Heat distribution in aerosol generators

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (3) includes an axially extending heating space (21). The heating space (21) is configured to at least partially accommodate an aerosol-generating article (5). The aerosol generating device (3) includes a heat receiving surface (25) provided outside the heating space (21). The aerosol generating device (3) includes a heat storage body (31) and an inner heat conductor (33). The heat storage body (31) is provided between the heat receiving surface (25) and the heating space (21). The inner heat conductor (33) is provided between the heat storage body (31) and the heating space (21). The material of the heat storage body (31) has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor (33). The material of the inner heat conductor (33) has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the heating of aerosol generating articles in an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure relates to the management of heat in an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] European Patent Publication No. 085,8744A1 describes a flavor generating component having a heat conduction tube provided with a molded body of a solid material for generating flavors inhaled by a user. The flavor generating component may be inserted into a flavor generating heater such that the heat conduction tube is provided above a gas nozzle for supplying a flame. The inner surface of the heat conduction tube is covered with a heat storage material layer. The heat storage material layer enables the temperature of the main body formed by the heat conduction tube to be maintained at the flavor generating temperature for a longer time.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided that includes a heating space extending in the axial direction. The heating space is configured to at least partially accommodate an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device includes a heat receiving surface provided outside the heating space. The aerosol generating device includes a heat storage body and an inner heat conductor. The heat storage body is provided between the heat receiving surface and the heating space. The inner heat conductor is provided between the heat storage body and the heating space. The material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor. The material of the inner heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.

[0004] The heat storage material can function as a thermal buffer. When the heat receiving surface is heated, the heat storage material can absorb heat from the heat receiving surface. The heat absorbed by the heat storage material is supplied to the heated space over time, and can heat the aerosol generating article placed within it. The heat storage material can absorb a certain amount of heat over a first time period and release a longer amount of heat over a second time period. For example, the second time period may be at least 20 times the first time period, or at least 15 times the first time period, or at least 10 times the first time period, or at least 5 times the first time period, or at least 2 times the first time period. Due to the buffering function of the heat storage material, if the heat receiving surface is heated to a high temperature, overheating of the heated space can be prevented. In addition, the heat storage material allows the heated space to maintain the aerosol generating temperature for a longer period of time even after heating of the heat receiving surface has stopped.

[0005] The internal heat conductor can facilitate the transfer of heat stored in the heat storage body towards the heating space, and therefore to the aerosol-generating article at least partially contained within the heating space. The internal heat conductor can efficiently distribute heat to a desired region of the aerosol-generating article. The internal heat conductor can guide the flow of heat from the heat storage body.

[0006] The material for the heat storage body can have a specific heat of 300 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1500 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 500 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1200 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1000 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 800 joules / kelvin per kilogram.

[0007] The material of the heat storage body may be, for example, glass or metal. The material of the heat storage body may include, for example, glass or metal.

[0008] One or both of the materials for the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may have a melting temperature exceeding 800°C, 900°C, 1000°C, 1100°C, 1300°C, or 1500°C. Considering such melting temperatures can prevent the heat storage body and inner heat conductor from melting when the heat receiving surface is heated. In particular, when the heat receiving surface is heated by one or more flames, such as the flame generated by a typical cigarette lighter, it can prevent the heat storage body and inner heat conductor from melting.

[0009] One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space circumferentially. If the heat storage body surrounds the heating space circumferentially, the heat storage body can store heat circumferentially around the heating space. If the inner heat conductor surrounds the heating space, heat can be distributed throughout the heating space by the inner heat conductor. One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space all the way around. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space over at least 50 percent, or at least 60 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 90 percent of the heating space's circumference. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space over 90 percent or less, or 80 percent or less, or 70 percent or less, or 60 percent or less, or 50 percent or less of the heating space's circumference.

[0010] The internal heat conductor may include projections extending into the heating space. The projections may be configured to be embedded within the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating space. In particular, the projections may be configured to be embedded within the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article. The projections can conduct heat into the aerosol generating article, heating it from the inside. The projections can promote homogeneous heating of the aerosol generating article. The projections may have, for example, the form of pins or blades. The projections may be integral parts of the internal heat conductor. The projections may extend into the heating space along the axial direction. The projections may have axial lengths of 5 to 50 mm, or 5 to 40 mm, or 5 to 30 mm, or 5 to 25 mm, or 5 to 20 mm, or 5 to 15 mm, or 5 to 10 mm, or 2 to 5 mm, or 10 to 15 mm, or 10 to 20 mm.

