Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply (100) device is provided. The aerosol supply device is configured to heat at least a portion of an article (50) containing an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol supply device comprises a receptacle (205) for receiving at least a portion of the article. The receptacle comprises a reflective surface (250) positioned to reflect electromagnetic radiation toward the article. The reflective surface has a minimum reflectivity of at least 60% for electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device and an aerosol supply system.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heating type" products that release compounds by heating a material without burning, or tobacco heating devices or products. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] An aerosol supply system covering the above-described device or product is known. A common system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In many cases, in order to supply different aerosols for inhalation, it is necessary to exchange or change the medium used. It is known to use a resistive heating system as a heater for generating an aerosol from a suitable medium. Separately, an induction heating system is known to be used as a heater.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device configured to heat at least a part of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol supply device comprising a receptacle for receiving at least a part of the article, the receptacle comprising a reflective surface configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation towards the article, the reflective surface having a minimum reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 700 nm to 1000 nm of at least 60%.

[0005] The reflective surface may have an average reflectance of at least 70% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

[0006] The reflective surface may have a minimum reflectivity of 70% to 85% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

[0007] The aerosol supply device may include a heater. The heater may define at least a portion of the receptacle.

[0008] The heater may be a resistance heating heater. The heater may comprise a housing and a resistance heating element within the housing. The resistance heating element may comprise a resistance heating coil.

[0009] The heater may be an induction heater. The heater may also be equipped with an induction coil.

[0010] The heater may protrude into the receptacle.

[0011] The receptacle may include a peripheral wall that extends at least partially around the heater. The peripheral wall may include a reflective surface.

[0012] The receptacle may define at least a portion of the chamber. The heater may be exposed to the chamber.

[0013] The reflective surface may surround the chamber.

[0014] The reflective surface may extend over at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the periphery of the chamber.

[0015] The receptacle may have a base wall from which the heater rises.

[0016] The base wall may have a reflective surface.

[0017] The reflective surfaces may be uniformly distributed radially with respect to the position occupied by the article when it is housed in the receptacle.

[0018] The reflective surfaces may be arranged such that the amount of radiation reflected by the receptacle varies along the longitudinal range of the receptacle.

[0019] The reflective surfaces may be arranged such that the amount of radiation reflected by the receptacle changes gradually along the longitudinal range of the receptacle. Alternatively, the reflective surfaces may be arranged such that the amount of radiation reflected by the receptacle changes continuously along the longitudinal range of the receptacle.

[0020] The reflective surface may be positioned such that the majority of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm is reflected by the proximal portion of the receptacle compared to the distal portion, with the proximal portion being closer to the user during use. The reflective surface may also be positioned such that a smaller portion of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm is reflected by the proximal portion of the receptacle compared to the distal portion, with the proximal portion being closer to the user during use.

[0021] The reflective surface may be positioned to provide a temperature gradient along the longitudinal range of the receptacle during use.

[0022] The reflective surface may be positioned to compensate for the temperature gradient along the longitudinal range of the receptacle in use.

[0023] The receptacle may comprise a first longitudinal portion including a reflective surface and a second longitudinal portion not including a reflective surface.

[0024] The first longitudinal portion may include at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the longitudinal range of the receptacle.

[0025] The reflecting surface may include a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface. The first reflecting surface may have a reflectivity of electromagnetic radiation different from that of the second reflecting surface.

[0026] The reflecting surface may include a sheet. The sheet may have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 10 mm. The sheet may be adhered to another part of the receptacle such as the peripheral wall. The sheet may be joined to the peripheral wall by a fixture such as a mechanical fastener. The sheet may form an interference fit with the peripheral wall. The sheet may be held against the peripheral wall by another component of the aerosol supply device. The sheet may form at least a part of the receptacle.

[0027] The sheet may include foil. The foil may be aluminum foil. Alternatively, the reflecting surface may be thicker than the foil such as a sheet other than foil.

[0028] The reflecting surface may include a coating. For example, the reflecting surface may be painted, sprayed, and / or deposited so as to define the surface of the receptacle. The coating may include aluminum or ceramic.

[0029] The reflecting surface may include one or more of mylar, aluminized PET film, foilon, and polyimide film.

[0030] The reflecting surface may include a heat insulating material.

[0031] The reflecting surface may include a dielectric material.

