Heating assembly for aerosol generator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating assembly for an aerosol generating device, the heating assembly may include a first substrate layer that may electrically insulate the substrate layer. The heating assembly may further include a heating element. The heating element may be disposed on the first substrate layer. The heating assembly may further include a second substrate layer, which may be an electrically insulating substrate layer. The second substrate layer may be disposed to cover the heating element and the first substrate layer. The heating assembly may further include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be disposed on the second substrate layer. The heating assembly may further include at least two electrical contacts for contacting the temperature sensor. The contact surface of the electrical contacts that contact the temperature sensor may be cross-shaped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating assembly for an aerosol generating device. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating device and a method for manufacturing a heating assembly.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol generating device. The heating assembly may be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0003] It would be desirable to have a heating assembly for an aerosol generating device with improved reliability. It would be desirable to have a heating assembly for an aerosol generating device with improved manufacturing quality. It would be desirable to have a heating assembly for an aerosol generating device with improved robustness during manufacturing.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a heating assembly for an aerosol generator is provided, the heating assembly may include a first substrate layer that can electrically insulate a substrate layer. The heating assembly may further include a heating element, which may be disposed on the first substrate layer. The heating assembly may further include a second substrate layer, which may be an electrically insulating substrate layer. The second substrate layer may be disposed to cover the heating element and the first substrate layer. The heating assembly may further include a temperature sensor, which may be disposed on the second substrate layer. The heating assembly may further include at least two electrical contacts for contacting the temperature sensor. The contact surfaces of the electrical contacts that contact the temperature sensor may be cross-shaped.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a heating assembly for an aerosol generator is provided, the heating assembly comprising a first substrate layer electrically insulating a substrate layer. The heating assembly further comprises a heating element, which is disposed on the first substrate layer. The heating assembly further comprises a second substrate layer, which is an electrically insulated substrate layer, which is disposed to cover the heating element and the first substrate layer. The heating assembly further comprises a temperature sensor, which is disposed on the second substrate layer. The heating assembly further comprises at least two electrical contacts for contacting the temperature sensor, the contact surfaces of the electrical contacts that contact the temperature sensor being cross-shaped.

[0006] The cross-shaped contact surface of the electrical contact that contacts the temperature sensor improves the mechanical stability of the electrical contact between the temperature sensor and the electrical contact. In particular, during the operation of a heated assembly, one or more elements of the heated assembly may be exposed to thermal expansion. Therefore, a firm contact between the temperature sensor and the electrical contact may be required. This is facilitated by the cross-shaped contact surface. Not bound by any theory, it is thought that the cross-shaped contact surface improves the mechanical stability in two dimensions of the two-dimensional plane of the contact surface.

[0007] The cross-shaped contact surface of the electrical contacts that contact the temperature sensor preferably means that each of the electrical contacts of the temperature sensor comprises a first conductive elongated component and a second conductive elongated component disposed transversely to the first conductive elongated component. The first conductive elongated component may intersect the second conductive elongated component at the center of each electrical contact. The central portion of the first conductive elongated component may intersect the central portion of the second conductive elongated component. The longitudinal axis of the first conductive elongated component may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second conductive elongated component. The length of the first conductive elongated component, measured along the longitudinal axis of the first conductive element component, may be greater than the width of the first conductive elongated component. The length may be twice, preferably three times, more preferably four times, and most preferably five times greater than the width. Similarly, the length of the second conductive elongated component, measured along the longitudinal axis of the second conductive element component, may be greater than the width of the second conductive elongated component. The length may be twice, preferably three times, more preferably four times, and most preferably five times greater than the width.

[0008] The terms “covering” or “overlapping” may mean that the first layer can be positioned on the second layer such that the first layer has substantially the same surface size as the second layer, and so the surface area of ​​the second layer facing the first layer substantially overlaps with that of the first layer. When the first layer is positioned to cover the second layer, the surface size of the first layer may be at least 90% of the surface area of ​​the second layer, preferably at least 80% of the surface area of ​​the second layer, more preferably at least 70% of the surface area of ​​the second layer, and most preferably at least 60% of the surface area of ​​the second layer.

[0009] The heating element may be sandwiched between a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer. The heating element may cover only a portion of the surface of the first substrate layer. When the second substrate layer is positioned on the first substrate layer and on the heating element, the second substrate layer preferably covers the heating element and the remaining portion of the surface of the first substrate layer on which the heating element is positioned and which is not covered by the heating element.

