Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device is described. The device is configured to heat an article containing an aerosol-generating material. The device comprises a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the article containing the aerosol-generating material. A heater comprising a housing protrudes into the receptacle to be received by at least a portion of the article, defining a free end and a base end. The heating element is located within the housing. At least a portion of the free end of the housing contains a different material from the rest of the housing. A heater for use in an aerosol supply device is also realized.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, a heater for an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, and a method for generating an aerosol. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the aforementioned devices or products are known. Typical systems use a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. Often, supplying different aerosols for inhalation requires changing or replacing the medium used. Resistance heating systems are known to be used as heaters for generating aerosols from a suitable medium. Separately, induction heating systems are known to be used as heaters. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided configured to heat an article containing an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of the article containing the aerosol-generating material; a heater having a housing that protrudes into the receptacle so as to be received by at least a portion of the article and defines a free end and a base end; and a heating element within the housing, wherein at least a portion of the free end of the housing contains a different material from the rest of the housing.

[0005] The housing may comprise a housing body and a tip portion located at the free end.

[0006] The housing itself can be long and slender.

[0007] The tip portion may contain a different material from the housing body.

[0008] The tip portion may contain a material having a lower heat capacity than the housing body.

[0009] The tip portion may contain a material with a higher heat capacity than the housing body.

[0010] The tip may have a lower thermal conductivity than the housing body. For example, the tip may contain a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 150 W / mk, less than 100 W / mk, or less than 75 W / mk. For example, the tip may contain silicon carbide. For example, the housing body may contain at least one of aluminum and aluminum nitride.

[0011] The tip may have a higher thermal conductivity than the housing body. For example, the tip may contain a material having a thermal conductivity greater than 100 W / mk, greater than 150 W / mk, or greater than 200 W / mk. For example, the tip may contain aluminum nitride. For example, the housing body may contain silicon carbide.

[0012] The material hardness of the tip may be greater than the material hardness of the housing body.

[0013] The tip has a load capacity of 500 kg / mm². 2 Larger, 1000 kg / mm 2 Larger than 1500 kg / mm 2 It may have a higher material hardness. For example, the tip may contain silicon carbide.

[0014] The material hardness of the tip portion may be smaller than that of the housing body.

[0015] The tip portion may have a material hardness of less than 1500 Kg / mm 2 less than 1000 Kg / mm 2 less than 500 Kg / mm 2 less than, or less than 200 Kg / mm 2 For example, the tip portion may contain aluminum nitride.

[0016] The tip portion may extend within less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the longitudinal range of the housing.

[0017] The housing may have a coating.

[0018] The housing body may be tubular.

[0019] The housing body may have a bore.

[0020] The housing bore may define an inner void of the housing.

[0021] The inner void may extend through the housing body.

[0022] The inner void may extend longitudinally from the base end to the free end.

[0023] The tip portion may have a tip wall that defines a hollow region.

[0024] The wall thickness of the tip wall may vary according to the distance from the base end portion.

[0025] The inner surface of the tip wall may include reinforcing ribs.

[0026] The inner surface of the tip wall may have a plurality of reinforcing ribs.

[0027] The tip portion may be integrally formed with the housing body.

[0028] The tip may be attached to the housing body by at least one of welding, bonding, and fixing.

[0029] The tip may extend to the apex.

[0030] The tip may be conical, frustoconical, or cylindrical.

[0031] The tip may define a plane.

[0032] The internal void may extend into the tip portion.

[0033] The inner void may have a hollow region defined at its tip.

[0034] The hollow region may be a filled hollow region.

[0035] The inner void may be filled at least partially.

[0036] The inner void may be completely filled.

[0037] The inner void may be defined as an air gap.

[0038] The housing may have an outer surface, and at least a portion of the outer surface may include a low-friction material having a lower coefficient of friction than at least a portion of the outer surface.

[0039] The low-friction material may have a lower coefficient of friction than at least one of the outer surface of the housing body and the outer surface of the tip.