[0011] The inner heat conductor can form at least a portion of the wall defining the heated space. The surface of the inner heat conductor can at least partially define the heated space. If there are no elements of an aerosol generator between the inner heat conductor and the aerosol generating article contained within the heated space, the inner heat conductor can efficiently supply heat to the heated space.

[0012] The inner heat conductor may be in contact with the heat storage body. Contact between the inner heat conductor and the heat storage body can promote efficient heat transfer between the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor. The inner heat conductor may be in circumferential contact with the heat storage body around the heating space.

[0013] The aerosol generator may be equipped with an outer heat conductor. The outer heat conductor may be placed between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body. The outer heat conductor can promote heat transfer from the heat receiving surface to the heat storage body.

[0014] The material of the outer heat conductor may have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.

[0015] The material of the heat storage body may have a higher specific heat than the material of the outer heat conductor.

[0016] The outer heat conductor may be made of the same material as the inner heat conductor.

[0017] The specific heat of the heat storage material may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the specific heat of at least one of the specific heats of the inner heat conductor material and the outer heat conductor material.

[0018] The thermal conductivity of the inner heat conductor material and the thermal conductivity of the outer heat conductor material may be at least 500 times, or at least 400 times, or at least 300 times, or at least 200 times, or at least 100 times, or at least 50 times, or at least 30 times, or at least 10 times, or at least 5 times, the thermal conductivity of the heat storage material. The thermal conductivity of the inner heat conductor material and the thermal conductivity of the outer heat conductor material may be at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent, the thermal conductivity of the heat storage material.

[0019] To facilitate heat transfer between the outer heat conductor and the heat storage body, the outer heat conductor may be in contact with the heat storage body.

[0020] The heat-receiving surface may be the surface of the outer heat conductor. The heat-receiving surface may be the outer surface of the outer heat conductor with respect to the heating space. The heat-receiving surface may be the radially outer surface of the outer heat conductor. The heat-receiving surface may be the surface of the outer heat conductor spaced apart from the heating space in the axial direction.

[0021] The outer heat conductor may surround the heating space in the circumferential direction. The outer heat conductor may surround the heat storage body in the circumferential direction. The outer heat conductor may be provided at least partially on the radially outer side of the heat storage body. The outer heat conductor may be provided at least partially on the surface of the heat storage body opposite to the heating space in the axial direction.

[0022] The thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor may differ at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor. For example, the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor at a first location on the outer heat conductor may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor at a second location on the outer heat conductor. The thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions. The heterogeneous thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor can enable directional heat transport through the outer heat conductor.

[0023] The thickness of the outer heat conductor may differ at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor. For example, the thickness of the outer heat conductor at a first location may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the thickness of the outer heat conductor at a second location. Varying the thickness of the outer heat conductor may result in different thermal resistances to radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may be thickest at the heat receiving surface. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may decrease with distance from the heat receiving surface along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions.

[0024] The outer heat conductor may be provided with one or more channels. These channels may affect the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor. Heated air can flow through these channels. Each channel may have one or more openings. These openings may be provided on the heat receiving surface.

[0025] The thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor can be highest at the heat-receiving surface. This prevents the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating articles placed in the heating chamber from being overheated at the location corresponding to the heat-receiving surface. The high thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor at the heat-receiving surface may allow for a more uniform distribution of heat from the heat-receiving surface throughout the heating space. The thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor may increase with distance from the heat-receiving surface, particularly along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions.

[0026] The outer heat conductor may include two or more different materials having different thermal conductors. The two or more different materials can be arranged to obtain a desired heat conduction profile. The two or more different materials can be arranged to obtain a desired distribution of thermal resistance for heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor. The outer heat conductor may, for example, comprise two or more layers, each layer being made of a different material. The layers may be arranged, for example, front to back with respect to the axial direction or the radial direction (or both axial and radial directions).

