Patent Application
20240114976
The present disclosure relates to heating an aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure relates to managing heat in an aerosol-generating device.
EP 0 858 744 A1 describes a flavor generation piece having a heat conduction tube in which a formed body of solid material for generating a flavor or the like to be inhaled by a user is provided. The flavor generation piece may be inserted into a flavor generation heater so that the heat conduction tube is provided above a gas nozzle for providing a flame. An inner surface of the heat conduction tube is covered with a heat accumulating material layer. The heat accumulating material layer allows a temperature of the formed body in the heat conduction tube to be maintained at a flavor generation temperature for a longer time.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device with an axially extending heating space. The heating space is configured to at least partially receive an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heat receiving surface provided outside of the heating space. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heat storage body and an inner heat conduction body. The heat storage body is provided between the heat receiving surface and the heating space. The inner heat conduction body is provided between the heat storage body and the heating space. A material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat capacity than a material of the inner heat conduction body. The material of the inner heat conduction body has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.
The heat storage body may serve as a heat buffer. The heat storage body may take up heat from the heat receiving surface, when the heat receiving surface is heated. The heat taken up by the heat storage body may be provided to the heating space over time to heat the aerosol-generating article provided therein. The heat storage body may take up a certain amount of heat over a first time and release the amount of heat over a second, greater time. For example, the second time may be at least twenty times the first time, or at least fifteen times the first time, or at least ten times the first time, or at least five times the first time, or at least double the first time. Due to the buffer function of the heat storage body, overheating of the heating space may be prevented, when the heat receiving surface is heated to high temperatures. Further, the heat storage body may allow the heating space to maintain an aerosol generation temperature for a longer period of time after heating of the heat receiving surface has stopped.
The inner heat conduction body may facilitate transferring heat stored in the heat storage body towards the heating space, and thus towards an aerosol-generating article at least partially received in the heating space. The inner heat conduction body may distribute the heat to desired regions at the aerosol-generating article in an efficient manner. The inner heat conduction body may guide a flow of heat from the heat storage body.
The material of the heat storage body may have a specific heat capacity between 300 joule per kelvin per kilogram and 1500 joule per kelvin per kilogram, or between 500 joule per kelvin per kilogram and 1200 joule per kelvin per kilogram, or between 600 joule per kelvin per kilogram and 1000 joule per kelvin per kilogram, or between 600 joule per kelvin per kilogram and 800 joule per kelvin per kilogram.
The material of the heat storage body may, for example, be glass or metal. The material of the heat storage body may comprise glass or metal.
One or both of the material of the heat storage body and the material of the inner heat conduction body may have a melting temperature above 800 degrees Celsius, or above 900 degrees Celsius, or above 1000 degrees Celsius, or above 1100 degrees Celsius, or above 1300 degrees Celsius, or above 1500 degrees Celsius. In view of such melting temperatures, the heat storage body and the inner heat conduction body may be prevented from melting upon heating the heat receiving surface. In particular, the heat storage body and the inner heat conduction body may be prevented from melting, when the heat receiving surface is heated by one or more flames, such as a flame generated by a common cigarette lighter.
One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conduction body may circumferentially surround the heating space. If the heat storage body circumferentially surrounds the heating space, the heat storage body may store heat circumferentially around the heating space. If the inner heat conduction body circumferentially surrounds the heating space, heat may be distributed by the inner heat conduction body fully around the heating space. One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conduction body may surround the heating space over a full circumference of the heating space. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conduction body 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 a full circumference of the heating space. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conduction body may surround the heating space over no more than 90 percent, or no more than 80 percent, or no more than 70 percent, or no more than 60 percent, or no more than 50 percent of a full circumference of the heating space.
