Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system

Abstract

The aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device (10) and an aerosol generating article (16). The aerosol generating article (16) includes a base portion (18) which includes an aerosol generating substrate (20). The aerosol generating substrate (20) includes a plurality of airflow channels (22) which allow air to be drawn through the base portion (18) during use. The aerosol generating device (10) includes a heating assembly (12, 86) which includes a heating compartment (14) positioned to receive the aerosol generating article (16), and the heating assembly (12, 86) further includes a heater (24) positioned to heat the base portion (18) of the aerosol generating article (16) during use. The aerosol generating device (10) further includes a heat diffuser (26) which includes a plurality of heat conduction zones (28) and a plurality of insulation zones (30). Each of the insulated zones (30) is substantially aligned with the airflow channel (22) when the aerosol-generating article (16) is received into the heating compartment (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to aerosol generating devices for heating an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article including an aerosol generating substrate.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) have grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of conventional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available for heating or warming an aerosol generating substrate rather than burning it to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0003] Commercially available risk reduction devices or risk modification devices are generally aerosol generating devices, i.e., so-called heat-not-burn devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor, for example, by heating an aerosol generating substrate contained in an aerosol generating article to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C within a heating compartment. Heating the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting the aerosol generating substrate generates a vapor that typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device.

[0004] In some cases, an air flow channel allows air to be drawn through the aerosol generating substrate during use. The aerosol generating substrate may be localized in a particular region of the aerosol generating article rather than being evenly dispersed, for example, to accommodate the air flow channel. Typically, the aerosol generating article is heated uniformly within the heating compartment regardless of where the aerosol generating substrate is localized or where the air flow channel is provided, which can lead to inefficient heating.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide aerosol generating devices and / or aerosol generating systems that mitigate these drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the first aspect of this disclosure, A heating assembly comprising a heating compartment arranged to receive an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising a base portion, the base portion comprising an aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating substrate comprising a plurality of airflow channels, the airflow channels enabling air to be drawn through the base portion during use, and the heating assembly further comprising a heater arranged to heat the base portion of the aerosol generating article during use. A heat diffuser comprising a plurality of heat conduction zones and a plurality of heat insulation zones, each of which is substantially aligned with an airflow channel when an aerosol generating article is received into the heating compartment, and An aerosol generating device including is provided.

[0007] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided which includes an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article includes a base material portion, the base material portion includes an aerosol generating substrate, and the aerosol generating substrate includes a plurality of airflow channels that allow air to be drawn through the base material portion during use. Aerosol generating devices are A heating assembly comprising a heating compartment arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article, further comprising a heater arranged to heat the base material portion of the aerosol-generating article during use, A heat diffuser comprising a plurality of heat conduction zones and a plurality of heat insulation zones, each of which is substantially aligned with an airflow channel when an aerosol generating article is received into the heating compartment, and Includes.

[0008] The configuration of the heat diffuser minimizes heating of the airflow channel, thereby achieving targeted heating of the aerosol-generating material. This improves heating efficiency.

[0009] Depending on the circumstances, each of the heat conduction zones may be substantially aligned with the protrusions of the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received within the heating compartment.

[0010] The configuration of the heat diffuser ensures that the target area of ​​the protruding region of the aerosol-generating article, where the aerosol-generating substrate is localized, is heated. This further improves heating efficiency and reduces the initial heating time.

[0011] In some cases, the heat conduction zone and the heat insulation zone are arranged in adjacent rows. In some cases, the heating compartment has a heating compartment axis X, and the adjacent rows are aligned with the heating compartment axis X. This arrangement is complementary to the pattern of airflow channels and protrusions of an aerosol generating article that can be used with an aerosol generating device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0012] The thermal conduction zone can be anisotropic. In some cases, the anisotropic thermal conduction zone has an in-plane thermal conductivity of 500-2000 W / mK and an out-of-plane thermal conductivity of 5-50 W / mK. The thermal conduction zone can have a thickness of 10-100 microns.

[0013] This anisotropy means that more heat diffuses or distributes across the heat conduction zone than passes through its thickness. Such anisotropic heat conduction zones are efficient in heat diffusion or distribution, thus reducing the likelihood of hot spots forming.

[0014] The heat conduction zone may contain graphite. Graphite is an anisotropic material and an excellent heat conductor due to its in-plane metallic bonding.

