Aerosol generation device and aerosol generation system

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (10) includes a heating chamber (18) that receives at least a portion of an aerosol generating substrate (102) and a plurality of inductively heatable susceptors (42) spaced apart about a periphery (44) of the heating chamber (18). An aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device (10) in combination with the aerosol generating substrate (102) is also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to aerosol generation devices, and more specifically to aerosol generation devices that heat an aerosol generation substrate to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale. Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to aerosol generation systems including an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation substrate. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable (handheld) aerosol generation devices. Such devices heat an aerosol generation substrate, such as tobacco or other suitable material, not by combustion, but by conduction, convention, and / or radiation to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk modification devices (also known as aerosol generation devices or vapor generation devices) have grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of conventional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosol forming substance to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale.

[0003] Commercially available risk reduction devices or risk modification devices are generally substrate heated aerosol generation devices or so-called non-combustion heated devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol generation substrate to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C. By heating the aerosol generation substrate within this range without burning or combusting it, vapor is generated, which is usually cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for the user of the device to inhale.

[0004] Currently available aerosol generation devices can supply heat to an aerosol-generating substrate using one of several different methods. One such method is to provide an aerosol generation device using an induction heating system. In such a device, an induction coil is provided within the device, and an induction-heatable susceptor is provided to heat the aerosol-generating substrate. When the user operates the device, electrical energy is supplied to the induction coil, which then generates an alternating current electromagnetic field. The susceptor couples with this electromagnetic field to generate heat, which is transferred to the aerosol-generating substrate, for example, by conduction, and as the aerosol-generating substrate is heated, an aerosol is generated.

[0005] Generally, it is desirable to rapidly heat the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature high enough to generate vapor and to maintain the aerosol generating substrate at this temperature. This disclosure aims to provide an aerosol generating device that rapidly heats the aerosol generating substrate to a desired temperature while simultaneously maximizing the energy efficiency of the device. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the first aspect of this disclosure, A heating chamber that accepts at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, Multiple induction-heatable susceptors are spaced apart around the periphery of the heating chamber, An aerosol generation device is provided that includes [the specified element].

[0007] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, Aerosol generating substrate and Aerosol generation device, A heating chamber that accepts at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate, Multiple inductively heatable susceptors are arranged spaced apart around the periphery of the heating chamber and around the periphery of the aerosol generating substrate in order to heat the aerosol generating substrate, an aerosol generating device, An aerosol generation system is provided that includes [the specified component].

[0008] The aerosol generating device / system is configured to generate vapor by heating an aerosol generating substrate without burning it, thereby volatilizing at least one component of the aerosol generating substrate, which is then cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for the user of the aerosol generating device / system to inhale. The aerosol generating device is typically a handheld, portable device.

[0009] Generally speaking, vapor is a substance that is in the gaseous phase at temperatures below its critical temperature, meaning that vapor can condense into a liquid by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature. Aerosol, on the other hand, is a mixture of fine solid particles or droplets suspended in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that in this specification, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor” may be used interchangeably, particularly with respect to the form of inhalable medium produced for inhalation by the user.

[0010] Aerosol generation devices / systems provide rapid and controlled heating of aerosol-generating substrates while simultaneously maximizing energy efficiency.

[0011] The heating chamber may include a chamber wall that defines the internal volume of the heating chamber. Multiple inductively heatable susceptors may be spaced apart around the inner surface of the chamber wall. The aerosol-generating substrate is heated rapidly and uniformly by the inductively heatable susceptors.

[0012] The chamber wall may include multiple susceptor mounts formed on or on its inner surface for mounting multiple inductively heated susceptors. The susceptor mounts facilitate the mounting of the inductively heated susceptors and thus simplify the manufacture and assembly of the aerosol generating device. One or more of the susceptor mounts may define an airflow channel through which air can flow from a first open end of the heating chamber to a second closed end of the heating chamber. The air is heated as it flows along the airflow channel, thereby enhancing the convective heating of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0013] The chamber wall may include a coil support structure, which may be formed on or on its outer surface, for supporting the induction heating coil of the electromagnetic field generator. The coil support structure facilitates the installation of the induction heating coil and allows the induction heating coil to be optimally positioned relative to the induction-heatable susceptor. Thus, the induction-heatable susceptor is heated efficiently, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the provision of the coil support structure facilitates the manufacturing and assembly of the aerosol generating device.