The inner heat conduction body may comprise a protrusion extending into the heating space. The protrusion may be configured to immerse into the aerosol-generating article upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating space. In particular, the protrusion may be configured to immerse into an aerosol-generating section of the aerosol-generating article. The protrusion may conduct heat into the aerosol-generating article to heat the aerosol-generating article from the inside. The protrusion may facilitate homogenous heating of the aerosol-generating article. The protrusion may have the form of a pin or a blade, for example. The protrusion may be an integral part of the inner heat conduction body. The protrusion may extend into the heating space along the axial direction. The protrusion may have a length into the axial direction between 5 and 50 millimeters, or between 5 and 40 millimeters, or between 5 and 30 millimeters, or between 5 and 25 millimeters, or between 5 and 20 millimeters, or between 5 and 15 millimeters, or between 5 and 10 millimeters, or between 2 and 5 millimeters, or between 10 and 15 millimeters, or between 10 and 20 millimeters.
The inner heat conduction body may form at least a part of a wall defining the heating space. A surface of the inner heat conduction body may at least partially delimit the heating space. If there are no elements of the aerosol-generating device between the inner heat conduction body and the aerosol-generating article received within the heating space, the inner heat conduction body may efficiently provide heat to the heating space.
The inner heat conduction body may be in contact with the heat storage body. Contact between the inner heat conduction body and the heat storage body may facilitate efficient heat transfer between the heat storage body and the inner heat conduction body. The inner heat conduction body may be in contact with the heat storage body circumferentially around the heating space.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise an outer heat conduction body. The outer heat conduction body may be provided between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body. The outer heat conduction body may facilitate transfer of heat from the heat receiving surface to the heat storage body.
A material of the outer heat conduction body may have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.
The material of the heat storage body may have a higher specific heat capacity than the material of the outer heat conduction body.
The outer heat conduction body may be formed of the same material as the inner heat conduction body.
The specific heat capacity of the material of the heat storage body 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 at least one of the specific heat capacity of the material of the inner heat conduction body and the specific heat capacity of the material of the outer heat conduction body.
At least one of the thermal conductivity of the material of the inner heat conduction body and the thermal conductivity of the material of the outer heat conduction body 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 material of the heat storage body. At least one of the thermal conductivity of the material of the inner heat conduction body and the thermal conductivity of the material of the outer heat conduction body may be at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the thermal conductivity of the material of the heat storage body.
The outer heat conduction body may be in contact with the heat storage body to facilitate heat transfer between the outer heat conduction body and the heat storage body.
The heat receiving surface may be a surface of the outer heat conduction body. The heat receiving surface may be an outer surface of the outer heat conduction body with respect to the heating space. The heat receiving surface may be a radially outer surface of the outer heat conduction body. The heat receiving surface may be a surface of the outer heat conduction body that is spaced from the heating space with respect to the axial direction.
The outer heat conduction body may circumferentially surround the heating space. The outer heat conduction body may circumferentially surround the heat storage body. The outer heat conduction body may at least partially be provided radially outwards of the heat storage body. The outer heat conduction body may at least partially be provided at a side of the heat storage body that axially faces away from the heating space.
A thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body in a radial direction may be different at at least two different locations of the outer heat conduction body. For example, the thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body at a first location of the outer heat conduction body 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 for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body at a second location of the outer heat conduction body. The thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body in a radial direction may vary along at least one of the axial direction and a circumferential direction. A non-homogenous thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body in a radial direction may allow directed heat transport through the outer heat conduction body.
A thickness of the outer heat conduction body may be different at at least two different locations of the outer heat conduction body. For example, the thickness of the outer heat conduction body at a first location of the outer heat conduction body 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 conduction body at a second location of the outer heat conduction body. A varying thickness of the outer heat conduction body may lead to different thermal resistances for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body in a radial direction. The thickness of the outer heat conduction body may vary along at least one of the axial direction and a circumferential direction. A thickness of the outer heat conduction body may be highest at the heat receiving surface. A thickness of the outer heat conduction body may decrease with the distance to the heat receiving surface along at least one of the axial direction and the circumferential direction.
One or more channels may be provided in the outer heat conduction body. The one or more channels may influence thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body. Heated air may flow through the one or more channels. The one or more channels may comprise one or more openings. The one or more openings may be provided at the heat receiving surface.
A thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body along a radial direction may be highest at the heat receiving surface. This may prevent excessive heating of the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating article provided in the heating chamber at a position that corresponds to the position of the heat receiving surface. A high thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body along the radial direction at the receiving surface may cause heat from the heat receiving surface to be more evenly distributed over the heating space. The thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body along the radial direction may increase with the distance to heat receiving surface, in particular along at least one of the axial direction and the circumferential direction.
The outer heat conduction body may comprise two or more different materials having different thermal conductivities. The two or more different materials may be arranged to provide a desired heat conduction profile. The two or more different materials may be arranged to provide a desired distribution of a thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body along a radial direction. The outer heat conduction body may, for example, comprise two or more layers, wherein each layer is formed of a different material. The layers may, for example, be arranged one behind the other with respect to the axial direction or with respect to a radial direction (or both the axial direction and the radial direction).
The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a heater configured to heat the heat receiving surface. The heater may, for example, comprise an electrical resistance heater, or an induction heater. The heater may be configured to generate one or more flames to heat the heat receiving surface. The heater may be configured to burn gas to generate the one or more flames. The one or more flames may comprise at least two flames. The heater may be formed integrally with a main body of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be, fully or partially, provided as a separate entity. The heater may, for example, be a conventional cigarette lighter.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have an aerosol-generating section. The aerosol-generating section may comprise material configured to generate aerosol upon being heated. The aerosol-generating section may be at least partially received in the heating space when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially received in the heating space.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for generating aerosol. The method comprises heating a heat receiving surface of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device at least partially receives an aerosol-generating article. Heat from heating the heat receiving surface is stored in a heat storage body provided between the heat receiving surface and the aerosol-generating article. Heat is distributed to the aerosol-generating article via an inner heat conduction body provided between the heat storage body and the aerosol-generating article. A material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat capacity than a material of the inner heat conduction body.
The material of the inner heat conduction body may have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.
The heat receiving surface may be heated with more than one flame at the same time. For example, the heat receiving surface may be heated with two or more than two flames at the same time. Heating the heat receiving surface with more than one flame at the same time allows using smaller flames to convey a specific amount of heat to the heat receiving surface as compared to using only one flame. Further, using more than one flame at the same time allows spatially distributing the heat in an efficient manner.
The aerosol-generating article may extend along an axial direction when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially received in the aerosol-generating device. The axial direction may correspond to a direction along which the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.
At least two of the flames may be generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. Heat may thus be supplied from different circumferential angles around the axial direction.
At least two of the flames may be spaced along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Heat may thus be supplied at different positions along the axial direction.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for generating aerosol. The method comprises heating a heat receiving surface of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device at least partially receives an aerosol-generating article extending along an axial direction. The heat receiving surface is heated with more than one flame at the same time.
At least two of the flames may be generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction.
At least two of the flames may be spaced along a direction parallel to the axial direction.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of an axially extending tube that circumferentially surrounds an aerosol-generating substance to achieve substantially homogeneous heating of the aerosol-generating substance, wherein a thermal resistance for heat transport through the tube along a radial direction varies along at least one of the axial direction and a circumference of the tube.
For example, the thermal resistance for heat transport through the tube along a radial direction may vary along at least one of the axial direction and a circumference of the tube by at least 200 percent, or by at least 150 percent, or by at least 100 percent, or by at least 70 percent, or by at least 50 percent, or by at least 30 percent, or by at least 20 percent, or by at least 10 percent of a minimum value of the thermal resistance for heat transport through the tube along a radial direction.
The thermal resistance for heat transport through the tube along a radial direction may change along at least one of the axial direction and the circumference of the tube in a way that influences heat transport towards the aerosol-generating substance to be substantially homogeneous. For example, a thermal resistance for heat transport through the tube along a radial direction may be highest at a location that is nearest to a heat source. The thermal resistance may decrease from that location along at least one of the axial direction and the circumference of the tube.