[0015] The insulation zone may contain polyimide or aerogel. These materials have extremely low thermal conductivity and are therefore excellent insulators.

[0016] The heating compartment can be dimensioned to accommodate an aerosol generating article having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. This configuration allows the aerosol generating device to be used with an aerosol generating article having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0017] In some cases, the heat diffuser is positioned between the heater and the outer surface of the heating compartment. In other cases, the heat diffuser is attached to the outer surface of the heating compartment, and the heater is attached to the heat diffuser. In this configuration, the heating compartment provides a structure that supports the heat diffuser and the heater.

[0018] Optionally, the heater includes a first planar heater and a second planar heater, the first and second planar heaters being arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart to create a cavity in the layer between them, the heating section being defined by the first and second planar heaters, the first heat diffuser being disposed within the cavity and associated with the first planar heater, and the second heat diffuser being disposed within the cavity and associated with the second planar heater. Optionally, the first heat diffuser is attached to the first planar heater, and the second heat diffuser is attached to the second planar heater.

[0019] By providing a first planar heater and a second planar heater, the need for separate heating compartment walls is eliminated. Furthermore, the heat diffuser is supported by the first planar heater and the second planar heater, respectively. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] A perspective view of an aerosol generating article suitable for use with the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] An end view of the aerosol generating article of FIG. 2, showing the substrate portion. [Figure 4] A perspective view of an exemplary heating assembly of an aerosol generating device shown with an aerosol generating article received within a heating section. [Figure 5] Another perspective view of the heating assembly of FIG. 4, but with the heater omitted. [Figure 6] A schematic perspective front view of another heating assembly of an exemplary aerosol generating device shown with an aerosol generating article received within a heating section. [Figure 7] A schematic perspective rear view of the heating assembly of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] A schematic front view of the heating assembly of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] A schematic perspective front view of the heating assembly of FIG. 6, but with the electrical connector wire and temperature sensor wire omitted. [Figure 10] A schematic perspective rear view of the heating assembly of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] A schematic front view of the heating assembly of FIG. 9.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Here, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] First, referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 10 according to the present disclosure is schematically shown. The aerosol generating device 10 is configured to be used with an aerosol generating article 16 that includes an aerosol generating substrate 20. The aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol generating article 16 together form an aerosol generating system. Suitable aerosol generating articles 16 are schematically shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and will be described in detail below.

[0023] The aerosol generating device 10 may also be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "non-combustion heated tobacco device," or a "tobacco product vaporization device," and is interpreted as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol generating substrate.

[0024] The aerosol generating device 10 is a handheld, portable device, meaning that the user can hold and support the device with one hand without assistance. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a device housing 44 that provides an external casing 46 for the aerosol generating device 10, having a first (or proximal) end 40 and a second (or distal) end 42. The device housing 44 may be tubular. The device housing 44 houses and protects the internal components of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0025] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a controller 48, which may be a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The aerosol generating device 10 may include a user interface for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 10 via the controller 48.

[0026] The controller 48 may be configured to detect the start of use of the aerosol generating device 10 in response to user input, such as pressing a button to activate the aerosol generating device 10, or in response to a detected airflow passing through the aerosol generating device 10. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the airflow passing through the aerosol generating device 10 indicates inhalation or "puffing" by the user. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a puff detector, such as an airflow sensor (not shown), to detect the airflow passing through the aerosol generating device 10.

[0027] The controller 48 includes electronic circuitry. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a power source 50, such as a battery. A button 64 is provided on the device housing 44 and is electrically connected to the controller 48 to allow the user to start aerosol generation.

[0028] The aerosol generating device 10 includes heating assemblies 12 and 86. The heating assemblies 12 and 86 include a heating compartment 14 positioned to receive an aerosol generating article 16. The heating compartment 14 defines a cavity 52 for receiving the aerosol generating article 16. During use, the aerosol generating article 16 is positioned within the cavity 52 by the user. After use, the aerosol generating article 16 can be removed from the cavity 52 and disposed of by the user.

[0029] The heating section 14 has a first end 54 and a second end 56. The heating section 14 includes an opening 57 at the first end 54 for receiving the aerosol generating article 16. The device housing 44 may include a mechanism (not shown), such as a door or a removable part, that allows the aerosol generating article 16 to be inserted into the cavity 52.