[0027] The aerosol generating device can further include a heater configured to heat the heat receiving surface. The heater can include, for example, an electric resistance heater or an induction heater. The heater can be configured to generate one or more flames to heat the heat receiving surface. The heater can be configured to combust gas to generate one or more flames. The one or more flames may include at least two flames. The heater may be integrally formed with the main body of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be provided as a separate component, either completely or partially. The heater may be, for example, a conventional cigarette lighter.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article can have an aerosol generating part. The aerosol generating part can include a material configured to generate an aerosol when heated. When the aerosol generating article is at least partially accommodated in the heating space, the aerosol generating part can be at least partially accommodated in the heating space.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of generating an aerosol is provided. The method includes heating the heat receiving surface of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device at least partially accommodates the aerosol generating article. Heat generated by heating the heat receiving surface is stored in a heat storage body provided between the heat receiving surface and the aerosol generating article. The heat is distributed to the aerosol generating article by an inner heat conductor provided between the heat storage body and the aerosol generating article. The material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor.

[0030] The material of the inner heat conductor can have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.

[0031] The heat-receiving surface may be heated by two or more flames simultaneously. For example, the heat-receiving surface may be heated by two or more flames simultaneously. By heating the heat-receiving surface with two or more flames simultaneously, a specific amount of heat can be transferred to the heat-receiving surface using smaller flames compared to using only one flame. Furthermore, using two or more flames simultaneously allows for efficient spatial distribution of heat.

[0032] The aerosol-generating article may extend along the axial direction if it is at least partially housed in the aerosol generator. The axial direction may correspond to the direction in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generator.

[0033] At least two of the flames can be generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. Thus, heat can be supplied from different inscribed angles around the axial direction.

[0034] At least two of the flames can be spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Therefore, heat can be supplied to different positions along the axial direction.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for generating an aerosol is provided. The method includes heating the heat-receiving surface of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator contains at least partially an aerosol-generating article that extends along the axial direction. The heat-receiving surface is heated simultaneously by two or more flames.

[0036] At least two of the flames can be generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction.

[0037] At least two of the flames can be spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a tube is provided for the use of an axially extending tube circumferentially surrounding an aerosol-generating substance in order to achieve substantially uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substance, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube varies along at least one of the axial direction and the outer circumference of the tube.

[0039] For example, the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions of the tube by at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 100 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 50 percent, or at least 30 percent, or at least 20 percent, or at least 10 percent of the minimum thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube.

[0040] The thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube can vary along at least one of the axial direction and the outer circumference of the tube, such that the effect of heat transport on the aerosol-generating material is substantially uniform. For example, the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube may be highest at the position closest to the heat source. From that position, the thermal resistance can decrease along at least one of the axial direction and the outer circumference of the tube.

[0041] Substantially uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substance can be achieved if the temperature difference between the two parts of the aerosol-generating substance during heating is 100°C or less, 75°C or less, 50°C or less, 25°C or less, or 10°C or less.

[0042] The aerosol generating articles referred to herein may be at least substantially rod-shaped. When the aerosol generating articles are at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating device, they may extend parallel to the axial direction.

[0043] An aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-generating unit. The aerosol-generating unit may include an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be configured to release an aerosol when heated. The aerosol-generating material may include, for example, a herbaceous plant material. The aerosol-generating material may also include, for example, a tobacco material.

[0044] The aerosol generating article may include a filter section. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the filter section may protrude at least partially from the aerosol generating device for use by the user.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the embodiments, aspects, or examples described herein. The aerosol generating system also comprises an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate, which may be an aerosol generating material. As used herein, the term “aerosol generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols.

[0046] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of powders, granules, pellets, fragments, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and puffed tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also comprise additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also comprise a capsule containing, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or additionally, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

[0047] If the tobacco plug contains homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglutinating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming content greater than 5 percent by dry weight. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming content of 5 to 30 percent by weight by dry weight. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by agglutinating particulate tobacco obtained by crushing one or both of tobacco leaf laminas and tobacco leaf stems, or by other means of fine crushing, and alternatively, or additionally, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may contain one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during tobacco processing, handling, and transport. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may contain one or more intrinsic binders (i.e., endogenous tobacco binders), or one or more exogenous binders (i.e., exogenous tobacco binders), or a combination thereof, to assist in agglutinating particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may contain other additives, including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. The homogenized tobacco material sheet is preferably formed by a casting process of a type that generally includes casting a slurry containing particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet, and removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the support surface.

[0048] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of approximately 30 mm to approximately 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 mm to approximately 13 mm.

[0049] The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the cigarette plug. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The mouthpiece is preferably about 7 millimeters in length, but can be about 5 to 10 millimeters in length.