[0014] The coil support structure may include a coil support groove. The coil support groove may extend spirally around the outer surface of the chamber wall. The coil support groove is particularly suitable for receiving a spiral induction heating coil. Thus, the spiral induction heating coil may extend around the heating chamber. The induction heating coil may include Litz wire or Litz cable. However, it will be understood that other materials may also be used. The circular cross-section of the spiral induction heating coil facilitates the insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate into the heating chamber and ensures uniform heating of the induction-heatable susceptor and thus the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0015] The induction heating coil may be configured to operate with a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of approximately 20 mT to approximately 2.0 T (at the point of highest density) during use.

[0016] The heating chamber may be substantially tubular, and the inductively heatable susceptor may be positioned spaced around the periphery of the substantially tubular heating chamber. The heating chamber may also be substantially cylindrical, and the inductively heatable susceptor may be positioned circumferentially spaced around the substantially cylindrical heating chamber. Thus, the heating chamber may be configured to receive a substantially cylindrical aerosol-generating substrate. This can be advantageous because aerosol-generating substrates in the form of aerosol products are often packaged and sold in a cylindrical form.

[0017] The heating chamber may have a longitudinal axis defining its length. Each of the induction-heatable susceptors may be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber. Each of the induction-heatable susceptors may have a length and a width, and in one embodiment, the length may be at least five times the width. The elongated induction-heatable susceptors are efficiently heated in the presence of an electromagnetic field, and their elongated shape ensures that the aerosol-generating substrate is heated rapidly and uniformly along its length. This maximizes the energy efficiency of the aerosol-generating device.

[0018] At least one of the induction-heatable susceptors may have at least one inwardly extending portion, which extends from the inner surface of the chamber wall into the heating chamber to compress, for example, an aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, the heating chamber may include a plurality of elongated support ribs circumferentially spaced around the inner surface of the chamber wall. The inwardly extending portion and / or support ribs may form a friction fit with the aerosol-generating substrate. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of induction-heatable susceptors may have one of the inwardly extending portions, and the plurality of inwardly extending portions and / or support ribs can compress the aerosol-generating substrate, and in particular can form a friction fit with the aerosol-generating substrate. One or more inwardly extending portions and / or support ribs provide a reduced cross-sectional area to the heating chamber, thereby compressing the aerosol-generating substrate placed in the heating chamber during use. By compressing the aerosol-generating substrate, heat can be efficiently transferred through the substrate, achieving faster heating while simultaneously maximizing energy efficiency.

[0019] The heating chamber may contain a substantially non-conductive and magnetically impermeable material. For example, the heating chamber may contain a heat-resistant plastic material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). During the operation of the aerosol generating device, the heating chamber itself is not heated by the induction coil, ensuring that the energy input to the inductively heatable susceptor is maximized. This further ensures that the energy efficiency of the device is maximized. The device also remains cool to the touch, ensuring that user comfort is maximized.

[0020] Induction-heatable susceptors may contain metals. These metals are typically selected from the group consisting of stainless steel and carbon steel. However, induction-heatable susceptors may include, but are not limited to, any suitable material including, aluminum, iron, nickel, stainless steel, carbon steel, and their alloys, such as nickel-chromium or nickel-copper. When an electromagnetic field is applied near each induction-heatable susceptor, it generates heat due to the conversion of electromagnetic energy into heat through eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses.

[0021] The aerosol generating device may include a power supply and controller, including, for example, a control circuit, which may be configured to operate at high frequencies. The power supply and circuit may be configured to operate at frequencies of approximately 80 kHz to 1 MHz, optionally approximately 150 kHz to 250 kHz, and optionally approximately 200 kHz. Depending on the type of inductively heated susceptor used, the power supply and circuit may be configured to operate at higher frequencies, such as in the MHz range.

[0022] The aerosol-generating substrate can be any type of solid or semi-solid substance. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, shredded, stranded, particles, gels, strips, loose leaves, cut fillers, porous materials, foamed materials, or sheets. The aerosol-generating substrate may include plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco. Advantageously, the aerosol-generating substrate may include, for example, reconstituted tobacco comprising tobacco and any one or more inorganic fillers such as cellulose fibers, tobacco stem fibers, and CaCO3.