Substantially homogenous heating of the aerosol-generating substance may be achieved if during heating, a temperature difference of two portions of the aerosol-generating substance is not higher than 100 degrees Celsius, or not higher than 75 degrees Celsius, or not higher than 50 degrees Celsius, or not higher than 25 degrees Celsius, or not higher than 10 degrees Celsius.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising an axially extending heating chamber configured to at least partially receive an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a heater actuation mechanism configured to move between an engaging configuration and a non-engaging configuration. The heater actuation mechanism is configured to act on a heater in the engaging configuration to operate the heater to generate heat. The heater actuation mechanism is configured to not act on the heater in the non-engaging configuration to stop generation of the heat by the heater. The heater actuation mechanism comprises an operating element. The operating element is configured to be moved to move the heater actuation mechanism from the non-engaging configuration into the engaging configuration. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily block a movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the engaging configuration into the non-engaging configuration or from the non-engaging configuration into the engaging configuration.
The heater actuation mechanism allows operating the heater by moving the operating element.
If the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily block the movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the engaging configuration into the non-engaging configuration, the blocking mechanism may delay movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the engaging configuration into the non-engaging configuration. The stopping of heat generation may be delayed due to the movement of the heater actuation mechanism into the non-engaging configuration being delayed. This may ensure that sufficient heat is generated by the heater before heat generation is stopped.
If the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily block the movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the non-engaging configuration into the engaging configuration, generation of heat by the heater may be delayed. This may, for example, be useful to prevent excessive heat generation which might lead to overheating of the heating chamber or the aerosol-generating article. By delaying generation of heat by the heater, an increase in temperature that might lead to combustion of the aerosol-generating article may be prevented.
The blocking mechanism may influence the heating time (the time in which the heater generates heat). Control of the heating time by the blocking mechanism may ensure that the aerosol-generating article is heated according to predefined specifications or according to a defined temperature profile.
Movement of the operating element to move the heater actuation mechanism from the non-engaging configuration into the engaging configuration may be effected by a user. The operating element may be configured to be moved by the user to move the heater actuation mechanism from the non-engaging configuration into the engaging configuration. The operating element may be configured to be engaged by the user to be moved. The operating element may be configured to be moved by drive means, such as a motor or a spring. The drive means may be configured to be actuated by a user to move the operating element.
The blocking mechanism may be configured to automatically release movement of the heater actuation means subsequently to temporarily blocking the movement of the heater actuation mechanism. The blocking mechanism may be configured to temporarily block the movement of the heater actuation mechanism for a blocking time. The blocking time may be a predetermined time. The blocking time may be predetermined by the configuration of the blocking mechanism. The blocking time may be determined by one or more operational parameters of the aerosol-generating device, such as a temperature or a mode of operation.
The heater actuation mechanism may comprise a restoration element providing a mechanical force configured to move the heater actuation mechanism towards the non-engaging configuration. After moving the operating element to move the heater actuation mechanism from the non-engaging configuration into the engaging configuration, a user may release the operating element. The heater actuation means may automatically return to the non-engaging configuration due to the restoration element. However, the heater actuation mechanism may not immediately return to the non-engaging configuration, but with a delay caused by the blocking mechanism. The delay by the blocking mechanism may define an operation time of the heater after the operation element has been released by the user.
The engaging configuration may comprise a plurality of engaging sub-configurations of the heater actuation mechanism. The operating element may allow a user to selectively bring the heater actuation mechanism into any one of the engaging sub-configurations. The plurality of engaging sub-configurations may give the user a means to actuate the heater to different degrees.
The blocking mechanism may be configured to delay return of the heater actuation mechanism from the respective engaging sub-configuration into the non-engaging configuration by different times for the different engaging sub-configurations. Thus, depending on the engaging sub-configuration into which the user brings the heater actuation mechanism, the heater may continue to operate to generate heat for different periods of time.