[0030] In the example shown, the air inlet 58 is located on the device housing 44 and is fluidically connected to the cavity 52. ​​The airflow channel (A) connects the cavity 52 to the air outlet 60 located on the mouthpiece 62, allowing the user to inhale air from the air inlet 58 through the cavity 52.

[0031] Figure 2 shows an exemplary aerosol generating article 16 suitable for use with the aerosol generating device 10 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an end view of the aerosol generating article 16 shown in Figure 2.

[0032] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, an exemplary aerosol-generating article 16 is, for example, a flat-shaped article having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends along the article axis Y and has external dimensions LxWxD.

[0033] In a typical example, the length L of the aerosol-generating article 16 along the article axis X may be in the range of 20 to 45 mm, preferably 25 to 40 mm, more preferably 28 to 36 mm, for example 33 mm; the width W may be in the range of 8 to 18 mm, preferably 10 to 16 mm, more preferably 10 to 14 mm, for example 12 mm; and the depth D may be in the range of 1 to 5 mm, preferably 1 to 3 mm, more preferably 1 to 2 mm, for example 1.4 mm. According to a different example, the values ​​L, W, and D may be selected within, for example, + / - 40%. The depth D is formed by a pair of parallel walls 76A, 76B, hereafter referred to as narrow walls 76A, 76B; and the width W is formed by a pair of parallel walls 78A, 78B, hereafter referred to as wide walls 78A, 78B. In some examples, the edges between the wide walls 78A, 78B and the narrow walls 76A, 76B may be rounded.

[0034] The aerosol generating article 16 may have any suitable flat shape and / or external dimensions. The aerosol generating article 16 may exhibit any other suitable shape. For example, the aerosol generating article 16 may generally be cylindrical or rod-shaped. In such examples, the aerosol generating article 16 may be formed substantially in the shape of a stick and may generally resemble a cigarette, having a tubular region in which the aerosol generating base material 20 is appropriately arranged. The shape of the aerosol generating article 16 corresponds to the shape of the heating section 14, and in particular the shape of the cavity 52 defined by the heating section 14.

[0035] The aerosol generating article 16 includes a base portion 18 and a mouthpiece portion 66 arranged along the article axis Y. The base portion 18 may be, for example, slightly longer than the mouthpiece portion 66. For example, the length L2 of the base portion 18 along the article axis Y may be substantially equal to 18 mm, and the length L1 of the mouthpiece portion 66 along the article axis Y may be substantially equal to 15 mm. The base portion 18 defines the contact end 68 of the aerosol generating article 16, and the mouthpiece portion 66 defines the mouth end 70 of the aerosol generating article 16. The base portion 18 and the mouthpiece portion 66 may be fixed to each other by a trumpet 72 extending around the article axis Y. The trumpet 72 may include, for example, paper and / or nonwoven fabric and / or aluminum foil. The trumpet 72 may be porous or air-impermeable and form a plurality of airflow channels extending into the aerosol generating article 16.

[0036] The mouthpiece portion 66 includes, for example, a core 74 intended to function as a cooler to slightly cool the vapor before the user inhales. The core 74 may include corrugated cardboard for this purpose. The core 74 may be formed into a stable shape by an extrusion and / or rolling process. Advantageously, the core 74 is positioned inside the mouthpiece portion 66 so as to be in full contact with the inner surface of the flaps 72 that divide the mouthpiece portion 66.

[0037] In some examples, the aerosol-generating article 16 is 2118 mm 3 or 554mm 3 It may have a total volume.

[0038] The aerosol-generating article 16 includes an aerosol-generating substrate 20. The aerosol-generating substrate 20 may be any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, shredded, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose leaves, cut leaves, cut fillers, porous materials, foamed materials, or sheets. The aerosol-generating substrate 20 may include plant-derived materials, and in particular may include tobacco. The aerosol-generating substrate may advantageously include reconstituted tobacco, for example, reconstituted tobacco comprising tobacco and any one or more of cellulose fibers, tobacco stem fibers, and inorganic fillers (such as CaCO3). The reconstituted tobacco may include any type of tobacco sheet (paper-like sheet, cast tobacco sheet, corrugated sheet, etc.) in the form of crumpled, folded and / or rolled complete sheets or sheet fragments and oriented aggregates (e.g., parallel arrangement configuration or weave pattern of substantially identical sheet fragments) or in a randomly arranged form (e.g., sheet fragments of various sizes and shapes in bulk mixed form as tobacco cut fillers). The aerosol generating substrate 20 may be a cigarette plug.