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

[0024] The aerosol - forming substrate may form part of the aerosol - generating article and may be surrounded by wrapping paper.

[0025] The aerosol - generating article may be substantially in the shape of a stick and may generally resemble a cigarette having a tubular region with an aerosol - forming substrate disposed in a suitable form. The aerosol - generating article may include, at the proximal end of the aerosol - generating article, a filter segment containing, for example, cellulose acetate fibers. The filter segment may constitute a mouthpiece filter and may be coaxially aligned with the aerosol - forming substrate. Some designs may also include one or more vapor collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures. For example, the aerosol - generating article may include at least one tubular segment upstream of the filter segment. The tubular segment may function as a vapor cooling region. The vapor cooling region may advantageously enable the heated vapor generated by heating the aerosol - forming substrate to be cooled and condensed to form an aerosol having properties suitable for inhalation by the user, for example, through the filter segment.

[0026] The aerosol - forming substrate may contain an aerosol - forming agent. Examples of aerosol - forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol and mixtures thereof. Typically, the aerosol - forming substrate may contain an aerosol - forming agent content of from about 5% to about 50% on a dry weight basis. In some embodiments, the aerosol - forming substrate may contain an aerosol - forming agent content of from about 10% to about 20%, optionally about 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0027] Upon heating, the aerosol - forming substrate may release volatile compounds. The volatile compounds may include flavor compounds such as nicotine or tobacco flavorants. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] [Figure 1]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system, which includes an aerosol generation device and an aerosol product to be placed inside the heating chamber of the aerosol generation device. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system, showing the aerosol product placed inside the heating chamber of the aerosol generation device. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 show a detailed schematic perspective view of the heating chamber of the aerosol generation device, revealing one of several inductively heatable susceptors mounted on the inner surface of the heating chamber and a coil support structure. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view from the end of the heating chamber, showing multiple induction-heatable susceptors spaced apart around the periphery of the heating chamber. [Figure 5] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing the details of the induction heating susceptor. [Figure 6] These are schematic diagrams similar to those in Figures 5 and 6, showing an induction-heatable susceptor with an alternative geometric shape. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram similar to Figure 5, showing an induction-heatable susceptor with a different, alternative geometric shape. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4, showing a configuration in which an inductively heatable susceptor is positioned away from the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol product. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4, showing the airflow channel formed within the susceptor mount. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings, merely as examples.

[0030] First, referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example of an aerosol generation system 1 is schematically shown. The aerosol generation system 1 includes an aerosol generation device 10 and an aerosol product 100 for use with the device 10. The aerosol generation device 10 includes a body 12 that houses various components of the aerosol generation device 10. The body 12 can have any shape that is sized to accommodate the components described in the various embodiments described herein and that can be comfortably grasped by a user with one hand without assistance.

[0031] The first end 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 shown at the bottom of Figures 1 and 2 will be referred to for convenience as the distal end, bottom end, proximal end, or lower end of the aerosol generating device 10. The second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10 shown at the top of Figures 1 and 2 will be referred to as the proximal end, upper end, or upper end of the aerosol generating device 10. During use, the user typically orients the aerosol generating device 10 so that the first end 14 is facing downward and / or distal to the user's mouth, and the second end 16 is facing upward and / or close to the user's mouth.

[0032] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a heating chamber 18 located within a main body 12. The heating chamber 18 defines an internal volume in the form of a cavity 20 having a substantially cylindrical cross-section for receiving the aerosol product 100. The heating chamber 18 has a longitudinal axis defining its longitudinal direction and is formed of a heat-resistant plastic material such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a power source 22, which may be one or more batteries, for example, rechargeable, and a controller 24.

[0033] The heating chamber 18 is open toward the second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. In other words, the heating chamber 18 has a first end 26 that is open toward the second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. The heating chamber 18 is typically held apart from the inner surface of the body 12 to minimize heat transfer to the body 12.

[0034] The aerosol generating device 10 may optionally include a slide cover 28 that is transversely movable between a closed position (see Figure 1) that covers the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18 to prevent access to the heating chamber 18, and an open position (see Figure 2) that exposes the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18 to provide access to the heating chamber 18. In some embodiments, the slide cover 28 can be biased to the closed position.