The blocking mechanism may comprise a movable part. The movable part may be configured to move between a release position and a blocking position. In the release position, the movable part may allow movement of the heat actuation mechanism towards at least one of the non-engaging configuration and the engaging configuration. In the blocking position, the movable part may block movement of the heater actuation mechanism towards the at least one of the non-engaging configuration and the engaging configuration. In particular, the blocking mechanism may, in the release position, allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism towards the non-engaging configuration and, in the blocking position, block movement of the heater actuation mechanism towards the non-engaging configuration. Alternatively, or additionally, the movable part may, in the release position, allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism towards the engaging configuration and, in the blocking position, block movement of the heater actuation mechanism towards the engaging configuration.
The movable part may move between the release position and the blocking position automatically. The movable part may be configured to be moved by a user between the release position and the blocking position.
The movable part may be configured to move between the release position and the blocking position depending on a temperature. This may allow the movable part to delay operation of the heater, or stopping of the operation of the heater, depending on the temperature. If the movable part is configured to move between the release position and the blocking position depending on a temperature, a feedback control of the temperature via the heater may be implemented.
The temperature depending on which the movable part moves between the release position and the blocking position may be, for example, a temperature of a part of the aerosol-generating device, or a temperature inside the heating chamber, or a temperature of a wall of the heating chamber, or a temperature of the aerosol-generating article.
The blocking mechanism may comprise a thermal expansion element. The thermal expansion element may be configured to move the movable part between the release position and the blocking position depending on a temperature of the thermal expansion element.
The moveable part may be configured to periodically move between the release position and the blocking position to delay the movement of the heater actuation mechanism into the non-engaging configuration or into the engaging configuration. Periodic movement between the release position and the blocking position may delay the movement of the heater actuation mechanism by periodically releasing and blocking the movement of the heater actuation mechanism.
The heater actuation mechanism and the blocking mechanism may together form a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism may be configured to allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism in one direction and selectively block movement of the heater actuation mechanism in the opposing direction. For example, the ratchet mechanism may allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism into the engaging configuration and block movement of the heater actuation mechanism into the non-engaging configuration, if the movable part is in the blocking position. Alternatively, the ratchet mechanism may allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism into the non-engaging configuration and block movement of the heater actuation mechanism into the engaging configuration, if the movable part is in the blocking position.
The heater actuation mechanism may comprise a sliding element configured to be slid via the operating element. The sliding element may, for example, be configured to be slid in a body of the aerosol-generating device. The sliding element may be connected to the operating element.
The heater actuation mechanism may comprise an engagement element configured to act on the heater in the engaging configuration of the heater actuation mechanism. The engagement element may be slidably guided on the sliding element. When the engagement element is slidably guided on the sliding element, the engagement element does not directly follow every movement of the operating element. This may generate a delay between movement of the operating element and actuation of the heater by the engagement element.
The heater actuation mechanism may comprise a spring element configured to bias the engagement element towards the heater. The spring element may ensure that the engagement element acts on the heater within a range of configurations of the heater actuation mechanism (range of non-engaging configurations).
The sliding element may comprise a plurality of teeth. The blocking element may comprise one or more blocking parts configured to engage with the teeth. By engaging with the teeth of the sliding element, the blocking part may allow or block movement of the heater actuation mechanism. The one or more blocking parts may be one or more movable parts.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise the aerosol-generating device and the heater. The heater may be configured to generate heat when acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism. The heater may be configured to not generate heat when not acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism.
Bringing the heater actuation mechanism into the engaging configuration to operate the heater may be the only action required to start generation of heat by the heater. Alternatively, a further action may be required to start generation of heat by the heater. The heater may require two or more actions to start generating heat. One or more of those actions may be carried out by the heater actuation mechanism, when the heater actuation mechanism is brought into the engaging configuration. One or more additional action may be carried out independently of the heater actuation mechanism.
Bringing the heater actuation mechanism from the engaging configuration into the non-engaging configuration may be required to stop generation of the heat by the heater. There may be, but does not have to be, one or more additional ways of stopping generation of the heat by the heater.
