Aerosol generation system, and method for manufacturing an aerosol generation system

Abstract

The present invention provides a structure capable of more appropriately heating a substrate. An aerosol generating system is provided, comprising: a tubular member having an opening into which an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol source can be inserted; a membrane-shaped heating member disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member; and a thermal diffusion layer having a first layer having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to a first threshold value and a second layer having a tensile strength greater than or equal to a second threshold value, wherein the thermal diffusion layer is wound and disposed to cover the outer surface of the heating member disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member, with the first layer facing inward and the second layer facing outward.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system and a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating system. Background Technology

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate substances inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely available. For example, an inhalation device generates an aerosol with a flavor component by using a material that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol with a flavor component generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puff action.

[0003] Typically, an aerosol is generated by heating a substrate. For example, the following patent document 1 discloses a technique for heating a substrate by a single film heater wound in a tubular shape to surround the substrate. Prior art literature

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 6210610 The problem to be solved

[0005] In the technology disclosed in the above patent document 1, a film heater is wound on the outer side of a tubular member that accommodates a substrate. However, there was a concern that it would be difficult to properly heat the substrate if the film heater was simply wound onto the tubular member.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problem, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a structure capable of heating the substrate more appropriately. means of solving the problem

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising: a tubular member having an opening into which an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol source can be inserted; a film-shaped heating member disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member; and a thermal diffusion layer having a first layer having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to a first threshold value and a second layer having a tensile strength greater than or equal to a second threshold value, wherein the thermal diffusion layer is wound and disposed to cover the outer surface of the heating member disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member, with the first layer facing inward and the second layer facing outward.

[0008] The second layer may be formed longer than the first layer in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member, and the heat diffusion layer may be formed by bonding the first layer and the second layer so that the second layer covers the first layer over the entire circumferential direction of the cylindrical member.

[0009] The second layer includes a first portion formed to be longer than the first layer in the height direction of the cylindrical member, and among the first portion of the second layer, the two end portions protruding from the first layer in the height direction of the cylindrical member may be adhered to the heating portion.

[0010] The heating member comprises a film-shaped electrical insulating substrate and a conductive track disposed on the electrical insulating substrate, and the two end portions of the first portion of the second layer may be adhered to a blank area where the conductive track is not disposed, which is adjacent in the height direction of the tubular member to the portion of the heating member where a heating portion that generates heat when current is applied to the conductive track is disposed.

[0011] The second layer includes a second portion formed such that the length in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member is longer than the outer circumference length of the cylindrical member, and among the second portions of the second layer, the protruding portion protruding from the first layer in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member may be adhered to the second layer wound one circumferentially inward from the protruding portion.

[0012] The second portion of the second layer may be formed shorter than the first layer in the height direction of the tubular member.

[0013] The first layer may be formed to be longer than the outer circumference length of the tubular member in the circumferential direction of the tubular member.

[0014] The heating member comprises a film-shaped electrical insulating substrate and a conductive track disposed on the electrical insulating substrate, and the heating member may be disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member while covering a portion of the outer surface of the tubular member and exposing another portion.

[0015] The heating member may be formed in a T-shape or a shape including a cutout when viewed from a planar view.

[0016] The above aerosol generating system comprises an insulating layer having a thermal conductivity of less than a third threshold and a heat shrink tube that shrinks when heated, and the heating part and the heat diffusion layer may be wound on the outer surface of the tubular member and fixed to the tubular member by the heat shrink tube while covered by the insulating layer.

[0017] The first layer above may be formed of copper, graphite, or aluminum.

[0018] The above second layer may be formed by PI (Polyimide).

[0019] The above-mentioned tubular member may be formed of SUS (steel use stainless).

[0020] In addition, to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising: attaching a thermal diffusion layer, wherein a first layer having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to a first threshold value and a second layer having a tensile strength greater than or equal to a second threshold value, to a film-shaped heating member with the first layer facing inward; and arranging the attached heating member and the thermal diffusion layer on the outer surface of a tubular member having an opening into which an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol source can be inserted, with the heating member facing inward. Effects of the invention

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, a structure is provided that makes it possible to heat the substrate more appropriately. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a heater assembly according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a heater assembly at arrow AA. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a receiving portion according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an unfolded view of an example of a heating part according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an unfolded view of an example of a heat diffusion sheet according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a heater assembly according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a heater assembly according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a heater assembly according to the first supplement. FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a heater assembly according to the second supplement. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance before the heating part (40) according to the second supplement is placed on the outer surface of the receiving part. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance after the heating part (40) according to the second supplement is placed on the outer surface of the receiving part. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Suitable embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Furthermore, in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are given the same reference numerals to avoid redundant descriptions.

[0024] <1. Example of Suction Device Configuration>

[0025] A suction device is a device that generates a substance inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the suction device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device (100) according to the present configuration example includes a power supply unit (111), a sensor unit (112), a notification unit (113), a memory unit (114), a communication unit (115), a control unit (116), a receiving unit (20), a heating unit (40), and an insulation unit (70).

[0027] The power supply unit (111) accumulates power. Then, the power supply unit (111) supplies power to each component of the suction device (100) based on control by the control unit (116). The power supply unit (111) may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, for example.

[0028] The sensor unit (112) acquires various information regarding the suction device (100). As an example, the sensor unit (112) is composed of a pressure sensor, such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit (112) is composed of an input device that receives input of information from the user, such as a button or a switch.