[0035] The heating chamber 18, specifically the cavity 20, is configured to accommodate a substantially cylindrical or rod-shaped aerosol product 100 of the corresponding shape. Typically, the aerosol product 100 includes a pre-packaged aerosol generating substrate 102. The aerosol product 100 is a disposable and replaceable article (also known as a “consumable”) that can contain, for example, a cigarette as the aerosol generating substrate 102. The aerosol product 100 has a proximal end 104 (or mouth end) and a distal end 106. The aerosol product 100 further includes a mouthpiece segment 108 positioned downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 102. The aerosol generating substrate 102 and the mouthpiece segment 108 are coaxially aligned within a wrapper 110 (e.g., a paper wrapper) to hold the components in place and form a rod-shaped aerosol product 100.

[0036] The mouthpiece segment 108 may include one or more of the following components (not shown in detail), arranged sequentially and coaxially in the downstream direction, in other words, from the distal end 106 to the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the aerosol product 100: a cooling segment, a central hole segment, and a filter segment. The cooling segment typically includes a hollow paper tube having a thickness greater than the thickness of the wrapper 110. The central hole segment may include a cured mixture containing cellulose acetate fibers and a plasticizer, which functions to increase the strength of the mouthpiece segment 108. The filter segment typically includes cellulose acetate fibers and functions as a mouthpiece filter. As heated vapor flows from the aerosol-generating substrate 102 toward the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the aerosol product 100, the vapor cools and condenses as it passes through the cooling segment and the central hole segment, forming an aerosol with properties suitable for inhalation by the user through the filter segment.

[0037] The heating chamber 18 has a base 32 (located at the second end 34 of the heating chamber 18) and a side wall (or chamber wall) 30 extending between the base 32 and the open first end 26. The side wall 30 and the base 32 can be connected to each other and formed integrally as a single component. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 30 is tubular, and more specifically cylindrical. In other embodiments, the side wall 30 may have other preferred shapes, such as a tube with an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. In further embodiments, the side wall 30 may be tapered.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 32 of the heating chamber 18 is closed, for example, sealed or airtight. That is, the heating chamber 18 is cup-shaped. This ensures that the base 32 prevents air drawn in from the open first end 26 from flowing out from the second end 34, and instead guides it through the aerosol-generating substrate 102. This also ensures that the user inserts the aerosol product 100 into the heating chamber 18 to the intended distance and not beyond.

[0039] The side wall 30 of the heating chamber 18 has an inner surface 36 and an outer surface 38. Multiple susceptor mounts 40 are formed on the inner surface 36 and are arranged circumferentially spaced apart around the inner surface 36. The aerosol generation device 10 includes multiple inductively heatable susceptors 42 attached to the susceptor mounts 40, and therefore the inductively heatable susceptors 42 are arranged circumferentially spaced apart around the peripheral edge 44 of the heating chamber 18.

[0040] Each induction-heatable susceptor 42 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber 18. Each induction-heatable susceptor 42 has a length and a width, typically the length being at least five times the width. Each induction-heatable susceptor 42 has an inwardly extending portion 42a that extends radially from the side wall 30 into the heating chamber 18. The inwardly extending portion 42a may include an elongated ridge as shown in Figures 3 to 5, or an inwardly deflected portion as shown in Figure 6. In both cases, the inwardly extending portion 42a is easily formed during the manufacture of the induction-heatable susceptor 42. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inwardly extending portion 42a is not limited to the geometric shapes shown in Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 6, and other geometric shapes are also entirely within the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] The inwardly extending portion 42a extends toward and into contact with the aerosol-generating substrate 102, as shown in Figure 4. The inwardly extending portion 42a extends radially inward into the heating chamber 18 to a degree sufficient to reduce the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the heating chamber 18. Thus, the inwardly extending portion 42a can form a frictional fit with the aerosol-generating substrate 102 and, more specifically, with the wrapper 110 of the aerosol product 100, causing compression of the aerosol-generating substrate 102, as best shown in Figure 2. Compression of the aerosol-generating substrate 102 improves heat conduction in the aerosol-generating substrate 102, for example by eliminating voids, and each inwardly extending portion 42a may extend inward across the heating chamber 18 for a distance of 3% to 7%, for example, about 5%, of the transverse distance of the heating chamber 18.