[0010] The heating assembly may further comprise a third substrate layer, which may be an electrically insulating substrate layer. The third substrate layer may be positioned to at least partially cover the temperature sensor and to cover the second substrate layer.

[0011] Similarly, a temperature sensor may be sandwiched between a second substrate layer and a third substrate layer. The temperature sensor may cover only a portion of the surface of the second substrate layer. When the third substrate layer is positioned on the second substrate layer and the temperature sensor, the third substrate layer preferably covers the temperature sensor and the remaining portion of the surface of the second substrate layer on which the temperature sensor is positioned and which is not covered by the temperature sensor.

[0012] In the final heated assembly, the heating element and temperature sensor are preferably positioned on the opposing surface of the second substrate layer. Therefore, the heating element is electrically insulated from the temperature sensor by the second substrate layer.

[0013] The heating element is protected by a first substrate layer and by a second substrate layer.

[0014] The temperature sensor is protected by a second substrate layer and a third substrate layer.

[0015] The heating element may be a resistance heater. The heating element may include a heating track. The heating element may be a heating track. The heating track may be configured to generate heat. The heating track may be an electrical resistance heating track. The heating element may include electrical contacts for making electrical contact with the heating track. The electrical contacts may be attached to the heating track by any known means, for example, by soldering or welding. The first electrical contact may be attached to the first end of the heating track, and the second electrical contact may be attached to the second end of the heating track. The first end of the heating track may be the proximal end of the heating track, and the second end of the heating track may be the distal end of the heating track, or vice versa.

[0016] The heating track may be made from stainless steel. The heating track may be made from stainless steel with a thickness of about 50 μm. Preferably, the heating track may be made from stainless steel with a thickness of about 25 μm. The heating track may be made from Inconel with a thickness of about 50.8 μm. The heating track may be made from Inconel with a thickness of about 25.4 μm. The heating track may be made from copper with a thickness of about 35 μm. The heating track may be made from Constantan with a thickness of about 25 μm. The heating track may be made from nickel with a thickness of about 12 μm. The heating track may be made from brass with a thickness of about 25 μm.

[0017] The heating element, preferably the heating track, may be printed on the first substrate layer. The heating track may be photoprinted on the substrate layer. The heating track may be chemically etched on the substrate layer.

[0018] The term "heating track" encompasses a single heating track. The heating element or heating track may be printed on the first substrate layer.

[0019] The heating track may be centrally located on the first substrate layer. The heating track may have a bent shape. The heating track may have a curved shape. The heating track may have a zigzag shape. The heating track may have a winding shape.

[0020] The heated assembly can be rolled into a tubular shape. The heating track may be flat before the substrate layer is rolled into a tubular shape. The heating track or heating element may be flexible. The heating track or heating element may conform to the tubular shape of the substrate layer when the substrate layer is rolled into a tubular shape.

[0021] The third substrate layer may include at least two openings. Two openings are provided to allow the electrical contacts of the temperature sensor to make contact through the third substrate layer.

[0022] The two openings may be aligned so that the two contacts are not covered by the third substrate layer. The two openings may be positioned adjacent to opposing ends of the third substrate layer. The two openings may correspond to the arrangement of electrical contacts on the temperature sensor.

[0023] In addition to the two openings, another opening may be provided in the third substrate layer. The third opening may be located in the center of the third substrate layer. This third opening can improve the mechanical strength of the third substrate layer in this region. In particular, the central opening of the third substrate layer can strengthen the fixing of the wires that contact the electrical contacts of the temperature sensor, as the contacts of the wires in this region come into contact with the adhesive layer beneath the second substrate layer.

[0024] The electrical contacts of the temperature sensor may be attached to the temperature sensor by any known means, exemplary by soldering or welding. The first electrical contact may be attached to the first end of the temperature sensor, and the second electrical contact may be attached to the second end of the temperature sensor. The first end of the temperature sensor may be the proximal end, the second end of the temperature sensor may be the distal end, or vice versa.

[0025] The temperature sensor may include a temperature sensor track.

