Aerosol supply device
The aerosol supply device addresses the need for non-combustion aerosol generation by using a heater with a steel extension component and PEEK base to efficiently heat aerosol-generating materials, ensuring safe and stable operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Existing smoking articles that burn tobacco generate smoke, and there is a need for alternatives that release compounds without combustion, particularly in the form of aerosol-generating devices that efficiently heat aerosol-generating materials without causing overheating or safety issues.
An aerosol supply device with a heater and base configuration, where the heater includes an elongate member and an extension component that forms part of a heat conduction path, using materials like steel and PEEK to manage heat distribution efficiently.
The device effectively generates aerosol from aerosol-generating materials while minimizing overheating and ensuring safety by managing heat conduction through a structured heat path, reducing the risk of device instability and safety hazards.
Smart Images
Figure 2026520984000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for supplying an aerosol, an aerosol supply system, and a method for manufacturing a device.
Background Art
[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these smoking articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] According to a first aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, the aerosol supply device comprising a heater and a base supporting the heater, the heater comprising an elongate heater member and an extension component, the extension component extending from the elongate heater member, the elongate heater member being configured to generate heat to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the base contacting the heater at the extension component such that the extension component forms part of a heat conduction path between the elongate heater member and the base.
[0004] The extension component may extend laterally from the elongate heater member.
[0005] The extension component may comprise a flange.
[0006] The extension component may be formed of a metal or metal alloy, and optionally, the extension component is formed of steel.
[0007] The extension component may be fixed to the elongate heater member by welding.
[0008] The elongated heater element may have an external shell, and the extension components are fixed to the external shell.
[0009] The outer shell may be formed from a metal or a metal alloy, and optionally, the outer shell may be made of steel.
[0010] The elongated heater member may be equipped with a heater element, and the extension component is displaced longitudinally from the heater element.
[0011] The base may be made of plastic, or optionally, of PEEK.
[0012] The extension components may be fixed to the base by insert molding.
[0013] The end face of the extension component may have a recess, and the base extends into the recess to fix the extension component to the base.
[0014] According to a second embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising the aerosol supply device of the first embodiment and an article containing an aerosol generating material.
[0015] A third aspect provides a method for manufacturing an aerosol supply device, the method comprising receiving a heater comprising an elongated heater member and an extension component extending from the elongated heater member; receiving a base; and positioning the base together with the heater such that the base supports the heater, wherein the base contacts the heater in the extension component such that the extension component forms part of a heat conduction path between the elongated heater member and the base.
[0016] Here, an embodiment will be described as merely an example, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0017] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of an aerosol supply system, including an aerosol supply device located within a charging unit. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a heater that forms part of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the heater. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the heater fixed to the base. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater and a portion of its base shown in the figure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater and base, shown together with the outer cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0018] 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 gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol-generating material may also contain any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing material, and may include one or more of the following: tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, recombined tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also contain other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. The aerosol-generating material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smoked material.”
[0019] The aerosol generating material may include a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active substance and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water is also 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 substantially does not contain plant-based materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material substantially does not contain tobacco.
[0020] The aerosol generating material may include an "amorphous solid" and may be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid such as a liquid in the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.
[0021] The aerosol generating material may include an aerosol generating film. The aerosol generating film may optionally include a sheet that can be shredded to form shredded sheets, or may be that sheet. The sheet may be a crimped sheet. The aerosol generating sheet or shredded sheet may not substantially contain tobacco.
[0022] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustion" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating material (or its components) of the aerosol supply system is neither combusted nor burned in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.
[0023] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion aerosol supply system such as a powered non-combustion aerosol supply system.
[0024] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-forming material is not a requirement.
[0025] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-forming material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
[0026] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials that can be heated, one or more of which. Each aerosol-forming material 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 includes a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.
[0027] Typically, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustion aerosol supply device and an article that is a consumable for use typically with the non-combustion aerosol supply device.
[0028] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that contain an aerosol-forming material and are configured to be used with a non-combustion aerosol supply device. These consumables may sometimes be referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.
[0029] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.
[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may include a consumable receiving area, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.
[0031] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a suction nozzle and / or an aerosol modifier.
[0032] An aerosol generating device can accept 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, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally, other components at the time of use. The user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of a device sized to accept the article.
[0033] 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.
[0034] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.
[0035] The consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to produce an aerosol in the aerosol-generating material. The heater may include, for example, a flammable material, a material that can be heated by electrical conductivity, or a susceptor.
