Aerosol-generating device with thermal bridge

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device having a thermal bridge.SOLUTION: The aerosol-generating device has a heating chamber 102 into which an aerosol substrate is insertable for being heated to generate an aerosol. The heating chamber is contained within a casing 110 and is provided with an aperture 103 through which an aerosol substrate is insertable into the heating chamber through an open end 114 of the heating chamber. An insulator 121 is arranged between the heating chamber and the casing, and a thermal bridge 119 is arranged to dissipate heat from the heating chamber in the vicinity of the aperture or from the open end of the heating chamber to the casing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device having a thermal bridge. The thermal bridge can dissipate heat from a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device to a casing of the aerosol generating device or to the exterior of the aerosol generating device. The disclosure is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to portable aerosol generating devices that are self-contained and capable of operating at low temperatures. Such devices may be configured to heat tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material by conduction, convection, and / or radiation rather than by combustion to generate an aerosol for inhalation. [Background technology]

[0002] The popularity and use of risk-reducing or risk-modifying devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to assisting regular smokers who wish to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and cigarettes. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosolizable substance, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0003] A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is the substrate-heated aerosol generating device or heat-and-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically containing moist tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to temperatures typically ranging from 150°C to 300°C. By heating, rather than burning or combusting, the aerosol substrate releases an aerosol containing the ingredients desired by the user but without the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols produced by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste that can be unpleasant to users due to combustion and burning. Thus, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to users.

[0004] To minimize the time between when a user first activates the device and when the user can inhale the desired aerosol from the aerosol substrate, it is desirable to heat the aerosol substrate as quickly as possible to a temperature at which the aerosol can be released. This involves the use of powerful heaters, which inevitably cause the entire aerosol generating device to become hot. Furthermore, users may typically use the aerosol generating device for a significant period of time, exacerbating the problems associated with heating the entire aerosol generating device. If the aerosol generating device becomes too hot, it may become uncomfortable for the user to hold in their hand. Worse yet, if there is a risk that the user may be injured by the heat, the aerosol generating device may become completely unsuitable for consumer use.

[0005] Existing aerosol generating devices include insulation intended to reduce the transfer of heat from the heating chamber to the outside of the aerosol generating device, with varying degrees of effectiveness. However, the aerosol generating device has an opening or aperture through which the aerosol substrate is inserted into the heating chamber, and heat generated during heating of the aerosol substrate tends to escape from this opening by radiation, convection, and / or conduction. This can be difficult to mitigate and can be particularly problematic in aerosol generating devices that are used by a user who, during use, places their mouth and lips in close proximity to the opening, for example, to inhale the aerosol from the device. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device including a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol, a casing in which the heating chamber is housed, an aperture through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber, an insulator at least partially disposed between the heating chamber and the casing, and a thermal bridge disposed to dissipate heat from the heating chamber to the casing.

[0008] The thermal bridge may provide a means for conducting heat from the heating chamber to the surrounding casing so that the heat can be dispersed to the surrounding environment. In effect, the thermal bridge may act as a heat sink. However, conducting heat to the casing may further improve the aerosol generating device's ability to dissipate heat.

[0009] Optionally, the heating chamber includes a first end and a second end, the first end opposite the second end, the aperture located proximal to the first end of the heating chamber, and the thermal bridge positioned closer to the aperture than the second end of the heating chamber. In such a configuration, the thermal bridge may provide a means for conducting heat from an outer surface of the aperture of the aerosol generating device so that the heat can be dispersed to the surrounding environment.

[0010] Optionally, the thermal bridge at least partially defines the aperture.

[0011] Optionally, a thermal bridge is disposed at least partially between the heating chamber and the aperture.

[0012] Optionally, the thermal bridge includes a heat dissipating surface facing outward from the aerosol generating device.

[0013] Optionally, the thermal bridge includes a heat dissipating surface facing the heat dissipating wall of the casing.Optionally, the heat dissipating surface is in direct contact with the heat dissipating wall of the casing.

[0014] Optionally, the thermal bridge is positioned at least partially to enclose the heating chamber.

[0015] Optionally, the thermal bridge is in contact with the heating chamber, for example in direct contact.

[0016] Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material and the insulator comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material, in other words, the thermal bridge is a better thermal conductor than the insulator.