[0032] The reflecting surface may include a surface finish. The surface finish may include a polished surface. The surface finish may be formed by at least one of grinding, polishing including electropolishing, lapping, and honing. The surface finish may be the surface finish of at least one of the peripheral wall and the base.

[0033] The reflecting surface may include at least one of metal and metal alloy.

[0034] The receptacle may include a support, and the reflective surface may be on the support. The support may include a base wall and / or peripheral walls. The support may have a surface finish that defines the reflective surface.

[0035] The receptacle may have multiple layers, and the reflective surface may be the innermost layer.

[0036] The aerosol supply device may have a protective layer on the reflective surface. This can protect the reflective surface from damage during insertion or removal of articles or during cleaning.

[0037] The aerosol supply device may comprise a power supply, a controller, and a heating chamber, and the aerosol product is removably housed within it. The power supply may be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The power supply may also be aligned along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

[0038] The aerosol supply device may be configured for wireless charging.

[0039] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising the above-described aerosol supply device and an article containing an aerosol generating material.

[0040] The aerosol supply system may include a charging unit having a cavity for removably receiving an aerosol supply device. The charging unit may include a movable lid that covers the aerosol supply device in a closed configuration. The charging unit may include a user display. The user display may be visible to the user when the movable lid is in the closed position and may be partially or completely hidden by the lid or concealed from view when the lid is in the open position.

[0041] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol is provided, comprising the steps of providing an aerosol supply device according to the first embodiment, and inserting at least partially the aerosol product into a receiving portion of a heating chamber.

[0042] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol supply system, including an aerosol supply device located within a charging unit. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device and the aerosol products of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of another aerosol supply device. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater of the device shown in Figure 1 or Figure 4. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of another aerosol supply device. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of another aerosol supply device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or components of those materials) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0045] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0048] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of one or more aerosol-generating materials that can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0049] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0051] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging material, filter, suction nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0052] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other means. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0053] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0054] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0055] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film, or may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may not contain substantially any plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco-free.

[0056] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm to approximately 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of approximately 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to approximately 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0057] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may include or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of packaging material, may be gathered to form a gathered sheet, or may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may include one or more strands or strips of the aerosol-generating material.

[0058] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more individual parts or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, which can be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0059] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder such as a gelling agent with a solvent such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more other components such as one or more substances to be delivered to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

[0060] An aerosol supply device can receive an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that contains or is contained with an aerosol-generating material at the time of use, and optionally other components at the time of use, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material. The user can insert the article into or onto the aerosol supply device before it is heated to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in or on a heater of a device sized to receive the article.

[0061] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material in order to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0062] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0063] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0064] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and interchangeable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller (i.e., a control circuit). The power source may be an electrical power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0065] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply system 10, which includes an aerosol supply device 100 and a charging unit 101. The device is shown positioned within a cavity in the charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 is configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol product (see Figure 3) that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 during use. In this embodiment, the article forms part of the aerosol supply system 10.

[0066] The aerosol supply device 100 is an elongated structure extending along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device has a proximal end closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when in use, and a distal end furthest from the user when in use, from which the aerosol produced by the aerosol supply device 100 is inhaled. The proximal end may also be called the “mouthpiece end”. Thus, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a proximal direction toward the user when in use. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a distal direction toward away from the user when in use. The terms proximal and distal applied to the features of the device 100 are explained by referring to the relative positioning of such features relative to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply device 100 includes an opening at the distal end leading to a heating chamber.

[0067] The aerosol supply device 100 may be removably inserted into a charging unit 101 for charging. The charging unit 101 includes a cavity (see Figure 2) for receiving the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 may be inserted into the cavity through an opening. The cavity may also include a longitudinal opening. A portion of the aerosol supply device 100 may include a first side surface. One or more user-operable control elements, such as a button 106, which can be used to operate the aerosol supply device 100, may be provided on the first side surface of the aerosol supply device 100. The first side surface of the aerosol supply device 100 may be received into a longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 101.

[0068] In one embodiment, the cavity of the charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 101 in only one orientation. According to one embodiment, the outer profile of the aerosol supply device 100 may include a curved portion and a straight portion. The cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided in the charging unit 101 may also include a similar curved portion and a straight portion. The straight portion of the cavity's cross-sectional profile may correspond to a longitudinal opening.

