US20250017270A1 - Heating Apparatus for an Aerosol Generating Device - Google Patents
Heating Apparatus for an Aerosol Generating Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20250017270A1 US20250017270A1 US18/712,973 US202318712973A US2025017270A1 US 20250017270 A1 US20250017270 A1 US 20250017270A1 US 202318712973 A US202318712973 A US 202318712973A US 2025017270 A1 US2025017270 A1 US 2025017270A1
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- Prior art keywords
- wall
- heater
- connection pad
- heating apparatus
- insulator
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
Definitions
- the invention relates to a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device. Specifically, the invention relates to a heating apparatus with a vacuum insulator.
- Heating apparatuses for aerosol generating devices often have heaters that can become damaged during use or manufacturing, especially when these heaters are provided together with a vacuum insulator. Accordingly, there is a demand for more robust heating apparatuses. It is also desirable that aerosol generating devices can be made as efficient as possible, so that the battery life can be extended and thus the convenience for the user can be increased. It is an object of the present invention to address these demands.
- a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device comprising: an insulator, comprising an inner wall and an outer wall that are separated from one another; a cavity in which an aerosol forming substance can be received, positioned adjacent the inner wall of the insulator; a heater provided inside the insulator on the inner wall, configured to heat an aerosol forming substance received in the cavity by thermal conduction to generate an aerosol; a first connection pad provided on the inner wall, configured to electrically connect the heater to a power source; wherein the first connection pad is joined to the outer wall and the inner wall to seal the insulator, and wherein the heater is spaced apart from the outer wall; wherein the first connection pad at least partially covers the heater to provide a protective layer over the heater.
- the first connection pad is “sandwiched” between the inner and outer walls. It has been found that it is preferable to sandwich the first connection pad in this way, rather than sandwiching the heater or other fragile electrical connections since the pressure and forces exerted on the heater (or other components) is avoided during use and during manufacturing. The reduction of forces on the heater can help prevent it from becoming damaged. Therefore providing a separate connection pad at the join between the inner and outer walls creates a more robust heating apparatus which minimises the likelihood of damage to important and potentially fragile components. Additionally, spacing the heater apart from the outer wall means the heater only heats the necessary parts of the inner wall. Thus, heat can be delivered more efficiently to the aerosol generating substance while minimising the heat lost via conduction through the outer wall.
- the first connection pad and the heater can be provided as a single integral piece or closely abutting one another to create an electrical connection.
- the insulator can contain any suitable insulating medium, for example gasses such as air, or powdered or fibrous insulating materials. In other embodiments, the insulator can enclose a vacuum.
- the inner and outer walls of the insulator may comprise a material with higher thermal conductivity than an insulating layer or material contained inside the insulator to allow heat to be transferred from the heater to the cavity.
- the inner wall and the outer wall are separated by a vacuum such that the insulator is a vacuum insulator, and the first connection pad is joined to the outer wall and the inner wall to seal the vacuum inside the vacuum insulator.
- the connection pad is particularly effective because the forces required to create a tight join required to seal a vacuum insulator may be significantly larger than for other types of insulators. Such forces can pose a particular risk to the heater during manufacturing.
- the first connection pad is configured to have an increased mechanical robustness with respect to the heater.
- the first connection pad can be made resistant to damage during use or manufacturing while avoiding the need to change the properties of the heater to increase the robustness of the heater.
- the first connection pad can comprise a metal, such as stainless steel or copper. Other mechanically robust materials could also be used.
- the heater comprises an electrically resistive track that is printed or coated onto the inner wall.
- Coated heating elements may be particularly fragile, and therefore the providing a first connection pad at the join between the inner and outer walls significantly improves the robustness of the heating apparatus.
- the resistive track could be provided on particular sections of the inner wall, or the resistive track could be coated or printed onto the inner wall to cover a substantially full amount of the inner wall.
- the resistive track may follow a serpentine or sinuous path on the inner wall from a first end to a second end of the track.
- the heater could comprise one or more resistive heating plates provided on the inner wall.
- the heating plate could also be provided as a sinuous or serpentine resistive track.
- the first connection pad is provided on the heater.
- the heater and connection pad can be electrically connected in a simple manner by attaching the connection pad to the inner wall over the heater, thus avoiding the need to electrically join or solder the first connection pad and the heater to one another.
- the first connection pad covers a substantially full amount of the heater. In this way, the connection pad can act as a protective layer over the heater that reduces the likelihood of damage to the heater.
- the first connection pad may fully cover the heater.
- the first connection pad has an electrical resistance that is less than the electrical resistance of the heater. More preferably, the first connection pad may have a resistance selected to generate a negligible amount of heat compared to the heater. In this way, the connection pad generates a substantially minimal amount of heat through conduction of electricity that could be lost from the insulator via the outer wall. Therefore, further energy loss is avoided and the device can be made more efficient.
- the heater and the first connection pad comprise different materials.
- the first connection pad can be optimised for mechanical robustness while the heater can be optimised for heating and efficiency.
- a second connection pad is provided on the inner wall, and the second connection pad is joined to the inner wall and the outer wall to seal the insulator. More preferably, the first connection pad and the second connection pad are connected to different parts of the heater and respectively configured to connect to opposite terminals of a power source to enable an electric current to flow through the heater. In this way, both of the necessary electrical connections to the heater can be made using connection pads rather than using sections of the heater, and the heating apparatus can be more robust.
- the second connection pad may be configured to seal the vacuum inside the vacuum insulator.
- an aerosol generating device comprising the heating apparatus described above.
- the aerosol generating device comprises a controller configured to control operation of the heater, and the first connection pad is electrically coupled to the controller.
- the first connection pad acts to increase the robustness of the heating apparatus while also enabling the controller to control the heater.
- the first connection pad can be directly coupled to the controller or a circuit board, or coupled to the controller via one or more wires. In one example, a wire could be soldered to the first connection pad outside the insulator.