[0017] Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material and the casing comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material. In other examples, the thermal bridge and the casing comprise the same material. The thermal bridge may comprise, and preferably consists essentially of, a metal. More specifically, the thermal bridge may comprise, and more preferably consists essentially of, aluminum.

[0018] Optionally, the thermal bridge is externally ribbed.

[0019] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a chassis, wherein both the thermal bridge and the chassis complementarily surround the heating chamber, and wherein the chassis is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge.

[0020] Optionally, the chassis is externally ribbed or the casing is internally ribbed.

[0021] Optionally, the chassis is made essentially of plastic and the thermal bridge is made essentially of metal, preferably aluminum. Optionally, a casing covers the chassis. Optionally, the casing includes, preferably consists essentially of, metal.

[0022] Optionally, the thermal bridge comprises a first material and the aerosol generating device has an outer trim portion that at least partially defines the aperture, the outer trim portion comprising a third material, the third material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first material.

[0023] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a heater, and an insulator is disposed between the heater and the casing. An insulator is preferably also disposed between the heater and the thermal bridge. The heater may be electrically powered.

[0024] Optionally, the aerosol generation device includes a mounting element extending from between the heating chamber and the insulator. Optionally, the mounting element cooperates with the chassis and the insulator to secure the insulator and heating chamber in place within the aerosol generation device.

[0025] Optionally, the heating chamber has a flange, and the thermal bridge lies against a surface of the flange. Optionally, the thermal bridge lies against a surface of the flange of the heating chamber opposite the surface of the flange on which the mounting element is located.

[0026] Optionally, the thermal bridge includes an aperture portion and a casing portion, the aperture portion preferably located proximate the aperture, and the casing portion preferably located between a portion of the length of the insulator and the casing.

[0027] Optionally, an aperture portion of the thermal bridge at least partially defines the aperture.

[0028] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises a spacing component between the heating chamber and the thermal bridge.

[0029] Optionally, the spacing component comprises a heat resistant polymeric material, preferably polyetheretherketone, PEEK.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a casing in which the heating chamber is housed; an insulator at least partially disposed between the heating chamber and the casing; an aperture through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber; and a thermal bridge disposed in thermal contact with the casing and / or including a heat dissipating surface facing outward from the aerosol generation device, wherein at least a portion of the thermal bridge defines at least a portion of the aperture or is at least partially disposed between the heating chamber and the aperture.

[0031] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating chamber into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a casing in which the heating chamber is housed; an aperture through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber; an insulator at least partially disposed between the heating chamber and the casing; and a thermal bridge disposed to dissipate heat from the heating chamber to an exterior of the aerosol generation device.

[0032] Each of the above aspects may include any one or more of the features mentioned with respect to the other aspects above.

[0033] The use of terms such as "apparatus," "device," and the like is intended to be general rather than specific. While the features of the present disclosure may be implemented using individual components, they may also be implemented using other suitable components or combinations of components.

[0034] It should be noted that the term "comprises" as used herein means "consisting at least in part of." Thus, when interpreting a phrase containing the term "comprises," features other than the feature preceded by the term may be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted similarly. As used herein, "(s)" following a noun refers to the plural and / or singular of that noun.

[0035] As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as a mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and / or to disperse as an aerosol. It should be noted that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolize is consistent with each of volatilization, atomization, and vaporization defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a mist or droplets comprising atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles. Aerosol also includes a mist or droplets comprising any combination of atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles.

[0036] Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment, with the lid in a closed position. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment, with the lid in an open position. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment, with an aerosol substrate carrier inserted therein; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment with the casing removed; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment, with part of the casing and chassis removed; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment with other parts of the casing and chassis removed; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment in the region of an aperture. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment with the casing removed. FIG. [Figure 9] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment in the region of an aperture. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] First embodiment 1-7 , according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device 100 includes a casing 110 housing various components of the aerosol generating device 100. An aperture 103 is provided through which an aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber 102. In this embodiment, the aerosol substrate is provided in a substrate carrier 104. The substrate carrier 104 is generally elongate, with the aerosol substrate located toward or at a first end of the substrate carrier 104. The substrate carrier 104 provides a conduit, e.g., in the form of a tube of cardboard or plastic material, between the aerosol substrate and the second end of the substrate carrier 104. Optionally, a filter is provided along the length of the conduit, e.g., at the second end of the substrate carrier 104. Aerosol and / or vapor generated from the aerosol substrate as it is heated in the heating chamber 102 can be drawn through the conduit and inhaled by a user from the second end of the substrate carrier 102. The substrate carrier 102 has a length sufficient to protrude through the aperture 103 while the aerosol substrate is within the heating chamber 102 (as shown in FIG. 3).