[0042] The aerosol generating device 10 includes an electromagnetic field generator 46 for generating an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field generator 46 includes a substantially helical induction coil 48. The induction coil 48 has a circular cross-section and extends helically around a substantially cylindrical heating chamber 18. The induction coil 48 can be excited by a power supply 22 and a controller 24. The controller 24 includes, among other electronic components, an inverter configured to convert a DC current from the power supply 22 into an AC high-frequency current for the induction coil 48.

[0043] The side wall 30 of the heating chamber 18 includes a coil support structure 50 formed on its outer surface 38. In the illustrated example, the coil support structure 50 includes a coil support groove 52 that extends spirally around the outer surface 38. The induction coil 48 is positioned within the coil support groove 52 and is therefore securely and optimally positioned relative to the induction-heatable susceptor 42.

[0044] To use the aerosol generating device 10, the user displaces the slide cover 28 (if present) from the closed position shown in Figure 1 to the open position shown in Figure 2. The user then inserts the aerosol product 100 into the heating chamber 18 through the open first end 26, so that the aerosol generating substrate 102 is housed within the cavity 20 and the proximal end 104 of the aerosol product 100 is positioned at the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18, with at least a portion of the mouthpiece segment 108 protruding from the open first end 26 to allow engagement by the user's lips.

[0045] When a user activates the aerosol generating device 10, the induction coil 48 is energized by the power supply 22 and controller 24, which supply alternating current to the induction coil 48, thereby generating a time-varying alternating electromagnetic field in the induction coil 48. This electromagnetic field couples with the inductively heatable susceptor 42, generating eddy currents and / or magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor 42, causing the susceptor to heat up. The heat is then transferred from the inductively heatable susceptor 42 to the aerosol generating substrate 102, for example, by conduction, radiation, and convection. This heats the aerosol generating substrate 102 without combustion or burning, thereby generating vapor. The generated vapor is cooled and condensed to form an aerosol that the user of the aerosol generating device 10 can inhale through the mouthpiece segment 108, more specifically through the filter segment.

[0046] The vaporization of the aerosol-generating substrate 102 is facilitated by the addition of air from the surrounding environment, for example, through the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18, which is heated as it flows between the wrapper 110 of the aerosol product 100 and the inner surface 36 of the side wall 30. More specifically, when a user suctions in the filter segment, air is drawn into the heating chamber 18 through the open first end 26, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 2. The air entering the heating chamber 18 flows between the wrapper 110 and the inner surface 36 of the side wall 30, from the open first end 26 towards the closed second end 34. As described above, the inwardly extending portion 42a extends into the heating chamber 18 for a distance sufficient to at least contact the outer surface of the aerosol product 100, typically resulting in at least some compression of the aerosol product 100. Thus, there are no voids throughout the entire circumferential direction of the heating chamber 18. Instead, there are air passages 56 within the circumferential regions (four equally spaced gap regions) between the inwardly extending portions 42a, along which air flows from the open first end 26 to the closed second end 34 of the heating chamber 18. In some examples, there may be more or fewer than four inwardly extending portions 42a, and therefore a corresponding number of air passages 56 formed by the gap regions between the inwardly extending portions 42a. When the air reaches the closed second end 34 of the heating chamber 18, the air reverses approximately 180° and enters the distal end 106 of the aerosol product 100. The air is then drawn through the aerosol product 100, along with the generated vapor, from the distal end 106 to the proximal (mouth) end 104, as indicated by arrow B in Figure 2.

[0047] The user can continue to inhale the aerosol as long as the aerosol generating substrate 102 can continue to generate vapor, for example, as long as there are vaporizable components remaining in the aerosol generating substrate 102 that can be vaporized into suitable vapor. The controller 24 can adjust the magnitude of the alternating current flowing through the induction coil 48 to ensure that the temperature of the induction-heatable susceptor 42, and consequently the temperature of the aerosol generating substrate 102, does not exceed a threshold level. Specifically, the aerosol generating substrate 102 begins to burn at a specific temperature depending on the composition of the aerosol generating substrate 102. This is not a desirable effect, and temperatures above this point are avoided.