[0029] The notification unit (113) notifies the user of information. The notification unit (113) is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibrating device.

[0030] The memory unit (114) stores various information for the operation of the suction device (100). The memory unit (114) is configured by a non-volatile memory medium, such as a flash memory.

[0031] The communication unit (115) is a communication interface capable of performing communication based on any wired or wireless communication standard. As such communication standards, for example, standards using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) may be adopted.

[0032] The control unit (116) functions as a computational processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within the suction device (100) according to various programs. The control unit (116) is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0033] The receiving portion (20) includes an internal space (30) and holds and supports the stick-type material (150) while accommodating a portion of the stick-type material (150) in the internal space (30). The receiving portion (20) is configured to allow insertion of the stick-type material (150) through an opening (22). In particular, the receiving portion (20) includes an opening (22) that communicates the internal space (30) to the outside and accommodates the stick-type material (150) inserted into the internal space (30) through the opening (22). For example, the receiving portion (20) is a tubular member having the opening (22) and the bottom wall (26) at both ends and defines a column-shaped internal space (30). An air passage supplying air to the internal space (30) is connected to the receiving portion (20). An air inlet hole, which is the inlet of air to the air passage, is positioned, for example, on the side of the suction device (100). An air outlet hole, which is an outlet of air from the air passage to the internal space (30), is placed, for example, in the bottom wall (26).

[0034] A stick-type substrate (150) includes a substrate portion (151) and an intake portion (152). The substrate portion (151) includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the inhalation device (100) is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a pharmaceutical agent. The aerosol source may be a liquid, such as water, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, which contains a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, for example, or a solid containing a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. When the stick-type substrate (150) is supported in the receiving portion (20), at least a portion of the substrate portion (151) is received in the internal space (30), and at least a portion of the intake portion (152) protrudes from the opening (22). Then, when the user bites and sucks on the suction part (152) protruding from the opening (22), air is introduced into the internal space (30) via an air passage not shown, and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the base part (151).

[0035] The heating unit (40) generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing it. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit (40) is configured in a membrane shape and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the receiving unit (20). Then, when the heating unit (40) generates heat, the base portion (151) of the stick-type base (150) is heated from the outer circumference, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit (40) generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit (111). As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit (112) detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that certain information has been input. Then, power may be stopped when the sensor unit (112) detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or that certain information has been input.

[0036] The insulating part (70) prevents heat transfer from the heating part (40) to other components. For example, the insulating part (70) is composed of vacuum insulating material or aerogel insulating material, etc.

[0037] The suction device (100) and the stick-type material (150) cooperate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. Therefore, the combination of the suction device (100) and the stick-type material (150) may be recognized as an aerosol generating system. The stick-type material (150) is an example of an aerosol generating article that contains an aerosol source and generates an aerosol.

[0038] <2. Detailed Configuration of Heater Assembly>

[0039] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, the physical configuration of the suction device (100) according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a heater assembly (10) according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of a cross-section of the heater assembly (10) at arrow AA. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a receiving portion (20) according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an unfolded view showing an example of a heating portion (40) according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an unfolded view showing an example of a heat diffusion sheet (60) according to the present embodiment. In addition, the unit of the dimensions shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is millimeters [mm]. The outer circumference length of the receiving portion (20) is set to be 23.3 [mm].

[0040] In these drawings, the height direction of the receiving portion (20) (in other words, the direction in which the stick-shaped material (150) is inserted and withdrawn) is also referred to as the up-down direction. Furthermore, the direction of the opening (22) side of the receiving portion (20) is referred to as the up direction, and the direction of the bottom wall (26) side is referred to as the down direction. Additionally, the circumference direction of the receiving portion (20) is also referred to as the left-right direction. Furthermore, when looking from the opening (22) side toward the bottom wall (26) side, the clockwise direction is referred to as the left direction, and the counterclockwise direction is referred to as the right direction.