[0026] The heating assembly may include a tube, preferably a metal tube, around which a base layer may be wound or wrapped. The metal tube is preferably a stainless steel tube. Alternatively, the tube may be a ceramic tube. The tube can define the tubular shape of the heating assembly. The outer diameter of the tube can correspond to the inner diameter of the first base layer after the heating assembly is rolled.

[0027] The heating assembly may further include a heating chamber that conforms to the tubular shape of the heating assembly. The base layer may be wound together with the heating element and the temperature sensor to conform to the tube forming the heating chamber. In this configuration, the first base layer may form an inner layer facing the tube, and the third base layer may be an outer layer. The first base layer may be adjacent to the metal tube forming the innermost layer of the heating assembly.

[0028] The tube may be made of stainless steel. The tube may have a length of 10 mm to 35 mm, preferably 12 mm to 30 mm, preferably 13 mm to 22 mm. The tube may be a hollow tube. The hollow tube may have an inner diameter of 4 mm to 9 mm, preferably 5 mm to 6 mm, or 6.8 mm to 7.5 mm, preferably about 5.35 mm or about 7.3 mm. The tube may have a thickness of 70 μm to 110 μm, preferably 80 μm to 100 μm, preferably about 90 μm. The tube may have a cylindrical cross-section. The tube may have a circular cross-section.

[0029] The length of the first base layer may be less than the outer circumference of the tube. The first base layer may completely wrap around the tube. After the first base layer is wound around the tube, the first base layer may be wound around the tube once so that the surface of the tube is covered by the first base layer.

[0030] The tube of the heating chamber may have a thickness of 70 μm to 110 μm, preferably 80 μm to 100 μm, preferably about 90 μm.

[0031] The temperature sensor may be an NTC, Pt100, or preferably a Pt1000 temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be attached to the second substrate layer by an adhesive layer. The temperature sensor may be photoprinted on the second substrate layer. Chemical etching can be utilized to form one or both of the heating tracks and the temperature sensor tracks of the heating element. Thereafter, the contacts of the temperature sensor can be welded onto the temperature sensor track through the openings of the third substrate layer.

[0032] The temperature sensor may be disposed on the second substrate layer such that when the heating assembly is wound, the temperature sensor can be disposed in a region corresponding to the center of the first substrate layer. By positioning the temperature sensor in this way, the heating element may map the temperature sensor such that the temperature sensor is positioned adjacent to the hottest part of the heating element. The hottest part adjacent to the temperature sensor can be the center of the first base layer. The heating element may be disposed at the center of the first substrate layer. The temperature sensor may be disposed directly adjacent to the heating element, separated from the heating element by the thickness of the second substrate layer.

[0033] One or more of the following additional layers may be provided: A first adhesive layer may be provided between the first substrate layer and the heating element, A second adhesive layer may be provided between the heating element and the second substrate layer, A third adhesive layer may be provided between the second adhesive layer and the temperature sensor, A fourth adhesive layer may be provided between the temperature sensor and the third substrate layer.

[0034] The first adhesive layer facilitates attachment between the first substrate layer and the heating element. The first adhesive layer further facilitates attachment between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer in areas of the first substrate layer not covered by the heating element. The second adhesive layer facilitates attachment between the heating element and the second substrate layer. The third adhesive layer facilitates attachment between the second substrate layer and the temperature sensor. The third adhesive layer further facilitates attachment between the second substrate layer and the third substrate layer in areas of the third adhesive layer not covered by the temperature sensor. The fourth adhesive layer facilitates attachment between the temperature sensor and the third substrate layer.

[0035] One or more of the adhesive layers may have a thickness of 2 μm to 10 μm, preferably 3 μm to 7 μm, and more preferably about 5 μm.

[0036] One or more of the adhesive layers may be silicone-based adhesive layers. The adhesive layers may include one or both of PEEK-based adhesives and acrylic adhesives.

[0037] One or more of the first, second, and third substrate layers may contain a polyamide or polyimide film. Any of the substrate layers may be made from polyimide or polyamide. The substrate layers can be configured to withstand temperatures of 220°C to 320°C, preferably 240°C to 300°C, and preferably about 280°C. Any of the substrate layers may be made from Pyralux.

[0038] The heat-shrinkable layer may be placed around the heated assembly.