[0039] The aerosol-generating device 100 may be described as a personal inhaler device, an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette), a vaporizer, or a vaping device. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol-generating device 100 is a heat-not-burn (HnB) device. However, the aerosol-generating devices 100 contemplated in this disclosure more generally heat an aerosolizable substance to generate an aerosol for inhalation, as opposed to burning tobacco as in traditional tobacco products.

[0040] The aerosol substrate and substrate carrier 104 may be referred to as a consumable article. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable article is in the form of a rod containing processed tobacco material, such as a sealed sheet or oriented strip of reconstituted tobacco (RTB) paper impregnated with a liquid aerosol former. The liquid aerosol former in this embodiment includes vegetable glycerin (VG), but may also be a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and VG. In this embodiment, the consumable article uses pure VG without any flavoring or nicotine. Instead, volatile flavorings and nicotine obtained from the RTB are vaporized simultaneously with the aerosol former and entrained in the resulting condensation aerosol, which is inhaled by the user. However, in other embodiments, the consumable article has an aerosol former containing nicotine and other flavorings. In such cases, the consumable article typically contains another solid porous material to absorb the aerosol former liquid, such as a mousse formed from a gelling agent and a suitable binder, which may or may not contain tobacco.

[0041] The casing 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 may be of any shape and size suitable for accommodating the components of the aerosol generating device 100, but is generally elongated. The aperture 103 is provided at a first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, at one end of the elongated shape of the casing 110. In the drawings, the first end 113 is shown at the top. The second end 115 of the aerosol generating device 100 is the end furthest from the aperture 103 and is shown at the bottom in the drawings. This is how the aerosol generating device 100 is typically oriented during use, and therefore the first end 113 may be referred to as the top end, and the second end 115 may be referred to as the bottom end. More specifically, during use, a user typically holds the aerosol generating device 100 in a position that allows the aerosol generating device 100 to be oriented ... 00 with second end 115 facing downward and / or distal to the user's mouth and first end 113 facing upward and / or proximal to the user's mouth.

[0042] The aerosol generating device 100 has a lid 109 arranged to be movable between at least two positions, in particular between a closed position (as shown in FIG. 1 ) and an open position (as shown in FIG. 2 ). In the closed position, the lid 109 blocks the aperture 103 so that material cannot enter the heating chamber 102. In the open position, the aperture 103 is exposed to allow access to the heating chamber 102 through the aperture 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 109 is arranged to be movable between the closed and open positions by sliding. In other embodiments, the lid 109 is arranged to pivot and / or rotate between the closed and open positions.

[0043] An indicator 101 is provided on the aerosol generating device 100 to display information to a user. In this embodiment, the indicator 101 comprises a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or (as in this embodiment) a strip of LEDs, and the indicator 101 is provided, for example, on a side of the casing 110 between the first end 113 and the second end 115. Information displayed to the user by the indicator 101 may include an indication of the status of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., whether the aerosol generating device 100 is off, in standby mode, or on), the battery level, the temperature of the heating chamber 102, or the session time.

[0044] As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 4 , in which the aerosol generating device 100 is shown without the casing 110, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a chassis 107. The chassis 107 provides structural integrity to the aerosol generating device 100. It is also possible to attach components of the aerosol generating device 100 using visible fasteners, such as screws or snap-fit ​​connections, without significant consideration of affecting the appearance of the chassis 107. Rather, the casing 110 fits around, e.g., covers, the chassis 107, thereby providing the outer or exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100. This means that the casing 110 provides at least the majority of the visible surface of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0045] In this embodiment, the chassis 107 comprises a plastic material, and the casing 110 comprises a metal. Having the chassis 107 be a plastic material means that the chassis 107 can be easily and inexpensively formed by molding. Plastic materials also tend to have significantly lower thermal conductivity than metals, meaning that the chassis 107 generally has better thermal insulation than the casing 110. A metal casing 110 allows a user to hold the outer casing 110 comfortably. The casing 110 can also be anodized, treated, or coated, for example, with a powder coating, to have an attractive appearance and to resist scratches, abrasions, discoloration, or other deterioration. The higher thermal conductivity of the metal of the outer casing 110 compared to the plastic material of the chassis 107 allows any heat leaking from the heating chamber 102 into the casing 110 to be distributed more freely around the casing 110, thereby reducing localized hot spots. However, it should be noted that it is not essential that the chassis 107 be made of a plastic material and the casing 110 be made of metal, and in other embodiments the chassis 107 and casing 110 are formed of other materials.