[0050] The cigarette plug may have a length of approximately 10 millimeters. The cigarette plug may have a length of approximately 12 millimeters.

[0051] The diameter of the cigarette plug may be approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 12 millimeters.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating article has a total length of approximately 40 mm to approximately 50 mm. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has a total length of approximately 45 mm. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

[0053] This disclosure includes various aspects, embodiments, and examples. Features, advantages, and descriptions disclosed in any one of these aspects, embodiments, and examples may be combined with or transferred to any one of the remaining aspects, embodiments, and examples. The aerosol generators or systems described herein may be preferred, adapted, and configured to perform the aerosol generating methods described herein.

[0054] Where this disclosure refers to the material of an article having a specific specific heat, and the article is composed of different individual materials (e.g., different material layers), the specific heat of the material of the article should be understood to correspond to the weighted average of the specific heats of the individual materials constituting the article. The weighting is understood to be performed according to the mass percentage of the individual materials constituting the article.

[0055] Where this disclosure refers to a material of an article having a particular thermal conductivity, and the article is composed of different individual materials (e.g., different material layers), the thermal conductivity of the material of the article should be understood to correspond to a weighted average of the thermal conductivity of the individual materials constituting the article. The weighting is understood to be performed according to the mass percentage of the individual materials constituting the article.

[0056] As used herein, the expression “rod-shaped” includes, but is not limited to, rod-shaped objects having a circular cross-section. As used herein, “rod-shaped” may also include rod-shaped objects having other cross-sections, e.g., rectangular, elliptical, triangular, irregular, or any other cross-section. The expression “rod-shaped” may also include cylindrical shapes, in which case the bottom surface of the cylinder may be a circular surface, or a surface of any other shape, e.g., a rectangular, elliptical, triangular, irregular, or any other surface.

[0057] When a first article is embedded within a second article, the first article can be at least partially contained within the volume of the second article. After being embedded within the second article, at least a portion of the first article can be surrounded by the second article. For example, a first article can be embedded within a second article by being pushed into it.

[0058] Here, the embodiments will be further described with reference to the following figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0059] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment in which the heat receiving surface is located radially outward of a heating space that extends in the axial direction. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment in which the heat receiving surface is positioned axially aligned with a heating space that extends in the axial direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating article of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment using a conventional cigarette lighter. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment, which has a heating space extending in the axial direction and a heat receiving surface aligned in the axial direction. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generating system having heaters that generate multiple flames. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0060] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0061] Example 1: Aerosol generator, An axially extending heating space configured to contain at least partially an aerosol-generating article, A heat receiving surface provided on the outside of the heating space, A heat storage body is provided between the heat receiving surface and the heating space, It comprises an inner heat conductor provided between the heat storage body and the heating space, The heat storage material has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor. An aerosol generator in which the material of the inner heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body. Example 2: The aerosol generator according to Example 1, wherein the heat storage material has a specific heat of 300 joules / kelvin to 1500 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 500 joules / kelvin to 1200 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin to 1000 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin to 800 joules / kelvin per kilogram. Example 3: The aerosol generator according to Example 1 or 2, wherein one or both of the heat storage material and the inner heat conductor material have a melting temperature of over 800°C, or over 900°C, or over 1000°C, or over 1100°C, or over 1300°C, or over 1500°C. Example 4: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein one or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor surround the heating space in a circumferential direction. Example 5: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the internal heat conductor extends into the heating space and has a projection that is configured to be embedded in the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating space. Example 6: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the internal heat conductor forms at least a portion of the wall defining the heating space. Example 7: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the inner heat conductor is in contact with the heat storage body. Example 8: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising an outer heat conductor provided between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body. Example 9: The aerosol generator according to Example 8, wherein the material of the outer heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body. Example 10: The aerosol generator according to Example 8 or 9, wherein the heat storage material has a higher specific heat than the material of the outer heat conductor. Example 11: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor differs at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor. Example 12: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 11, wherein the thickness of the outer heat conductor differs at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor. Example 13: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, wherein one or more channels are provided in the outer heat conductor. Example 14: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 13, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor is highest at the heat receiving surface. Example 15: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 14, wherein the outer thermal conductor comprises at least two different materials having different thermal conductivity. Example 16: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, further comprising a heater configured to generate one or more flames to heat a heat receiving surface. Example 17: an aerosol generation system, an aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, Aerosol generating article, The aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating section containing a material configured to generate aerosols when heated, An aerosol generating system in which, when an aerosol generating article is at least partially contained within a heated space, the aerosol generating unit is at least partially contained within a heated space. Example 18: The aerosol generating system according to Example 17, comprising a mouthpiece configured to protrude from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is at least partially contained in a heated space. Example 19: The aerosol generating system according to Example 17 or 18, further comprising a heater configured to heat a heat receiving surface. Example 20: A method for generating aerosols, This involves heating the heat receiving surface of the aerosol generator, The aerosol generator contains, at least partially, an aerosol generating article, and heats it. A heat storage body is placed between the heat receiving surface and the aerosol generating article to store heat generated by heating the heat receiving surface, This includes distributing heat to an aerosol-generating article via an inner heat conductor provided between the heat storage body and the aerosol-generating article, A method in which the material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor. Example 21: The method according to Example 20, wherein the heat receiving surface is heated by two or more flames simultaneously. Example 22: The method according to Example 21, wherein, when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially housed within the aerosol generator, the aerosol-generating article extends along the axial direction, and at least two flames are generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. Example 23: The method according to Example 21, wherein, when the aerosol generating article is at least partially housed within the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article extends along the axial direction, and at least two of the flames are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Example 24: A method for generating aerosols, This includes heating the heat receiving surface of the aerosol generator, The aerosol generator contains, at least partially, an aerosol generating article that extends along the axial direction. A method in which a heat-receiving surface is heated simultaneously by two or more flames. Example 25: The method according to Example 24, wherein at least two flames are generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. Example 26: The method according to Example 24 or 25, wherein at least two flames are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Example 27: The method according to any one of Examples 20 to 26, wherein the aerosol generator is the aerosol generator described in any one of Examples 1 to 16, or the aerosol generator of the aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 17 to 19. Example 28: The use of a tube that surrounds an aerosol-generating substance circumferentially and extends axially, in order to achieve substantially uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substance, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube varies along at least one of the axial direction and the outer circumference of the tube.