[0069] The charging unit 101 includes a sliding lid 103. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 for recharging, the sliding lid 103 may be closed to cover the opening into the aerosol supply device 100. In other embodiments, the charging unit 101 may have an alternative lid configuration, such as a hinged or pivoted lid, or may not have a lid at all.

[0070] The charging unit 101 may include a user interface such as a display 108, which can be installed in any convenient location, such as the position shown in Figure 1.

[0071] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 includes a main housing 200. The main housing 200 defines the device body of the device 100. The device 100 defines the heating chamber 201. The receptacle 205 defines the heating chamber 201. An opening 203 is provided to provide access to the heating chamber 201. The receptacle 205 has a wall configuration including a receptacle peripheral wall 205a and a base wall 205b. The base wall 205b is at the distal end of the receptacle 205. The heating zone 201a is configured to receive at least a portion of an article for heating.

[0072] A heating element 301 is provided in a part of the main housing 200, and the heating element 301 extends or protrudes into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 301 may have a base 301a which can be positioned in a recess provided in a part of the main body of the device 100. The heating element 301 stands upright in the heating chamber 201. The heating element 301 stands upright from its tip.

[0073] The heating element 301 includes an elongated heating element in the form of a pin. In other embodiments, the heating element 301 includes other elongated configurations such as blades. The heating element 301 may be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product 50 (see Figure 3) housed in the heating chamber 201 to heat the aerosol product internally during use.

[0074] The housing comprises a housing wall 200a. The housing wall 200a extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 and surrounds the heating chamber 201. The housing wall 200a may at least partially define the receiving chamber of the aerosol supply device 100 as a volume enclosed within the wall 200a. The housing base 200b is at the distal end of the housing wall 200a. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating member 301 stands upright from the housing base 200b. The heating member 301 protrudes from the receptacle base wall 205b. The receptacle base wall 205b has an opening 206 through which the heating member 301 protrudes. In the embodiment, the heating member 301 is attached to the receptacle base wall 205b. The heating member 301 stands upright from the receptacle base wall 205b.

[0075] The aerosol supply device 100 further comprises a removal mechanism 204 which can be detachably held in the main housing 200 of the aerosol supply device 100. The removal mechanism 204 is omitted in the embodiment. In the embodiment, the housing wall 200a defines the receptacle 205 at least partially. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in the main housing 200, so that at least a portion of the removal mechanism 204 extends into the heating chamber 201. In this embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 may comprise a longitudinal portion such as a tubular peripheral wall portion 207a and a base wall portion 207b. The wall 207a may have a shape other than tubular and may be any shape that encloses (for example, surrounds) and defines the heating chamber 201 inside.

[0076] In embodiments having a removal mechanism 204, the removal mechanism 204 defines the heating chamber 201. The removal mechanism 204 forms the receptacle 205. In embodiments where the removal mechanism 204 is omitted, other features of the device 100 define the heating chamber 201, for example, the housing side wall 200a and the housing base 200b.

[0077] The base portion 207b has an opening 206 from which the heating element 301 can protrude. In order to hold the removal mechanism 204 in the main housing 200, the removal mechanism 204 is pushed distally, i.e., toward the distal end of the main housing 200, to engage with the main housing 200 until the removal mechanism 204 can no longer move distally. In the following description, when the removal mechanism 204 is "held in" the main housing 200, it means that the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200 and cannot move distally any further.

[0078] The peripheral portion 207a and the base portion 207b together can define and enclose an article chamber for receiving the aerosol product 50, as shown in Figure 3. The article chamber has an inner surface configured to contact the aerosol product, the inner surface comprising a longitudinally extending portion provided by the tubular portion 207a and an end portion provided by the base portion 207b. In embodiments, the article chamber and the heating chamber are the same. When the aerosol product 50 is received into the heating chamber, the aerosol product 50 may contact both the longitudinally extending portion and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e., the peripheral portion 207a and the base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product 50, which is in the form of a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod, such that the longitudinal axis of the article is parallel to (optionally aligned in a line with) the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 when received into the article chamber.

[0079] The article chamber may also be called the receiving portion. When the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200, during use, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 is positioned at least partially within the heating chamber 201. The heating member 301 may be positioned to protrude into the article chamber through an opening 206 provided in the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204. Thus, the removal mechanism 204 is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product during use.

[0080] In this embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 may include a first magnet or magnetizable material 208. The main housing 200 may include a second magnet or magnetizable material 209. During use, the removal mechanism 204 may be magnetically held to the main housing 200 by the interaction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209.