[0046] The chassis 107 includes two portions. When the aerosol generating device 100 is oriented with the aperture 103 facing the viewer, the left portion 107a is the left-hand side and the right portion 107b is the right-hand side. The left portion 107a and the right portion 107b are the aerosol generating portions. The chassis 107 mates in a plane that bisects the aerosol generating device 100. This plane is parallel to the length of the aerosol generating device 100, which lies in the direction between the first end 113 and the second end 115, and extends from the front to the rear of the aerosol generating device 100 in the orientation described herein. In effect, the chassis 107 is divided into two approximately equal parts that are mirror images of each other except for minor differences to accommodate small asymmetric features, such as the indicator 101 located in the right-hand portion 107b.

[0047] The exterior surface of the chassis 107 is ribbed. That is, the chassis 107 includes walls 117 having a substantially uniform thickness over most of their extent, and ribs 124 are provided on the outwardly facing surfaces of the walls 117. The ribs stand upright from the outwardly facing surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, most of the ribs 124 extend approximately circumferentially around the casing 110 relative to the length of the aerosol generating device 100. However, at least one of the ribs 124 extends approximately perpendicular to the other ribs 124 along the length of the aerosol generating device 100. In other words, the chassis 107 has ribs 124 that intersect with each other, e.g., perpendicularly. The ribs 124 increase the structural integrity of the chassis 107 compared to the walls 117 alone and do not add as much weight as would be added by thickening the walls 117 themselves.

[0048] The casing 110 fits directly onto the chassis 107. Like the chassis 107, in the illustrated embodiment, the casing 110 includes two sections. When the aerosol generating device 100 is oriented with the aperture 103 facing the viewer, the left section 110a is the left-hand side and the right section 110b is the right-hand side. The left and right sections 110a, 110b fit together in the same plane as the left and right sections 107a, 107b of the chassis 107. Thus, like the chassis 107, the casing 110 is divided into two approximately equal sections that are mirror images of each other, with only minor differences, to accommodate small asymmetric features, such as the indicator 101 located on the right-hand section 110b.

[0049] In this embodiment, both the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces of the casing 110 are smooth. The inward-facing surface is contoured to follow the outer extent of the chassis 107, e.g., the outer extent of the ribs 124 in the illustrated embodiment. The inward-facing surface of the casing 110 fits flush with the outer extent of the chassis 107. This allows the casing 110 to be securely joined to the chassis 107, e.g., by adhesive. Advantageously, the spaces between the ribs 124 of the chassis 107 provide gaps between the walls of the chassis 107 and the inward-facing surface of the casing 110. These gaps can simply be filled with air. Air, by itself, is a good insulator with a lower thermal conductivity than many plastic materials at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the ribs 124 of the chassis 107 advantageously improve the insulating properties of the aerosol generating device 100 between the heating chamber 102 and the casing 110. In a variation of this embodiment, the inner surface of the casing has ribs 124, and the chassis is smooth on the outside. In another variation, both the inner surface of the casing and the outer surface of the chassis are ribbed.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the casing 110 does not extend over the entire first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100, where the aperture 103 and the lid 109 are provided. Rather, the aerosol generating device 100 has a trim portion 111 at the first end 113. The trim portion 111 extends at least partially around the aperture 103, and in the illustrated embodiment, all the way around it. In other words, the trim portion 111 at least partially defines the aperture 103. The trim portion 111 also extends below the lid 109, i.e., between the lid 109 and the rest of the aerosol generating device 100. In this first embodiment, the trim portion 111 comprises a plastic material, for example the same material as the chassis 107. The trim portion 111 is formed by the casing 110 being a part of the chassis 107. It is held between the left and right portions 107a, 107b. The trim portion 111 is the portion of the aerosol generating device 100 that is closest to the user's mouth during use.