- a method of manufacturing the heating apparatus comprising the steps of: providing the heater on the inner wall; providing the first connection pad on the inner wall in electrical connection with the heater; joining the first connection pad to the inner wall and the outer wall; and covering the heater with the first connection pad at least partially to provide a protective layer over the heater.
- the step of providing the heater on the inner wall comprises coating the inner wall with an electrically resistive material.
- the step of joining the first connection pad to the inner wall and the outer wall comprises welding the outer wall to the inner wall and the first connection pad. Welding the outer wall to the inner wall and the first connection, rather than to the heater, avoids damage to the heater during the welding process.
- the outer and inner wall could be joined using a heat resistant seal rather than welding.
- the welding comprises laser welding performed at least partially in a vacuum.
- a vacuum can be sealed inside the insulator during welding of the outer wall to the inner wall.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of a heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of a heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the invention.
- a heating apparatus 100 is provided and comprises a vacuum insulator 102 comprising an inner wall 104 and an outer wall 106 , spaced radially apart from one another so that a vacuum 108 is enclosed between them.
- FIG. 1 shows the heating apparatus 100 with the outer wall 106 removed so that the interior of the vacuum insulator 102 and the inner wall 104 can be viewed.
- FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of the heating apparatus 100 and shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the outer wall 106 so that the inner wall 104 can be viewed.
- the heating apparatus 100 comprises a cavity 110 that is provided adjacent the inner wall 104 and is configured to receive a consumable comprising a tobacco rod and a filter held together by a tipping wrapper.
- the consumable can be inserted into the cavity 110 by a user via an opening 111 to the cavity 110 to be held in place by friction with the inner wall 104 .
- a heater 112 is provided within the vacuum 108 and on an outer surface of the inner wall 104 .
- the heater 112 is configured to be heated when an electrical current passes through it, and to pass this heat on to the inner wall 104 by conduction. Heat is then transferred through the inner wall 104 by conduction so that the inner surface of the inner wall 104 heats the consumable and the air inside the cavity 110 .
- the heater 112 can be powered by a battery or any other power source provided on an aerosol generating device.
- the heater 112 comprises a first end 113 a in electrical connection a first connection pad 114 and a second end 113 b in electrical connection with a second connection pad 116 .
- first end 113 a of the heater 112 is provided underneath the first connection pad 114 so that an electrical connection is established.
- the second end 113 b of the heater 112 is provided underneath the second connection pad 116 .
- Each of the first connection pad 114 and the second connection pad 116 are configured to connect to opposite terminals of a battery provided on an aerosol generating device to enable current flow through the heater 112 .
- Each of the first connection pad 114 and the second connection pad 116 are joined to both the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 106 to seal the vacuum 108 inside the vacuum insulator 102 .
- the user can draw air from the cavity 110 through the filter to carry aerosol generated in the cavity 110 to the user.
- the vacuum insulator 102 is hollow and encloses a vacuum 108 between its curved inner wall 104 and its curved outer wall 106 .
- the vacuum insulator 102 has a substantially cylindrical shape that enables the vacuum insulator 102 to surround the consumable fully.
- the vacuum insulator 102 provides thermal insulation so that the heater can heat an aerosol generating substrate effectively while not heating other portions of the aerosol generating device, especially portions of the aerosol generating device that are held by a user.
- the vacuum insulator 102 is elongate along its longitudinal axis, which enables it to receive a consumable in the form of an elongate rod comprising tobacco.
- the vacuum insulator 102 has an approximately elliptical or circular cross-sectional shape when viewed along one of its ends, parallel to its longitudinal axis; however in other embodiments the vacuum insulator 102 may have other types of cross sectional shape, for example shapes that are approximately square or polygonal.
- the vacuum insulator 102 comprises an opening 111 for receiving the consumable at one longitudinal end and is closed at the opposite end.
- the vacuum insulator 102 has a cross-section that is cup-shaped.
- the vacuum insulator 102 may be open at both longitudinal ends such that it has a tube-shaped cross-section when viewed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis.
- the vacuum insulator 102 may instead be a non-vacuum insulator, i.e., an insulator containing an insulating medium such as air, fibrous or powdered insulators.
- the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 106 may be joined by the first connection pad 114 and the second connection pad 116 to seal the insulating medium between the inner and outer walls 104 , 106 .
- the opening 111 is flared outwardly to enable a user to insert easily the consumable into the cavity 110 .
- the opening 111 may not be flared and the inner wall 104 may have a cross-section that is the same across the full longitudinal extent of the inner wall 104 .
- the inner wall 104 comprises stainless steel.
- the inner wall 104 may comprise other suitable materials that have properties suitable for transmitting heat from the heater 112 into the cavity 110 , such as other metals, metal alloys, or ceramics.
- the outer wall 106 comprises stainless steel. In other embodiments, the outer wall 106 could comprise other suitable materials, such as other metals or plastics.
- the outer wall 106 comprises a single curved face that is substantially or wholly cylindrical. Other shapes of outer wall 106 could be implemented in accordance with alternatively shaped vacuum insulators.
- the inner wall 104 has a thickness of about 0.1 millimetres (mm) or less. Having a relatively low thickness reduces the thermal mass of the vacuum insulator 102 , and increases the rate of heat conduction through the inner wall 104 to the cavity 110 and the consumable. In particular, less heat is conducted away from the cavity 110 by the outer face of the inner wall 104 .
- the threshold of 0.1 mm or less has been found to be significant in terms of improving the energy efficiency of the heating apparatus 100 by these mechanisms.
- an inner wall thickness of 0.1 mm has been found to have significantly improved thermal efficiency compared to an inner wall thickness of 0.25 mm.
- the outer wall 106 has a thickness of about 0.25 mm, which may be preferable to a thickness of 0.1 mm to give the vacuum insulator 102 increased mechanical sturdiness and thermal insulation properties.
- the cavity 110 is substantially cylindrical and is positioned immediately adjacent the inner wall 104 .