[0062] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation system 1 according to one embodiment. The aerosol generation system 1 comprises an aerosol generating device 3, an aerosol generating article 5, and a heater 7.

[0063] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating article 5 that can be used with the aerosol generating device 3. The aerosol generating article 5 comprises parts arranged front to back along the axial direction. The parts are connected to each other by one or more wrappers that span one or more of the parts. These parts comprise an aerosol generating section 9, a spacer section 11, and a filter section 13. The aerosol generating section 9 comprises an aerosol generating material configured to generate an aerosol when heated. The aerosol generating material may include a herbaceous material, specifically a tobacco material. The filter section 13 may comprise a filter through which the aerosol passes before reaching the user's mouth. The spacer section 11 may be located between the aerosol generating section 9 and the filter section 13. The aerosol generated in the aerosol generating section 9 is cooled as it passes through the spacer section 11, allowing the temperature of the aerosol to be reduced before ingestion.

[0064] As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 3 comprises a heating chamber 15 extending in the axial direction and a storage chamber 17 provided coaxially with the heating chamber 15. The aerosol generating article 5 may be inserted into the aerosol generator 3 in the insertion direction 19. In Figure 1, the aerosol generating article 5 is housed in the intake position of the aerosol generator 3. In the intake position, the aerosol generating unit 9 is housed in a heated space 21 defined by the heating chamber 15.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the heater 7 is a conventional cigarette lighter. The aerosol generator 3 may include a heater housing 23 configured to house the heater 7. Alternatively, the heater 7 may be an integral part of the aerosol generator 3, or the heater 7 may not be combined with the aerosol generator 3, nor housed within the aerosol generator 3, but may be a separate heater 7. Preferably, the heater 7 is configured to generate one or more flames 8.

[0066] The heater 7 is configured to heat the heat receiving surface 25 of the heating chamber 15. By heating the heat receiving surface 25, the heating space 21 within the heating chamber 15 is heated, thereby heating the aerosol generating section 9 of the aerosol generating article 3. When the aerosol generating section 9 is heated, it generates an aerosol. When the user inhales air through the filter section 13, an airflow (see arrow in Figure 1) can be generated through the aerosol generating article 5. The airflow can carry the aerosol generated in the heating space 21 towards the user.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the heat receiving surface 25 is located radially outward from the heating space 21. The direction in which the heater 7 emits a flame 8 to heat the heat receiving surface 25 is essentially perpendicular to the axial direction (the direction in which the heating chamber 15 and the storage chamber 17 extend).