The heater may comprise a gas tank. The gas tank may be configured to release gas when the heater is acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism. The gas tank may be configured to prevent the release of gas when the heater is not acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism.
The gas tank may be releasably coupled to a body of the aerosol-generating device.
The aerosol-generating system may further comprise an ignition mechanism configured to ignite the gas. The ignition mechanism may be operated independently of the heater actuation mechanism.
The gas tank and the ignition mechanism, or both, may be an integral part of the aerosol-generating device. The gas tank or the ignition mechanism, or both, may be separate from the aerosol-generating device.
In particular, the gas tank and the ignition mechanism may be part of a separate heater. The heater may be a lighter. The heater may, for example, be a conventional cigarette lighter.
The heater may be coupled to the aerosol-generating device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for generating aerosol. An operating element is moved along a path in an activation direction, thereby acting on a heater via a heater actuation mechanism. The heater generates heat in response to being acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism. The operating element is returned in a motion along the path against the activation direction. One or more moving parts of a blocking mechanism move to delay return of the operating element. The heater ceases to generate heat in response to no longer being acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism.
In response to the operating element being moved in the activation direction, a restoration element builds up a restoration force against the movement of the operating element. The restoration force may bias the operating element in a direction against the activation direction, thus causing the operating element to return along the path against the activation direction.
Gas may be released from a gas tank in response to the heater being acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism. The gas may sustain a flame heating a heat receiving surface of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may at least partially receive an aerosol-generating article.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a change in length of a thermal expansion element caused by a temperature change to extinguish a flame after the flame has heated an aerosol-generating device at least partially receiving an aerosol-generating article.
The thermal expansion element allows extinguishing the flame in a temperature-dependent manner. A feedback control scheme may be implemented to control a temperature.
The aerosol-generating article referred to herein may be at least essentially rod-shaped. The aerosol-generating article may extend in parallel to the axial direction, when at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device.
The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating section. The aerosol-generating section may comprise aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be configured to release aerosol upon being heated. The aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise herbaceous material. The aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise tobacco material.
The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter section. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device, the filter section may at least partially protrude from the aerosol-generating device to be accessible to a user.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of the embodiments, aspects, or examples described herein. The aerosol-generating system also comprises the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate which may be the 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 that can form an aerosol.
The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plug of tobacco. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips or sheets containing one or more of: tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, to be released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also contain capsules that, for example, include the additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed prior to, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.
Where the tobacco plug comprises homogenised tobacco material, the homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenised tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosol-former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. The homogenised tobacco material may alternatively have an aerosol former content of between 5 percent and 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuting one or both of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems; alternatively, or in addition, sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during, for example, the treating, handling and shipping of tobacco. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more intrinsic binders, that is tobacco endogenous binders, one or more extrinsic binders, that is tobacco exogenous binders, or a combination thereof to help agglomerate the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or in addition, sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibres, aerosol-formers, humectants, plasticisers, flavourants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and combinations thereof. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material are preferably formed by a casting process of the type generally comprising casting a slurry comprising particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a sheet of homogenised tobacco material and removing the sheet of homogenised tobacco material from the support surface.
The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of between approximately 30 millimetres and approximately 100 millimetres. The aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter of between approximately 5 millimetres and approximately 13 millimetres.
The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. Preferably, the mouthpiece is approximately 7 millimetres in length, but can have a length of between approximately 5 millimetres to approximately 10 millimetres.
The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 millimetres. The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 millimetres.
The diameter of the tobacco plug may be between approximately 5 millimetres and approximately 12 millimetres.
In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of between approximately 40 millimetres and approximately 50 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of approximately 45 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an external diameter of approximately 7.2 millimetres.
The present disclosure comprise various aspects, embodiments, and examples. Features, advantages, and explanations disclosed with reference to any one of those aspects, embodiments, and examples may be combined with, or transferred to, any one of the remaining aspects, embodiments, and examples. The aerosol-generating devices or systems described herein may be suitable, adapted and configured to carry out the methods for generating aerosol described herein.