[0039] A heat-shrinkable layer can be placed around a heat-shrinkable assembly if the heat-shrinkable assembly is rolled into a tubular shape. The heat-shrinkable layer can be configured to shrink when heated. The heat-shrinkable layer can hold the heat-shrinkable assembly together securely. The heat-shrinkable layer can be configured to apply uniform inward pressure to the heat-shrinkable assembly. The heat-shrinkable layer can improve contact between the tube and the first substrate layer, and between the second and third substrate layers, or both. The heat-shrinkable layer can hold most or all of the components of the heat-shrinkable assembly together securely. The heat-shrinkable layer may be used instead of the glue or adhesive layer described herein. Alternatively, the heat-shrinkable layer may be used in addition to the glue or adhesive layer described herein.

[0040] The thickness of the heat-shrinkable layer may be 100 μm to 300 μm, preferably about 180 μm.

[0041] The heat-shrinkable layer may be made of PEEK. The heat-shrinkable layer may be made of one or more of Teflon and PTFE, or may contain both.

[0042] One or more of the substrate layers may have a thickness of 10 μm to 50 μm, preferably 20 μm to 30 μm, and more preferably about 25 μm.

[0043] The heating element, preferably made from stainless steel, may have a thickness of 20 μm to 60 μm, preferably 30 μm to 50 μm, and more preferably about 40 μm. The heating track, preferably made from stainless steel, may have a thickness of 20 μm to 60 μm, preferably 30 μm to 50 μm, and more preferably about 40 μm.

[0044] An insulating layer may be provided surrounding the heat-shrinkable layer. The insulating layer is preferably made of aerogel.

[0045] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generator comprising the heating assembly described herein.

[0046] The aerosol generator may include a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article. The heating assembly may be positioned to at least partially surround the cavity.

[0047] The side walls of the cavity may be formed of the tubes described herein, preferably stainless steel tubes. The heating assembly may be mounted on the stainless steel tubes, or the tubes may be part of the heating assembly, or they may be mounted within the housing or inner frame of the aerosol generator.

[0048] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a heated assembly for an aerosol generator, wherein the method is: A step of providing a first substrate layer, wherein the first substrate layer is an electrically insulated substrate layer. A step of placing a heating element on the first substrate layer, A step of arranging a heating element and a second base layer covering a first base layer, wherein the second base layer is an electrically insulated base layer. A step of placing a temperature sensor on a second substrate layer, The process may include one or more steps of bringing a temperature sensor into electrical contact with at least two electrical contacts, wherein the contact surfaces of the electrical contacts that come into contact with the temperature sensor are cross-shaped.

[0049] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a heated assembly for an aerosol generator, wherein the method is: A step of providing a first substrate layer, wherein the first substrate layer is an electrically insulated substrate layer. A step of placing a heating element on the first substrate layer, A step of arranging a heating element and a second base layer covering a first base layer, wherein the second base layer is an electrically insulated base layer. A step of placing a temperature sensor on a second substrate layer, The process includes bringing a temperature sensor into electrical contact with at least two electrical contacts, wherein the contact surfaces of the electrical contacts that contact the temperature sensor are cross-shaped.

[0050] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generator with respect to the direction in which air flows through the aerosol generator during use. The aerosol generator according to the present invention has a proximal end, and during use, the aerosol exits the device through the proximal end. The proximal end of the aerosol generator may also be called the mouth end or the downstream end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol generating article may also be called the upstream end. Components or parts of aerosol generators may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions with respect to the airflow path of the aerosol generator.

[0051] In all aspects of this disclosure, the heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, conductive ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilide), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics.

[0052] As described, in any aspect of this disclosure, the heating element may include an external heating element, where “external” refers to an aerosol-forming substrate. The external heating element can take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils or heating tracks on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The dielectric substrate is a substrate layer. The flexible heating foils or heating tracks may be shaped to fit the periphery of the heating chamber. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded circuit component (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed on a substrate layer of suitable shape using a coating technique such as plasma deposition. The external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary devices, the metal may be formed as a track between a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer. The external heating element thus formed may be used both for heating the external heating element and for monitoring the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0053] The heating element advantageously heats the aerosol-forming substrate by means of conduction. Alternatively, heat from either an internal or external heating element may be conducted to the substrate by a thermally conductive element.

[0054] During operation, the aerosol-forming substrate may be completely enclosed within the aerosol generator. In this case, the user may inhale through the mouthpiece of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, during operation, the smoking article containing the aerosol-forming substrate may be partially enclosed within the aerosol generator. In this case, the user may inhale directly through the smoking article.