[0048] To assist with this, in some examples, the aerosol generating device 10 is provided with a temperature sensor (not shown). The controller 24 receives a temperature reading of the aerosol generating substrate 102 from the temperature sensor and is configured to use this temperature reading to control the magnitude of the alternating current supplied to the induction coil 48. In one example, the controller 24 may supply a current of a first magnitude to the induction coil 48 for a first time to heat the inductively heatable susceptor 42 to a first temperature. The controller 24 may then supply a current of a second magnitude to the induction coil 48 for a second time to heat the inductively heatable susceptor 42 to a second temperature. The second temperature may be lower than the first temperature. The controller 24 may then supply a current of a third magnitude to the induction coil 48 for a third time to heat the inductively heatable susceptor 42 again to the first temperature. This may continue until the aerosol generating substrate 102 is used up (i.e., all the vapor that can be generated by heating has already been generated) or until the user stops using the aerosol generating device 10. In another scenario, once the first temperature is reached, the controller 24 can reduce the magnitude of the alternating current supplied to the induction coil 48 to maintain the aerosol-generating substrate 102 at the first temperature throughout the session.

[0049] A single inhalation by a user is generally referred to as a "puff." In some situations, it is desirable to mimic the smoking experience of a conventional cigarette. This means that the aerosol generating device 10 is capable of holding enough aerosol generating substrate 102 to provide typically 10 to 15 puffs.

[0050] In some embodiments, the controller 24 is configured to count puffs and interrupt the supply of current to the induction coil 48 after the user has performed 10 to 15 puffs. Puff counting can be performed by a variety of different methods. In some embodiments, the controller 24 determines when the temperature drops during a puff. This is done by a flow of fresh, cold air passing through a temperature sensor (not shown), causing cooling, which is detected by the temperature sensor. In other embodiments, the airflow is detected directly using a flow detector. Other suitable methods will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, the controller 24 additionally or alternatively interrupts the supply of current to the induction coil 48 after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the first puff. This may serve both to reduce power consumption and to provide a backup for switching off the aerosol generating device 10 if the puff counter fails to correctly register that a predetermined number of puffs have been performed.

[0051] In some examples, the controller 24 is configured to supply alternating current to the induction coil 48 to follow a predetermined heating cycle that takes a predetermined amount of time to complete. Once the cycle is complete, the controller 24 stops supplying current to the induction coil 48. In some cases, this cycle may utilize a feedback loop between the controller 24 and a temperature sensor (not shown). For example, the heating cycle may be parameterized by a series of temperatures to which the inductively heatable susceptor 42 (or more specifically, the temperature sensor) is heated or cooled. The temperature and duration of such a heating cycle can be empirically determined to optimize the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate 102. This may be necessary, for example, if the outer layer of the substrate is at a different temperature from the core, as direct measurement of the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate 102 may be impractical or misleading.

[0052] The power supply 22 is sufficient to raise the aerosol-generating substrate 102 in a single aerosol product 100 to at least a first temperature, maintain it at the first temperature, and provide enough vapor for at least 10 to 15 puffs. More generally, in line with the imitation of the cigarette smoking experience, the power supply 22 is usually sufficient to repeat this cycle (raising the aerosol-generating substrate 102 to a first temperature and maintaining the first temperature and vapor generation for 10 to 15 puffs) 10 or even 20 times, thereby imiting the experience of a user smoking a pack of cigarettes until the power supply 22 needs to be replaced or recharged.

[0053] Generally, the efficiency of the aerosol generating device 10 is improved when as much heat as possible generated by the inductively heatable susceptor 42 is directed towards heating the aerosol generating substrate 102. To this end, the aerosol generating device 10 is configured to provide controlled heat to the aerosol generating substrate 102 while reducing heat flow to other parts of the aerosol generating device 10. In particular, heat flow to user-handled parts of the aerosol generating device 10 is kept to a minimum, thereby keeping these parts cool and comfortable to grip.

[0054] Referring here to Figure 7, another example of an elongated induction-heatable susceptor 42 having a meandering shape is shown. The meandering shape tends to improve the flexibility of the induction-heatable susceptor 42, thereby helping to reduce the total amount of expansion and contraction of each susceptor 42 as the temperature increases and decreases. A similar effect can be achieved by using an induction-heatable susceptor 42 having a zigzag shape.