[0081] In the embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 is completely removable from the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in place by the magnetic attraction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. The removal mechanism 204 may be separated from the main housing 200 by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. In the embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 is removably held in place by the main housing 200 by other means. For example, the removal mechanism 204 may be configured to be removably held in place by an interlocking fit with the main housing.

[0082] The removal mechanism 204 may comprise an internal element ( comprising a tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b) and an outer cap portion 210, where, when held in the main housing 200, the outer cap portion 210 encloses (e.g., covers) at least a portion of the main housing, such as the wall 200a of the main housing 200. The tubular portion 207a, the base portion 207b, and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise a single (e.g., one) component (e.g., formed by molding). Alternatively, the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b may comprise a first component, and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise a second separate component. The first and second components may then be fixed to each other.

[0083] Figure 4 shows another aerosol supply system 40. System 40 comprises an integrated aerosol supply device 400 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, and the aerosol product 50 contains the aerosol-generating material. Device 400 can be used to heat the aerosol product 50 containing the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol or other inhalable medium that can be inhaled by the user of device 400.

[0084] The device 400 includes a housing 500 that surrounds and houses various components of the device 400. The housing 500 is elongated. The device 400 has an opening 504 at one end into which an article 50 can be inserted for heating by the device 400. The article 50 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 400 for heating by the device 400.

[0085] The device 400 may include a user-operable control element 506, such as a button or switch, that operates the device 400 when operated, for example, when pressed. For example, a user may activate the device 400 by pressing the switch 406.

[0086] The device 400 defines a longitudinal axis 509 along which the article 50 may extend when it is inserted into the device 400. The opening 504 is aligned on the longitudinal axis 509.

[0087] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply system 40. Features described with reference to Figure 5 in the embodiment are applicable to the embodiment described above. The aerosol supply device 400 comprises a power supply 410, a controller 420, and a heating chamber 401, which removably receives the aerosol product 50.

[0088] The integrated device in Figure 5 shows a power supply 410 aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 401. In another embodiment of the integrated aerosol generating device, the power supply is aligned along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

[0089] The heating element 301 includes an elongated heating element in the form of a pin. In embodiments, the heating element 301 includes other elongated components such as blades. The heating element 301 is provided within the heating chamber. The heating element 301 described above with reference to the heating element 301 in Figure 5 and Figures 1 to 3 can each be to which the details described herein are applied. The heating element 301 extends or protrudes within the heating chamber 401.

[0090] The heating element 301 may be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product contained in the heating chamber 401 in order to heat the aerosol product internally during use.

[0091] The aerosol supply devices 100 and 400 include a heating configuration 300. The heating configuration 300 includes a heater. The heating element 301 functions as a heater. The heater includes a heating element 350 (see Figure 6), such as a resistance heating coil, configured to operate to heat the heating element.

[0092] The heating configuration 300 is a resistance heating configuration. The heater is a resistance heating heater. Heating elements such as heating coils, described later, are resistance heating elements. In such a configuration, the heating assembly includes a resistance heating generator which includes components for heating the heating elements via a resistance heating process. In this case, current is applied directly to the resistance heating element, and the resulting current flow within the heating element acts as a heating component, heating the heating element by Joule heating. The resistance heating element includes a resistance material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through the resistance heating element, and the heating configuration includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistance material. In the embodiment, the heating element forms at least a portion of the resistance heating member itself. In the embodiment, the resistance heating element transfers heat to the heating member, for example, by conduction. Providing a resistance heating configuration enables a compact configuration. Resistance heating provides an efficient configuration.

[0093] Figure 6 shows a heating element 301 for use in the aerosol supply device described above. The heating element 301 acts as a heater or forms at least part of a heater. The heating configuration 300 comprises the heating element 301. The heating element 301 comprises an elongated housing 302 and a heating element 350. The elongated housing 302 is an elongated member that defines a longitudinal axis.

[0094] The housing 302 is formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum. Other suitable materials such as stainless steel or ceramic may be used. The elongated housing may include a coating on its outer surface. The elongated housing 302 is configured to transfer heat from the heating element 350 to the heating zone 201a.