- the side of the inner wall 104 facing the cavity 110 i.e., the “inner surface” of the inner wall 104 , is substantially or completely free of additional components so that the consumable can be in direct contact with the inner face when it is received in the cavity 110 . This can maximise the efficiency of heat transfer from the inner wall 104 to the consumable. Further, the lack of additional components keeps the thermal mass of the heating apparatus low, which can improve the amount of time required to heat the tobacco to aerosol generating temperatures.
- the heater 112 is a resistance heater configured to generate heat when applied with an electric current.
- the heater 112 comprises a winding resistive heating track that extends from a first end 113 a of the heater 112 to a second end 113 b .
- the track follows a sinuous path along the length of the inner wall 104 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the first end 113 a and the second end 113 b of the heater 112 are each configured to make electric connection with the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 .
- the heater 112 is longitudinally offset from the join or seal between the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 106 to avoid damage to the heater 112 during assembly and use of the heating apparatus 100 .
- the heater 112 is printed or coated onto the outer face of the inner wall 104 .
- the heater 112 can comprise a heating element or plate provided on and attached to the inner wall 104 .
- the heater 112 may provide “trace heating” to the cavity 110 .
- the heater 112 may have a sinuous shape on the surface of the inner wall 104 so that a substantially full length of the inner wall 104 receives heating, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the heater 112 may cover a substantially full circumference and/or area of the inner wall 104 .
- the heater 112 may comprise a material susceptible to an oxidation reaction in the presence of oxygen, and also may be provided without an anti-oxidation coating. Exposing the heater 112 to the vacuum 108 in this way takes advantage of the lack of oxygen in the vacuum insulator 102 to make the heater 112 cheaper and/or easier to manufacture.
- the first connection pad 114 and the second connection pad 116 are provided as plates on the inner wall 104 and positioned on top of the heater 112 to enable an electrical connection between each of the connection pads and the heater 112 .
- the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 are spaced apart to prevent short circuiting and are provided at opposite ends of the track that forms the heater 112 .
- the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 are each sandwiched between, and joined to both of, the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 106 .
- the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 are curved to match the circumferential curvature of the inner wall 104 .
- the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 comprise stainless steel.
- the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 are configured to conduct electricity so that they can be used to power the heater 112 while increasing the mechanical robustness of the device.
- the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 could comprise copper or other mechanically robust materials configured to conduct electricity.
- Each of the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 may extend through the join or seal between the inner and outer walls 104 , 106 to enable an electrical connection to be made with the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 outside of the vacuum insulator 102 .
- the electrical connection could be made by wires soldered to the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 that are configured to connect the heater 112 via the connection pads 114 , 116 to a controller or battery provided in an aerosol generating device.
- the connection pads 114 , 116 may extend directly to the battery or controller when the heating apparatus 100 is provided within an aerosol generating device.
- a seal (not shown) is provided at the join between the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 106 to prevent air from entering the vacuum insulator 102 .
- the seal could comprise any suitable material, such as rubber, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or metal.
- PEEK polyether ether ketone
- the inner wall 104 and outer wall 106 may be welded together, in which case the seal could comprise welded material.
- the heating apparatus 100 can be used with or provided in an aerosol generating device.
- the aerosol generating device would typically comprise a battery for powering the heater 112 , a button or other input mechanism to enable a user to initiate the heater 112 , and a controller to control the electronic components of the device, such as the heater 112 .
- the heating apparatus 100 may be provided within a housing of the aerosol generating device, wherein the housing comprises an opening aligned with the opening 111 of the heating apparatus 100 .
- the aerosol generating device may be configured as an electronic smoking device.
- the heating apparatus 100 is configured to be used with a consumable comprising tobacco and a filter, which may be held together by a tipping wrapper.
- the consumable may be a cylindrical rod; however, other shapes of consumable designed to be received within the cavity 110 could also be used.
- Other forms of aerosol forming substance may be used alternatively or addition to tobacco.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 Now, an example use of the heating apparatus 100 , as used within an aerosol generating device, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- a user can insert the consumable through the opening 111 into the cavity 110 .
- the consumable may have a diameter slightly less than the opening 111 to allow the consumable to be initially received in the cavity 110 .
- the user may press a button provided on the aerosol generating device, after which the controller may allow a current to flow from the battery to the heater 112 via the first connection pad 114 and the second connection pad 116 .
- the heater 112 generates heat, due to its electrical resistance, that is transmitted to the inner wall 104 by conduction and radiation.
- the first connection pad 114 and the second connection pad 116 have low resistances and produce a negligible amount of heat due to the current flowing within. This minimises the amount of undesirable heating of the outer wall 106 to improve the efficiency of the heating apparatus 100 .
- the vacuum 108 within the vacuum insulator 102 inhibits the conductive escape of heat from the cavity 110 .
- the vacuum insulator 102 also prevents heat from escaping via convection, except from via the opening 111 .
- the cavity 110 , the heater 112 , and the vacuum insulator 102 form a highly efficient heating oven in which the tobacco within the consumable can be heated to a desired aerosol generating temperature.
- the controller may be configured to instruct the heater 112 to heat the tobacco to temperatures below the combustion temperature of tobacco. It may take several seconds for the cavity 110 to reach aerosol generating temperatures.
- the heater 112 is spaced apart from the outer wall 106 so that the heater 112 and the outer wall 106 are not in contact. This minimises the amount of heat transmitted to the outer wall 106 that is subsequently lost from the heating apparatus 100 .
- an aerosol is produced inside the cavity 110 .
- the user can then inhale the aerosol by drawing air from the cavity 110 via the filter. This may draw air into the cavity 110 through a periphery of the opening 111 so that the user can continuously inhale aerosol from the cavity 110 .
- the heater 112 is difficult to repair due to its placement inside the vacuum insulator 102 . Therefore, to avoid damage to the potentially fragile heater 112 during assembly or manufacture of the heating apparatus 100 , the first connection pad 114 and the second connection pad are joined to the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 106 to seal the vacuum 108 inside the vacuum insulator 102 . This avoids the need to join the outer wall 106 to the inner wall 104 over the heater 112 , which can damage the heater 112 . This arrangement may be especially effective when using a coated heating track, which can be particularly fragile.