[0041] The heater assembly (10) is one of the components constituting the suction device (100). The heater assembly (10) is a component particularly involved in heating the stick-type substrate (150). As shown in FIG. 2, the heater assembly (10) includes a receiving portion (20), a heating portion (40), and a heat diffusion sheet (60). In particular, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the heater assembly (10) is configured by winding and arranging the heating portion (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60) on the outer surface of the receiving portion (20).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the receiving portion (20) is a cylindrical member with a bottom, comprising an opening (22), a side wall (24), and a bottom wall (26) that blocks the end opposite to the opening (22). An unillustrated hole is provided in the bottom wall (26), and an air passage (28) configured in a cylindrical shape is connected thereto. A stick-shaped substrate (150) is inserted into the receiving portion (20) through the opening (22) and is received in an internal space (30) surrounded by the side wall (24) and the bottom wall (26). The receiving portion (20) is constructed of a material having a predetermined heat transfer property, such as SUS (Steel Use Stainless). This enables efficient heating of the stick-shaped substrate (150).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the side wall (24) of the receiving portion (20) includes two flat portions (24a) formed in a flat shape and two curved portions (24b) formed in a curved shape. As shown in FIG. 3, the shape of the receiving portion (20) in a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction may be approximately elliptical. In detail, in a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction, the two flat portions (24a) may each form a straight line, and the two curved portions (24b) may each form a semicircular arc. It is preferable that the distance between the inner surfaces of the two flat portions (24a) be smaller than the width of the stick-shaped substrate (150). In that case, the receiving portion (20) can hold and support the stick-shaped substrate (150) while pressing it with the two flat portions (24a).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the heating unit (40) includes a conductive track (41) and an electrical insulating substrate (42). The conductive track (41) is a circuit formed by a conductive material. The electrical insulating substrate (42) is a film-shaped substrate formed by an insulating material. Polyimide (PI) may be used as an insulating material. The heating unit (40) may be configured by placing the conductive track (41) on the film-shaped electrical insulating substrate (42). For example, the heating unit (40) may be a film heater configured by sandwiching the conductive track (41) between two electrical insulating substrates (42) formed as PI films. Other insulating materials may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or fluoropolymer resin.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the conductive track (41) includes a heating portion (41a) and a non-heating portion (41b). The heating portion (41a) is a part of the conductive track (41) that generates heat when current is applied. The non-heating portion (41b) is a part of the conductive track (41) that does not generate heat or generates extremely small heat even when current is applied. That is, the electrical resistance of the heating portion (41a) is higher than the electrical resistance of the non-heating portion (41b). As an example, the heating portion (41a) may be configured to be thin, and the non-heating portion (41b) may be configured to be wide. This allows the relationship between the magnitudes of the electrical resistances described above to be realized. Additionally, the heating portion (41a) may be configured, for example, with SUS (steel use stainless). Meanwhile, the non-heating portion (41b) may be configured with a material containing at least one of copper or nickel. Specifically, the non-heating portion (41b) may be constructed by plating SUS with copper and nickel. In that case, for example, the thickness of the SUS may be 30 μm, the thickness of the nickel may be 30 μm, and the thickness of the copper may be 5 μm. With such a construction, in addition to realizing the relationship between the magnitudes of the electrical resistance described above, the heat resistance of the heating portion (41a) can be increased. Of course, the material constituting the conductive track (41) is not limited to the above examples and may be other materials such as aluminum.

[0046] The heating portion (40) is placed in the receiving portion (20) while covering a portion of the outer surface of the receiving portion (20) and exposing another portion. In particular, as shown in FIG. 5, the heating portion (40) may be formed in a shape that includes cutouts (49a and 49b) when viewed from a planar view. In that case, the heating portion (40) covers the outer surface of the receiving portion (20) except for the cutouts (49a and 49b). Meanwhile, the outer surface of the receiving portion (20) is exposed at the cutouts (49a and 49b). According to this configuration, if there is an irregularity on the outer surface of the receiving portion (20), it becomes possible for the heating portion (40) to adhere to the outer surface of the receiving portion (20) while avoiding the irregularity on the outer surface of the receiving portion (20) through the cutouts (49a and 49b). In the absence of cuts (49a and 49b), the heating part (40) may lift off the uneven part of the outer surface of the receiving part (20), and the temperature of the lifted part may rise rapidly, potentially damaging the heating part (40). In this regard, according to this configuration, since the heating part (40) adheres closely to the outer surface of the receiving part (20), it is possible to prevent damage to the heating part (40).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the electrical insulating substrate (42) includes cutouts (49a and 49b). A conductive track (41) is placed on the electrical insulating substrate (42) bypassing the cutouts (49a and 49b). Specifically, the conductive track (41) is placed on the electrical insulating substrate (42) such that it bypasses the cutouts (49a and 49b) from the bottom, runs over the electrical insulating substrate (42) in a single pass, and returns to the bottom. The conductive track (41) is exposed from the electrical insulating substrate (42) at the bottom of the heating section (40) and is electrically connected to the power supply section (111). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the conductive track (41) is formed in an M shape including three bends at the heating section (41a). As shown in FIG. 3, the heating portions (41a-1 to 41a-4) corresponding to the four vertical bars arranged before and after the three bends constituting the M shape may be spaced apart at equal intervals on the outer surface of the receiving portion (20). Of course, the number of bends of the conductive track (41) is not limited to 3, but may be any number of 1 or more.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the heat diffusion sheet (60) is composed of a graphite sheet (62) and a PI tape (64) laminated together. The heat diffusion sheet (60) is an example of a heat diffusion layer formed in a film shape. The heat diffusion sheet (60) has the function of diffusing heat. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the heat diffusion sheet (60) is wound and arranged to cover the outer side of the heating unit (40) which is wound and arranged on the outer surface of the receiving portion (20). With this configuration, the heat from the heating unit (40) can be diffused throughout the receiving portion (20). As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently heat the stick-shaped substrate (150) contained in the receiving portion (20).

[0049] The graphite sheet (62) is a sheet-shaped member composed of graphite. The graphite sheet (62) is an example of a first layer having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to a first threshold value. It is preferable that the thermal conductivity of the graphite sheet (62) be at least higher than the thermal conductivity of the receiving portion (20). An example of the first threshold value is 50 [W / (m·K)], and more preferably 100 [W / (m·K)]. In addition, it is preferable that the thermal conductivity in the plane direction of the graphite sheet (62) be greater than or equal to the first threshold value, and the thermal conductivity in the thickness direction of the graphite sheet (62) is not particularly limited. This is because the thermal conduction in the thickness direction is rate-limited by the electrical insulating substrate (42). For example, the graphite sheet (62) may be composed of a thickness of 40 [um], have a thermal conductivity in the plane direction of 1500 [W / (m·K)], and a thermal conductivity in the thickness direction of 5 [W / (m·K)]. With this configuration, the graphite sheet (62) can efficiently transfer heat from the heating part (40) to the entire receiving part (20).