[0036] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply system 10 comprising an aerosol supply device 100 and a charging unit 20. The device 100 is shown positioned within a cavity 21 of the charging unit 20. The cavity 21 has an open end 22 (also called an opening). The embodiment of the charging unit in Figure 1 also includes a longitudinal opening 23.
[0037] The aerosol supply device 100 is arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product (not shown) 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.
[0038] The aerosol supply device 100 is an elongated structure extending along its longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply device 100 has a proximal end 100a closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when used by a user inhaling the aerosol produced by the aerosol supply device 100, and a distal end 100b furthest from the user when used. The proximal end may also be called the “mouth end.” Thus, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a proximal direction that is directed toward the user when used. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a distal direction that is 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 relative to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply device 100 has an opening at the proximal end 100a leading to a receptacle. The receptacle may be a heating chamber.
[0039] The aerosol supply device 100 may be removably inserted into the charging unit 20 for charging. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the distal end 100b of the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the cavity 21 through the opening 22.
[0040] A portion of the aerosol supply device 100 may have a first side surface 101. One or more user-operable control elements 106, such as buttons, which can be used to operate the aerosol supply device 100, may be provided on the first side surface 101 of the aerosol supply device 100.
[0041] In this embodiment, the cavity of the charging unit 20 may have a cross-sectional profile that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 20 in only one orientation.
[0042] The charging unit 20 includes a sliding lid 25. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 20 for recharging, the sliding lid 25 may be closed to cover the opening into the aerosol supply device 100.
[0043] In other embodiments, the charging unit 20 may have an alternative lid configuration, such as a hinged or pivoted lid, or it may not have a lid at all.
[0044] The cavity 21 of the charging unit has a length approximately equal to or slightly greater than the length of the aerosol supply device 100, so that substantially the entire aerosol supply device 100 is housed within the cavity of the charging unit. This means that the device 100 is completely enclosed and protected within the cavity 21.
[0045] The charging unit 20 may include a user interface such as a display 28, which can be installed in any convenient location, such as the position shown in Figure 1.
[0046] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the aerosol supply device 100 includes a heater 200. The heater 200 includes an elongated heater member 201 and an extension component 202.
[0047] The elongated heater member 201 is an elongated structure that extends along its longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, the elongated heater member 201 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a pointed tip at the proximal end closest to the user, forming approximately a pin shape. In alternative embodiments, the elongated heater member 201 may take the form of a different elongated structure with a different cross-sectional shape, such as a blade.
[0048] The elongated heater member 201 comprises a heating element 203, a connecting wire 207, and an outer shell 204. The outer shell 204 is hollow and forms the outer surface of the elongated heater member 201. The outer shell 204 surrounds the heating element 203. The heating element 203 and the connecting wire 207 are aligned with each other and both extend along the longitudinal axis at the center of the elongated heater member 201. The heating element 203 and the connecting wire 207 are electrically connected, and the connecting wire 207 supplies power to the heating element 203 during use.
[0049] The distal end of the heating element 203 and the proximal end of the connecting wire 207 are displaced a short distance in the longitudinal direction from the position of the extension component 202 along the elongated heater member 201.
[0050] In some embodiments, the distal end of the heating element 203 and the proximal end of the connecting wire 207 may be substantially aligned with the position of the extension component 202 along the elongated heater member 201.
[0051] The elongated heater member 201 is configured to generate heat to produce an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be placed inside the aerosol-forming article.
[0052] In this embodiment, the outer shell 204 is made of steel. In other embodiments, the outer shell 204 may be made of a different metal or metal alloy.
[0053] By forming the outer shell 204 from metal or a metal alloy, it becomes possible to efficiently conduct the heat generated from the heating element 203 to the aerosol-forming article used in the device 100.
[0054] The extension component 202 extends laterally from the elongated heater member 201. The extension component 202 extends around the elongated heater member 201. The extension component 202 completely surrounds the elongated heater member 201. The upper surface of the extension component 202 forms a circular ring shape.
[0055] The extension component is positioned along the length of the elongated heater member 201, preferably closer to the distal end than the proximal end of the aerosol supply device 100.
[0056] In this embodiment, the extension component 202 includes a flange 202.
[0057] In this embodiment, the extension component 202 is made of steel. In other embodiments, the extension component 202 may be made of a different metal or metal alloy.
