Thermal insulation for aerosol generation devices

Abstract

Aerosol generating devices (100, 200) are provided, configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate (326). The aerosol generating device includes a heating chamber (102) configured to receive and heat the aerosol generating substrate. A phase change material (116) is configured to absorb thermal energy. The phase change material is displaced axially from the heating chamber. A heat transfer layer (118) is configured to transfer heat flowing outward from the heating chamber to the phase change material through the aerosol generating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device, and more particularly to heat insulation for an aerosol generation device.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generation devices such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices are becoming increasingly popular consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, the operator inserts the product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated by an electric heater to vaporize the components of the product that the operator inhales. In some examples, the product is a tobacco product similar to a conventional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "non-combustion heating type" devices in that the product is heated until aerosolized and not burned.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A problem faced by known aerosol generation devices includes providing effective heat insulation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In one aspect, an aerosol generation device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generation substrate is provided, the aerosol generation device including a heating chamber configured to receive and heat the aerosol generation substrate, a phase change material configured to absorb thermal energy, the phase change material being axially displaced from the heating chamber within the aerosol generation device, and a heat transfer layer configured to transfer heat flowing outward from the heating chamber through the aerosol generation device to the phase change material.

[0006] Aerosol generating devices supply relatively high thermal energy to consumables or substrates to generate enough aerosol to satisfy consumers. The heat source can overheat other components within the device, and these need to be protected. Typically, this is achieved by thermally managing the system using insulating materials with very low thermal conductivity. However, adequately insulating the device in this way can lead to a device with an excessively large form factor, which is undesirable for consumers.

[0007] To meet the requirements for a small form factor in aerosol generating devices, proper thermal management is necessary. This invention reduces the dimensions of an aerosol generating device by laterally diffusing heat leaking from the heat source and guiding it to a phase-change material that acts as a heat sink, displaced axially from the heating chamber. In this way, excessive temperatures on the exterior or other components within the device are prevented, and wasted or leaked thermal energy is released to these other components over a longer period, thereby suppressing thermal damage. Furthermore, the use of a phase-change material reduces the required insulation, and axially displacing the phase-change material from the heating chamber means that the phase-change material does not contribute to the device thickness. Thus, an aerosol generating device with a smaller form factor and adequate thermal insulation is provided.

[0008] Preferably, the heat transfer layer surrounds the heating chamber at least partially.

[0009] In this way, the heat leaking from the heating chamber is effectively and efficiently transferred to the phase change material.

[0010] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes an insulating layer configured to at least partially surround the heating chamber and to prevent outward heat flow from the heating chamber.

[0011] In this way, the flow of heat leaking to the outside of the aerosol generating device is reduced, thereby improving consumer comfort. The insulating material also concentrates the heat flow to the heating chamber on the substrate, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0012] Preferably, the heat transfer layer is embedded in the insulating layer.

[0013] In this way, a practical implementation is provided that avoids transferring too much thermal energy from the heating chamber to the phase change material. This configuration improves heat retention within the heating chamber and properly heats the substrate while preventing excess heat from reaching the external casing or surface of the device.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, an aerosol generating device is provided, configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber configured to receive and heat the aerosol generating substrate; a phase change material configured to absorb thermal energy, the phase change material being axially displaced from the heating chamber within the aerosol generating device; a heat transfer layer configured to transfer heat flowing outward from the heating chamber to the phase change material through the aerosol generating device; and an electronic device comprising a controller for controlling the heating operation of the aerosol generating device, wherein the phase change material is positioned between the electronic device and the heating chamber.

[0015] Preferably, the aerosol generating device further includes a heater, the electronic equipment further includes a battery, and the heater is powered by the battery.

[0016] Preferably, the aerosol generation device further includes at least one supercapacitor module that at least partially surrounds the heating chamber.