[0040] The contact surface of the articles may have a coefficient of friction of less than 1.4, less than 0.7, less than 0.15, or less than 0.10.

[0041] The low-friction material may include one or more of the following: diamond-like carbon (DLC), copper, glass, graphite, aluminum, and aluminum-magnesium boride (BAM).

[0042] Low-friction material may be supported in the housing body and tip.

[0043] At least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 80% of the surface area of ​​the heater's outer surface supports a low-friction material.

[0044] The heater may be a resistance heater.

[0045] The heating element may be a coil.

[0046] The heating element may also be a resistance heating element.

[0047] The coil may also be a resistance heating coil.

[0048] The heater may be an induction heater.

[0049] The heating element may be an induction heating element.

[0050] The coil may also be an induction coil.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a heater for an aerosol supply device configured to heat an article containing an aerosol-generating material is provided, comprising a heater housing defining a tip and a housing body, and a heating element within the housing, wherein at least a portion of the tip is formed from a material different from the housing body.

[0052] The heater housing may have a base end and a free end.

[0053] The heater may have a tip at its free end that is positioned to close the free end.

[0054] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided which is configured to heat an article containing an aerosol-generating material, and the device comprises the heater described above.

[0055] The aerosol supply device may include a heating chamber equipped with a heater.

[0056] The aerosol supply device may comprise a power supply, a controller, and a heating chamber, and the aerosol product is removably received. 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.

[0057] The aerosol supply device may be configured for wireless charging.

[0058] 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.

[0059] According to one embodiment, a system is provided comprising the above-described device and an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0060] 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 hidden from view when the lid is in the open position.

[0061] According to one embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol is provided, comprising the steps of preparing an aerosol supply device comprising a receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, a heater having a housing that protrudes into the receptacle to receive at least a portion of the article and defines a free end and a proximal end, and a heating element within the housing, wherein at least a portion of the free end of the housing contains a different material from the rest of the housing, and inserting at least a portion of the aerosol product into the receiving portion of the heating chamber.

[0062] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0063] [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 another heater in the device shown in Figure 1 or Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0064] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0065] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may include a continuous sheet of material, or may 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 may insert the article into or onto the aerosol supply device before it is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user then 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Consumables are articles comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also 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.

[0083] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration of 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.

[0084] 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 comprise a power supply and a controller (or control circuit). The power supply may comprise an electrical power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0085] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply system 10 comprising an aerosol supply device 100 and a charging unit 101. The device is shown positioned within the cavity of the charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 is positioned to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product (see Figure 3) that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 when in use. In the embodiment, the article forms part of the aerosol supply system 10.

[0086] 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) and a distal end furthest from the user when used to inhale the aerosol produced by the aerosol supply device 100. The proximal end may also be called the “mouthpiece end”. Thus, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a proximal direction directed toward the user when used. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 also similarly defines a distal direction directed away from the user when used. The terms proximal and distal applied to the features of the device 100 are explained by referring to the relative positioning of such features toward each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply device 100 has an opening at its distal end leading into a heating chamber.

[0087] 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 have a first side surface. One or more user-operable control elements, such as a button 106 that 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] The charging unit 101 may include 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 200. The main housing 200 defines the device body of the device 100. The device 100 defines a heating chamber 201. A receptacle 205 defines the heating chamber 201. An opening 203 is provided to provide access to the heating chamber 201. The receptacle 205 comprises a wall structure including a receptacle side wall 205a and a receptacle base 205b. The base 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.

[0092] The heating element 301 is provided on a portion 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 on a portion of the body of the device 100. The heating element 301 stands upright within the heating chamber 201. The heating element 301 stands upright from its distal end.

[0093] The heating element 301 comprises an elongated heating element in the form of a pin. In other embodiments, the heating element 301 comprises other elongated components such as a blade. The heating element 301 may be inserted at the distal end of the aerosol product 50 (see Figure 3) received in the heating chamber 201 in order to heat the aerosol product internally.