Where the present disclosure refers to a material of an item having a certain specific heat capacity and the item is comprised of different individual materials (for example different material layers), the specific heat capacity of the material of the item is to be understood as corresponding to a weighted average of the specific heat capacities of the individual materials of which the item is comprised. The weighting is understood to be carried out according to the mass percentages of the individual materials of which the item is comprised.
Where the present disclosure refers to a material of an item having a certain thermal conductivity and the item is comprised of different individual materials (for example different material layers), the thermal conductivity of the material of the item is to be understood as corresponding to a weighted average of the thermal conductivities of the individual materials of which the item is comprised. The weighting is understood to be carried out according to the mass percentages of the individual materials of which the item is comprised.
The expression “rod-shaped” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, rod-shapes with a circular cross-section. “Rod-shaped” as used herein may also include rod-shapes with other cross-sections, such as, for example, a rectangular cross-section, or an elliptic cross-section, or a triangular cross-section, or an irregular cross-section, or any other cross-section. The expression “rod-shaped” may include cylindrical shapes, whereby the base surface of the cylinder may be a circular surface or a surface of any other shape, such as a rectangular surface, or an elliptic surface, or a triangular surface, or an irregular surface, or any other surface.
When a first item immerses into a second item, the first item may at least partially enter a volume of the second item. After immersing into the second item, at least a part of the first item may be surrounded by the second item. For example, a first item may immerse into a second item by being pushed into the second item.
The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
Embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures, in which:
As shown in
In the embodiment of
The heater 7 is configured to heat a 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 heated, the aerosol-generating section 9 generates aerosol. When a user draws air through the filter section 13, an airflow through the aerosol-generating article 5 (see arrows in
In the embodiment of
In
A material of the heat storage body 31 has a higher specific heat capacity than a material of the inner heat conduction body 33 and a material of the outer heat conduction body 29. The material of the outer heat conduction body 29 and the material of the inner heat conduction body 33 have higher thermal conductivities than the material of the heat storage body 31. The material of the heat storage body 31 may, for example, be glass or metal. One or both of the material of the inner heat conduction body 33 and the material of the outer heat conduction body 29 may be a metal, such as copper, brass or aluminum, for example.
When the heat receiving surface 25 is heated, the heat is efficiently guided radially inside towards the heat storage body 31 by the outer heat conduction body 29. The heat storage body 31, due to its high specific heat capacity, may serve as a buffer taking up comparatively large amounts of heat and giving the heat up over time to heat the heating space 21 and the aerosol-generating section 9 provided therein. The inner heat conduction body 33 forms an inner surface of the heating chamber 15 defining the heating space 21. The inner heat conduction body 33 efficiently conducts heat from the heat storage body 31 towards the heating space 21 and the aerosol-generating section 9 provided therein.
In
In
Due to the different thickness of the outer heat conduction body 29 at different locations, a thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction body 29, and thus through the walls of the heating chamber 15, along a radial direction is different for different locations. Due to the highest thickness of the outer heat conduction body 29 at the heat receiving surface 25, in particular at the center of the heat receiving surface 25, the thermal resistance for heat transport through the outer heat conduction layer 29 along the radial direction is highest at the heat receiving surface 25. This may counteract an inhomogeneous temperature distribution within the heating space 21 by having a reduced thermal resistance for heat transport at locations that are farther away from the heat receiving surface 25 and would therefore normally receive less heat.
In
Between the heat storage body 31 and the heating space 21, an inner heat conduction body 33 is provided. The inner heat conduction body 33 comprises a plate extending essentially perpendicular to the axial direction between the heat storage body 31 and the heating space 21. Further, the inner heat conduction body 33 comprises a cylindrical sleeve part 37 circumferentially surrounding the heating space 21. Further, the inner heat conduction body 33 comprises a protrusion 39 extending into the heating space 21. The protrusion 39 is configured to immerse into the aerosol-generating section 9 of the aerosol-generating article 5.