- the inner and outer walls 104 , 106 can be welded to the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 .
- the inner and outer walls 104 , 106 can be laser welded in a vacuum in order to create a vacuum inside the vacuum insulator 102 . It is envisaged that other methods of joining the inner and outer walls 104 , 106 to the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 may be implemented.
- a seal such as a rubber seal, may be provided to join the inner wall 104 , the outer wall 106 and the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 .
- first connection pad 114 and the second connection pad 116 could be provided to cover a full or substantially full proportion of the heater 112 .
- This can provide a protective layer for the whole heater 112 to prevent damage during use.
- parts of the heater 112 may be electrically insulated from the connection pads 114 , 116 to avoid short circuiting.
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a heating apparatus 200 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
- the heating apparatus 200 comprises a vacuum insulator 202 with an inner wall 204 and an outer wall 206 configured in substantially the same way as the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 106 of the vacuum insulator 102 .
- the vacuum insulator 202 differs from the vacuum insulator 102 in that the inner wall 204 comprises a flared opening 211 .
- the opening 211 is flared radially outwardly from the centre of an adjacent cavity 210 to enable easier insertion of a rod-shaped consumable into the cavity 210 .
- the inner wall 204 and the outer wall 206 are joined at the flared region of the inner wall 204 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- a vacuum 208 is enclosed between the inner wall 204 and the outer wall 206 , the cavity 210 is provided adjacent the inner wall 204 , and a heater 212 is provided on the inner wall 204 .
- a seal 118 is provided at the join between the inner wall 204 and the outer wall 206 .
- a first connection pad 214 and a second connection pad 216 are provided on the heater 212 at different ends of the heater track to facilitate a current flow through the heater 212 , as described previously.
- the first connection pad 214 and the second connection pad 216 are curved at one end to match the circumferential curvature of the inner wall 204 . These same ends are provided on the inner wall 204 in contact with the heater 212 to make an electrical connection with the heater 212 , as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the first connection pad 214 and the second connection pad 216 differ from those of the heating apparatus 100 in that they are flared outwardly to match the outwardly flared inner wall 204 .
- first and second connection pads 214 , 216 This enables the first and second connection pads 214 , 216 to be joined to the inner and outer walls 204 , 206 at the outwardly flared portion where the inner and outer walls 204 , 206 are joined together. As can also be seen in FIG. 3 , the outwardly flared ends of the first and second connection pads 214 , 216 are joined to and sandwiched between the inner wall 204 , the outer wall 206 , and the seal 118 that prevents entry of air into the vacuum insulator 202 .
- FIG. 3 shows a gap between the first and second connection pads 214 , 216 and the inner wall 204 .
- the first and second connection pads 214 , 216 may be provided with a flared shape more precisely matching the flared shape of the inner wall 204 . This can allow the first and second connection pads 214 , 216 to be in contact with the inner wall 204 along the full length of the first and second connection pads 214 , 216 .
- first and second connection pads 214 , 216 are configured in, and operate in, the same manner as the first and second connection pads 114 , 116 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
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- Resistance Heating (AREA)
Abstract
A heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device includes an insulator including an inner wall and an outer wall that are separated from one another, a cavity in which an aerosol forming substance can be received, positioned adjacent the inner wall of the insulator, a heater provided inside the insulator on the inner wall, configured to heat an aerosol forming substance received in the cavity by thermal conduction to generate an aerosol, and a first connection pad provided on the inner wall, configured to electrically connect the heater to a power source. The first connection pad is joined to the outer wall and the inner wall to seal the insulator, and the heater is spaced apart from the outer wall. The first connection pad at least partially covers the heater to provide a protective layer over the heater.
Description
- The invention relates to a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device. Specifically, the invention relates to a heating apparatus with a vacuum insulator.
- Heating apparatuses for aerosol generating devices often have heaters that can become damaged during use or manufacturing, especially when these heaters are provided together with a vacuum insulator. Accordingly, there is a demand for more robust heating apparatuses. It is also desirable that aerosol generating devices can be made as efficient as possible, so that the battery life can be extended and thus the convenience for the user can be increased. It is an object of the present invention to address these demands.
- According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device, comprising: an insulator, comprising an inner wall and an outer wall that are separated from one another; a cavity in which an aerosol forming substance can be received, positioned adjacent the inner wall of the insulator; a heater provided inside the insulator on the inner wall, configured to heat an aerosol forming substance received in the cavity by thermal conduction to generate an aerosol; a first connection pad provided on the inner wall, configured to electrically connect the heater to a power source; wherein the first connection pad is joined to the outer wall and the inner wall to seal the insulator, and wherein the heater is spaced apart from the outer wall; wherein the first connection pad at least partially covers the heater to provide a protective layer over the heater.
- In this way, the first connection pad is “sandwiched” between the inner and outer walls. It has been found that it is preferable to sandwich the first connection pad in this way, rather than sandwiching the heater or other fragile electrical connections since the pressure and forces exerted on the heater (or other components) is avoided during use and during manufacturing. The reduction of forces on the heater can help prevent it from becoming damaged. Therefore providing a separate connection pad at the join between the inner and outer walls creates a more robust heating apparatus which minimises the likelihood of damage to important and potentially fragile components. Additionally, spacing the heater apart from the outer wall means the heater only heats the necessary parts of the inner wall. Thus, heat can be delivered more efficiently to the aerosol generating substance while minimising the heat lost via conduction through the outer wall. The first connection pad and the heater can be provided as a single integral piece or closely abutting one another to create an electrical connection. The insulator can contain any suitable insulating medium, for example gasses such as air, or powdered or fibrous insulating materials. In other embodiments, the insulator can enclose a vacuum. The inner and outer walls of the insulator may comprise a material with higher thermal conductivity than an insulating layer or material contained inside the insulator to allow heat to be transferred from the heater to the cavity.