[0051] The internal components of the aerosol generating device 100 can be seen most clearly in Figure 5, in which the casing 110 and the right portion 107b of the chassis 107 have been removed, and in Figure 6, in which the entire casing 110 and chassis 107 have been removed. The heating chamber 102 (or oven) can be seen to be surrounded by an insulator 121. The indicator 101 is also better seen, along with the power source 112 of the aerosol generating device 100, e.g., a cell or battery. One point to note is that the insulator 121 and the power source 112, both of which are approximately cylindrical, are arranged side by side to allow them to be packed compactly inside the chassis 107 and casing 110.

[0052] More specifically, the heating chamber 102 is located toward the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 101. The heating chamber 102 is generally cup-shaped with an open end 114 located toward the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100, through which the aerosol substrate can enter the heating chamber 102 (see FIG. 7 ). The aperture 103 of the aerosol generating device 100 mates with the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 103 is substantially circular with a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the heating chamber 102. The aerosol substrate carrier 104 is substantially cylindrical with a diameter similar to the inner diameter of the heating chamber 102, and can therefore pass through the aperture 103 and the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102 without difficulty. However, the aperture 103 and the aerosol substrate carrier 104 may be of any shape or size, so long as at least a portion of the aerosol substrate carrier 104 can be received through the aperture 103 and into the heating chamber 102 so that the aerosol substrate can be heated within the heating chamber 102.

[0053] Heat chamber 102 is mounted within insulator 121. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 7 , heat chamber 102 has an outwardly protruding flange 116 at open end 114. Flange 116 is annular, e.g., extends completely around open end 114 of heat chamber 102. Flange 116 extends radially outward from a sidewall of heat chamber 102. In the illustrated embodiment, flange 116 extends perpendicular to the sidewall, e.g., in a plane containing and perpendicular to a central axis of heat chamber 102.

[0054] A mounting element 108 is provided for mounting the heating chamber 102 within the insulator 121 and for mounting the combination of the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 within the aerosol generating device, or more specifically, to the chassis 107. The mounting element 108 is generally annular and extends around the outer edge of the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121, for example, at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. The mounting element 108 separates the heating chamber 102 from the insulator 121. More specifically, the mounting element 108 is located between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 at the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. The dimensions of the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 are such that the heating chamber 102 fits within a cavity defined by the inner wall of the insulator 121. When the heating chamber is inserted into the cavity of the insulator, the only contact between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 is via the mounting element 108. The space otherwise between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 is filled with air, thereby improving thermal isolation between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 compared to configurations in which the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 are in greater contact with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting element 108 comprises polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK is used because it has a high resistance to thermal degradation and a low thermal conductivity. Other materials, such as other thermoplastics, may also be used.

[0055] Insulation 121 surrounds heating chamber 102 except for open end 114 thereof. In some embodiments, insulation 121 is a fibrous or foam material, such as wool. In the illustrated embodiment, insulation 121 comprises a pair of nested tubes or cups containing a cavity between them. This cavity may be filled with a thermally insulating material, such as fiber, foam, gel, or gas (e.g., at low pressure), and / or the cavity may contain a vacuum. Advantageously, a vacuum requires only a very small thickness to provide high thermal insulation. It will be appreciated that insulation 121 surrounds heating chamber 102 except for open end 114, thus preventing or limiting the flow of heat from heating chamber 102 to casing 110. Additionally, a heater (not shown) is typically located on the exterior surface of heating chamber 102, and insulation 121 surrounds this heater as well.

[0056] The mounting element 108 extends from between the heating chamber 102 and the insulator 121 (around the end of the insulator 121 proximate the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102) to the outer surface of the insulator 121. The mounting element 108 cooperates with the chassis 107 and the outer surfaces of the insulator 121 to secure the insulator 121 and the heating chamber 102 in place within the aerosol generation device 100. Much in the same way that the heating chamber 102 is nested inside the insulator 121, there is a void in the chassis 107 to accommodate the insulator 121 with a space between the insulator 121 and the chassis 107.

[0057] An additional attachment element (not shown) is provided at the end of the insulator 121 opposite the end adjacent the open end 114 of the heating chamber 102. However, the insulator 121 only contacts the chassis 107 via the attachment element 108 and the additional attachment element, and not elsewhere. This also improves the thermal isolation of the heating chamber 102 from the outside of the aerosol generating device 100, e.g., the casing 110.