[0068] Figure 2 shows another embodiment in which the heat receiving surface 25 is aligned axially with the heating space 21. The heater 7 essentially emits a flame 8 in a direction along the axial direction.

[0069] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the aerosol generating system 1. Each aerosol generator 3 comprises a tube extending axially and defining a heating chamber 15 having a heating space 21 inside. An aerosol generating article 5 can be inserted into the heating space 21 along an insertion direction 19 parallel to the axial direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating article 5 comprises essentially only the aerosol generating section 9. However, the aerosol generating article 5 may comprise additional sections, such as a spacer section 11 and a filter section 13. The aerosol generator 3 is equipped with a thermal protection sleeve 27 that allows the user to hold the aerosol generator 3 without risking injury or inconvenience due to the high temperature of the aerosol generator 3. As indicated by the bidirectional arrows at the bottom of Figure 4, the thermal protection sleeve 27 can slide relative to the tube defining the heating chamber 15. A heater 7, such as a conventional cigarette heater, may be used to heat the heat receiving surface 25. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the heat receiving surface 25 is located radially outward from the heating space 21 that houses the aerosol generating unit 9. In Figure 4, the heater 7 is neither inserted into nor attached to the aerosol generating device 3.

[0070] Figures 5, 6, and 7 show cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the heating chamber 15. The left portions of Figures 5, 6, and 7 show cross-sectional views of the heating chamber 15 with a cross-section parallel to the axial direction. The right portions of Figures 5, 6, and 7 show cross-sectional views of each heating chamber 15 with a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. The heating chambers in Figures 5, 6, and 7 may be, for example, part of the aerosol generator 3 in Figures 1 and 4.

[0071] In Figures 5, 6, and 7, the heating chamber 15 comprises multiple layers surrounding the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction. The outer heat conductor 29 forms the outer layer of the heating chamber 15. The heat receiving surface 25 is a part of the radially outer surface of the outer heat conductor 29. A heat storage body 31 is provided radially inside the outer heat conductor 29, forming a layer that surrounds the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction. An inner heat conductor 33 is provided radially inside the heat storage body 31, surrounding the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction.

[0072] The material of the heat storage body 31 has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor 33 and the material of the outer heat conductor 29. The material of the outer heat conductor 29 and the material of the inner heat conductor 33 have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body 31. The material of the heat storage body 31 may be, for example, glass or metal. One or both of the materials of the inner heat conductor 33 and the outer heat conductor 29 may be metals, such as copper, brass, or aluminum.

[0073] When the heat receiving surface 25 is heated, the heat is efficiently guided radially inward toward the heat storage body 31 by the outer heat conductor 29. Because the heat storage body 31 has a high specific heat, it can absorb a relatively large amount of heat and, over time, release that heat, functioning as a buffer to heat the heating space 21 and the aerosol generating section 9 located inside it. The inner heat conductor 33 forms the inner surface of the heating chamber 15 that defines the heating space 21. The inner heat conductor 33 efficiently conducts heat from the heat storage body 31 toward the heating space 21 and the aerosol generating section 9 located inside it.

[0074] In Figure 5, the outer heat conductor 29, the heat storage body 31, and the inner heat conductor 33 are symmetrical with respect to the axial direction. The outer heat conductor 29, the heat storage body 31, and the inner heat conductor 33 form a concentric sleeve that surrounds the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction.

[0075] In Figure 6, the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 correspond to the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 in Figure 5. However, the outer heat conductor 29 is not symmetrical with respect to the axial direction. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 varies along both the circumferential and axial directions. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is thickest at the heat receiving surface 25. In particular, the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is thickest in the center of the heat receiving surface 25. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 decreases along both the axial and circumferential directions as you move away from the center of the heat receiving surface 25.

[0076] Because the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 differs at different locations, the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor 29 and therefore through the walls of the heating chamber 15 differs at different locations. Since the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is greatest at the heat receiving surface 25, particularly at the center of the heat receiving surface 25, the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor layer 29 is highest at the heat receiving surface 25. This prevents an uneven temperature distribution within the heating space 21 by reducing the thermal resistance of heat transport at locations further away from the heat receiving surface 25 and therefore where less heat is typically received.