- Preferably, the inner wall and the outer wall are separated by a vacuum such that the insulator is a vacuum insulator, and the first connection pad is joined to the outer wall and the inner wall to seal the vacuum inside the vacuum insulator. In this way, the connection pad is particularly effective because the forces required to create a tight join required to seal a vacuum insulator may be significantly larger than for other types of insulators. Such forces can pose a particular risk to the heater during manufacturing.
- Preferably, the first connection pad is configured to have an increased mechanical robustness with respect to the heater. In this way, the first connection pad can be made resistant to damage during use or manufacturing while avoiding the need to change the properties of the heater to increase the robustness of the heater. The first connection pad can comprise a metal, such as stainless steel or copper. Other mechanically robust materials could also be used.
- Preferably, the heater comprises an electrically resistive track that is printed or coated onto the inner wall. In this way, heat can be delivered efficiently to the inner wall. Coated heating elements may be particularly fragile, and therefore the providing a first connection pad at the join between the inner and outer walls significantly improves the robustness of the heating apparatus. The resistive track could be provided on particular sections of the inner wall, or the resistive track could be coated or printed onto the inner wall to cover a substantially full amount of the inner wall. The resistive track may follow a serpentine or sinuous path on the inner wall from a first end to a second end of the track. In other examples, the heater could comprise one or more resistive heating plates provided on the inner wall. The heating plate could also be provided as a sinuous or serpentine resistive track.
- Preferably, the first connection pad is provided on the heater. In this way, the heater and connection pad can be electrically connected in a simple manner by attaching the connection pad to the inner wall over the heater, thus avoiding the need to electrically join or solder the first connection pad and the heater to one another.
- In some embodiments, the first connection pad covers a substantially full amount of the heater. In this way, the connection pad can act as a protective layer over the heater that reduces the likelihood of damage to the heater. The first connection pad may fully cover the heater.
- Preferably, the first connection pad has an electrical resistance that is less than the electrical resistance of the heater. More preferably, the first connection pad may have a resistance selected to generate a negligible amount of heat compared to the heater. In this way, the connection pad generates a substantially minimal amount of heat through conduction of electricity that could be lost from the insulator via the outer wall. Therefore, further energy loss is avoided and the device can be made more efficient.
- Preferably, the heater and the first connection pad comprise different materials. In this way, the first connection pad can be optimised for mechanical robustness while the heater can be optimised for heating and efficiency.
- Preferably, a second connection pad is provided on the inner wall, and the second connection pad is joined to the inner wall and the outer wall to seal the insulator. More preferably, the first connection pad and the second connection pad are connected to different parts of the heater and respectively configured to connect to opposite terminals of a power source to enable an electric current to flow through the heater. In this way, both of the necessary electrical connections to the heater can be made using connection pads rather than using sections of the heater, and the heating apparatus can be more robust. The second connection pad may be configured to seal the vacuum inside the vacuum insulator.
- According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising the heating apparatus described above.
- Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises a controller configured to control operation of the heater, and the first connection pad is electrically coupled to the controller. In this way, the first connection pad acts to increase the robustness of the heating apparatus while also enabling the controller to control the heater. The first connection pad can be directly coupled to the controller or a circuit board, or coupled to the controller via one or more wires. In one example, a wire could be soldered to the first connection pad outside the insulator.
- According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the heating apparatus as defined above, comprising the steps of: providing the heater on the inner wall; providing the first connection pad on the inner wall in electrical connection with the heater; joining the first connection pad to the inner wall and the outer wall; and covering the heater with the first connection pad at least partially to provide a protective layer over the heater.
- Preferably, in embodiments where the heater comprises an electrically resistive track that is coated onto the inner wall, the step of providing the heater on the inner wall comprises coating the inner wall with an electrically resistive material.
- Preferably, the step of joining the first connection pad to the inner wall and the outer wall comprises welding the outer wall to the inner wall and the first connection pad. Welding the outer wall to the inner wall and the first connection, rather than to the heater, avoids damage to the heater during the welding process. In other embodiments, the outer and inner wall could be joined using a heat resistant seal rather than welding.
- Preferably, the welding comprises laser welding performed at least partially in a vacuum. In this way, a vacuum can be sealed inside the insulator during welding of the outer wall to the inner wall.
- Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of a heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of a heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the invention. Aheating apparatus 100 is provided and comprises avacuum insulator 102 comprising aninner wall 104 and anouter wall 106, spaced radially apart from one another so that avacuum 108 is enclosed between them.FIG. 1 shows theheating apparatus 100 with theouter wall 106 removed so that the interior of thevacuum insulator 102 and theinner wall 104 can be viewed.FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of theheating apparatus 100 and shows a schematic cross-sectional view of theouter wall 106 so that theinner wall 104 can be viewed. - The
heating apparatus 100 comprises acavity 110 that is provided adjacent theinner wall 104 and is configured to receive a consumable comprising a tobacco rod and a filter held together by a tipping wrapper. - The consumable can be inserted into the
cavity 110 by a user via anopening 111 to thecavity 110 to be held in place by friction with theinner wall 104. Aheater 112 is provided within thevacuum 108 and on an outer surface of theinner wall 104. Theheater 112 is configured to be heated when an electrical current passes through it, and to pass this heat on to theinner wall 104 by conduction. Heat is then transferred through theinner wall 104 by conduction so that the inner surface of theinner wall 104 heats the consumable and the air inside thecavity 110. Theheater 112 can be powered by a battery or any other power source provided on an aerosol generating device. Theheater 112 comprises afirst end 113 a in electrical connection afirst connection pad 114 and asecond end 113 b in electrical connection with asecond connection pad 116. In the arrangement shown inFIG. 1 thefirst end 113 a of theheater 112 is provided underneath thefirst connection pad 114 so that an electrical connection is established. Likewise thesecond end 113 b of theheater 112 is provided underneath thesecond connection pad 116. Each of thefirst connection pad 114 and thesecond connection pad 116 are configured to connect to opposite terminals of a battery provided on an aerosol generating device to enable current flow through theheater 112. Each of thefirst connection pad 114 and thesecond connection pad 116 are joined to both theinner wall 104 and theouter wall 106 to seal thevacuum 108 inside thevacuum insulator 102. In use, the user can draw air from thecavity 110 through the filter to carry aerosol generated in thecavity 110 to the user. - The
vacuum insulator 102 is hollow and encloses avacuum 108 between its curvedinner wall 104 and its curvedouter wall 106. Thevacuum insulator 102 has a substantially cylindrical shape that enables thevacuum insulator 102 to surround the consumable fully. Thevacuum insulator 102 provides thermal insulation so that the heater can heat an aerosol generating substrate effectively while not heating other portions of the aerosol generating device, especially portions of the aerosol generating device that are held by a user. Thevacuum insulator 102 is elongate along its longitudinal axis, which enables it to receive a consumable in the form of an elongate rod comprising tobacco. Thevacuum insulator 102 has an approximately elliptical or circular cross-sectional shape when viewed along one of its ends, parallel to its longitudinal axis; however in other embodiments thevacuum insulator 102 may have other types of cross sectional shape, for example shapes that are approximately square or polygonal. - The
vacuum insulator 102 comprises anopening 111 for receiving the consumable at one longitudinal end and is closed at the opposite end. Thus, when viewed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , thevacuum insulator 102 has a cross-section that is cup-shaped. In other embodiments, thevacuum insulator 102 may be open at both longitudinal ends such that it has a tube-shaped cross-section when viewed perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis. - In other embodiments, the
vacuum insulator 102 may instead be a non-vacuum insulator, i.e., an insulator containing an insulating medium such as air, fibrous or powdered insulators. Theinner wall 104 and theouter wall 106 may be joined by thefirst connection pad 114 and thesecond connection pad 116 to seal the insulating medium between the inner and 104, 106.outer walls - The
opening 111 is flared outwardly to enable a user to insert easily the consumable into thecavity 110. In other embodiments, theopening 111 may not be flared and theinner wall 104 may have a cross-section that is the same across the full longitudinal extent of theinner wall 104. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theinner wall 104 comprises stainless steel. However, in other embodiments theinner wall 104 may comprise other suitable materials that have properties suitable for transmitting heat from theheater 112 into thecavity 110, such as other metals, metal alloys, or ceramics. - The
outer wall 106 comprises stainless steel. In other embodiments, theouter wall 106 could comprise other suitable materials, such as other metals or plastics. Theouter wall 106 comprises a single curved face that is substantially or wholly cylindrical. Other shapes ofouter wall 106 could be implemented in accordance with alternatively shaped vacuum insulators. - The
inner wall 104 has a thickness of about 0.1 millimetres (mm) or less. Having a relatively low thickness reduces the thermal mass of thevacuum insulator 102, and increases the rate of heat conduction through theinner wall 104 to thecavity 110 and the consumable. In particular, less heat is conducted away from thecavity 110 by the outer face of theinner wall 104. The threshold of 0.1 mm or less has been found to be significant in terms of improving the energy efficiency of theheating apparatus 100 by these mechanisms. In particular, an inner wall thickness of 0.1 mm has been found to have significantly improved thermal efficiency compared to an inner wall thickness of 0.25 mm. - The
outer wall 106 has a thickness of about 0.25 mm, which may be preferable to a thickness of 0.1 mm to give thevacuum insulator 102 increased mechanical sturdiness and thermal insulation properties. - The
cavity 110 is substantially cylindrical and is positioned immediately adjacent theinner wall 104. Preferably, the side of theinner wall 104 facing thecavity 110, i.e., the “inner surface” of theinner wall 104, is substantially or completely free of additional components so that the consumable can be in direct contact with the inner face when it is received in thecavity 110. This can maximise the efficiency of heat transfer from theinner wall 104 to the consumable. Further, the lack of additional components keeps the thermal mass of the heating apparatus low, which can improve the amount of time required to heat the tobacco to aerosol generating temperatures. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theheater 112 is a resistance heater configured to generate heat when applied with an electric current. Theheater 112 comprises a winding resistive heating track that extends from afirst end 113 a of theheater 112 to asecond end 113 b. The track follows a sinuous path along the length of theinner wall 104, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Thefirst end 113 a and thesecond end 113 b of theheater 112 are each configured to make electric connection with the first and 114, 116. Thesecond connection pads heater 112 is longitudinally offset from the join or seal between theinner wall 104 and theouter wall 106 to avoid damage to theheater 112 during assembly and use of theheating apparatus 100. - The
heater 112 is printed or coated onto the outer face of theinner wall 104. In other embodiments, theheater 112 can comprise a heating element or plate provided on and attached to theinner wall 104. Thus, theheater 112 may provide “trace heating” to thecavity 110. Theheater 112 may have a sinuous shape on the surface of theinner wall 104 so that a substantially full length of theinner wall 104 receives heating, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . In other embodiments, theheater 112 may cover a substantially full circumference and/or area of theinner wall 104. - The
heater 112 may comprise a material susceptible to an oxidation reaction in the presence of oxygen, and also may be provided without an anti-oxidation coating. Exposing theheater 112 to thevacuum 108 in this way takes advantage of the lack of oxygen in thevacuum insulator 102 to make theheater 112 cheaper and/or easier to manufacture. - The
first connection pad 114 and thesecond connection pad 116 are provided as plates on theinner wall 104 and positioned on top of theheater 112 to enable an electrical connection between each of the connection pads and theheater 112. The first and 114, 116 are spaced apart to prevent short circuiting and are provided at opposite ends of the track that forms thesecond connection pads heater 112. The first and 114, 116 are each sandwiched between, and joined to both of, thesecond connection pads inner wall 104 and theouter wall 106. The first and 114, 116 are curved to match the circumferential curvature of thesecond connection pads inner wall 104. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first and 114, 116 comprise stainless steel. The first andsecond connection pads 114, 116 are configured to conduct electricity so that they can be used to power thesecond connection pads heater 112 while increasing the mechanical robustness of the device. In other embodiments, the first and 114, 116 could comprise copper or other mechanically robust materials configured to conduct electricity.second connection pads - Each of the first and