[0017] Supercapacitor modules are advantageous because their higher discharge rate allows for faster preheating than using batteries. This is particularly advantageous for ceramic flat heaters with high power requirements. Positioning the supercapacitor module adjacent to the heating chamber rather than separate from it allows for a reduction in the size of the aerosol generating device by making better use of physical space, thereby providing a more compact aerosol generating device. This can make it easier for operators to hold and use, as well as store and transport it. Thus, the user experience is improved. A heat transfer layer shields the supercapacitor module from heat leakage from the heating chamber by directing this thermal energy away from the supercapacitor module to the phase change material.

[0018] Preferably, at least one supercapacitor module is isolated from the heating chamber by an insulating layer.

[0019] In this way, the supercapacitor module is further shielded from the thermal energy leaking from the heating chamber, thereby improving the operation of the supercapacitor module.

[0020] Preferably, the phase change material is positioned within the aerosol generation device so as not to overlap radially with the heating chamber.

[0021] In this way, the phase change material is completely separated from the heating chamber in the axial direction, resulting in a smaller device thickness.

[0022] Preferably, the heat transfer layer contains graphite.

[0023] Graphite possesses strong anisotropic thermal conductivity, which improves heat flow to the phase change material rather than to the outer surface of the aerosol generation device. This results in improved thermal management.

[0024] Preferably, the contact area between the heat transfer layer and the phase change material is in the range of 10 to 100 mm 2 .

[0025] This range of contact area has been found to be particularly beneficial for transferring heat from the heat transfer layer to the phase change material. Thereby, heat management is improved.

[0026] Preferably, the contact area between the heat transfer layer and the phase change material is about 50 mm 2 .

[0027] This contact area has been found to be particularly beneficial for transferring heat from the heat transfer layer to the phase change material. Thereby, heat management is improved.

[0028] Preferably, the heat transfer layer has an anisotropic thermal conductivity such that the in-plane thermal conductivity in the direction towards the phase change material is higher than the out-of-plane thermal conductivity perpendicular to the direction towards the phase change material.

[0029] In this way, heat management is improved by the heat transfer layer that conducts thermal energy to the phase change material rather than the outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0030] Preferably, the in-plane thermal conductivity in the direction towards the phase change material is in the range of 1000 to 2000 W / (mK).

[0031] This range of in-plane thermal conductivity has been found to be particularly beneficial for transferring heat to the phase change material. Thereby, heat management is improved.

[0032] Preferably, the out-of-plane thermal conductivity perpendicular to the direction towards the phase change material is less than 30 W / (mK).

[0033] This range of in-plane thermal conductivity has been found to be particularly beneficial for suppressing heat transfer to the outer surface of the aerosol generating device. Thereby, heat management is improved.

[0034] Preferably, the heating chamber is cylindrical and configured to accept a rod-shaped aerosol-generating substrate.

[0035] Preferably, the heating chamber has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and is configured to accept a planar aerosol-generating substrate.

[0036] Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described as examples with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the first aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the second aerosol generation device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a conceptual heat transfer map of the aerosol generation device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Figure 1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a first aerosol generating device 100, also known as a vapor generating device or e-cigarette. The cross-section is viewed perpendicular to the axial direction 108 of the aerosol generating device 100, i.e., it is a cutaway view along the length of the aerosol generating device 100 in the radial direction 110.

[0039] For the purposes of this application, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol” will be understood to be interchangeable. The aerosol generating device 100 is configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material without burning it. The aerosol generating material may include tobacco or a combination of tobacco and other components such as one or more humectants. Alternatively or in addition, the aerosol generating material may include other non-tobacco materials suitable for generating an aerosol, such as an aerosol generating liquid.

[0040] The aerosol generating device 100 has a heating chamber 102 into which an aerosol generating substrate is received. The aerosol generating substrate may contain an aerosol generating material, or may be an aerosol generating material itself. The aerosol generating device 100 may have an opening 103 into which the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber 102. A heater in the heating chamber 102 is configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate without burning it to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled by a consumer. In some examples, the electronic equipment 106 includes a battery, and the heater is powered by the battery.