[0050] The PI tape (64) is a tape composed of PI. The PI tape (64) is formed by applying an adhesive to one side of a film-shaped member composed of PI. The PI tape (64) is an example of a second layer having a tensile strength greater than or equal to a second threshold value. It is preferable that the tensile strength of the PI tape (64) be at least higher than the tensile strength of the graphite sheet (62). An example of the second threshold value is 60 [MPa] under room temperature conditions, and more preferably 120 [MPa]. Furthermore, an example of this second threshold value relates to the longitudinal tensile strength when the PI tape (64) is 25 mm wide. With this configuration, the PI tape (64) makes it possible to prevent the graphite sheet (62) from tearing during assembly.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the PI tape (64) includes a vertically elongated PI tape (66) and a horizontally elongated PI tape (68). The vertically elongated PI tape (66) is an example of a first portion of the PI tape (64). The horizontally elongated PI tape (68) is an example of a second portion of the PI tape (64).

[0052] The heat diffusion sheet (60) is constructed by having the bottom layer be a graphite sheet (62), the middle layer be a vertically elongated PI tape (66), and the top layer be a horizontally elongated PI tape (68), and then bonding them together in a polymerized state. The vertically elongated PI tape (66) and the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) are polymerized with the adhesive surface facing the bottom layer. In particular, the graphite sheet (62), the vertically elongated PI tape (66), and the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) are polymerized such that their right ends align and their upper and lower centers align. Additionally, in this case, when the heat diffusion sheet (60) is wound onto the receiving portion (20), the inner layer is set as the bottom layer and the outer layer is set as the top layer.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the length of the graphite sheet (62) in the vertical direction is 10 mm, and the length in the horizontal direction is 28 mm. The length of the vertically elongated PI tape (66) in the vertical direction is 13 mm, and the length in the horizontal direction is 4 mm. The length of the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) in the vertical direction is 8 mm, and the length in the horizontal direction is 36 mm.

[0054] The heat diffusion sheet (60) is wound and arranged to cover the outer side of the heating unit (40) placed on the outer surface of the receiving unit (20), with the graphite sheet (62) on the inside and the PI tape (64) on the outside. That is, the heating unit (40), the graphite sheet (62), and the PI tape (64) are wound and arranged in this order on the outer surface of the receiving unit (20). With this configuration, it is possible to make the graphite sheet (62) adhere to the heating unit (40) or the receiving unit (20). As a result, it is possible to improve the heat diffusion effect from the heating unit (40) to the receiving unit (20) through the graphite sheet (62). Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to protect the graphite sheet (62) adhered to the heating unit (40) or the receiving unit (20) from the outside by the PI tape (64). As a result, it becomes possible to improve the tear-prevention effect of the graphite sheet (62) by the PI tape (64).

[0055] The graphite sheet (62) is formed to be longer than the outer circumference length of the receiving portion (20) in the left-right direction. Specifically, the left-right length of the graphite sheet (62) is 28 mm, and the outer circumference length of the receiving portion (20) is 23.3 mm. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the graphite sheet (62) is wound around the outer surface of the receiving portion (20) for more than one time. With this configuration, it is possible to completely cover the outer circumference of the receiving portion (20) with the graphite sheet (62) and spread the heat of the heating portion (40) over the entire outer circumference of the receiving portion (20).

[0056] The horizontally elongated PI tape (68) is formed to be longer than the outer circumference of the receiving portion (20) in the left-right direction. Specifically, the left-right length of the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) is 36 mm, and the outer circumference of the receiving portion (20) is 23.3 mm. With this configuration, the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) is wound around the receiving portion (20) for more than one time, making it possible to fix the graphite sheet (62) more firmly.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, the PI tape (64) (specifically, the horizontally elongated PI tape (68)) is formed to be longer than the graphite sheet (62) in the left-right direction. Specifically, the left-right length of the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) is 36 mm, and the left-right length of the graphite sheet (62) is 28 mm. Then, the heat diffusion sheet (60) is formed by bonding the graphite sheet (62) and the PI tape (64) so ​​that the PI tape (64) (specifically, the horizontally elongated PI tape (68)) covers the graphite sheet (62) over the entire left-right direction. As described later, the heat diffusion sheet (60) is wound onto the outer surface of the receiving portion (20) by rotating the receiving portion (20) while the heat diffusion sheet (60) is pressed firmly against the receiving portion (20) with a rubber roller or the like. In this regard, according to this configuration, when winding the heat diffusion sheet (60) onto the receiving portion (20), the rubber roller can be made to come into contact only with the PI tape (64) and not with the graphite sheet (62). By doing so, it is possible to relieve the force applied to the graphite sheet (62) and prevent the graphite sheet (62) from breaking.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) is provided with a protruding portion (68a) that protrudes from the graphite sheet (62) in the left and right directions. And, as shown in FIG. 3, this protruding portion (68a) is adhered to a PI tape (64) (specifically, the horizontally elongated PI tape (68)) wound one circumference inward from the protruding portion (68a). With this configuration, the position of the graphite sheet (62) can be fixed by the horizontally elongated PI tape (68). As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation where unnecessary force is applied to the graphite sheet (62) and the graphite sheet (62) breaks.