[0058] The heating chamber 102 and insulator 121 are further held in place within the aerosol generating device 100 by a thermal bridge 119. The thermal bridge 119 lies against the surface of the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102 opposite the surface of the flange 116 on which the mounting element 108 rests. The flange 116 is thus held between the thermal bridge 119 and the mounting element 108. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a gasket 125 between the thermal bridge 119 and the flange 116 to improve the fit, although this is not required. The thermal bridge 119 itself is attached to the chassis 107 near the aperture 103 and functions to prevent movement of the heating chamber 102 and insulator 121 towards the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal bridge 119 includes an aperture portion 118 and a casing portion 120. The aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 is located proximate the aperture 103, and the casing portion 120 is located between a portion of the length of the insulator 121 and the casing 110. The aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 at least partially defines the aperture 103 of the aerosol generation device 100, particularly the interior portion of the aperture 103. More specifically, the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 extends around the entire periphery of the aperture 103 in this embodiment, but only around a portion of the periphery of the aperture 103 in other embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 has a hole therethrough, which provides the aperture 103 in the aerosol generation device 100. The casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 includes a wall 123 with external ribs 124. The external ribs 124 protrude from the surface of the wall 123 that faces outwardly toward the heating chamber 102. The ribs 124 serve to increase the surface area of ​​the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 and the casing The thermal bridge 119 includes a metal. In this embodiment, the metal is aluminum. Aluminum is used because of its high thermal conductivity, and because it is relatively light and easy to manufacture compared to other metals. In other embodiments, the thermal bridge 119 includes an alloy of aluminum or another metal or material, such as copper, iron, steel, or any alloy thereof.

[0061] In this first embodiment, the outward facing surface of the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 is in good thermal contact with the casing 110. This may be achieved by using thermal paste or other suitable material between the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 and the casing 110. In other embodiments, this is achieved only by ensuring close physical contact between the thermal bridge 119 and the casing 110.

[0062] The thermal bridge 119 is positioned to provide a path for heat to flow from the open end 114 of the heating chamber to the casing 110. Because the casing 110 itself has a relatively high thermal conductivity, e.g., comprises a metal, heat flowing from the open end 114 of the heating chamber through the thermal bridge 119 to the casing 110 is conducted by the casing 110 and thereby spread to the surrounding area of ​​the casing 110. Because the casing 110 provides an exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100, heat can be effectively radiated from the aerosol generating device 100. This configuration recognizes that, counterintuitively, it is better to direct heat escaping from the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 away from the aperture 103 of the aerosol generating device 100 rather than attempting to trap the heat further within the heating chamber 102. This more effectively prevents the aerosol generating device 100 from becoming unnecessarily hot near the aperture 103 than configurations that attempt to trap additional heat within the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114.

[0063] As described above, the trim portion 111 covers the thermal bridge 119 at the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device 100. The trim portion 111 comprises a material with a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge 119, thereby preventing or limiting heat from the open end 114 of the heating chamber from flowing to the trim portion and therefore to the external surface of the aerosol generating device 100 at the first end 113.

[0064] In an experimental analysis of a sample aerosol generating device according to the first embodiment, the heating chamber 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 was repeatedly used to heat the aerosol substrate in a room temperature environment so that the temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 reached a substantially steady state. It was found that at point A shown in FIG. 3 , the temperature of the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached approximately 37°C, point B on the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached approximately 35°C, point C on the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached approximately 33°C, point D on the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached approximately 29°C, and point E on the interior surface of the chassis 107 reached approximately 46°C.

[0065] Second embodiment Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the aerosol generating device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is identical to the aerosol generating device 100 according to the first embodiment, except that the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment is located at the trim portion 111 and has a different configuration.

[0066] More specifically, the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment does not extend around the insulator 121. In effect, the casing portion 120 of the thermal bridge 119 of the first embodiment is omitted, and the aperture portion 118 of the thermal bridge 119 of the first embodiment is adapted to replace the trim portion 111 of the first embodiment. The thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment at least partially defines the aperture 103. More specifically, the thermal In this embodiment, the thermal bridge 219 extends completely around the aperture 103, but in other embodiments it extends only partially around the aperture 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the thermal bridge 219 has a hole therethrough, which provides the aperture 103 in the aerosol generating device 100. The thermal bridge 219 is held in place by the casing 110, i.e., the peripheral edge of the thermal bridge 219 contacts the casing 110, for example, between the left and right portions 110a, 110b of the casing 110.