[0077] In Figure 7, the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 correspond to the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 in Figures 5 and 6. The outer heat conductor 29 includes channels 35 formed within the outer heat conductor 29. The channels 35 can form a flow path for heated air. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the channels 35 may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the channels 35 is larger in regions further away from the center of the heat receiving surface 25, which can promote the flow of hot air to these regions.

[0078] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system 1, substantially consistent with the embodiment in Figure 2, in which the heat receiving surface 25 is axially aligned with the heating space 21. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the heat storage body 31 is axially aligned with the heating space 21. The heat storage body 31 is located downstream of the heating space 21 with respect to the insertion direction 19. The outer surface of the heat storage body 31 forms the heat receiving surface 25. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the outer heat conductor 29 is not provided. However, instead, the outer heat conductor 29 can be provided downstream of the heat storage body 25 with respect to the insertion direction 19.

[0079] An inner heat conductor 33 is provided between the heat storage body 31 and the heating space 21. The inner heat conductor 33 includes a plate that extends substantially perpendicular to the axial direction between the heat storage body 31 and the heating space 21. Furthermore, the inner heat conductor 33 includes a cylindrical sleeve portion 37 that surrounds the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the inner heat conductor 33 includes a projection 39 that extends into the heating space 21. The projection 39 is configured to be embedded in the aerosol generating portion 9 of the aerosol generating article 5.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the heater 7 is incorporated into the aerosol generator 3. The heater 7 includes a gas tank 41 that supplies gas for the flame 8 that heats the heat receiving surface 25.

[0081] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the aerosol generation system 1. The left side of Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the system 1 parallel to the axial direction. The right side of Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the system 1 perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0082] The heater 7 of system 1 in Figure 9 is configured to generate multiple flames 8 for heating the heat receiving surface 25. As shown in the left portion of Figure 9, some of the flames 8 are spaced apart along the axial direction, improving the heat distribution along the axial direction. As shown in the right portion of Figure 9, some of the flames 8 are generated at positions spaced apart along the circumferential direction, distributing the heating along the circumferential direction. The heater 7 may be an integral part of the aerosol generator 3. The heater 7 may be combined with the aerosol generator 3. The heater 7 may be housed in the heater housing 23 of the aerosol generator 3.

[0083] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., should be understood in all cases as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, number A is understood as 5 percent of A ± A. In this context, number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic modified by number A. Number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that in some cases, such as those used in the appended claims, the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the fundamental and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, An axially extending heating space configured to contain at least partially an aerosol-generating article, A heat receiving surface provided on the outside of the aforementioned heating space, A heat storage body is provided between the heat receiving surface and the heating space, The heat storage body and the heating space are provided with an inner heat conductor, The material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor. An aerosol generator wherein the material of the inner heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the material of the heat storage body has a specific heat of 300 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1,500 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 500 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1,200 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1,000 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 800 joules / kelvin per kilogram.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner heat conductor extends into the heating space and has a projection that is configured to be embedded in the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating space.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an outer heat conductor provided between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body.

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 4, wherein the thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor is different at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor.

6. The aerosol generator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the thickness of the outer heat conductor differs at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor.

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein one or more channels are provided in the outer heat conductor.

8. The aerosol generator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor is highest at the heat receiving surface.

9. The aerosol generator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the outer heat conductor comprises at least two different materials having different thermal conductivity.

10. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a heater configured to generate one or more flames for heating the heat receiving surface.

11. Aerosol generation system, an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The aerosol generating article comprises, The aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating section containing a material configured to generate an aerosol when heated, An aerosol generating system in which, when the aerosol generating article is at least partially housed in the heated space, the aerosol generating unit is at least partially housed in the heated space.

12. A method for generating aerosols, This involves heating the heat receiving surface of the aerosol generator, The aerosol generator contains, at least partially, an aerosol generating article, and heats it. A heat storage body provided between the heat receiving surface and the aerosol generating article stores heat generated by heating the heat receiving surface, This includes distributing heat to the aerosol generating article via an inner heat conductor provided between the heat storage body and the aerosol generating article, A method wherein the material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the heat receiving surface is heated simultaneously by two or more flames.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, when the aerosol generating article is at least partially housed in the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article extends along the axial direction, and at least two of the flames are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction, and are generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction.

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