[0094] 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 rises from the housing base 200b. The heating member 301 protrudes through the receptacle base 205b. The receptacle base 205b has an opening 206 from which the heating member 301 protrudes. In the embodiment, the heating member 301 is attached to the receptacle base 205b. The heating member 301 rises from the receptacle base 205b.

[0095] 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 in the embodiment is omitted. In the embodiment, the housing wall 200a defines at least partially the receptacle 205. 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 (e.g., surrounds) and defines the heating chamber 201 inside.

[0096] 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.

[0097] The base portion 207b has an opening 206 through which the heating member 301 protrudes. 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 referred to as "held in" the main housing 200, this means that the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200 and cannot move distally.

[0098] The circumferential portion 207a and the base portion 207b together may 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 in 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 circumferential 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 the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 (and optionally aligned in a line) when the article is received in the article chamber.

[0099] The article chamber may also be called the receiving portion. When the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 is positioned at least partially within the heating chamber 201 during use. 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The removal mechanism 204 is completely separable 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 some embodiments, 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.

[0102] The removal mechanism 204 may comprise an internal element (including a tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b) and an outer cap portion 210, and when held in the main housing 200, the outer cap portion 210 encloses (e.g., covers) at least a portion of the main housing 200, such as the wall 200a of the main housing. The tubular portion 207a, the base portion 207b, and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise an integrated (e.g., single) 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. In this case, the first and second components may be fixed to each other.

[0103] Figure 4 shows another aerosol supply system 40. System 40 comprises an integrated aerosol supply device 400 for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating material, and an aerosol product 50 containing 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 material that can be inhaled by the user of device 400.

[0104] The device 400 comprises 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.

[0105] The device 400 may include a user-operable control element 506, such as a button or switch, which operates the device 400 when operated, for example, when pressed. For example, the user may activate the device 400 by pressing the switch 406.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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 generation device, the power supply is aligned along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

[0109] The heating element 301 comprises an elongated heating element in the form of a pin. In embodiments, the heating element 301 comprises other elongated components such as a blade. The heating element 301 is provided within the heating chamber 401. The heating element 301 described above with reference to Figure 5 and Figures 1 to 3 may each be subject to the details described herein. The heating element 301 extends into or protrudes within the heating chamber 401.

[0110] The heating element 301 may be inserted at the distal end of the aerosol product 50, which is received in the heating chamber 401, in order to heat the aerosol product internally.

[0111] The aerosol supply devices 100 and 400 may include a heating component 300. The heating component 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.

[0112] The heating component 300 is a resistance heating component. 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, a current is applied directly to the resistance heating element, and the resulting current flow within the heating element acting as a heating component heats 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 component, and the heating component 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 component enables a compact configuration. Resistance heating provides an efficient configuration.

[0113] 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 component 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.

[0114] The elongated housing 302 is formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum. The elongated housing may have 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] The elongated housing 302 comprises a housing body 306. The housing body 306 is elongated. The housing body 306 is tubular. The housing body 306 comprises a bore 307. The bore 307 defines an inner void 308 of the heating member 301. The inner void 308 extends in the longitudinal direction. In the embodiment, the inner void 308 is at least partially filled with, for example, a filler. In the embodiment, the inner void 308 is completely filled with, for example, one or more fillers and / or components. In the embodiment, the inner void 308 defines an air gap. 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 inner void 308.

[0117] 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 inner gap 308 does not extend through the free end 304. The tip 311 is provided at 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. In embodiments, the tip 311 defines one of a pyramidal surface, a truncated pyramidal surface, and a domed surface. The tip extends less than 15% of the longitudinal range of the housing. In embodiments, the tip extends less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the longitudinal range of the housing.

[0118] 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 received within the inner 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 inner void 308. In the embodiment, the heating element 350 extends to or beyond the open end 310.