[0039] The aerosol generating substrate 20 may contain an aerosol forming agent. Examples of aerosol forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. In other possible examples, the aerosol forming agent may contain other alcohols such as ethanol or 1,3-propanediol, or water. Typically, the aerosol generating substrate 20 contains an aerosol forming agent content of about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some examples, the aerosol generating substrate contains an aerosol forming agent content of about 10% to about 20% on a dry weight basis, and in some cases, an aerosol forming agent content of about 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0040] When heated, the aerosol generating substrate 20 releases volatile compounds. These volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavoring compounds such as tobacco flavorings.

[0041] In some examples, the aerosol generating base material 20 in the aerosol generating article 16 contains, by weight percentage, 50% tobacco, 11.5% propylene glycol (PG), 20% glycerin, 11.0% binder, 4.5% gum, and 3% water. The aerosol generating base material 20 in the aerosol generating article 16 may have a weight of 200 mg. The aerosol generating base material 20 may contain 3.07 mg of nicotine. In other examples, the aerosol generating base material 20 may have a weight of 275 mg and may contain 4.76 mg of nicotine, 0.9 mg of PG, and 44.5 mg of glycerin.

[0042] Rappa 72 is made of base paper with a thickness of 0.13 mm and 100 g / m². 2 The base weight may include: The flaps 72 may contain aluminum foil with a thickness of 0.006 mm. The core 74 has a thickness of 0.13 mm and weighs 100 g / m 2 It may include paper having a basic weight.

[0043] The aerosol generating article 16 is a disposable and replaceable article, and can contain, for example, a tobacco stick as an aerosol generating base material 20. The aerosol generating article 16 may be a heated tobacco stick. The aerosol generating article 16 is a consumable item.

[0044] As previously shown, Figure 3 is an end view of the aerosol generating article 16 shown in Figure 2, showing the contact end 68. The base portion 18 includes an aerosol generating base material 20, i.e., a vaporizable material, for heating within the heating assembly 12. In this example, the aerosol generating base material 20 includes a cigarette. The aerosol generating base material 20 is positioned within the trumpet 72 and has a corrugated shape such that a plurality of airflow channels 22 aligned with the article axis Y are formed within the base portion 18. The airflow channels 22 allow air to be drawn through the aerosol generating article 16 during use, and as a result, the generated aerosol can be drawn more easily out of the cavity 52. ​​The corrugated shape also defines a plurality of protrusions 38 adjacent to the airflow channels 22.

[0045] Figures 4 and 5 show a heating assembly 12 of an aerosol generating device 10 according to an example of the present disclosure, in which the aerosol generating article 16 is received within a heating compartment 14. A heater 24 is omitted from Figure 5 (although it is present).

[0046] The heating assembly 12 includes a heater 24 positioned to heat the aerosol-generating substrate 20 of the aerosol-generating article 16 during use. In the shown example, the heater 24 is a flexible heater including an electric heating element 80. In other examples, the heater 24 may have a different configuration. The heater 24 may be a resistance heater or an inductively heated susceptor in combination with an induction coil. In some examples, the heater 24 is positioned to surround or completely surround the heating compartment 14.

[0047] In the example shown, the heating compartment 14 has walls 19 and forms a cup-shaped configuration 15 adapted to receive at least the base material portion 18 of the aerosol generating article 16, and optionally at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 66. The heating compartment 14 is dimensioned to receive the aerosol generating article 16 having the flat rectangular parallelepiped shape described above. Thus, the heating compartment 14 forms a rectangular parallelepiped shape, similar to the aerosol generating article 16 described above in relation to Figures 3 and 4. This configuration makes it possible for the aerosol generating device 10 to be used with the aerosol generating article 16 having the flat rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0048] During use, heat from the heater 24 is transferred, for example, by conduction, radiation, and convection, to the aerosol generating substrate 20 of the aerosol generating article 16 located in the cavity 52 of the heating compartment 14, thereby heating the aerosol generating substrate 20 (without burning the aerosol generating substrate 20), thereby generating vapor, which is cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for the user of the aerosol generating device 10 to inhale, for example, through a filter.

