heat transfer from the heating area (i.e., the area where the aerosol-forming substrate is received and heated) in the first tube. Examples of insulating materials that may be provided between the first tube and the second tube include, but are not limited to, air, aerogel materials, powdered or fibrous insulating materials. It should also be understood that when an insulating material is provided between the first tube and the second tube, the space between the first tube and the second tube does not necessarily have to be enclosed. For example, the at least one electrical insulator component may include one or more holes that allow air to flow through the at least one electrical insulator component (i.e., in and out of the insulating space between the first tube and the second tube).

[0009] The design of the at least one electrical insulator component will also be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a single insulator component may include a length of material with a ring-shaped portion at each end of the length, each ring-shaped portion spaced apart a first tube and a second tube at a respective end of the two tubes, with the length of material passing around the outside of the second tube. Alternatively, the electrical insulator component may include two separate ring-shaped portions, each inserted into the gap between the first tube and the second tube.

[0010] Preferably, the heater comprises an electrically resistive track printed or coated on the first tube. In this way, the heater can effectively transfer heat to the aerosol-generating substrate received in the first tube by thermal conduction. A printed or coated heater can also ensure reliable electrical contact with the first tube. Moreover, the ease of manufacture can be further improved.

[0011] Preferably, the first tube and the second tube are each electrically connected to a power source capable of supplying power to the heater. Advantageously, using the first tube and the second tube as electrical connectors to the power source improves manufacturability and allows for a reliable electrical connection to be formed between the heater and the power source.

[0012] Preferably, the inner surface of the first tube is coated with a first layer of electrical insulation. Preferably, the outer surface of the second tube is coated with a second layer of electrical insulation. By providing an electrical insulation layer in or around the first tube and / or the second tube, the electrical safety of the heating device is improved.

[0013] Preferably, the at least one electrical insulation component comprises a first and / or second electrical insulation layer for each first tube and / or second tube, in this way the electrical insulation layer can be integrated with the electrical insulation component to simplify manufacturing and provide a degree of electrical safety.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one electrical insulator component comprises a first ring and a second ring disposed between the first and second tubes at the first and second ends of the first and second tubes, respectively. For example, the first and second rings may be disposed between the ends of the first and second tubes to seal a vacuum in the space between the two tubes.

[0015] Preferably, the heating device further comprises a mount arranged to be disposed within the first tube and configured to limit the insertion of the received aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the mount comprises a plug. More preferably, the plug encloses a second vacuum or insulating material therein. Examples of insulating materials that may be provided within the plug include, but are not limited to, air, an aerogel material, a powder or a fibrous insulating material.

[0016] Providing a second vacuum or insulating material within the plug improves the insulation of the plug so that less heat is lost through the plug piece and more of the heat generated is transferred to the aerosol-generating substrate within the first tube. Preferably, the plug comprises an electrical insulator material.

[0017] Preferably, the cradle is shaped to allow air to flow through the first tube, thus allowing an air passage to flow through the cradle and the first tube to carry the generated aerosol to the user.

[0018] 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 apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a heating device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: providing a first tube, the first tube comprising an electrically conductive material and having an opening through which an aerosol-forming substrate can be received; disposing a heater on an outer surface of the first tube, the heater being configured to provide heat to the received aerosol-forming substrate by thermal conduction; disposing at least one electrical insulator component on the first tube; disposing a second tube comprising an electrically conductive material on the at least one electrical insulator component such that the second tube is spaced radially outward from the first tube; and electrically connecting the heater to the first tube and the second tube.

[0020] Preferably, the method further comprises providing a vacuum enclosed between the first tube and the second tube, and the heater is disposed within the vacuum. Alternatively, the method further comprises providing an insulating material between the first tube and the second tube. Examples of insulating materials that may be provided between the first tube and the second tube include, but are not limited to, air, an aerogel material, a powder or a fibrous insulating material.