[0041] In one example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain an aerosol generating material such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco leaves. The tobacco rod may be similar to a conventional cigarette. The heating chamber 102 may have a cross-section that is approximately equal to the cross-section of the aerosol generating substrate. The heating chamber 102 may have a circular or approximately circular cross-sectional shape that fits the cross-section of the tobacco rod aerosol generating substrate.

[0042] The heating chamber 102 may have a depth such that, when the associated aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber 102, a first end portion of the aerosol generating substrate reaches the bottom of the heating chamber 102 (i.e., the end of the chamber 102 distal to the opening 103), and a second end portion of the aerosol generating substrate distal to the first end portion extends outward from the heating chamber 102 through the opening 103. In this way, consumers can inhale the aerosol generating substrate when it is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0043] The heater may be positioned within the heating chamber 102 so as to engage with the heater when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber 102. In one example, the heater may be positioned as a tube defining the heating chamber 102 such that when a first end portion of the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber 102, the heater substantially or completely surrounds a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate within the heating chamber 102. The heater may be a wire, such as a coiled wire heater; a thin film heater wound around the heating chamber; a ceramic heater in which the heating track is optionally embedded in or located outside or around the ceramic; or any other suitable type of heater. The heater may be embedded in the wall of the heating chamber 102 or mounted on the inner or outer surface of the heating chamber wall.

[0044] In an alternative configuration, the heater may be positioned within the heating chamber 102 as an elongated puncturing member (e.g., in the form of a needle, rod, or blade), in which case the heater may be positioned to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate and engage with the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the cavity. In another alternative configuration, the heater may be in the form of an induction heater. In such an embodiment, a heating element (i.e., a susceptor) may be provided within the aerosol-generating substrate, and the heating element is inductively coupled to an induction element (i.e., an induction coil) within the heating chamber 102 when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber 102. The induction heater then heats the heating element by induction.

[0045] A heater is positioned to heat a tobacco (or other aerosol-generating material) without burning it, thereby generating an aerosol. That is, the heater heats the tobacco to a predetermined temperature below the burning point of the tobacco so that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the aerosol-generating substrate does not necessarily have to contain tobacco, and any other suitable substance for aerosolization (or vaporization) by heating without burning the substance can be used instead of or in combination with tobacco.

[0046] Alternatively, instead of a rod-shaped (i.e., conventional cigarette type) aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating substrate may be planar or flat in shape, for example, in the form of a flat rectangular parallelepiped. The heating chamber 102 may be dimensioned to match the shape of the substrate as a flat shape. That is, the heating chamber 102 may have substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol-generating substrate. The substrate may be considered planar in shape in that it has a depth considerably shorter than its length and width. In such an example, the substrate may be a planar cartridge that is received in the heating chamber 102. An optional mouthpiece (not shown) for the consumer to inhale during an aerosolization session can then be placed on the opening 103.

[0047] In an example of an aerosol generating device configured to accept such a planar aerosol generating substrate, the heating chamber 102 may be cup-shaped, with an opening 103 forming the open end of the cup, the opposite end may optionally include an air inlet or be sealed. The walls of the heating chamber 102 may contain one or more heating elements of a heater (not shown in Figure 1) in or on them. Each or one or more of the walls of the heating chamber 102 may have heating elements in or on them. The walls of the heating chamber 102 may be ceramic with heater wires or tracks embedded in or on them. In one example, the heating elements may be positioned in contact with one of the heating chamber walls on the outside of the heating chamber 102. In another example, the heating elements may be embedded within the chamber wall. In yet another example, the heating elements may be on the chamber wall inside the heating chamber 102. As described, the chamber walls may be ceramic material having heater tracks or wires in or on them. In an alternative configuration, each heating element may include a polyimide film heater extending along substantially the entire area of ​​the outer surface of the corresponding heating wall, or only a portion of this surface.