[0049] Generally speaking, vapor is a substance that is in the gaseous phase at temperatures below its critical temperature, meaning that vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing pressure without lowering the temperature, while aerosol is a suspended mass of fine solid particles or droplets in the air or another gas. However, it should be noted that in this specification, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor” may be used synonymously, particularly with respect to the form of an inhalable medium generated for the user to inhale.

[0050] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a heat diffuser 26 disposed between the heater 24 and the outer surface 17 of the heating compartment 14. The wall 19 of the heating compartment 14 provides the outer surface 17. Therefore, in this example, the heat diffuser 26 is located outside the heating compartment 14, i.e., the heat diffuser 26 is located on the outer surface 17 of the heating compartment 14. Thus, the heater diffuser 26 is not located inside the cavity 52 of the heating compartment 14. The heater diffuser 26 is located outside the cavity 52. ​​The heater 24 (which is present) is omitted from Figure 5 to better illustrate the heat diffuser 26.

[0051] The heat diffuser 26 is a structured heat diffuser 26.

[0052] In some examples, the heat diffuser 26 is positioned to surround or completely surround the heating compartment 14. In the example shown, the heat diffuser 26 overlaps only a portion of the heating compartment 14 that contains the base material portion 18 of the aerosol generating article 16.

[0053] The heat diffuser 26 includes a plurality of heat conduction zones 28 and a plurality of insulation zones 30. Each of the insulation zones 30 substantially aligns with the airflow channel 22 when the aerosol-generating article 16 is received into the heating compartment 14. Thus, the insulation zones 30 overlap with the airflow channel 22 when the aerosol-generating article 16 is received into the heating compartment 14.

[0054] The configuration of the heat diffuser 26 achieves the target heating of the aerosol-generating article 10 by minimizing heating of the airflow channel 22. This improves heating efficiency.

[0055] In the example shown, each of the heat conduction zones 28 substantially aligns with the protrusions 38 of the aerosol-generating substrate 20 when the aerosol-generating article 16 is received within the heating compartment 14. The protrusions 38 are in direct contact with the inner surface 21 of the heating compartment 14 and are therefore closer to the heater 24 than the aerosol-generating substrate 20 contained within the airflow channel 22. Thus, the configuration of the heat diffuser 26 results in targeted heating of the protrusions 38, which are the regions of the aerosol-generating article 10 where the aerosol-generating substrate 20 is localized. This further improves heating efficiency and reduces the initial heating time.

[0056] Therefore, the heat flux is guided by the region of the aerosol-generating substrate 20 that is closer to the heat source.

[0057] The heat conduction zone 28 is substantially offset from the airflow channel 22, and the heat insulation zone 30 is substantially offset from the protrusion 38.

[0058] In the example shown, the heat conduction zone 28 and the heat insulation zone 30 are located in adjacent rows 32. This arrangement is complementary to the pattern of airflow channels 22 and protrusions 38 of the aerosol generating article 16 that can be used with the aerosol generating device 10 according to the example of the present disclosure.

[0059] The heat conduction zone 28 and the heat insulation zone 30 may be provided by strips of different materials arranged in adjacent columns 32.

[0060] In the example shown, the aerosol generating substrate 20 has a corrugated shape defining a plurality of airflow channels 22 and protrusions 38, as described above. The corrugated shape of the aerosol generating substrate 20 has two faces 82, 84, as best shown in Figure 3. Each face 82, 84 contains a plurality of airflow channels 22 and protrusions 38. The corrugation is symmetrical in the vertical direction, so that when in use, the article 16 can be received into the heating compartment 14 with either face 82, 84 facing upward, and the protrusions 38 and airflow channels 22 are aligned with the heat conduction zone 28 and the heat insulation zone 30, respectively. Thus, the aerosol generating article 16 can be inserted into the heating compartment 14 in either way, and the pattern of the aerosol generating substrate 20 (i.e., the pattern of the airflow channels 22 and protrusions 38) still matches the pattern of the heat conduction zone 28 and the heat insulation zone 30 of the heat diffuser 26.

[0061] The heat diffuser 26 can be attached to the heating compartment 14; for example, the heat diffuser 26 can be attached to the heating compartment 14 with a layer of heat-resistant adhesive. The heater 24 can be attached to the heat diffuser 26. In this configuration, the heating compartment 14 provides a structure that supports the heat diffuser 26 and the heater 24.