[0067] A spacer 220 extends between the thermal bridge 219 and the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102. In the illustrated embodiment, there is also a gasket 125 between the spacer 220 and the flange 116 to improve the fit. The spacer 220 has a hole therein that is similar in size to the hole in the thermal bridge 219, and the two holes are aligned so that they together define the aperture 103. The spacer 220 is generally tubular. In this embodiment, the spacer 220 comprises PEEK. PEEK is useful because it prevents or limits the transfer of heat by conduction from the flange 116 of the heating chamber 102 to the thermal bridge 219. The thermal bridge 219 comprises a metal, aluminum in this embodiment. The thermal bridge 219 could alternatively comprise an aluminum alloy. Other materials, such as copper, iron, steel, or any alloy thereof, could also be used.

[0068] Like the first embodiment, rather than attempting to trap heat further within the heating chamber 102, the thermal bridge 219 of the second embodiment also attempts to direct heat escaping from the heating chamber 102 at the open end 114 away from the aperture 103 of the aerosol generating device 100. This is achieved by the thermal bridge 219 conducting heat from the periphery of the aperture 103 toward the casing 110. In particular, the thermal bridge 219 extends around the aperture 103 on the first end 113 of the aerosol generating device. The thermal bridge 219 also extends below the lid 109, i.e., between the lid 109 and the remainder of the aerosol generating device 100. The thermal bridge 219 is held between the left and right portions 110a, 110b of the casing 110. The periphery of the thermal bridge 219 is in direct contact with the casing 110. For example, positioning the thermal bridge 219 at the first end 113 on the outside or external surface of the aerosol generating device 100 allows the thermal bridge 219 to radiate heat to the surroundings through the aperture 103. Furthermore, by being in thermal contact with the casing 110, heat can flow from the thermal bridge 219 to the casing 110 and diffuse around the casing 110, where it can be radiated to the surrounding environment. The surfaces of the thermal bridge 219 and the casing 110 that are in contact with each other may be tightly fitted, and / or thermal paste or other thermally conductive medium may be applied between the surfaces to ensure good heat conduction from the thermal bridge 219 to the casing 110.

[0069] In an experimental analysis of a sample aerosol generating device according to the second embodiment, the heating chamber 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 was repeatedly used to heat the aerosol substrate in a room temperature environment so that the temperature of the aerosol generating device 100 reached a substantially steady state. It was found that at point A shown in FIG. 3 , the temperature of the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached approximately 36°C, point B on the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached approximately 33°C, point C on the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached approximately 32°C, point D on the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100 reached approximately 29°C, and point E on the interior surface of the chassis 107 reached approximately 46°C. It will be appreciated that these temperatures, at least as far as the exterior surface of the casing 110 is concerned, are slightly lower than the temperatures achieved by the aerosol generating device according to the first embodiment. However, to offset this, the presence of metal surrounding the aperture 103 in the second embodiment (i.e., the metal surface of the thermal bridge 219) reduces the temperature of this plastic material. It has been found that the trim portion 111 can result in more heat being radiated from the aerosol generating device 100 in its vicinity compared to the first embodiment, where the trim portion 111 is present on the surface surrounding the aperture 103. Given that the user's mouth is in close proximity to this part of the aerosol generating device 100 during use, this can make a noticeable difference to the user's experience, resulting in the perception that the temperature of the surface surrounding the aperture 103 is higher in the second embodiment than in the first embodiment, despite measurements indicating the opposite.

[0070] Definitions and Alternative Embodiments It will be understood from the foregoing description that many features of the various embodiments are interchangeable, and the present disclosure extends to further embodiments including features of the various embodiments combined together in a manner not specifically recited.

[0071] As used herein, the term "vapour" (or "vapor") means: (i) a form into which a liquid is spontaneously transformed by the action of a sufficient degree of heat, or (ii) particles of liquid / moisture suspended in the atmosphere and visible as a cloud of steam / smoke, or (iii) a fluid that fills space like a gas but can be liquefied by pressure alone when below a critical temperature.