[0048] In an example of an aerosol generating device configured to accept such a planar aerosol generating substrate, the heating chamber 102 may have two large inner surfaces corresponding to the wider opposing surfaces of the planar aerosol generating substrate and two smaller inner surfaces corresponding to the narrower opposing surfaces of the planar aerosol generating substrate. The smaller inner surfaces are perpendicular to the larger inner surfaces and can connect to them. The walls of the heating chamber 102 corresponding to the larger inner surfaces may be arranged to form two ceramic heaters in or on which heater wires or tracks are embedded. In some examples, the walls of the heating chamber 102 corresponding to the smaller inner surfaces may also be ceramic. Such ceramic heaters can provide a compact heating chamber 102 with good heat distribution directed to the planar aerosol generating substrate. However, such ceramic heaters may require significantly more power to heat than heaters in more conventional aerosol generating devices configured to accept cigarettes or cigarette-like consumables. This increased power requirement may be due to the larger volume and specific heat compared to thin-walled heaters (e.g., stainless steel cups). Therefore, such heaters greatly benefit from heating power management utilizing one or more supercapacitors as described herein.

[0049] In another example of an aerosol generating device configured to accept such a planar aerosol generating substrate, each of the walls may be made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal, particularly stainless steel. In addition, at least some or all of these walls may form a single component.

[0050] The internal dimensions of the heating chamber 102 can be defined such that when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber 102, an airflow channel is formed between the walls of the heating chamber 102 and the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, the airflow may arrive from an air inlet located at the rear of the chamber or toward the chamber, rather than passing alongside the substrate.

[0051] While planar and cylindrical heating chambers and substrates are discussed, in other examples, the aerosol-generating substrate and the corresponding heating chamber 102 may be of other preferred shapes or dimensions.

[0052] The heating chamber 102 is located at the first end portion 112 of the aerosol generating device 100. The electronic equipment 106 of the aerosol generating device 100 may be located at the second end portion 114 of the aerosol generating device 100. The first end portion 112 and the second end portion 114 are distal to each other along the axial direction 108 of the aerosol generating device 100. The axial direction 108 can be considered the “length” direction along the longer length of the aerosol generating device 100, and the radial direction 110 can be considered the “width” direction (perpendicular to the axial direction 108) along the shorter length of the aerosol generating device 100. In the example in Figure 1, the axial direction 108 is the direction in which the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0053] The electronic device 106 may include a controller that controls the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. This may include controlling the heater to preheat the aerosol generating material to a temperature for aerosolization during an aerosolization session, and maintaining the heater at such an aerosolization temperature. The electronic device 106 may also include a power supply used to power the heater. The power supply may include one or more batteries, one or more supercapacitors, or a combination thereof.

[0054] By positioning the electronic device 106 distal to the heating chamber 102, the risk of damage to the electronic device 106 due to heat flowing outward from the heating chamber 102 is reduced.

[0055] The insulating layer 104 may surround the heating chamber 102. The purpose of the insulating layer 104 is to provide thermal insulation by suppressing the diffusion of heat through the aerosol generating device 100. This is beneficial in improving energy efficiency by concentrating heat transfer toward the substrate (rather than through the device), improving consumer comfort by preventing heat flow to the outer casing 107 of the aerosol generating device 100, which may be uncomfortable for the consumer's hand, and reducing the risk of thermal damage to other components within the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., electronic equipment 106).

[0056] The insulation layer 104 surrounds the heating chamber 102 at least partially (preferably completely) along its axial length. The insulation layer 104 may also be adjacent to the end of the heating chamber 102 opposite the opening 103. The insulation layer 104 can completely enclose all of the heating chamber 102 except for the opening 103.

[0057] Thermal insulation can be improved by providing a phase change material 116 and a heat transfer layer 118.