[0095] The elongated housing 302 has a base end 303 and a free end 304. The base end 304 is attached to the device body. The mount 305 on the base end 303 supports the heating element 301. It will be understood that different mounting configurations, such as fixing, molding, and bonding including adhesive, may be used. The mount 305 may be a separate component or may be formed integrally with the elongated housing 302.

[0096] The elongated housing 302 comprises a housing body 306. The housing body 306 is cylindrical. The housing body 306 comprises a bore 307. The bore 307 defines an internal void 308 of the heating member 301. The internal void 308 extends in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment, the internal void 308 is at least partially filled with, for example, a filler. In the embodiment, the internal void 308 is completely filled with, for example, one or more fillers and / or components. In the embodiment, the internal void 308 defines a void. The inner surface 309 is defined on the inside of the elongated housing 302. The base end 303 is provided with an open end 310 toward the internal void 308.

[0097] The free end 304 of the elongated housing 302 extends toward the proximal end of the heating chamber. The free end 304 of the heating member 301 is closed. The internal gap 308 does not penetrate the free end 304. The tip 311 is provided on the free end 304. The tip 311 extends to the apex 312. Other shapes and configurations of the tip 311 may be provided; for example, the tip 311 may define a plane.

[0098] The heating element 350 extends within the heating member 301. The heating element 350 extends longitudinally within the elongated housing 302. The heating element 350 is housed within the internal void 308. The heating element 350 extends between the base end 303 and the distal end 304. In the embodiment, the heating element extends partially along the length of the internal void 308. In the embodiment, the heating element 350 extends to or beyond the open end 310.

[0099] In the embodiment, the heating element 350 includes a heating coil 351. The heating coil 351 comprises a resistive member defining the heating coil 351. In the embodiment, the heating coil 351 includes an electrically insulating coating, such as ceramic, to electrically insulate the heating coil 351 from the elongated housing 302. In the embodiment, the electrically insulating coating is thermally conductive to provide heat transfer from the heating element 350 to the elongated housing 302. In the embodiment, the electrically insulating coating is omitted. In the embodiment, a separate electrical insulation configuration is provided, such as at least one of an electrical insulating member and an electrical insulating filler. In the embodiment, the electrical insulating member and the electrical insulating filler are thermally conductive to provide heat transfer from the heating element 350 to the elongated housing 302.

[0100] The heating coil 351 is a resistance heating coil. The heating coil 351 is a helical coil. The heating coil 351 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. It will be understood that other coil configurations are also possible. In the embodiment, the heating coil 351 has a circular cross-sectional profile. In the embodiment, the heating configuration 300 includes two or more heating coils.

[0101] The heating configuration 300 includes electrical connection paths. The electrical connection paths extend from each end of the heating element 350. A base electrical connection path 352 extends from the distal end of the heating element 350. A return electrical connection path 353 extends from the proximal end of the heating element 350. The return electrical connection path overlaps the longitudinal range of the heating element 350. The electrical connection paths are formed integrally with the heating element, for example, as a single wire. In embodiments, a connector connects the electrical connection paths to the heating element 350. The heating coil 351 is formed of a resistive material such as a nickel / chromium alloy such as nichrome 80 / 20 (80% nickel, 20% chromium), an iron / chromium / aluminum alloy, or a copper / nickel alloy.

[0102] Figure 7 shows a portion of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 is similar to the aerosol supply devices described above, for example with reference to Figures 1 to 6. For brevity, the same reference numbers are used, and only the differences are described. The aerosol supply device 100 includes a heating element 301. The heating element 301 is the heating element 301 in Figure 6. In other embodiments, the heating element may be a different heating element, such as a tubular heater forming a receptacle. In embodiments, the heating element itself comprises a receptacle. For simplicity, not all features of the heating element 301 are shown in Figure 7.

[0103] In the aerosol supply device 100 shown in Figure 7, the receptacle 205 includes a reflective surface 250. The reflective surface 250 is configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation toward the article 50, that is, toward the position where the article 50 is placed during use, that is, toward the heating chamber 201.

[0104] The reflective surface 250 has a minimum reflectance of at least 60% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. That is, the reflectance of the reflective surface 250 is 60% or more at any wavelength between 700 nm and 1000 nm. In this embodiment, the minimum reflectance within this range may be any wavelength within this range. In this embodiment, the minimum reflectance within this range may be greater than 60%.