[0059] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) may be formed to be shorter than the graphite sheet (62) in the vertical direction. Specifically, the vertical length of the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) is 8 mm, and the vertical length of the graphite sheet (62) is 10 mm. With this configuration, a situation in which the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) protrudes from the graphite sheet (62) in the vertical direction and is directly adhered to the heating part (40) or the receiving part (20) is prevented. This allows the graphite sheet (62) to be fixed with a gap. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which unnecessary force is applied to the graphite sheet (62) and the graphite sheet (62) breaks.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the vertically elongated PI tape (66) is formed to be longer than the graphite sheet (62) in the vertical direction. Specifically, the vertical length of the vertically elongated PI tape (66) is 13 mm, and the vertical length of the graphite sheet (62) is 10 mm. Accordingly, the vertical end portions (66a and 66b) of the vertically elongated PI tape (66) protrude from the graphite sheet (62) in the vertical direction. Specifically, the vertical end portions (66a and 66b) of the vertically elongated PI tape (66) protrude 1.5 mm from the graphite sheet (62) in the vertical direction. Then, the vertical end portions (66a and 66b) of the vertically elongated PI tape (66) that protrude from the graphite sheet (62) in the vertical direction are adhered to the heating unit (40). According to this configuration, it is possible to fix the heat diffusion sheet (60) to the heating unit (40) so as to prevent misalignment between the heating unit (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60).

[0061] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the heating unit (40) includes a blank area (43a and 43b) in which a conductive track (41) is not placed, which is adjacent in the vertical direction to the portion where the heating portion (41a) is placed. The blank area (43a and 43b) is an area consisting only of an electrical insulating material (42). And, the vertical end portions (66a and 66b) of the vertically elongated PI tape (66) are adhered to the blank area (43a and 43b) of the heating unit (40). In this way, by providing the blank area (43a and 43b) for attaching the heat diffusion sheet (60) in advance in the heating unit (40), it becomes possible to fix the heat diffusion sheet (60) more firmly to the heating unit (40).

[0062] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the size of the area where the heating portion (41a) of the heating unit (40) is placed is 20.75 mm in the left-right direction and 10 mm in the up-down direction. Also, the margin areas (43a and 43b) of the heating unit (40) are configured with positions and sizes corresponding to the two end portions (66a and 66b) of the vertically elongated PI tape (66). Specifically, a margin area (43a) having a size of 1.5 mm in the up-down direction and 6.1 mm in the left-right direction is provided on the upper side of the area where the heating portion (41a) of the heating unit (40) is placed. Meanwhile, a margin area (43b) having a size of 1.5 mm in the up-down direction and 6.1 mm in the left-right direction is provided on the lower side of the area where the heating portion (41a) of the heating unit (40) is placed. And, the margin area (43a) and margin area (43b) of the heating unit (40) are provided to be spaced 10 mm apart in the vertical direction. As a result, the length from the top to the bottom of the margin area (43a and 43b) becomes 13 mm, which is the same as the vertical length of the PI tape (66), and the length from the left end to the right end of the margin area (43a and 43b) becomes 6.1 mm, which is longer than the horizontal length of the PI tape (66). Thus, it becomes possible to adhere the vertical end portions (66a and 66b) of the PI tape (66) to the margin area (43a and 43b) without leaving any gaps. In addition, it becomes possible to wind a graphite sheet (62) having a length of 10 mm in the vertical direction in an area having a length of 10 mm in the vertical direction where the heating portion (41a) of the heating portion (40) is placed. With this configuration, the portion where the heating portion (41a) of the heating portion (40) is placed is completely covered by the graphite sheet (62), making it possible to efficiently diffuse the heat of the heating portion (40).

[0063] <3. Method of manufacturing heater assembly>

[0064] Hereinafter, an example of a method for manufacturing a heater assembly (10) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8. FIGS. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a heater assembly (10) according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a heater assembly (10) according to the present embodiment.

[0065] The manufacturing method described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed, for example, by a machine tool. The machine tool may include a belt conveyor for conveying various parts, an arm for gripping and operating various parts, a rotor for rotating a receiving part (20), and a rubber roller for pressing and adhering a heating part (40) and a heat diffusion sheet (60) to the outer surface of the rotating receiving part (20).

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the machine tool produces a heat diffusion sheet (60) by laminating and bonding a graphite sheet (62), a vertically long PI tape (66), and a horizontally long PI tape (68) (step S102).

[0067] Next, the machine tool adheres the heat diffusion sheet (60) to the heating part (40) with the graphite sheet (62) facing inward (step S104). In particular, the machine tool adheres the upper and lower end portions (66a and 66b) of the vertically elongated PI tape (66) to the blank areas (43a and 43b) of the heating part (40).

[0068] Next, the machine tool places the bonded heating part (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60) by winding them onto the outer surface of the receiving part (20) with the heating part (40) facing inward (Step S106). In detail, first, as shown in FIG. 8, the machine tool attaches the portion corresponding to the vertically elongated PI tape (66) among the bonded heating part (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60) to the flat portion (24a) of the receiving part (20). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 8, the machine tool rotates the receiving part (20) 100° to the left and then rotates it 640° to the right. At that time, the machine tool rotates the receiving part (20) while firmly pressing the heating part (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60) onto the outer surface of the receiving part (20) with a rubber roller. Thus, the heating part (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60) can be suitably adhered to the outer surface of the receiving part (20).