[0058] The phase change material 116 (or phase change material module) absorbs heat from the heating chamber 102 during the aerosolization session and changes its phase from solid to liquid through melting. The temperature of the phase change material plateaus during melting because the phase change material continues to absorb thermal energy. The phase change material 116 functions as a heat storage component or heat sink, thereby, at the phase transition temperature, its latent heat capacity absorbs thermal energy from the heat source. Thus, the heat is converted into latent heat. This absorption of heat from the heating chamber 102 protects the electronic equipment 106 and prevents the casing 107 of the aerosol generating device 100 from heating, thereby protecting the consumer holding the device. The absorbed heat is then released from the phase change material 116 after the aerosolization session, when the device is no longer in use. As it cools, the phase transition of the phase change material 116 releases thermal energy back into the system. As a result, the phase change material 116 mitigates excessive temperatures that may occur due to high heat flux passing through the system, for example, during the initial heating of the heater. The phase change material 116 may be a bulk phase change material.

[0059] By surrounding the heating chamber 102 with a phase change material, the phase change material can easily absorb the thermal energy flowing through the device. However, such a configuration increases the radial size 110 of the aerosol generating device. This increase in size may make it uncomfortable for consumers to hold the device.

[0060] To overcome this problem, the phase change material 116 is moved axially from the heating chamber 102 within the aerosol generation device 100. In other words, the phase change material 116 is positioned within the aerosol generation device 100 so as not to overlap with the heating chamber 102 in the radial direction 110. In the example of Figure 1, the phase change material 116 is positioned between the heating chamber 102 and the electronic device 106. That is, the phase change material 116 is positioned between the first end portion 112 of the aerosol generation device 100 and the second end portion 114 of the aerosol generation device 100.

[0061] This allows the aerosol generating device 100 to be made smaller in the radial direction 110. However, this presents a challenge in effectively transferring the thermal energy flowing from the heating chamber 102 through the device 100 to the phase change material 116 rather than to the casing 107 or other components of the aerosol generating device 100. To address this problem, one or more heat transfer layers 118 (or heat transfer modules) are used. The heat transfer layer 118 (or heat spreader) is configured to transfer the heat flowing outward from the heating chamber 102 through the aerosol generating device 100 to the phase change material 116.

[0062] The heat transfer layer 118 may be positioned adjacent to and alongside the heating chamber 102 so that heat flowing out of the heating chamber 102 comes into contact with the heat transfer layer 118 before reaching the casing 107 of the aerosol generating device 100. The heat transfer layer 118 may at least partially (or preferably completely) surround the heating chamber 102 to maximize the transfer of leaked heat from the heating chamber 102 to the phase change material 116. The heat transfer layer 118 may be in the form of a sheet. The heat transfer layer 118 extends axially along the aerosol generating device 100 to reach the phase change material 116, where it interfaces with the phase change material 116.

[0063] Preferably, the contact area where the heat transfer layer 118 interfaces with the phase change material 116 is maximized. This ensures that as much heat as possible is transferred from the heat transfer layer 118 to the phase change material 116.

[0064] Preferably, the contact area between the heat transfer layer 118 and the phase change material 116 is 10 to 100 mm². 2 This is within the range. Preferably, the contact area between the heat transfer layer 118 and the phase change material 116 is about 50 mm². 2 Therefore, heat transfer can be coupled to the phase change material 116 to ensure good contact for sufficient heat transfer between them.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 1, the heat transfer layer 118 is embedded in the insulation layer 104. This can be achieved, for example, by an insulating material containing two insulation layers, with the heat transfer layer 118 embedded between these two insulation layers 104.

[0066] In another example, the heat transfer layer 118 may be located between the heat transfer layer 104 and the heating chamber 102, rather than being embedded in the heat transfer layer 104. In yet another example, the heat transfer layer 118 may be located outside the heat transfer layer 104, between the heat transfer layer 104 and the casing 107 of the aerosol generating device 100, rather than being embedded in the heat transfer layer 104. In yet another example, the heat transfer layer 104 may not even be present. The heat transfer layer 104 may be unnecessary if the heat transfer layer 118 can effectively transfer sufficient leaked thermal energy from the heating chamber 102 to the phase change material 116.