[0062] In some examples, the heat diffuser 26 is compressed between the heating compartment 14 and the heater 24, i.e., pressed between the heating compartment 14 and the heater 24. Pressure can be applied by wrapping an insulator around the top of the heater 24.

[0063] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the heating compartment 14 has a heating compartment axis X. In this way, the heating compartment 14 provides a cavity 52 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 16. The airflow channel 22 aligns with the heating compartment axis X when the aerosol-generating article 16 is received into the cavity 52 of the heating compartment 14.

[0064] The adjacent rows 32 of the heat conduction zone 28 and the heat insulation zone 30 are aligned with the heating compartment axis X. When the aerosol-generating article 16 is received into the heating compartment 14, the article axis Y and the heating compartment axis X are aligned.

[0065] The heat conduction zone 28 is anisotropic. The heat conduction zone 28 is anisotropic such that the thermal conductivity in a direction substantially parallel to the heat conduction zone 28 is higher than the thermal conductivity in a direction substantially perpendicular to the heat conduction zone 28. This anisotropy means that more heat diffuses or is distributed over the heat conduction zone 28 than passes through its thickness. Such anisotropic heat conduction zone 28 is efficient in heat diffusion or distribution and therefore reduces the likelihood of hot spots forming.

[0066] In some examples, the thermal conduction zone 28 contains graphite. The thermal conduction zone 28 can be formed from a material containing graphite. Graphite is anisotropic and, due to its in-plane metallic bonding, is an excellent thermal conductor.

[0067] In some examples, the anisotropic thermal conductivity zone 28 has an in-plane thermal conductivity of 500-2000 W / mK and an out-of-plane thermal conductivity of 5-50 W / mK. The thermal conductivity zone 28 is formed from an anisotropic material. The thermal conductivity zone 28 is formed from a material having an in-plane thermal conductivity of 500-2000 W / mK and an out-of-plane thermal conductivity of 5-50 W / mK.

[0068] The heat conduction zone 28 has a thickness of 10 to 100 microns.

[0069] In some examples, the insulating zone 30 may contain polyimide such as Kapton®. The insulating zone 30 may be formed from a polyimide-containing material. In other examples, the insulating zone 30 may contain aerogel. The insulating zone 30 may be formed from aerogel-containing material. Aerogel can be an aerogel-based material, which may be in the form of tape. Aerogel is a class of synthetic porous ultralight materials derived from gel, in which the liquid component of the gel is replaced with gas without significant collapse of the gel structure. The result is a solid with extremely low density and extremely low thermal conductivity. Aerogel can be produced from a variety of compounds.

[0070] Polyimides and aerogels such as Kapton (registered trademark) have extremely low thermal conductivity and are therefore excellent thermal insulators.

[0071] Figures 6–11 show another exemplary heating assembly 86 of the aerosol generating device 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. The heating assembly 86 is similar to the heating assembly 12 described above, and the corresponding components are identified using the same reference numerals. The only difference between the configurations in Figures 6–8 and those in Figures 9–11 is that the electrical connector wires 90 and temperature sensor wires 91 are shown in Figures 6–8 but are omitted from Figures 9–11 (although they are present).

[0072] Referring to Figures 6-11, in the example shown, the heater 24 includes a first planar heater 34 and a second planar heater 36. The first and second planar heaters 34, 36 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart to create a cavity 52 in the layer between them. In the example shown, the first planar heater 34 and the second planar heater 36 define a heating compartment 14. The first planar heater 34 and the second planar heater 36 are rigid and form the walls 19 of the heating compartment 14, i.e., the oven walls 19. By providing the first planar heater 34 and the second planar heater 36, the need for separate heating compartment walls is eliminated (for example, in the cup-shaped configuration 15 of the heating compartment 14 shown in Figures 4 and 5, which have walls 19).

[0073] During use, the aerosol-generating article 16 can be received within the heating compartment 14 between the first planar heater 34 and the second planar heater 36. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article 16 can be received within the cavity 52 defined by the heating compartment 14 between the first planar heater 34 and the second planar heater 36.

[0074] The aerosol generating article 16 is receivable within the heating compartment 14 such that at least the base material portion 18 of the aerosol generating article 16 is positioned between the first planar heater 34 and the second planar heater 36.