[0069] <4. Compass>

[0070] Although suitable embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that various modifications or alterations can be made within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims, and these are also naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0071] (1) First supplement

[0072] In the above embodiment, the insulating part (70) was omitted from the configuration of the heater assembly (10), but the heater assembly (10) may include the insulating part (70). A heater assembly (10) including the insulating part (70) will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a heater assembly (10) according to the first supplement.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, the heater assembly (10) may include an insulating section (70) and a heat shrink tube (80) in addition to the receiving section (20), the heating section (40), and the heat diffusion sheet (60). The heater assembly (10) shown in FIG. 9 is configured by winding and arranging the heating section (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60) on the outer surface of the receiving section (20), and also winding and arranging the insulating section (70) and the heat shrink tube (80) on the outer side thereof.

[0074] The insulation section (70) is composed of an insulation sheet (71) and a PI tape (72) laminated together. The insulation sheet (71) is an example of an insulation layer having a thermal conductivity less than a third threshold value. It is preferable that the thermal conductivity of the insulation sheet (71) be at least lower than that of the PI tape (64). An example of the third threshold value is 1 [W / mK], and more preferably 0.5 [W / mK]. For example, the insulation sheet (71) is composed of glass material, vacuum insulation material, or aerogel insulation material. As an example, the insulation sheet (71) may be an aerogel sheet composed of aerogel insulation material with a thermal conductivity of 0.02 [W / mK]. The PI tape (72) is a tape composed of PI. The PI tape (72) is formed by applying an adhesive to one surface of a film-shaped member composed of PI.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9, the insulation section (70) is wound and positioned further outward than the heating section (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60) wound on the outer surface of the receiving section (20). In particular, the insulation section (70) is wound with the insulation sheet (71) facing inward and the PI tape (72) facing outward, and also with the adhesive surface of the PI tape (72) facing inward. The PI tape (72) is formed to be longer than the insulation sheet (71) in the left-right direction. Then, the protruding portion (72a) of the PI tape (72) that protrudes from the insulation sheet (71) in the left-right direction is adhered to the PI tape (72) wound one circumference inward from said protruding portion (72a) of the PI tape (72). By doing so, the PI tape (72) can fix the insulation sheet (71). According to this configuration, the outer circumference of the heat diffusion sheet (60) can be completely covered by the insulating part (70). As a result, it is possible to prevent heat from the heating part (40) diffused by the heat diffusion sheet (60) from spreading outward beyond the insulating part (70).

[0076] The heat shrink tube (80) is a tubular member that shrinks when heat is applied. The heating member (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60) are wound onto the outer surface of the receiving member (20) and, while covered by the insulation member (70), are fixed to the receiving member (20) by the heat shrink tube (80). For example, the heat shrink tube (80) is made of a resin material. By heating the heat shrink tube (80) while the heating member (40), the heat diffusion sheet (60), the insulation member (70), and the heat shrink tube (80) are wound onto the receiving member (20) in sequence, it becomes possible to easily fix these components.

[0077] (2) Second supplement

[0078] As described in the above embodiment, the heating part (40) is disposed on the outer surface of the receiving part (20) while covering a part of the outer surface of the receiving part (20) and exposing another part. However, the shape of the heating part (40) for realizing this configuration is not formed to include cutouts (49a and 49b) when viewed from a planar view. As another example, the heating part (40) may be formed in a T-shape when viewed from a planar view. Hereinafter, an example in which the heating part (40) is formed in a T-shape will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a heater assembly (10) according to the second supplement. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance before the heating part (40) according to the second supplement is placed on the outer surface of the receiving part (20). FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance after the heating part (40) according to the second supplement is placed on the outer surface of the receiving part (20).

[0080] As shown in FIG. 10, the heater assembly (10) includes a receiving portion (20), a heating portion (40), and a heat diffusion sheet (60). In particular, the heater assembly (10) is configured by placing the heating portion (40) and the heat diffusion sheet (60) on the outer surface of the receiving portion (20).

[0081] The configuration of the receiving portion (20) is as described in the above embodiment. However, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the flat portion (24a) of the receiving portion (20) is formed only on the lower part of the side wall (24), and the side wall (24) above the flat portion (24a) may be curved.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11, the heating section (40) forms a T-shape when viewed from a flat plane in its pre-bending state. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the horizontal bar portion (44) of the T-shape of the heating section (40) is bent to follow the outer surface of the receiving section (20) and is positioned along the outer surface of the receiving section (20). Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 12, the vertical bar portion (45) of the T-shape of the heating section (40) is bent in the opposite direction to the horizontal bar portion (44) of the T-shape and is spaced apart from the outer surface of the receiving section (20).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 11, a hole (46) is provided in the heating section (40). More specifically, a hole (46) is provided in the central part of the T-shape before bending. Then, the conductive track (41) is arranged so that it bypasses the hole (46), passes through the horizontal bar section (44) of the T-shape, and returns to the end of the vertical bar section (45) of the T-shape, starting from the end of the vertical bar section (45) of the heating section (40).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, the heating unit (40) is positioned around the receiving unit (20) such that the air passage (28) provided in the bottom wall (26) of the receiving unit (20) passes through the hole (46) of the heating unit (40). In particular, the hole (46) of the heating unit (40) is externally connected to the air passage (28). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent misalignment of the heating unit (40).