[0105] The reflective surface may have a minimum reflectivity of 70% to 85% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

[0106] The reflective surface 250 has an average reflectivity of at least 70% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

[0107] During use, the reflective surface can reflect electromagnetic radiation toward the article. The reflective surface can reflect infrared radiation particularly strongly. Therefore, heat generated from the heating of the article can be prevented, at least partially, from escaping from the article and the aerosol supply device. This can improve the energy efficiency of the aerosol supply device because less thermal energy is required to raise the article to the desired operating temperature and / or maintain the article at the desired operating temperature. User experience and / or safety may also be improved because less or no heat is transferred to the outside of the aerosol supply device. This prevents the outside of the aerosol supply device from reaching temperatures that are uncomfortable or unsafe for the user. User experience and / or utilization of the aerosol-generating material may also be improved because the temperature profile of the article during use can be modified in a desired manner by the reflective surface. The reflective surface can enable more efficient utilization of the aerosol-generating material and can improve the user experience by reducing hot spots within the article.

[0108] The reflective surface 250 is located on the peripheral wall 205a. The reflective surface 250 is located on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 205a. The inner surface of the peripheral wall 205a is the surface exposed to the heating chamber 201. The reflective surface 250 covers the entire inner surface of the peripheral wall 205a. In embodiments such as the aerosol supply device 100 shown in Figure 8, which will be described later, the reflective surface 250 covers only a portion of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 205a. That is, in these embodiments, a portion of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 205a is free from the reflective surface 250. In other words, a portion of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 205a has a minimum reflectivity of less than 60% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

[0109] In such embodiments, a portion of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 205a may have an average reflectance of less than 70% for electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

[0110] The reflective surface 250 surrounds the heating chamber 201. This can further improve the user experience, energy efficiency, and / or safety of the aerosol supply device by ensuring that a larger proportion of the infrared energy from the heating of the article is reflected by the reflective surface.

[0111] The term “surrounding” is understood to mean that the reflective surface 250 extends around at least 90% of the periphery of the heating chamber 201. The term “periphery” is understood to mean the range that lies within a particular angular range. That is, the term “periphery” can be considered synonymous with “radial range.” The term “radial range” is not understood to mean that a body called having a radial range has any particular shape or cross-section, such as rotationally symmetric or circular cross-section. In embodiments, the reflective surface 250 extends over at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the periphery of the heating chamber 201. This can, on the one hand, provide a desired balance between complexity, materials, and manufacturing costs, and on the other hand, provide further improvements to the user experience, energy efficiency, and / or safety of the aerosol supply device by ensuring that a larger proportion of the infrared energy from the heating of the article is reflected by the reflective surface.

[0112] The reflective surface 250 is also provided on the receptacle base wall 205b. The reflective surface 250 is also provided on the inner surface of the receptacle base wall 205b. The inner surface of the receptacle base wall 205b is exposed to the heating chamber 201. That is, a portion of the reflective surface 250 is provided on the receptacle base wall 205b. Some infrared energy may be emitted in the axial direction of the aerosol supply device. By providing at least a portion of the reflective surface 250 on the base wall 205b, at least a portion of this energy can be reflected back toward the article. This can further improve the user experience, energy efficiency, and / or safety of the aerosol supply device by ensuring that infrared energy from the heating of the article emitted toward the base wall 205b of the receptacle is reflected by the reflective surface 250.

[0113] In this embodiment, the receptacle base wall 205b does not need to include a reflective surface 250. That is, the inner surface of the receptacle base wall 205b may have a minimum reflectance of less than 60% for electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. In this embodiment, the average reflectance of the inner surface of the receptacle base wall 205b for electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm may be less than 70%. In this embodiment, the average reflectance of the inner surface of the receptacle base wall 205b for electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm may be less than 70%.

[0114] The reflective surface 250 is uniformly distributed radially with respect to the position occupied by the article 50 when housed in the receptacle 205. This allows for a more uniform temperature profile around the article. This can improve the user experience and / or the utilization of the aerosol-generating material by the aerosol supply device by avoiding hot spots that could lead to combustion of the aerosol-generating material, and consequently improve overheated areas that could lead to a reduced user experience and / or insufficient utilization of the aerosol-generating material.