[0058] The extension component 202 is fixed to the elongated heater member 201 by welding, such that the extension component 202 is fixed to the outer shell 204. The extension component 202 and the elongated heater member 201 are positioned such that the upper surface of the extension component 202 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The extension component 202 is displaced longitudinally from the heating element 203.
[0059] The extension component 202 includes a recess 205. The recess 205 is located on the end face of the extension component 202. The recess 205 has an axially symmetric opening on the end face of the extension component 202, and the opening faces laterally. The recess 205 extends around the extension component 202 so as to completely enclose the elongated heater member 201.
[0060] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the aerosol supply device 100 comprises a heater 200 and a base 300.
[0061] The base 300 is substantially cylindrical in shape, and its diameter is greater than the diameter of the elongated heater member 201. The base 300 is configured to be connected to the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the base 300 may have fittings that allow it to be fixed to the outer cover 208 (see Figure 6) and other components of the aerosol supply device 100. The base 300 may have recesses on its outer surface configured to hold other cavities and protrusions, such as a sealant ring 206.
[0062] In this embodiment, the base 300 is formed of PEEK (polyetheretherketone). In other embodiments, the base 300 may be formed of a different plastic or material.
[0063] The base 300 contacts the heater 200 at the extension component 202 such that the base 300 supports the elongated heater member 201. The extension component 202 is fixed to the base 300 using insert molding. The base 300 extends into the recess 205 of the extension component 202 to support the heater 200. Insert molding can thus easily enable the base 300 to extend into the recess 205.
[0064] The base 300 and the heater 200 are connected such that the extension component 202 forms part of the heat conduction path between the elongated heater member 201 and the base 300. In other words, the thermal energy emitted from the elongated heater member 201 by conduction passes through the extension component 202 before being absorbed by the base 300. In this example 300, the base 300 does not contact the outer shell 204 of the heater 200. The base 300 contacts the heater 200 only at the extension component 202.
[0065] The extension component 202 forms part of the heat conduction path, reducing the heat from the heating element 203 that reaches the base 300, thereby lowering the temperature reached by the base 300 during use. In some embodiments, the heating element 203 is configured to reach a temperature of 380°C when the device 100 is in use, which may be higher than the melting point of the material of the base 300. The temperature of the base 300 can be further reduced if an extension component 202 of a certain size is used. This is beneficial because overheating of the base 300 can cause several problems, such as reduced stability and general safety of the device 100.
[0066] Referring to Figure 6, the base 300 and heater 200 may be surrounded by a cylindrical outer cover 208. The outer cover may form part of the heating chamber of the device 100, and the heater 200 rises from the distal end of the heating chamber.
[0067] The outer cover 208 surrounds the base 300. The outer cover 208 is attached to the base, for example, using fasteners arranged around the base 300.
[0068] The elongated heater member 201 may be inserted into the distal end of an aerosol-forming article (not shown) during use of the device 100. The aerosol-forming article is received in the heating chamber such that the outer cover 208 surrounds the article.
[0069] By using an elongated shape such as a pin for the heater component 201, the aerosol-forming article can be heated internally along a considerable portion of its length during use.
[0070] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used or modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may, may consist of, or may 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. A heater comprising an elongated heater member and an extension component, wherein the extension component extends from the elongated heater member, and the elongated heater member is configured to generate heat to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, A base supporting the heater, wherein the extension component forms part of the heat conduction path between the elongated heater member and the base, with the extension component having a base that contacts the heater, An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.
2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the extension component extends laterally from the elongated heater member.
3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the extension component comprises a flange.
4. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the extension component is formed of metal or a metal alloy, and optionally, the extension component is formed of steel.
5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the extension component is fixed to the elongated heater member by welding.
6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elongated heater member comprises an external shell, and the extension component is fixed to the external shell.
7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 6, wherein the outer shell is formed from a metal or a metal alloy, and optionally the outer shell is made of steel.
8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elongated heater member comprises a heater element, and the extension component is displaced longitudinally from the heater element.
9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base is formed of plastic, and optionally the base is formed of PEEK.
10. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the extension component is fixed to the base by insert molding.
11. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the end face of the extension component is provided with a recess, and the base extends into the recess to fix the extension component to the base.
12. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and an article containing the aerosol generating material.
13. A method for manufacturing an aerosol supply device, A step of receiving a heater comprising an elongated heater member and an extension component extending from the elongated heater member, Steps to receive the base, A step of arranging the base together with the heater such that the base supports the heater, wherein the base contacts the heater at the extension component such that the extension component forms part of the heat conduction path between the elongated heater member and the base; Methods that include...