[0085] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 12, the heating unit (40) is bent at the horizontal bar portion (44) of the T and is positioned along the bottom wall (26) and the flat portion (24a) of the receiving unit (20). Here, the two flat portions (24a) are positioned opposite each other, and the horizontal bar portion (44) of the heating unit (40) is positioned along each of these two opposing flat portions (24a). With this configuration, the heating unit (40) is fixed by clamping the receiving unit (20) from the outside of the opposing flat portion (24a). This makes it possible to prevent the heating unit (40) from shifting position.

[0086] The configuration of the heat diffusion sheet (60) is as described in the above embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the heat diffusion sheet (60) is wound and placed in a receiving portion (20) in which a heating portion (40) is arranged, with the graphite sheet (62) facing inward. In particular, the heat diffusion sheet (60) is wound and placed on the outer surface of the receiving portion (20) to cover the T-shaped horizontal bar portion (44) of the heating portion (40) arranged on the flat portion (24a) of the receiving portion (20). In the example shown in FIG. 10, a vertically elongated PI tape (66) is attached to the curved portion (24b) of the receiving portion (20). This arrangement is an example, and the vertically elongated PI tape (66) may be attached to the heating portion (40) arranged on the flat portion (24a) of the receiving portion (20).

[0087] (3) Others

[0088] In the above embodiment, a graphite sheet (62) composed of graphite was given as an example of the first layer constituting the heat diffusion sheet (60), but the present invention is not limited to such examples. The first layer constituting the heat diffusion sheet (60) may be composed of one or more materials selected from a group of materials including copper, graphite, or aluminum.

[0089] In the above embodiment, a PI tape (64) composed of PI was used as an example of a second layer constituting the heat diffusion sheet (60), but the present invention is not limited to such examples. The second layer constituting the heat diffusion sheet (60) may be composed of one or more materials selected from a group of materials including PI, silica, polyester, or glass cloth.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the heat diffusion sheet (60) is formed by bonding the bottom layer as a graphite sheet (62), the middle layer as a vertically elongated PI tape (66), and the top layer as a horizontally elongated PI tape (68) in a polymerized state, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The bonding order of the vertically elongated PI tape (66) and the horizontally elongated PI tape (68) may be reversed.

[0091] Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. A program constituting the software is stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium provided inside or outside each device (specifically, a non-transient storage medium readable by a computer). Then, each program is loaded into RAM, for example, upon execution by a computer controlling each device described in this specification, and is executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magnetic-optical disk, a flash memory, etc. Furthermore, the computer program may be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer may be an integrated circuit for a specific purpose, such as an ASIC, a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used for cloud computing. Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be distributed and processed by a plurality of computers.

[0092] Furthermore, the processing described using flowcharts and sequence diagrams in this specification does not necessarily have to be executed in the order depicted. Several processing steps may be executed in parallel. Additionally, additional processing steps may be employed, or some processing steps may be omitted.

[0093] In addition, the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0094] (1)

[0095] A tubular member having an opening into which an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol source can be inserted, and

[0096] A membrane-shaped heating element disposed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned tubular member, and

[0097] A thermal diffusion layer having a first layer having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to a first critical value and a second layer having a tensile strength greater than or equal to a second critical value.

[0098] Equipped with,

[0099] The heat diffusion layer is wound and arranged to cover the outer side of the heating part disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member, with the first layer on the inside and the second layer on the outside.

[0100] Aerosol generation system.

[0101] (2)

[0102] The second layer is formed to be longer than the first layer in the circumferential direction of the tubular member, and

[0103] The heat diffusion layer is formed by bonding the first layer and the second layer so that the second layer covers the first layer over the entire circumferential direction of the tubular member.

[0104] The aerosol generating system described in (1) above.

[0105] (3)

[0106] The second layer includes a first portion formed to be longer than the first layer in the height direction of the tubular member, and

[0107] Among the first portion of the second layer, the two end portions protruding from the first layer in the height direction of the tubular member are adhered to the heating portion.

[0108] The aerosol generating system described in (1) or (2) above.

[0109] (4)

[0110] The heating unit above is,

[0111] A film-shaped electrical insulating substrate, and

[0112] A conductive track placed on the above electrical insulation substrate

[0113] Includes,

[0114] The two end portions of the first portion of the second layer are adhered to a blank area where the conductive track is not arranged, which is adjacent in the height direction of the tubular member to the portion among the heating portions where a heating portion that generates heat when current is applied among the conductive tracks is arranged.

[0115] The aerosol generating system described in (3) above.

[0116] (5)

[0117] The second layer includes a second portion formed such that the length in the circumferential direction of the tubular member is longer than the outer circumference length of the tubular member, and

[0118] Among the second portions of the second layer, the protruding portion protruding from the first layer in the circumferential direction of the tubular member is adhered to the second layer wound one circumferentially inward from the protruding portion.

[0119] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (4).

[0120] (6)

[0121] The second portion of the second layer is formed to be shorter than the first layer in the height direction of the tubular member,

[0122] The aerosol generating system described in (5) above.

[0123] (7)

[0124] The first layer is formed to be longer than the outer circumference length of the tubular member in the circumferential direction of the tubular member,

[0125] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (6).