[0055] Referring here to Figure 8, in another example, the elongated inductively heatable susceptor 42 may be positioned away from the aerosol-generating substrate 102 so that air can flow between the inductively heatable susceptor 42 and the wrapper 110 surrounding the aerosol-generating substrate 102 from the open first end 26 of the heating chamber 18 to the closed second end 34. In this example, the inductively heatable susceptor 42 may have a substantially flat surface facing the aerosol-generating substrate 102. For example, a flat surface may be obtained by omitting the inwardly extending portion 42a from the inductively heatable susceptor 42 described above with reference to Figures 5 and 6, or by employing the serpentine shape of the inductively heatable susceptor 42 described above with reference to Figure 7. As air flows between the inductively heatable susceptor 42 and the wrapper 110 surrounding the aerosol generating substrate 102, from the open first end 26 to the closed second end 34 of the heating chamber 18, the air is heated by the inductively heatable susceptor 42. The preheated air enters the distal end 106 of the aerosol product 100, thereby convectively heating the aerosol generating substrate 102 as the air flows through the aerosol product 100.

[0056] In addition to the convective heating described above, some radiative heating may occur, but in the example of Figure 8, since there is no direct contact between the aerosol-generating substrate 102 and the inductively heatable susceptor 42, it will be understood that there is no conductive heating of the aerosol-generating substrate 102. This can be advantageous as it helps to avoid localized overheating and burning of the wrapper 110 and / or the aerosol-generating substrate 102. Because there is no direct contact between the inductively heatable susceptor 42 and the aerosol-generating substrate 102, it may be advantageous to provide a plurality of circumferentially spaced elongated support ribs 58 on the side wall 30 of the heating chamber 18 to hold the aerosol product 100 in place within the heating chamber 18, and optionally provide some compression of the aerosol-generating substrate 102.

[0057] Referring here to Figure 9, in some examples, in addition to the airflow channel 56 in the circumferential region described above with reference to Figure 4, an airflow channel 54 may be provided between the inductively heatable susceptor 42 and the inner surface 36 of the side wall 30 of the heating chamber 18. The airflow channel 54 may be provided, for example, by a through hole formed in the susceptor mount 40. The airflow channel 54 provides an alternative route for air to flow from the open first end 26 to the closed second end 34 of the heating chamber 18. It will be understood that as the air flows along the airflow channel 54, it is heated by the inductively heatable susceptor 42. Thus, the amount of preheated air that can enter the distal end 106 of the aerosol product 100 is increased, thereby enhancing the convective heating of the aerosol-generating substrate 102 in addition to the conductive heating provided by the direct contact between the inwardly extending portion 42a of the susceptor 42 and the aerosol-generating substrate 102.

[0058] While exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to these embodiments 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.

[0059] Unless otherwise stated herein or unless clearly inconsistent with the context, any combination of the features described above in all possible variations is encompassed by this disclosure.

[0060] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, words such as “includes” and “contains” should be interpreted comprehensively, that is, “includes but not limited,” as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive meaning.

Claims

1. A heating chamber (18) that accepts at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate (102), The heating chamber (18) includes a plurality of induction-heatable susceptors (42) arranged spaced apart from each other around the chamber wall (30), The chamber wall (30) defines the internal volume (20) of the heating chamber (18), and the plurality of induction-heatable susceptors (42) are arranged spaced apart from each other around the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30). The heating chamber (18) includes a plurality of elongated support ribs (58) arranged circumferentially spaced apart around the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30), and the plurality of elongated support ribs (58) arranged circumferentially spaced apart are configured to form a friction fit with an aerosol generating substrate (102) placed inside the heating chamber (18) during use, in an aerosol generating device (10).

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber wall (30) includes a plurality of susceptor mounts (40) formed on the inner surface (36) for attaching the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors (42).

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein one or more of the susceptor mounts (40) define an airflow channel (54) through which air can flow from a first open end (26) of the heating chamber (18) to a second closed end (34) of the heating chamber (18).

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the chamber wall (30) includes a coil support structure (50) formed on its outer surface (38) for supporting an induction heating coil (48) of an electromagnetic field generator (46).