114, 116 may extend through the join or seal between the inner andsecond connection pads 104, 106 to enable an electrical connection to be made with the first andouter walls 114, 116 outside of thesecond connection pads vacuum insulator 102. The electrical connection could be made by wires soldered to the first and 114, 116 that are configured to connect thesecond connection pads heater 112 via the 114, 116 to a controller or battery provided in an aerosol generating device. In other embodiments, theconnection pads 114, 116 may extend directly to the battery or controller when theconnection pads heating apparatus 100 is provided within an aerosol generating device. - In the embodiment of
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a seal (not shown) is provided at the join between theinner wall 104 and theouter wall 106 to prevent air from entering thevacuum insulator 102. The seal could comprise any suitable material, such as rubber, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or metal. Theinner wall 104 andouter wall 106 may be welded together, in which case the seal could comprise welded material. - The
heating apparatus 100 can be used with or provided in an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device would typically comprise a battery for powering theheater 112, a button or other input mechanism to enable a user to initiate theheater 112, and a controller to control the electronic components of the device, such as theheater 112. Theheating apparatus 100 may be provided within a housing of the aerosol generating device, wherein the housing comprises an opening aligned with theopening 111 of theheating apparatus 100. The aerosol generating device may be configured as an electronic smoking device. - The
heating apparatus 100 is configured to be used with a consumable comprising tobacco and a filter, which may be held together by a tipping wrapper. The consumable may be a cylindrical rod; however, other shapes of consumable designed to be received within thecavity 110 could also be used. Other forms of aerosol forming substance may be used alternatively or addition to tobacco. - Now, an example use of the
heating apparatus 100, as used within an aerosol generating device, will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 . - In use, a user can insert the consumable through the
opening 111 into thecavity 110. The consumable may have a diameter slightly less than theopening 111 to allow the consumable to be initially received in thecavity 110. - When the user is ready to initiate vaporisation, the user may press a button provided on the aerosol generating device, after which the controller may allow a current to flow from the battery to the
heater 112 via thefirst connection pad 114 and thesecond connection pad 116. Theheater 112 generates heat, due to its electrical resistance, that is transmitted to theinner wall 104 by conduction and radiation. Thefirst connection pad 114 and thesecond connection pad 116 have low resistances and produce a negligible amount of heat due to the current flowing within. This minimises the amount of undesirable heating of theouter wall 106 to improve the efficiency of theheating apparatus 100. - While the
heater 112 is operating, thevacuum 108 within thevacuum insulator 102 inhibits the conductive escape of heat from thecavity 110. Thevacuum insulator 102 also prevents heat from escaping via convection, except from via theopening 111. In this way, thecavity 110, theheater 112, and thevacuum insulator 102 form a highly efficient heating oven in which the tobacco within the consumable can be heated to a desired aerosol generating temperature. The controller may be configured to instruct theheater 112 to heat the tobacco to temperatures below the combustion temperature of tobacco. It may take several seconds for thecavity 110 to reach aerosol generating temperatures. - The
heater 112 is spaced apart from theouter wall 106 so that theheater 112 and theouter wall 106 are not in contact. This minimises the amount of heat transmitted to theouter wall 106 that is subsequently lost from theheating apparatus 100. - As the tobacco is heated, an aerosol is produced inside the
cavity 110. The user can then inhale the aerosol by drawing air from thecavity 110 via the filter. This may draw air into thecavity 110 through a periphery of theopening 111 so that the user can continuously inhale aerosol from thecavity 110. - The
heater 112 is difficult to repair due to its placement inside thevacuum insulator 102. Therefore, to avoid damage to the potentiallyfragile heater 112 during assembly or manufacture of theheating apparatus 100, thefirst connection pad 114 and the second connection pad are joined to theinner wall 104 and theouter wall 106 to seal thevacuum 108 inside thevacuum insulator 102. This avoids the need to join theouter wall 106 to theinner wall 104 over theheater 112, which can damage theheater 112. This arrangement may be especially effective when using a coated heating track, which can be particularly fragile. - The inner and
104, 106 can be welded to the first andouter walls 114, 116. In one example, the inner andsecond connection pads 104, 106 can be laser welded in a vacuum in order to create a vacuum inside theouter walls vacuum insulator 102. It is envisaged that other methods of joining the inner and 104, 106 to the first andouter walls 114, 116 may be implemented.second connection pads - Alternatively, a seal such as a rubber seal, may be provided to join the
inner wall 104, theouter wall 106 and the first and 114, 116.second connection pads - In other embodiments, not shown in the Figures, the
first connection pad 114 and thesecond connection pad 116 could be provided to cover a full or substantially full proportion of theheater 112. This can provide a protective layer for thewhole heater 112 to prevent damage during use. In this case, parts of theheater 112 may be electrically insulated from the 114, 116 to avoid short circuiting.connection pads -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of aheating apparatus 200 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Theheating apparatus 200 comprises avacuum insulator 202 with aninner wall 204 and anouter wall 206 configured in substantially the same way as theinner wall 104 and theouter wall 106 of thevacuum insulator 102. However, thevacuum insulator 202 differs from thevacuum insulator 102 in that theinner wall 204 comprises a flaredopening 211. Theopening 211 is flared radially outwardly from the centre of anadjacent cavity 210 to enable easier insertion of a rod-shaped consumable into thecavity 210. Theinner wall 204 and theouter wall 206 are joined at the flared region of theinner wall 204, as shown inFIG. 3 . - A
vacuum 208 is enclosed between theinner wall 204 and theouter wall 206, thecavity 210 is provided adjacent theinner wall 204, and aheater 212 is provided on theinner wall 204. A seal 118 is provided at the join between theinner wall 204 and theouter wall 206. Each of these components or aspects are configured in, and operate in, the same way as the corresponding features of theheating apparatus 100. - A
first connection pad 214 and asecond connection pad 216 are provided on theheater 212 at different ends of the heater track to facilitate a current flow through theheater 212, as described previously. Thefirst connection pad 214 and thesecond connection pad 216 are curved at one end to match the circumferential curvature of theinner wall 204. These same ends are provided on theinner wall 204 in contact with theheater 212 to make an electrical connection with theheater 212, as shown inFIG. 3 . Thefirst connection pad 214 and thesecond connection pad 216 differ from those of theheating apparatus 100 in that they are flared outwardly to match the outwardly flaredinner wall 204. This enables the first and 214, 216 to be joined to the inner andsecond connection pads 204, 206 at the outwardly flared portion where the inner andouter walls 204, 206 are joined together. As can also be seen inouter walls FIG. 3 , the outwardly flared ends of the first and 214, 216 are joined to and sandwiched between thesecond connection pads inner wall 204, theouter wall 206, and the seal 118 that prevents entry of air into thevacuum insulator 202. -
FIG. 3 shows a gap between the first and 214, 216 and thesecond connection pads inner wall 204. In other embodiments, the first and 214, 216 may be provided with a flared shape more precisely matching the flared shape of thesecond connection pads inner wall 204. This can allow the first and 214, 216 to be in contact with thesecond connection pads inner wall 204 along the full length of the first and 214, 216.second connection pads - In other respects, the first and
214, 216 are configured in, and operate in, the same manner as the first andsecond connection pads 114, 116 as described above with reference tosecond connection pads FIGS. 1 and 2 .