[0126] (8)

[0127] The heating unit above is,

[0128] A film-shaped electrical insulating substrate, and

[0129] A conductive track placed on the above electrical insulation substrate

[0130] Includes,

[0131] The heating member is disposed on the outer surface of the cylindrical member while covering a portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical member and exposing another portion.

[0132] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (7).

[0133] (9)

[0134] The heating member is formed in a shape including a T-shape or a cutout when viewed in a planar view.

[0135] The aerosol generating system described in (8) above.

[0136] (10)

[0137] The above aerosol generating system is,

[0138] An insulating layer with a thermal conductivity below the third critical threshold, and

[0139] Heat shrink tube that shrinks when heated

[0140] Equipped with,

[0141] The heating member and the heat diffusion layer are wound on the outer surface of the tubular member and, while covered by the insulating layer, are fixed to the tubular member by a heat shrink tube.

[0142] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (9).

[0143] (11)

[0144] The first layer above is formed by copper, graphite, or aluminum,

[0145] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (10).

[0146] (12)

[0147] The second layer above is formed by PI (Polyimide),

[0148] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (11).

[0149] (13)

[0150] The above-mentioned tubular member is formed by SUS (steel use stainless),

[0151] An aerosol generating system described in any one of the above (1) to (12).

[0152] (14)

[0153] A thermal diffusion layer, wherein a first layer having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to a first threshold value and a second layer having a tensile strength greater than or equal to a second threshold value are laminated, and is bonded to a film-shaped heating part with the first layer facing inward, and

[0154] Arranging the bonded heating portion and the heat diffusion layer on the outer surface of a tubular member having an opening into which an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol source can be inserted, with the heating portion facing inward.

[0155] A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating system comprising Explanation of the symbols

[0156] 100: Suction device 111: Power supply 112: Sensor section 113: Notification Department 114: Memory Department 115: Communications Department 116: Control unit 150: Stick-type material 151: Ministry of Economy and Finance 152: Intake part 10: Heater assembly 20: Reception Department 22: Frog 24: Sidewall (24a: Flat section, 24b: Curved section) 26: Floor and wall 28: Air Euro 30: Interior space 40: Heating part 41: Challenge Track (41a: Heated section, 41b: Non-heated section) 42: Electrical insulation material 43a, 43b: Margin area 60: Heat diffusion sheet 62: Graphite sheet 64: PI tape 66: Long vertical PI tape (66a, 66b: both ends) 68: Horizontally long PI tape (68a: protruding part) 70: Insulation section 71: Insulation sheet 72: PI tape (72a: protruding part) 80: Heat shrink tubing

Claims

Claim 1 A cylindrical member comprising an opening into which an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol source can be inserted, a membrane-shaped heating member disposed on the outer surface of the cylindrical member, and a thermal diffusion layer comprising a first layer having a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to a first critical value and a second layer having a tensile strength greater than or equal to a second critical value, wherein the thermal diffusion layer is wound and disposed to cover the outer side of the heating member disposed on the outer surface of the cylindrical member with the first layer facing inward and the second layer facing outward, wherein the second layer includes a second portion formed such that its length in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member is longer than the outer circumference length of the cylindrical member, wherein the second portion of the second layer is formed to be shorter than the first layer in the height direction of the cylindrical member, and among the second portion of the second layer, a protruding portion protruding from the first layer in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member is wound on the second layer which is wound one circumferentially inward from the protruding portion. Adhesive, aerosol generating system. Claim 2 An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the second layer is formed to be longer than the first layer in the circumferential direction of the tubular member, and the heat diffusion layer is formed by bonding the first layer and the second layer so that the second layer covers the first layer over the entire circumferential direction of the tubular member. Claim 3 An aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second layer comprises a first portion formed to be longer than the first layer in the height direction of the tubular member, and among the first portion of the second layer, the two end portions protruding from the first layer in the height direction of the tubular member are adhered to the heating portion or the tubular member. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the heating member comprises a film-shaped electrical insulating substrate and a conductive track disposed on the electrical insulating substrate, and the two end portions of the first portion of the second layer are adhered to a blank area where the conductive track is not disposed, which is adjacent in the height direction of the tubular member to the portion of the heating member where a heating portion that generates heat when current is applied to the conductive track is disposed. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 An aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer is formed to be longer than the outer circumference length of the tubular member in the circumferential direction of the tubular member. Claim 8 An aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating member comprises a film-shaped electrical insulating substrate and a conductive track disposed on the electrical insulating substrate, and the heating member is disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member while covering a portion of the outer surface of the tubular member and exposing another portion. Claim 9 In claim 8, the heating part is formed in a shape including a T-shape or a cutout when viewed in a planar view, in an aerosol generating system. Claim 10 The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an insulating layer having a thermal conductivity of less than a third threshold and a heat shrink tube that shrinks when heated, and wherein the heating part and the heat diffusion layer are wound on the outer surface of the tubular member and fixed to the tubular member by the heat shrink tube while covered by the insulating layer. Claim 11 An aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer is formed by copper, graphite, or aluminum. Claim 12 In claim 1 or 2, the aerosol generating system, wherein the second layer is formed by PI (Polyimide). Claim 13 In claim 1 or 2, the above-mentioned tubular member is an aerosol generating system formed by SUS (steel use stainless). Claim 14 delete

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