[0119] In the embodiment, the heating element 350 comprises a heating coil 351. The coil 351 is shown in cross-section in Figure 6. The heating coil 351 comprises a resistive member defining the heating coil 351. In the embodiment, the heating coil 351 comprises an electrical insulating coating, such as ceramic, to electrically insulate the heating coil 351 from the elongated housing 302. In the embodiment, the electrical insulating coating is thermally conductive to provide heat transfer from the heating element 350 to the elongated housing 302. In the embodiment, the electrical insulating coating is omitted. In the embodiment, a separate electrical insulating component is provided, such as at least one of an electrical insulating member and an electrical insulating filler, such as a pre-formed member. 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.

[0120] 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 profile. 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 component 300 comprises two or more heating coils.

[0121] The heating element 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 from 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.

[0122] The tip 311 extends from the housing body 306. The tip 311 is formed of a different material than the housing body 306. The tip 311 is formed from a first material, and the housing body 306 is formed from a second material. The first material has a lower heat capacity than the second material. Such an arrangement helps in heat transfer to the part of the article adjacent to the tip 311. In an embodiment, the first material has a higher heat capacity than the second material. Such a configuration helps to limit heat transfer to the part of the article adjacent to the tip 311, for example, when the tip is configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating material of the article and enter another part of the article.

[0123] The tip portion 311 contains a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the housing body 306.

[0124] The tip portion 311 may have a higher thermal conductivity than the housing body. For example, the tip portion may include a material having a thermal conductivity greater than 100 W / mk, greater than 150 W / mk, or greater than 200 W / mk. For example, the tip portion may include aluminum nitride. For example, the housing body may include silicon carbide.

[0125] In an embodiment, the tip portion 311 includes a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the housing body 306.

[0126] For example, the tip portion 311 may include a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 150 W / mk, less than 100 W / mk, or less than 75 W / mk. For example, the tip portion 311 may include silicon carbide. For example, the housing body 306 may include at least one of aluminum and aluminum nitride.

[0127] In an embodiment, the material of the tip portion 311 may have a higher hardness than the material of the housing body 306. When the heating element 301 is inserted into an article containing an aerosol material, a higher hardness may be beneficial.

[0128] The material of the tip portion 311 may include, for example, one or more of boron nitride, carbon nitride, aluminum magnesium boride, diamond-like carbon (DLC), and tungsten.

[0129] The tip portion 311 is 500 Kg / mm 2 greater, 1000 Kg / mm 2 greater, or 1500 Kg / mm 2 may have a greater material hardness. For example, the tip portion 311 may include silicon carbide.

[0130] The material hardness of the tip portion 311 may be smaller than the material hardness of the housing body.

[0131] The tip portion 311 is 1500 Kg / mm 2 less, 1000 Kg / mm 2Less than 500 kg / mm 2 Less than 200 kg / mm² 2 The material may have a hardness of less than 1.5%. For example, the tip may contain aluminum nitride.

[0132] In embodiments, the tip 311 may include an insulating material. The insulating material may be electrically insulating. In embodiments, the insulating material may be thermally insulating. In embodiments, the housing body 306 may optionally or additionally include an insulating material. The insulating material may be provided as a coating on the tip 311 and / or the housing body 306. The thermally insulating material may, if necessary, help to limit heat transfer to specific parts of the article containing aerosol-generating material. In embodiments, the tip may penetrate the aerosol-generating material of the article, and it may be desirable to limit heat transfer to different materials of the article at the end near the mouthpiece end of the device.

[0133] In the embodiment, the entire tip portion 311 is not made of a different material from the housing body 306. In the embodiment, a portion of the free end 304 includes a different material from the rest of the housing 302. The free end 304 of the housing 302 may include a different material from the rest of the housing 302, or part or all of it. Such a configuration may be useful for realizing a heating structure that heats a specific portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0134] Providing portions of the housing 302 containing different materials in different parts of the housing 302 means that energy transfer can be adjusted. For example, in an embodiment in which at least a portion of the tip 311 contains an insulating material, heat is not directly transferred to the portion of the aerosol product 50 that is in contact with the tip 311. The article 50 is heated more uniformly.