Claims (15)
1. A heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device, comprising:
an insulator, comprising an inner wall and an outer wall that are separated from one another;
a cavity configured to receive an aerosol forming substance, positioned adjacent the inner wall of the insulator;
a heater provided inside the insulator on the inner wall, configured to heat an aerosol forming substance received in the cavity by thermal conduction to generate an aerosol; and
a first connection pad provided on the inner wall, configured to electrically connect the heater to a power source;
wherein the first connection pad is joined to the outer wall and the inner wall to seal the insulator, and wherein the heater is spaced apart from the outer wall; and
wherein the first connection pad at least partially covers the heater to provide a protective layer over the heater.
2. The heating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are separated by a vacuum such that the insulator is a vacuum insulator, and wherein the first connection pad is joined to the outer wall and the inner wall to seal the vacuum inside the vacuum insulator.
3. The heating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first connection pad is configured to have an increased mechanical robustness with respect to the heater.
4. The heating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater comprises an electrically resistive track that is printed or coated on the inner wall.
5. The heating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first connection pad covers a substantially full amount of the heater.
6. The heating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first connection pad has an electrical resistance that is less than an electrical resistance of the heater.
7. The heating apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heater and the first connection pad comprise different materials.
8. The heating apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a second connection pad provided on the inner wall, wherein the second connection pad is joined to the inner wall and the outer wall to seal the insulator.
9. The heating apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the first connection pad and the second connection pad are connected to different parts of the heater and respectively configured to connect to opposite terminals of a power source to enable an electric current to flow through the heater.
10. An aerosol generating device comprising the heating apparatus of claim 1 .
11. The aerosol generating device of claim 10 , further comprising a controller configured to control operation of the heater, wherein the first connection pad is electrically coupled to the controller.
12. A method of manufacturing the heating apparatus of claim 1 , comprising the steps of:
providing the heater on the inner wall;
providing the first connection pad on the inner wall in electrical connection with the heater;
joining the first connection pad to the inner wall and the outer wall; and
covering the heater with the first connection pad at least partially to provide a protective layer over the heater.
13. The method of manufacturing of claim 12 , wherein the heater comprises an electrically resistive track that is coated onto the inner wall, and wherein the step of providing the heater on the inner wall comprises coating the inner wall with an electrically resistive material.
14. The method of manufacturing of claim 12 , wherein the step of joining the first connection pad to the inner wall and the outer wall comprises welding the outer wall to the inner wall and the first connection pad.
15. The method of manufacturing of claim 14 , wherein the welding comprises laser welding performed at least partially in a vacuum.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP22154351 | 2022-01-31 | ||
| EP22154351.5 | 2022-01-31 | ||
| PCT/EP2023/052173 WO2023144380A1 (en) | 2022-01-31 | 2023-01-30 | Heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20250017270A1 true US20250017270A1 (en) | 2025-01-16 |
Family
ID=80119342
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US18/712,973 Pending US20250017270A1 (en) | 2022-01-31 | 2023-01-30 | Heating Apparatus for an Aerosol Generating Device |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20250017270A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP4472451A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2025502921A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20240138542A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN118613183A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2023144380A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2025040651A1 (en) * | 2023-08-22 | 2025-02-27 | Jt International Sa | Heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3863448B1 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2024-12-04 | JT International SA | Aerosol generation device and heating chamber therefor |
| US11896061B2 (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2024-02-13 | Jt International S.A. | Aerosol generation device, and heating chamber therefor |
| KR102471061B1 (en) * | 2020-06-03 | 2022-11-25 | 주식회사 케이티앤지 | Heater module, manufacturing method of the heater module, and aerosol generating device with the heater module |
-
2023
- 2023-01-30 CN CN202380019296.9A patent/CN118613183A/en active Pending
- 2023-01-30 KR KR1020247023667A patent/KR20240138542A/en active Pending
- 2023-01-30 JP JP2024531707A patent/JP2025502921A/en active Pending
- 2023-01-30 US US18/712,973 patent/US20250017270A1/en active Pending
- 2023-01-30 WO PCT/EP2023/052173 patent/WO2023144380A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2023-01-30 EP EP23701804.9A patent/EP4472451A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR20240138542A (en) | 2024-09-20 |
| JP2025502921A (en) | 2025-01-30 |
| WO2023144380A1 (en) | 2023-08-03 |
| CN118613183A (en) | 2024-09-06 |
| EP4472451A1 (en) | 2024-12-11 |
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