[0075] The first heat diffuser 26 is disposed within the cavity 52 and associated with the first planar heater 34, and the second heater diffuser 26 is disposed within the cavity 52 and associated with the second planar heater 36. In the example shown, the first heat diffuser 26 is attached to the first planar heater 34, and the second heat diffuser 26 is attached to the second planar heater 36. Thus, the heat diffuser 26 is supported by the first planar heater 34 and the second planar heater 36, respectively. Thus, one end of the heat diffuser 26 is directly positioned between the first planar heater 34 and the aerosol generating article 16, and the other end of the heat diffuser 26 is directly positioned between the second planar heater 36 and the aerosol generating article 16. In either case, the heat diffuser 26 is located on the inner surfaces of the first planar heater 34 and the second planar heater 36, respectively.

[0076] Each planar heater 34, 36 of the heating assembly 12 includes a rectangular ceramic plate having an electrically heated element 80 (i.e., a heater track) embedded inside the ceramic plate. The electrically heated element 80 has high electrical resistance and generates heat in response to the flow of electric current. The ceramic plate conducts heat from the heated element 80 and transfers the heat to the aerosol generating article 16 by conduction through the heat diffuser 26. The air in the cavity 52 is also heated. Alternatively, the first planar heater 34 and the second planar heater 36 may be other types of heaters, such as non-ceramic metal heating plates.

[0077] The figure also illustrates a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating device 10 according to an example of the present disclosure. The figure also illustrates a method for providing an aerosol generating system according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0078] While exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications to these embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the attached claims. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0079] Unless otherwise stated herein or unless clearly inconsistent with the context, any combination of the above features in all possible variations is encompassed by this disclosure.

[0080] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, words such as “includes” and “contains” should be interpreted inclusively, that is, “includes but not limited,” as opposed to their exclusive or exhaustive meanings.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device (10) and an aerosol generating article (16), The aerosol generating article (16) includes a base material portion (18), the base material portion (18) includes an aerosol generating substrate (20), and the aerosol generating substrate (20) includes a plurality of airflow channels (22) that allow air to be drawn in through the base material portion (18) during use. The aerosol generating device (10) is A heating assembly (12, 86) including a heating compartment (14) arranged to receive the aerosol generating article (16), further including a heater (24) arranged to heat the base material portion (18) of the aerosol generating article (16) during use, A heat diffuser (26) comprising a plurality of heat conduction zones (28) and a plurality of heat insulating zones (30), each of which is substantially aligned with an airflow channel (22) when the aerosol generating article (16) is received into the heating compartment (14), and the heat diffuser (26) an aerosol generation system, including...

2. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein each of the heat conduction zones (28) substantially aligns with the protrusions (38) of the aerosol generating substrate (20) when the aerosol generating article (16) is received in the heating compartment (14).

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat conduction zone (28) and the heat insulation zone (30) are arranged in adjacent rows (32).

4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein the heating section (14) has a heating section axis X, and the adjacent rows (32) are aligned with the heating section axis X.

5. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat conduction zone (28) is anisotropic.

6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the anisotropic heat conduction zone (28) has an in-plane thermal conductivity of 500 to 2000 W / m-K and an out-of-plane thermal conductivity of 5 to 50 W / m-K.

7. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heat conduction zone (28) has a thickness of 10 to 100 microns.

8. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat conduction zone (28) includes graphite.

9. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heat insulating zone (30) comprises polyimide or aerogel.

10. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating compartment (14) is sized to receive an aerosol generating article (16) having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape.

11. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heat diffuser (26) is disposed between the heater (24) and the outer surface (17) of the heating compartment (14).

12. The aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the heat diffuser (26) is attached to the outer surface (17) of the heating compartment (14), and the heater (24) is attached to the heat diffuser (26).

13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heater (24) includes a first planar heater (34) and a second planar heater (36), the first and second planar heaters (34, 36) are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart to create a cavity (52) in the layer between them, the heating section (14) is defined by the first and second planar heaters (34, 36), and the heat diffuser (26) includes a first heat diffuser (26) disposed in the cavity (52) and associated with the first planar heater (34), and a second heat diffuser (26) disposed in the cavity (52) and associated with the second planar heater (36).

14. The aerosol generating system according to claim 13, wherein the first heat diffuser (26) is attached to the first planar heater (34), and the second heat diffuser (26) is attached to the second planar heater (36).

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