[0067] The heat transfer layer 118 may have an anisotropic thermal conductivity such that the in-plane thermal conductivity in the direction toward the phase change material 116 is higher than the out-of-plane thermal conductivity perpendicular to the direction toward the phase change material 116. This is advantageous because it allows the heat energy leaked from the heating chamber 102 to be directed to the phase change material 116, preferably rather than to the outside of the casing 107 of the aerosol generation device 100. A higher in-plane thermal conductivity is preferable. Preferably, the in-plane thermal conductivity in the direction toward the phase change material 116 is in the range of 1000 to 2000 W / (mK). Preferably, the out-of-plane thermal conductivity perpendicular to the direction toward the phase change material 116 is less than 30 W / (mK).

[0068] A suitable material for the heat transfer layer 118 is graphite. Such a graphite sheet may have, for example, an in-plane thermal conductivity of 1300 W / (mK) and an out-of-plane thermal conductivity of 18 W / (mK). In some examples, the graphite sheet may have a thickness in the range of 40 to 200 μm.

[0069] The phase change material 116 preferably has a thermal conductivity in the range of 0.2 to 2 W / (mK). Preferably, the thermal conductivity of the phase change material 116 is an order of magnitude greater than the thermal conductivity of the insulating layer 104. The phase change material 116 preferably has a specific heat capacity in the range of 1 to 3 kJ / (kgK). The phase change material 116 preferably has a latent heat capacity in the range of 100 to 300 kJ / kg. The phase change material 116 preferably has a phase change temperature in the range of 30 to 70°C.

[0070] Examples of suitable materials for the phase change material 116 are hydrated salt phase change materials, which may have a thermal conductivity of about 0.51 W / (mK), a specific heat capacity of about 2 kJ / (kgK), a latent heat capacity of about 200 kJ / kg, and a phase change temperature in the range of 30 to 50°C.

[0071] The insulating layer 104 preferably has a thermal conductivity in the range of 0.005 to 0.1 W / (mK) at 20°C. An example of a suitable material for the insulating layer 104 is an aerogel such as Finesulight, which has a thermal conductivity of about 0.02 W / (mK).

[0072] Figure 2 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a second aerosol generating device 200, which has a thermal insulation layer 104, a heat transfer layer 118, a phase change material 116, electronic equipment 106 (optionally including a battery), and a casing 107, similar to the corresponding features of the first aerosol generating device 100 in Figure 1. A description of these general features is not repeated for brevity.

[0073] The aerosol generating device 200 in Figure 2 has a heating chamber 102 configured to receive a planar or flat aerosol generating substrate, as described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 2 shows two flat heaters 220 that form the main wall of the heating chamber 102, and the heating chamber 102 is defined between these two flat heaters 220. An insulating layer 104 is located on the side of each flat heater 220 opposite to the side facing the interior of the heating chamber 102. A heat transfer layer 118 may be embedded in the insulating layer 104 or sandwiched between two insulating layers 104. The aerosol generating device 200 in Figure 2 also includes a mouthpiece 224, as described with reference to Figure 1 (but not shown here in Figure 1).

[0074] The aerosol generation device 200 in Figure 2 includes at least one supercapacitor module 222 separated from the heating chamber 102 by an insulating layer 104. That is, at least one supercapacitor 222 surrounds the heating chamber 102 at least partially. The supercapacitor module 222 may include one or more supercapacitors.

[0075] In some examples, there are two supercapacitor modules 222. Each of these supercapacitor modules 222 overlaps the main surface of a flat heating chamber 102 and is separated from the heating chamber 102 by an insulating layer 104 and a heat transfer layer 118. That is, in a radial direction 110 outward from the center of the heating chamber 102, the following layers can be arranged: a flat heater 220 defining the main surface of the heating chamber 102, an insulating layer 104, a heat transfer layer 118, another insulating layer 104 (or the heat transfer layer 118 is embedded in a single insulating layer 104), the supercapacitor modules 222, and the casing 107 of the aerosol generating device 200.