[0115] The reflective surface 250 includes a sheet of Mylar. In other embodiments, the reflective surface may include an aluminized PET film, Foylon, or a polyimide film. The sheet thickness is 1 mm. In other embodiments, the sheet may have a thickness of 0.1 to 10 mm. The sheet is bonded to the periphery. Thus, the periphery acts as a support. In embodiments, the sheet may be bonded to other parts of the receptacle, which may also act as support. In other embodiments, the sheet may be bonded to the periphery by fasteners such as mechanical fasteners, or may form an interference fit with the periphery, or may be held to the periphery by another component of the aerosol supply device. The sheet forms part of the receptacle. The reflective surface 250 includes a polished surface. This can increase the reflectivity of the reflective surface. A protective layer is provided on the reflective surface.

[0116] In some embodiments, the sheet includes foil. In embodiments, the reflective surface includes a coating. The coating may be painted, sprayed, and / or deposited to define the surface of the receptacle. In embodiments, the reflective surface is not a distinct feature of the receptacle. For example, the reflective surface may be a polished area of ​​the peripheral wall.

[0117] The reflective surface 250 can be considered a layer of the receptacle 201. Therefore, the receptacle 201 comprises multiple layers. The reflective surface 250 is the innermost layer. That is, the reflective surface 250 is exposed to and at least partially defined by the heating chamber 201.

[0118] The reflective surface may include insulating material. This can further improve the user experience and / or safety of the aerosol supply device by lowering the external temperature of the aerosol supply device during use, for example, at the end of a usage session.

[0119] The reflective surface may contain a dielectric material. The reflective surface may contain at least one of a metal and a metal alloy.

[0120] In the embodiment, the reflective surface is formed by a surface finish. The surface finish may include a polished surface. The surface finish can be formed by at least one of grinding, polishing including electropolishing, lapping, and honing. The surface finish may be a surface finish on at least a portion of either the peripheral wall or the base.

[0121] Figure 8 shows a portion of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 is similar to the aerosol supply device 100 in Figure 7. For brevity, the same reference numbers are used, and only the differences are explained.

[0122] In the aerosol supply device 100 shown in Figure 8, the reflective surface 250 is positioned such that the amount of radiation reflected by the receptacle 201 varies along the longitudinal range of the receptacle 201. The longitudinal range of the receptacle 201 is parallel to the aforementioned longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0123] This can further improve the user experience and / or utilization of aerosol-generating materials by changing the temperature profile of the article during use in a desired manner. For example, a desired user experience can be provided by providing a desired temperature gradient. Alternatively or additionally, other methods present in the temperature gradient of the article during use may be compensated for. This can avoid hot spots that may lead to combustion of the aerosol-generating material and consequently a reduced user experience, and / or overheated areas that may lead to underutilization of the aerosol-generating material.

[0124] The receptacle 201 comprises a first longitudinal portion 260 having a reflective surface 250 and a second longitudinal portion 261 not having a reflective surface 250. That is, the second longitudinal portion 261 may have a minimum reflectance of less than 60% for electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. In such embodiments, the second longitudinal portion 261 may have an average reflectance of less than 70% for electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

[0125] The reflective surface 250 provides temperature variation along the longitudinal range of the receptacle 201 during use because heat is reflected by the reflective surface 250 back to the article 50. Therefore, areas adjacent to the reflective surface retain more heat and reach higher temperatures. In embodiments, the reflective surface 250 may be positioned to compensate for temperature variation along the longitudinal range of the receptacle 201 that would otherwise exist during use.

[0126] Therefore, the reflective surface 250 is positioned such that the amount of radiation reflected by the receptacle 201 changes in steps along the longitudinal range of the receptacle. In other embodiments, the reflective surface 250 may be positioned such that the amount of radiation reflected by the receptacle 201 changes continuously along the longitudinal range of the receptacle 201. Thus, a desired balance between complexity, materials, and manufacturing costs can be achieved on the one hand, and further improvements in the user experience, energy efficiency, and / or safety of the aerosol supply device can be achieved on the other hand. For example, a stepwise change may be easier and / or cheaper to provide, while a continuous change may provide further improvements in energy efficiency, user experience, and / or utilization of the aerosol-generating material. In some such embodiments, the reflective surface 250 may be positioned to provide a temperature gradient along the longitudinal range of the receptacle 201 during use. In other such embodiments, the reflective surface 250 may be positioned to compensate for a temperature gradient along the longitudinal range of the receptacle 201 during use.

[0127] The first longitudinal portion 260 constitutes 50% of the longitudinal range of the receptacle 201. In other embodiments, the first longitudinal portion 260 includes a different amount, for example, at least 75% or at least 90% of the longitudinal extension of the receptacle 201.