In the embodiment of
The heater 7 of the system 1 of
The heater 7 in
The aerosol-generating device 3 comprises an ignition mechanism 45 configured to ignite gas released from a gas tank 41 of the heater 7. The ignition mechanism 45 is an integral part of the aerosol-generating device 3. The ignition mechanism 45 is accessible from outside to provide a convenient way of igniting the gas, even if the heater 7 is received in the heater receiving part 23. The heater 7 itself may comprise another ignition mechanism, which may not be accessible when the heater 7 is received in the heater receiving part 23. The ignition mechanism 45 of the aerosol-generating device 3 may function in the same manner as an ignition mechanism of a conventional cigarette lighter.
In
To operate the heater 7 to generate heat, a user may move the sliding element 51 downwards by moving an operating element 57 connected to the sliding element 51. As indicated with arrows in
When the engagement element 49 presses the gas release button 50 to release gas, the heater actuation mechanism 47 is in an engaging configuration. When the user again releases the operating element 57, the restoration element 55 moves the sliding element 51 upwards. At some point, the stop 53 comes in contact with the engagement element 49 and moves the engagement element 49 upwards, thereby releasing the gas release button 50 and stopping release of gas. When the engagement element 49 does not press the gas release button 50, the heater actuation mechanism 47 is in a non-engaging configuration.
Return of the heater actuation mechanism 47 to the non-engaging configuration after release of the operating element 57 is delayed by a blocking mechanism 59 only schematically shown in
The second wheel 63 is connected to the first wheel 61 and therefore also rotates counterclockwise in
The right part of
The further the sliding element 51 is pushed down when bringing the heater actuation mechanism 47 into the engaging configuration to activate release of gas, the more the first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63 are rotated, and the more the returning motion of the heater actuation mechanism 47 into the non-engaging configuration is delayed. The degree to which the sliding element 51 is moved downwards by moving the operating element 57, therefore defines different engaging sub-configurations of the heater actuation mechanism 47 which correspond to different delays for returning into the non-engaging configuration upon release of the operating element 57.
The middle part of
Due to heat generated by the heater 7, the thermal expansion element 75 is heated and therefore expands in length. This causes the pivot part 71 to rotate about the axis 73 as indicated in the right part of
The blocking mechanism 59 thus holds the heater actuation mechanism 47 in the engaging configuration until the thermal expansion element 75 has been heated to a predetermined temperature and then allows return of the heater actuation mechanism 47 into the non-engaging configuration. The predetermined temperature may be set by appropriately choosing the thermal expansion element 75 and the layout of the blocking mechanism 59.
The thermal expansion element 75 may be provided in the heater receiving section 23 of the aerosol-generating device 3. Thus, the thermal expansion element 75 reacts to a temperature in the heater receiving section 23. Alternatively, the thermal expansion element 75 could be provided at other locations, such as within the heating space 21 or at the heating chamber 15. If required, one or more mechanical links could be provided between the thermal expansion element 75 and the pivot part 71.
In the embodiments of
Alternatively, the blocking mechanism 59 could be configured to selectively block a motion of the heater actuation mechanism 47 from the non-engaging configuration into the engaging configuration. This could, for example, be achieved by changing the orientation of the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51. The blocking mechanism 59 could delay a movement of the heater actuation mechanism 47 from the non-engaging configuration into the engaging configuration to prevent overheating of the heating space 21. For example, the blocking mechanism 59 could prevent a user form immediately bringing the heater actuation mechanism 47 back into the engaging configuration after the heater actuation mechanism 47 has just returned into the non-engaging configuration. The blocking mechanism 59 could be configured to allow a movement of the heater actuation mechanism 47 into the engaging configuration only if a temperature of the thermal expansion element 75 of the blocking mechanism 59 is below a predetermined temperature to prevent overheating, for example.
For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ±5 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21167582.2 | Apr 2021 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/059501 | 4/8/2022 | WO |