[0076] The supercapacitor module 222 is advantageous because its higher discharge rate allows for faster preheating than using batteries. This is particularly advantageous for ceramic flat heaters with high power requirements. Positioning the supercapacitor module 222 adjacent to the heating chamber 102, rather than separate from it, allows for a reduction in the size of the aerosol generating device 200 by making better use of physical space, thereby providing a compact aerosol generating device 200. This can make it easier for the operator to hold and use, as well as store and transport it. Thus, the user experience is improved. The heat transfer layer 118 shields the supercapacitor module 222 from leakage heat from the heating chamber 102 by directing this thermal energy away from the supercapacitor module 222 to the phase change material 116.

[0077] Although the description in Figure 2 applies to a flat heater 220 that forms a flat heating chamber 102 for receiving a flat substrate, the same principle of surrounding the heating chamber 102 at least partially with a supercapacitor module 222 can be applied to a cylindrical heating chamber 102 used for tobacco rods or any other suitable type of heating chamber.

[0078] Furthermore, while the description in Figure 2 applies to two supercapacitor modules 222 that at least partially surround the heating chamber 102 by overlapping the main surfaces of the heating chamber 102, instead, one or more supercapacitors 222 may be adapted or bent to surround or at least partially surround the heating chamber 102.

[0079] Figure 3 shows a conceptual heat transfer map of the aerosol generation device 200 shown in Figure 2.

[0080] Regarding the heating of the substrate 326, for the aerosolization session, heat flows from the heater into the heating chamber 102. This heat heats the substrate 326 in the heating chamber 102. An airflow 328 is drawn into the heating chamber 102. This airflow 328 interacts with the heated substrate 326, and the heated aerosol 330 flows out for inhalation by the consumer.

[0081] Regarding the heat that leaks out of the heating chamber 102 rather than staying inside it, some of the heat (i.e., leaked heat) flows into the heater through the insulating layer 104. Most of this heat is then guided by the heat transfer layer 118 to the phase change material 116, where it is absorbed and stored. Some residual heat may continue to move outward and reach the supercapacitor module 222, but this is greatly reduced due to the heat transfer layer 118 guiding the leaked heat to the phase change material 116.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the embodiments described above are not limiting, and that the features of each embodiment can be appropriately incorporated into other embodiments.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol generating substrate, A heating chamber configured to receive and heat the aerosol generating substrate, A phase change material configured to absorb thermal energy, wherein the phase change material is displaced axially from the heating chamber within the aerosol generation device, A heat transfer layer configured to transfer heat flowing outward from the heating chamber to the phase change material through the aerosol generating device, An electronic device including a controller for controlling the heating operation of the aerosol generating device, wherein the phase change material is positioned between the electronic device and the heating chamber, and Aerosol generating device containing [aerosol].

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer layer at least partially surrounds the heating chamber.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heat insulating layer configured to at least partially surround the heating chamber and to prevent outward heat flow from the heating chamber.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the heat transfer layer is embedded in the heat insulating layer.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least one supercapacitor module that at least partially surrounds the heating chamber.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, as dependent on claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one supercapacitor module is separated from the heating chamber by the insulating layer.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the phase change material is arranged in the aerosol generating device so as not to overlap radially with the heating chamber.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat transfer layer comprises graphite.

9. The contact area between the heat transfer layer and the phase change material is 10 to 100 mm². ２ An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is within the range of [the specified range].

10. The contact area between the heat transfer layer and the phase change material is approximately 50 mm². ２ The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heat transfer layer has an anisotropic thermal conductivity such that the in-plane thermal conductivity in the direction toward the phase change material is higher than the out-of-plane thermal conductivity perpendicular to the direction toward the phase change material.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the in-plane thermal conductivity in the direction toward the phase change material is in the range of 1000 to 2000 W / (mK).

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11 or 1213, wherein the out-of-plane thermal conductivity perpendicular to the direction toward the phase change material is less than 30 W / (mK).

14. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the heating chamber is cylindrical and configured to accept a rod-shaped aerosol generating substrate.

15. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heating chamber has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and is configured to accept a planar aerosol generating substrate.

16. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a heater, wherein the electronic device further comprises a battery, and the heater is powered by the battery.

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