[0128] The first longitudinal portion 260 is provided at the base end of the receptacle 201, and the second longitudinal portion 261 is provided at the tip of the receptacle 201. Thus, the reflective surface 250 is positioned such that the majority of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm is reflected by the proximal portion of the receptacle 201 compared to the distal portion of the receptacle 201, with the proximal portion being closer to the user during use. This can improve the user experience by providing or compensating for progressive heating as desired, and / or generating a large amount of aerosol at the beginning or end of a use session as desired. In other embodiments, the reflective surface 250 may be positioned such that a smaller portion of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm is reflected by the proximal portion of the receptacle 201 compared to the distal portion of the receptacle 201, with the proximal portion being closer to the user during use. For example, the first longitudinal portion 260 may be provided at the distal end of the receptacle 201, and the second longitudinal portion 261 may be provided at the proximal end of the receptacle 201.

[0129] In this embodiment, the reflective surface 250 may include a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface. The first reflective surface may have a different electromagnetic radiation reflectance than the second reflective surface.

[0130] The first reflective surface may have a minimum reflectance of at least 70% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. The first reflective surface may have an average reflectance of at least 80% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. The first reflective surface may have an average reflectance of at least 80% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. The second reflective surface may have a minimum reflectance of at least 60% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. The second reflective surface may have an average reflectance of at least 70% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. The second reflective surface may have an average reflectance of at least 70% for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. The minimum reflectance of the first reflective surface for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm may be greater than the minimum reflectance of the second reflective surface for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. The average reflectance of the first reflective surface for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm may be greater than the average reflectance of the second reflective surface for electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm. The first and second reflective surfaces may be part of a continuous surface or may be separate surfaces.

[0131] In the embodiments described above, the heating configuration is a resistance heating configuration. Other types of heating configurations, such as induction heating, are used in the embodiments. The device configuration is generally as described above, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0132] An induction heating configuration includes various components for heating an aerosol-generating material of an article via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating configuration may comprise an induction element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current within the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the induction element. Compared to heating by conduction, for example, induction heating generates heat inside the susceptor, enabling rapid heating. Furthermore, it does not require any physical contact between the induction element and the susceptor, increasing the freedom of construction and application.

[0133] In induction heating, heat is generated within the susceptor (heating element), while in resistance heating, heat is generated within the coil (heating element).

[0134] In the embodiment, the heating element of the aerosol supply system is not part of the aerosol supply device but part of the aerosol product. The heating element may be a resistive heating element, for example, in the form of a resistive coil as described above, provided as part of the aerosol product. Electrical connections can allow current to flow through the resistive heating element.

[0135] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. an aerosol supply device configured to heat at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol generating material, A receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the aforementioned articles, The receptacle comprises a reflective surface configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation toward the article, The aerosol supply device wherein the reflective surface has a minimum reflectivity of at least 60% for electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths of 700 nm to 1000 nm.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, comprising a heater.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the heater is a resistance heating heater.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the heater includes a housing and a resistive heating element within the housing.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the heater protrudes into the receptacle.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the receptacle comprises a peripheral wall that extends at least partially around the heater, and the peripheral wall comprises the reflective surface.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the receptacle defines at least a portion of the chamber and the heater is exposed to the chamber.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein the reflective surface surrounds the chamber.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein the reflective surface extends over at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the surrounding area of ​​the chamber.

10. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the receptacle comprises a base wall on which the heater rises.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein the base wall comprises the reflective surface.

12. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the reflective surface is uniformly distributed radially with respect to the position occupied by the article when it is housed in the receptacle.

13. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the reflective surface is arranged such that the amount of radiation reflected by the receptacle varies along the longitudinal range of the receptacle.

14. The aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein the receptacle comprises a first longitudinal portion having the reflective surface and a second longitudinal portion not having the reflective surface.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 14, wherein the first longitudinal portion includes at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the longitudinal range of the receptacle.

16. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the reflective surface comprises a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface, and the first reflective surface has a reflectance of electromagnetic radiation different from that of the second reflective surface.

17. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the reflective surface comprises a sheet.

18. The aerosol supply device according to claim 17, wherein the sheet includes foil.

19. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the reflective surface includes a coating.

20. A system comprising an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, and an article containing an aerosol generating material.

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