[0021] 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]

[0022] [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] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heating device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] 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" can be used interchangeably herein, particularly with respect to the form of inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by the user.

[0024] 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 with exemplary internal components visible. The aerosol generating device 2 is a heat-non-combustion device, sometimes 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, the 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 electronic cigarettes may also be used as aerosol generating devices according to the present invention.

[0025] The specific examples below with reference to Figures 2 and 3 are described with a vacuum enclosed between the inner and outer tubes of the heating device. However, it will be understood that the vacuum may be replaced with other insulating media / materials, such as air, aerogel material, powdered or fibrous insulating material that may be provided between the inner and outer tubes of the heating device. In such examples (where the vacuum is replaced with an insulating material), the space between the inner and outer tubes may not be enclosed and may allow air to flow in and out of the space.

[0026] 2 shows a schematic diagram of a heating device 10 having an inner tube 12 and an outer tube 14 in which a vacuum 16 is enclosed. 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 tube 12 and the outer tube 14 can be low, medium, or high.

[0027] The inner tube 12 is disposed radially within the inner surface of the outer tube 14 as a concentric cylinder, such that when viewed from above or below, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axes of the inner and outer tubes, the tubes appear as concentric circles (not shown). In the alternative, the inner and / or outer tubes may be formed in other types of cross-sectional shapes, such as a square or polygon.

[0028] One or more electrical insulator components 18 are provided between the outer surface of the inner tube 12 and the inner surface of the outer tube 14 at each end of the inner and outer tubes to couple the inner and outer tubes 12 and 14. The electrical insulator components 18 may be push-fit plugs into the space between the inner and outer tubes and extend to a predetermined depth along the length of the inner and outer tubes. The one or more electrical insulator components 18 may include glass as an electrical insulator material that may be bonded to the inner and outer tubes. As will be further described below, the inner and outer tubes may include a metallic material. In another example, the electrical insulator components 18 may include a heat-resistant plastic such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone). It should be understood that the electrical insulator components 18 fix the position of the inner tube 12 relative to the outer tube 14 and maintain the vacuum 16 enclosed between the inner tube 12 and the outer tube 14 and the electrical insulator components 18.

[0029] The inner tube 12 is hollow and defines an opening 20 through which an aerosol-forming consumable or substrate (not shown) can be received within the inner tube 12. In other words, the inner tube 12 provides a tunnel through which the aerosol-forming substrate can pass, supported by the inner surface of the inner tube 12. The opening 20 serves as an access point for inserting the consumable into the heating device 10 in its configured configuration.

[0030] The heater 22 is provided on the outer surface of the inner tube 12. The heater 22 is an electrically resistive track that may be printed or coated onto the inner tube 12. Alternatively, the heater 22 may be laminated onto the inner tube 12. A first electrical connection 24 connects the heater 22 with the inner tube 12 and a second electrical connection 26 connects the heater 22 with the inner surface of the outer tube 14, such that the inner tube 12, the first electrical connection 24, the heater 22, the second electrical connection 26, and the outer tube 14 form an electrical circuit with a power source or printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 28 when the inner and outer tubes are electrically connected to the PCBA 28. This structure advantageously facilitates manufacture of the unit as electrical connections can be easily provided through the inner and outer tubes 12 and 14, thereby eliminating the need for wiring that may conduct heat away from the heater and affect the integrity of the vacuum 16.

[0031] As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, further electrical connections 30 are included for connecting the inner tube 12 and outer tube 14 to the PCBA 28 or a power source. As will be appreciated, the inner tube 12 and outer tube 14 are each made of or at least include a conductive material, e.g., a metallic material such as stainless steel, for passing electrical current to and from the heater 22. The inner surface of the inner tube 12 and / or the outer surface of the outer tube 14 may be coated with a layer of electrical insulation (not shown) for safety.