[0072] Consistent with this definition, the term "vaporize" (or "vaporize") means: (i) to change into or cause to change into a vapor, and (ii) when a particle changes physical state (i.e., from a liquid or solid to a gaseous state).

[0073] As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as a mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and / or to disperse as an aerosol. It should be noted that the meaning of aerosol / aerosolize is consistent with each of volatilization, atomization, and vaporization defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a mist or droplets comprising atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles. Aerosol also includes a mist or droplets comprising any combination of atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (100), comprising: a heating chamber (102) into which an aerosol substrate can be inserted to be heated to generate an aerosol; a casing (110) in which the heating chamber (102) is housed; an aperture (103) through which the aerosol substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber (102); an insulator (121) disposed at least partially between the heating chamber (102) and the casing (110); a thermal bridge (119; 219) arranged to dissipate heat from the heating chamber (102) to the casing (110); An aerosol generating device (100) comprising:

2. 2. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the heating chamber (102) includes a first end proximal to the aperture (103) and a second end opposite the first end of the heating chamber (102), and the thermal bridge (119; 219) is positioned closer to the first end of the heating chamber (102) than to the second end of the heating chamber (102).

3. 3. An aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) at least partially defines the aperture (103).

4. 3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is at least partially disposed between the heating chamber (102) and the aperture (103).

5. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the thermal bridge (119, 219) comprises a heat dissipating surface facing outward from the aerosol generating device (100).

6. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thermal bridge (119, 219) comprises a heat dissipating surface facing the heat dissipating wall of the casing (110).

7. 7. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 6, wherein the heat dissipating surface is in direct contact with the heat dissipating wall of the casing (110).

8. 8. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is arranged at least partially to enclose the heating chamber (102).

9. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is in contact with the heating chamber (102).

10. An aerosol generating device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material and the insulator (121) comprises a second material, the first material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second material.

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

12. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a metal.

13. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises aluminium.

14. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is externally ribbed.

15. An aerosol generating device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a chassis (107), both the thermal bridge (119; 219) and the chassis (107) complementarily surrounding the heating chamber (102), and the chassis (107) being made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal bridge (119; 219).

16. 16. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 15, wherein the chassis (107) is externally ribbed or the casing (110) is internally ribbed.

17. 17. An aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the chassis is made essentially of plastic and the thermal bridge (119; 219) is made essentially of metal.

18. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the casing (110) covers the chassis (107).

19. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the casing (110) comprises a metal, preferably the casing (110) consists essentially of a metal.

20. 20. The aerosol generating device (100) of any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising a mounting element (108) extending between the heating chamber (102) and the insulator (121).

21. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 20, wherein the mounting element (108) cooperates with the chassis (107) and the insulator (121) to fix the insulator (121) and the heating chamber in a predetermined position within the aerosol generating device (100).

22. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the heating chamber (102) has a flange (116) and the thermal bridge (119; 219) is positioned against a surface of the flange (116).

23. An aerosol generating device (100) as described in claim 22 when dependent on claim 20 or 21, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) is located against a surface of the flange (116) of the heating chamber (102) opposite to the surface of the flange (116) on which the mounting element (108) is located.

24. The thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises a first material / the first material and The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising an outer trim portion (111) that at least partially defines the aperture (103), the outer trim portion (111) comprising a third material, the third material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first material.

25. 25. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a heater, and wherein the insulator (121) is arranged between the heater and the casing (110).

26. 26. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 25, wherein the heater is electrically powered.

27. 27. An aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the insulator (121) is arranged between the heater and the thermal bridge (119; 219).

28. An aerosol generating device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the thermal bridge (119; 219) comprises an aperture portion (118) and a casing portion (120), the aperture portion (118) preferably being located in close proximity to the aperture (103), and the casing portion (120) preferably being located between a portion of the length of the insulator (121) and the casing (110).

29. 29. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 28, wherein the aperture portion (118) of the thermal bridge (119; 219) at least partially defines the aperture (103).

30. 30. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spacing element (220) between the heating chamber (102) and the thermal bridge (119; 219).

31. 29. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 28, wherein the spacing component (220) comprises a heat-resistant polymeric material preferably selected from at least one of silicone, polyurethane or polyetheretherketone, PEEK.

Images