[0135] In the embodiment, the tip portion 311 may extend into the housing body 306. The interface between the tip portion 311 and the housing body 306 does not have to be defined by a change in the shape of the components, but rather by a change in the material contained in the tip portion 311 and the housing body 306, respectively. In the embodiment, the housing body 306 may extend into the tip portion 311. The elongated housing 302 may be formed integrally. The housing 302 may be formed during manufacturing so that the housing body 306 and the tip portion 311 cannot be separated.

[0136] In the embodiment, the elongated housing 302 may be formed as a single integrated component. The housing body 306 and the tip 311 may be formed separably in an early step of manufacturing. The housing body 306 and the tip 311 may be formed together in a subsequent step and may not be separable after manufacturing. The tip 311 may be attached to the housing body 306 to form the elongated housing as a single integrated component. The tip 311 may be attached by at least one of welding, bonding, and fixing. Bonding includes bonding using adhesive or other means. The mount fluidly seals the housing body 306 and the tip 311. A separate sealing member may be provided.

[0137] In the embodiment, the elongated housing 302 may be formed from separate components that are reversibly attached and separable after manufacturing. The housing body 306 and the tip 311 may be formed separably during the initial steps of manufacturing and reversibly joined using fasteners or adhesives.

[0138] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the inner void 308 does not extend into the tip portion 311. The tip portion 311 is a solid component.

[0139] The tip portion 311 has a lower thermal conductivity than the housing body 306. This helps to limit heat transfer to parts of the article adjacent to the tip portion 311.

[0140] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the heating element 300 for use in an aerosol supply device. The heating element 301 is arranged substantially identically to the heating element shown in Figure 6. Thus, the features described above are applicable to the embodiments described later, and vice versa.

[0141] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the inner void 308 partially extends into the free end 304. The free end 304 of the heating member 301 is closed. The tip 311 has a closed end. The tip extends to a vertex 312 that defines the free end 304. The inner void 308 partially extends into the tip 311 toward the free end 304, but not completely; that is, the tip 311 defines the closed end of the housing 302.

[0142] The tip portion 311 includes a tip wall 614 that defines a hollow region in which the inner void 308 partially extends within the tip portion 311. The hollow region 616 is the portion of the inner void 308 located in the tip portion 311.

[0143] The wall thickness of the tip wall 614 may vary depending on the distance from the base end 303. For example, the wall thickness may decrease with distance from the base end 303. The tip wall 614 may be thinnest at a point adjacent to the end of the hollow region 616. The end of the hollow region 616 is defined by the end of the inner void 308 closest to the free end 304. The tip wall 614 defines an inner surface 619 on the inside of the tip wall 614.

[0144] The heating element may extend along the entire longitudinal range of the inner void 308. The heating element 350 may extend within the hollow region 616. In this embodiment, the heating element 350 extends partially along the longitudinal length of the inner void 308. The heating element does not have to extend within the hollow region 616. In this embodiment, the heating element 350 extends to or beyond the open end 310.

[0145] In embodiments, the inner surface 619 of the tip wall 614 may be provided with reinforcing ribs. The ribs may be circumferential ribs extending around the entire circumference of the inner surface 619. The ribs may be positioned around any circumference of the tip wall 614. In embodiments, the ribs may project radially from the inner surface 619 into the hollow region 616. In embodiments, the inner surface 619 may be provided with ribs extending longitudinally within the hollow region 616. It will be understood that multiple ribs may be provided. Multiple ribs may comprise a mixture of circumferential, radial, or longitudinal ribs. The ribs may reinforce the tip portion 311. Reinforcing the tip portion, if beneficial, prevents deformation or distortion when the heating member is inserted into the aerosol product 50 during use.

[0146] The tip 311 may be conical in shape, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Other configurations of the tip 311 may be provided. The tip 311 may define a plane. The tip may be, for example, one of a cone, a frustocone, and a pyramidal shape. The tip 311 may have a flat top. The tip 311 may define a dome. The tip may be at least substantially cylindrical. It will be understood that other suitable configurations of the tip may be provided.