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the coil support structure (50) includes a coil support groove (52), and the coil support groove (52) extends spirally around the outer surface (38) of the chamber wall (30).

6. The heating chamber (18) is substantially tubular, and a plurality of the inductively heatable susceptors (42) are arranged spaced apart from each other around the chamber wall (30) of the substantially tubular heating chamber (18), the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating chamber (18) has a longitudinal axis defining the longitudinal direction, and each of the inductively heatable susceptors (42) is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber (18).

8. Each of the induction-heatable susceptors (42) has a length and a width, wherein the length is at least five times the width, the aerosol generating device according to claim 7.

9. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the inductively heated susceptors (42) has at least one inwardly extending portion (42a) which extends radially from the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30) into the heating chamber (18) to provide a reduced cross-sectional area of ​​the heating chamber (18) and thereby compress the aerosol generating substrate (102) placed in the heating chamber (18) during use.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating chamber (18) comprises a substantially non-conductive and magnetically impermeable material.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the heating chamber (18) comprises a heat-resistant plastic material, preferably polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

12. Aerosol generating substrate (102), Aerosol generating device (10), A heating chamber (18) that receives at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate (102), To heat the aerosol generating substrate (102), a plurality of inductively heated susceptors (42) are arranged spaced apart from each other around the chamber wall (30) of the heating chamber (18) and around the periphery of the aerosol generating substrate (102), Includes, The chamber wall (30) defines the internal volume (20) of the heating chamber (18), and the plurality of induction-heatable susceptors (42) are arranged spaced apart from each other around the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30). The heating chamber (18) includes a plurality of elongated support ribs (58) arranged circumferentially spaced apart around the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30), and the plurality of elongated support ribs (58) arranged circumferentially spaced apart form a friction fit with the aerosol generating substrate (102) and the aerosol generating device (10). an aerosol generation system (1) including the above.

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the induction-heatable susceptors (42) has at least one inwardly extending portion (42a), the at least one inwardly extending portion (42a) extending radially from the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30) into the heating chamber (18) to form a friction fit with the aerosol generating substrate (102).

14. The aerosol generating system according to claim 13, wherein the at least one inwardly extending portion (42a) compresses the aerosol generating substrate (102).

15. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the chamber wall (30) includes a plurality of susceptor mounts (40) formed on the inner surface (36) for mounting the plurality of inductively heatable susceptors (42), one or more of the susceptor mounts (40) defining an airflow channel (54) through which air can flow from a first open end (26) of the heating chamber (18) to a second closed end (34) of the heating chamber (18).

16. A heating chamber (18) that receives at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate (102), The heating chamber (18) includes a plurality of induction-heatable susceptors (42) arranged spaced apart from each other around the chamber wall (30), The chamber wall (30) defines the internal volume (20) of the heating chamber (18), and the plurality of induction-heatable susceptors (42) are arranged spaced apart from each other around the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30). The chamber wall (30) includes a plurality of susceptor mounts (40) formed on the inner surface (36) for attaching the plurality of induction-heatable susceptors (42), An aerosol generating device in which one or more of the susceptor mounts (40) define an airflow channel (54) through which air can flow from a first open end (26) of the heating chamber (18) to a second closed end (34) of the heating chamber (18).

17. Aerosol generating substrate (102), Aerosol generating device (10), A heating chamber (18) that receives at least a portion of the aerosol generating substrate (102), To heat the aerosol generating substrate (102), a plurality of inductively heated susceptors (42) are arranged spaced apart from each other around the chamber wall (30) of the heating chamber (18) and around the periphery of the aerosol generating substrate (102), Includes, The chamber wall (30) defines the internal volume (20) of the heating chamber (18), and the plurality of induction-heatable susceptors (42) are arranged spaced apart from each other around the inner surface (36) of the chamber wall (30). The chamber wall (30) includes a plurality of susceptor mounts (40) formed on the inner surface (36) for mounting the plurality of inductively heated susceptors (42), one or more of the susceptor mounts (40) defining an airflow channel (54) through which air can flow from the first open end (26) of the heating chamber (18) to the second closed end (34) of the heating chamber (18), in an aerosol generating device (10). an aerosol generation system (1) including the above.

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