[0055] The heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, a susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be conductive, magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to an aerosol-forming substrate so that an aerosol is formed. Heat transfer may also be mainly by thermal conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. When an induction heating element is employed, the induction heating element may be configured as an external heater as described herein. When the induction heating element is configured as an external heating element, the susceptor element is preferably configured as a cylindrical susceptor that at least partially encloses the heating chamber. The heating track described herein may be configured as a susceptor. A susceptor may be positioned between a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer. The first substrate layer may be surrounded by an induction coil. The susceptor and induction coil may be part of a heating assembly.

[0056] Preferably, the aerosol generator includes a power source configured to supply power to one or both of the heating element and the heating assembly. The power source preferably includes a power supply. The power supply is preferably a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging. For example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to enable continuous aerosol generation for approximately six minutes, or for a period of time that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to enable a predetermined number of fume extractions or discontinuous starts of the heating assembly.

[0057] The aerosol generator may include control electronics. The control electronics may include a microcontroller. Preferably, the microcontroller is a programmable microcontroller. The electrical circuit may include further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating assembly. Power may be supplied to the heating assembly continuously after the system is started up, or intermittently (for example, with each smoke extraction). Power may be supplied to the heating assembly in the form of pulses of current.

[0058] Control electronic equipment may include printed circuit boards. Control electronic equipment may be configured as printed circuit boards.

[0059] The temperature sensor may be electrically connected to the control electronic equipment. The length of the electrical connection between the temperature sensor and the control electronic equipment may be longer than the distance between the temperature sensor and the control electronic equipment. This has the beneficial effect of preventing harmful effects on the electrical contacts between the temperature sensor and the control electronic equipment caused by thermal expansion of the contacts during the operation of the aerosol generator. The electrical connection is preferably configured as an electric wire.

[0060] Similarly, the length of the electrical connection between the heating element and the control electronic equipment may be longer than the distance between the heating element and the control electronic equipment. This has the beneficial effect of preventing harmful effects on the electrical contacts between the heating element and the control electronic circuit caused by thermal expansion of the contacts during the operation of the aerosol generator. The electrical connection is preferably configured as an electric wire.

[0061] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Volatile compounds may be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming substrate. As an alternative to heating or burning, in some cases, volatile compounds may be released by chemical reactions or by mechanical stimuli such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0062] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable.

[0063] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. An aerosol generator may interact with either or both an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and / or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the substrate. An electrically operated aerosol generator may include an atomizer, such as an electric heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

[0064] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to a combination of an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol generating device. When the aerosol-forming substrate forms part of an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol generating system refers to a combination of an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generating device. In an aerosol generating system, the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol generating device work together to generate an aerosol.

[0065] Features described in reference to one embodiment may also apply equally to other embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0066] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the following attached drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

[0067] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the heated assembly. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the layers that make up the heated assembly. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the layers that make up the heated assembly, including the third insulating layer. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the details of the temperature sensor contacts. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0068] Figure 1 shows a heated assembly 10. The heated assembly 10 comprises a stainless steel tube 12. The stainless steel tube 12 forms the inner layer of the heated assembly 10. The stainless steel tube 12s is tubular. The stainless steel tube 12 forms a heated chamber 14 in which an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate is placed, the aerosol forming substrate is heated, and an inhalable aerosol is produced.

[0069] Figure 1 further shows the first substrate layer 16. A heating element 18 in the form of a heating track is placed on the first substrate layer 16. The electric heater contacts 20 of the heating element 18 are also shown in Figure 1. A first adhesive layer 22 is placed on the first substrate layer 16 for attachment between the first substrate layer 16 and the heating element 18. In addition, the surface area of ​​the first substrate layer 16 not covered by the heating element 18 may be attached to the second substrate layer 24 via the first adhesive layer 22.

[0070] Figure 1 further shows the second substrate layer 24. A second adhesive layer 26 is placed on the second substrate layer 24. The second adhesive layer 26 has the function of enabling attachment between the second substrate layer 24 and the temperature sensor 28. The second adhesive layer 26 further facilitates attachment between the second substrate layer 24 and the sensor contact 30 of the temperature sensor 28. Finally, the second adhesive layer 26 facilitates attachment between the second substrate layer 24 and the third substrate layer 38. The third substrate layer 38 is placed on top of the temperature sensor 28, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3. The third substrate layer 38 is not shown in Figure 1. Finally, a heat shrinkable layer 32 is positioned on top of the heated assembly 10. Heating the heat shrinkable layer 32 facilitates secure retention of all components of the heated assembly 10.