[0032] The heating apparatus 10 further includes a plug 32 disposed within the inner tube 12 from the opening 20 toward the opposite end of the inner tube 12. The plug 32 provides a surface against which the inserted consumable may abut, thereby limiting the depth of insertion of the consumable. In other words, the plug 32 defines the length of the consumable cavity in the inner tube 12.

[0033] The plug 32 includes an insulating material, such as a PEEK material (polyetheretherketone), or PEEK and an aerogel material, to prevent heat conduction through the plug 32 such that heat loss from the inner tube 12 and / or received consumables is not lost through the plug 32. The insulating material may include an aerogel or superwool sheet, or may be a thermal barrier coating. The plug 32 may also function as an electrical insulator.

[0034] The plug 32 may also include one or more openings or holes (not shown) that allow air to flow through the inner tube 12 and carry the aerosol generated from the inserted consumable to the user as the user inhales. For example, the plug 32 may be ring-shaped.

[0035] The cross-sectional schematic of heating device 40 shown in FIG. 3 is similar to heating device 10 of FIG. 2, except that plug 42 in heating device 30 of FIG. 3 is a vacuum component that does not conduct electrical energy.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the plug 42 is hollow. It comprises an outer casing 46 that encloses a vacuum 44 within the hollow interior. The outer casing 46 may be made of an insulating material such as PEEK, or may be made of a metallic material such as stainless steel that is coated to provide electrical and thermal insulation. The plug 42 may limit the depth of insertion of the tobacco rod and minimize heat loss from the lower end of the heating chamber. The use of a vacuum 44 within the plug 42 may further increase the insulating effect of the plug, meaning that more of the generated heat can be used to generate aerosol, advantageously improving the efficiency of the device.

Claims

1. 1. A heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a first tube comprising a conductive material and having an opening through which the aerosol-forming substrate can be received; a second tube including a conductive material and positioned radially outward relative to the first tube; at least one electrical insulator component positioned to space the first tube from the second tube; a heater disposed on an outer surface of the first tube, the heater being electrically connected to the first tube and the second tube and configured to provide heat to the received aerosol-forming substrate by thermal conduction; and A heating device comprising:

2. The heating device of claim 1 , wherein a vacuum is sealed between the first tube and the second tube, or an insulating material is provided between the first tube and the second tube.

3. 10. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heater comprises an electrically resistive track printed or coated on the first tube.

4. The heating device of claim 1 , wherein the first tube and the second tube are each electrically connected to a power source capable of supplying power to the heater.

5. The heating device of claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the first tube is coated with a first layer of electrical insulation.

6. The heating device of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the second tube is coated with a second layer of electrical insulation.

7. The outer surface of the second tube is coated with a second electrical insulator layer; 6. The heating device of claim 5, wherein the at least one electrical insulator component comprises the first electrical insulator layer and / or the second electrical insulator layer for each of the first tube and the second tube.

8. 2. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical insulator component comprises a first ring and a second ring, the first ring and the second ring being disposed between the first tube and the second tube at a first end and a second end of the first tube and the second tube, respectively.

9. The heating device of claim 1 , further comprising a cradle disposed within the first tube and configured to limit insertion of the received aerosol-forming substrate.

10. The heating device of claim 9 , wherein the cradle comprises a plug.

11. The heating device of claim 10 , wherein the plug encloses a second vacuum or insulating material therein.

12. The heating device of claim 10 , wherein the plug comprises an electrical insulator material.

13. 10. The heating device of claim 9, wherein the pedestal is shaped to allow air to flow through the first tube.

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

15. A method for manufacturing a heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of: providing a first tube, the first tube comprising an electrically conductive material and having an opening through which an aerosol-forming substrate can be received; disposing a heater on an outer surface of the first tube, the heater configured to provide heat to the received aerosol-forming substrate by thermal conduction; disposing at least one electrical insulator component on the first tube; disposing a second tube comprising an electrically conductive material over the at least one electrical insulator component such that the second tube is spaced radially outward from the first tube; electrically connecting the heater to the first tube and the second tube; A method comprising:

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