[0147] The heating element 301 has an outer surface 320. At least a portion of the outer surface 320 may contain a low-friction material. At least a portion of the outer surface may contain a low-friction material having a lower coefficient of friction than at least a portion of the outer surface.

[0148] The low-friction material may be supported on at least a portion of the outer surface 320 of the tip portion 311. The low-friction material may be supported on at least a portion of the outer surface 320 of the housing body 306. The low-friction material may be supported on at least a portion of both the tip portion 311 and the housing body 306. The low-friction material may be supported on all of the outer surface 320 of the tip portion 311 and / or the housing body 306.

[0149] In the embodiment, the low-friction material may be provided as a coating on the outer surface 320. In the embodiment, at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 80% of the area of ​​the heater outer surface supports the low-friction material.

[0150] In embodiments, the article contact surface 313 has a coefficient of friction of less than 1.4, less than 0.7, or less than 0.15. The low-friction material in embodiments forms the article contact surface 313. In some embodiments, the low-friction material is, for example, diamond-like carbon (DLC). Other suitable materials include copper, glass, graphite, aluminum, and aluminum-magnesium boride (BAM). In embodiments, the low-friction material includes copper, and one or both of the housing body 306 and the tip 311 include glass. In embodiments, the low-friction material includes either glass or diamond-like carbon (DLC), and one or both of the housing body 306 and the tip 311 include a metal such as aluminum. In embodiments, the low-friction material includes aluminum, and the main body of the housing 302 includes ceramic. However, other combinations of materials are also conceivable. Providing a low-friction article contact surface helps limit one or more components of the article, such as glycerol, that adhere to the surface and degrade the heater's performance over time.

[0151] The housing body 306 and the tip portion 311 may include combinations of materials such as copper and glass, or metals such as aluminum or aluminum-magnesium boride (BAM) and glass. In the embodiments described above, the heating element is a resistance heating element. Other types of heating elements, such as induction heating, are used in the embodiments. The configuration of the device is generally as described above, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0152] An induction heating configuration comprises various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of an article by 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 variable current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The variable current in the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) that is suitably 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.

[0153] In induction heating, heat is generated within the susceptor (heating element), while in resistance heating, heat is generated within the coil (heating element).

[0154] 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 may allow current to flow through the resistive heating element.

[0155] 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 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 an article containing an aerosol generating material, A receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, A heater comprising a housing, wherein the housing protrudes into the receptacle so as to be received by at least a portion of an article, and defines a free end and a base end. The heating element in the housing and an aerosol supply device comprising, wherein at least a portion of the free end of the housing is made of a different material from the rest of the housing.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a housing body and a tip portion located at the free end.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the tip portion comprises a material different from the housing body.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the tip portion comprises a material having a lower heat capacity than the housing body.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the tip portion includes a material having a higher heat capacity than the housing body.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the tip portion comprises a tip wall that defines a hollow region.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 6, wherein the wall thickness of the tip wall changes according to the distance from the base end.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the inner surface of the tip wall includes reinforcing ribs.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the tip portion is formed integrally with the housing body.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein the tip portion is attached to the housing body by at least one of welding, bonding, and fixing.

11. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the housing comprises an outer surface, and at least a portion of the outer surface comprises a low-friction material having a lower coefficient of friction than at least a portion of the outer surface.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 11, wherein the low-friction material has a coefficient of friction lower than at least one of the outer surface of the housing body and the outer surface of the tip portion.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein the low-friction material is supported in the housing body and the tip portion.

14. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 80% of the area of ​​the outer surface of the heater supports the low-friction material.

15. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heater is a resistance heating heater.

16. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the heating element is a coil.

17. A heater for an aerosol supply device configured to heat an article containing an aerosol generating material, A heater housing that defines the tip and the main body of the housing, The heating element in the heater housing and A heater comprising, wherein at least a portion of the tip is formed from a material different from the housing body.

18. A system comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or a heater according to claim 17, and an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

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