[0071] Figure 2 shows the layers of the heated assembly 10 in more detail. The inner layer is formed by stainless steel tubing 12. A tubing adhesive layer 34 is used to connect the stainless steel tubing 12 to the first base layer 16. As the next layer, the heating element 18 is placed on the first base layer 16 via the first adhesive layer 22. A heater adhesive layer 36 is placed between the heating element 18 and the second base layer 24. Finally, the temperature sensor 28 is placed on the second base layer 24 via the second adhesive layer 26.

[0072] Figure 2 further shows the preferred thickness for all layers.

[0073] Figure 3 shows the additional placement of a third substrate layer 38 on the temperature sensor 28 via the sensor adhesive layer 40. The third substrate layer 38 is provided with at least two openings 42 so that the sensor contacts 30 can be made to contact through the third substrate layer 38. Figure 3 further shows the preferred thickness of all layers.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a specific configuration of the sensor contact 30. In particular, Figure 4 shows the contact surface between the sensor contact 30 and the temperature sensor 28. The contact surface of each sensor contact 28 is cross-shaped. This improves the mechanical strength of these contact surfaces so that the electrical contact between the temperature sensor and the sensor contact is improved.

[0075] To generate the cross shape of the contact surface of the sensor contacts 30, each individual sensor contact 30 is provided with an elongated first conductive element component 44. A second conductive element component 46 is provided laterally to this first conductive element component 44. The second conductive element component 46 is also elongated. The first conductive element component 44 intersects with the second conductive element component 46 to form the cross shape of the individual sensor contacts 30.

Claims

1. A heating assembly for an aerosol generator, wherein the heating assembly is A first substrate layer, which is an electrically insulated substrate layer, A heating element, wherein the heating element is disposed on the first substrate layer, A second substrate layer, which is electrically insulated, is arranged to cover the heating element and the first substrate layer. A temperature sensor, which is disposed on the second substrate layer, The temperature sensor comprises at least two electrical contacts for contact, A heated assembly in which the contact surface of the electrical contact that contacts the temperature sensor is cross-shaped.

2. The heating assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a third substrate layer, the third substrate layer being an electrically insulated substrate layer, and positioned to at least partially cover the temperature sensor and cover the second substrate layer.

3. The heated assembly according to claim 2, wherein the third substrate layer includes at least two openings.

4. The heated assembly according to claim 3, wherein the two openings are aligned so that the two electrical contacts are not covered by the third substrate layer.

5. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating element is a resistance heater.

6. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating element comprises a heating track.

7. The heating assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating element is printed on the first substrate layer.

8. The heated assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heated assembly is rolled into a tube.

9. A heated assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a heat-shrinkable layer is arranged around the heated assembly.

10. below: - The first adhesive layer is provided between the first substrate layer and the heating element. - A second adhesive layer is provided between the heating element and the second substrate layer. - A third adhesive layer is provided between the second adhesive layer and the temperature sensor. - The heated assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein one or more of the following are provided: - A fourth adhesive layer is provided between the temperature sensor and the third substrate layer.

11. A heated assembled article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein one or more of the first substrate layer, the second substrate layer, and the third substrate layer include a polyamide film.

12. An aerosol generating device comprising a heated assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The aerosol generator according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol generator includes a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article, and the heated assembly is arranged to at least partially surround the cavity.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the side walls of the cavity are formed of stainless steel pipes, and the heated assembly is mounted on the stainless steel pipes.

15. A method for manufacturing a heated assembly for an aerosol generator, wherein the method is A step of providing a first substrate layer, wherein the first substrate layer is an electrically insulated substrate layer. A step of placing a heating element on the first substrate layer, A step of arranging the heating element and a second base layer covering the first base layer, wherein the second base layer is an electrically insulated base layer. A step of placing a temperature sensor on the second substrate layer, A method comprising the step of electrically contacting the temperature sensor with at least two electrical contacts, wherein the contact surfaces of the electrical contacts that contact the temperature sensor are cross-shaped.

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