WO2025227395A1 - Générateur d'aérosol pour dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol - Google Patents
Générateur d'aérosol pour dispositif de fourniture d'aérosolInfo
- Publication number
- WO2025227395A1 WO2025227395A1 PCT/CN2024/091010 CN2024091010W WO2025227395A1 WO 2025227395 A1 WO2025227395 A1 WO 2025227395A1 CN 2024091010 W CN2024091010 W CN 2024091010W WO 2025227395 A1 WO2025227395 A1 WO 2025227395A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- aerosol
- aerosol generator
- barrier element
- infrared radiation
- generator according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
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
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an aerosol generator for an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system, and a method of manufacturing an aerosol generator for an aerosol provision device.
- Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material.
- the material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.
- Aerosol provision systems which cover the aforementioned devices or products, are known.
- Common systems use aerosol generators (heaters) to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use aerosol generators in the form of resistive heating systems as heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium.
- an aerosol generator for an aerosol provision device configured to heat at least a portion of an article containing aerosol generating material
- the aerosol generator comprises: a heating element configured to generate infrared radiation in the wavelength range 2.5 to 15 ⁇ m and a barrier element.
- At least a portion of the barrier element has a transmittance of at least 50%for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m; and the barrier element comprises a material which has an emissivity of at least 0.45.
- a barrier element having a transmittance of at least 50%for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m means that the portion of the barrier element has the defined transmittance for infrared radiation over at least some wavelengths within this range.
- a barrier element having a transmittance above 50 % may help to increase the amount of infrared radiation (generated by the heating element) reaching the aerosol generating material. This may improve aerosolisation of an aerosol generating (e.g. by aerosolising a greater amount of the aerosol generating material and/or aerosolising the desired amount of aerosol generating material in a shorter period of time) .
- the barrier element comprises a material with an emissivity of at least 0.45
- the barrier element itself may also generate infrared radiation which can contribute to aerosol generation.
- an aerosol generator as described may reduce the pre-heat time as compared systems which rely primarily on conduction, wherein the pre-heat time is the time required to bring the aerosol generating material up to a temperature at which it will produce aerosol when drawn on by a user.
- the aerosol generator may be configured, in use, to heat the aerosol generating material to a temperature of at least 400 °C in 5 seconds.
- the aerosol generator may be configured, in use, to heat the aerosol generating material to a temperature of at least 410 °C in 5 seconds.
- the aerosol generator may be configured, in use, to heat the aerosol generating material to a temperature of at least 420 °C in 5 seconds.
- the aerosol generator may be configured, in use, to heat the aerosol generating material to a temperature of at least 430 °C in 5 seconds.
- the material has an emissivity of at least 0.45 for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m. In some examples, the material has an emissivity of at least 0.7 for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m.
- the barrier element comprises a material with this emissivity, it may also generate infrared radiation in the same wavelength range as the heating element, which can contribute to aerosol generation. In some examples, the barrier element material has an emissivity of at least 0.45 across (substantially) the entire range of 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m.
- the material has an emissivity of at least 0.45 across the majority of the range of 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m. In some examples, the material has an emissivity of at least 0.45 across at least some of the range of 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m. In some examples, the material has an average emissivity of at least 0.45 across the range of 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m.
- the portion of the barrier element has a transmittance of at least 60%for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m. In some examples, the barrier element has a transmittance of at least 70%for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m.
- the portion of the barrier element has a transmittance of at least 80% for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m. In some examples, the barrier element has a transmittance of at least 90%for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m.
- the portion of the barrier element comprises has a transmittance of at least 70%for infrared radiation in the wavelength range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m.
- the portion of the barrier element has a transmittance of at least 70%for infrared radiation in the wavelength range 5 –12 ⁇ m.
- the portion of the barrier element has a transmittance of at least 70%for infrared radiation in the wavelength ranges 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m and 5 –12 ⁇ m.
- the material comprises calcium fluoride. In some examples, material comprises UV fused silica. In some examples, the material comprises sapphire. In some examples, the material comprises Borosilicate Glass.
- the portion of the barrier element has a transmittance between 50%and 80%.
- the material may comprise silicon.
- At least the portion of the barrier element is formed substantially from the material.
- At least the portion of the barrier element is coated in a second material and second material is an anti-reflection coating.
- the anti-reflection coating reduces the internal reflection of the infrared radiation generated by the heating element which may result in increased transmission of infrared radiation through the barrier layer, which in turn may further improve aerosolisation of an aerosol generating (e.g. by aerosolising a greater amount of the aerosol generating material and/or aerosolising the desired amount of aerosol generating material in a shorter period of time) .
- the anti-reflection coating may be any suitable coating, selected in alignment with the material of the barrier element.
- the transmittance of the barrier element and the coating is at least 70%for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m .
- the portion of the barrier element comprises a roughened surface, wherein the roughened surface is configured to reduce internal reflection of the generated infrared radiation. In some examples, the portion of the barrier element comprises a textured surface; wherein the roughened surface is configured to reduce internal reflection of the generated infrared radiation.
- the reduction in internal reflection of the infrared radiation generated by the heating element may result in increased transmission of infrared radiation through the barrier layer.
- At least the portion of the barrier element is coated in a second material, wherein the second material has a higher emissivity that the barrier element material.
- the second material is an allotrope of graphene.
- the barrier element comprises at least one section of reduced thickness
- the barrier element comprises at least one section of increased thickness
- the barrier element further comprises a structural component.
- the barrier element comprises an elongate housing and the heating element is located within the elongate housing
- the heating element comprises a material which has an emissivity of at least 0.7.
- the heating element material may have an emissivity of at least 0.7 for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m.
- the heating element material may have an emissivity of at least 0.7 across (substantially) the entire range of 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m.
- the heating element material may have an emissivity of at least 0.7 across the majority of the range of 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m.
- the heating element material may have an emissivity of at least 0.7 across at least some of the range of 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m.
- the heating element material may have an average emissivity of at least 0.7 across the range of 2.5 –15.0 ⁇ m.
- the heating element may comprise a material which has an emissivity of at least 0.8, or at least 0.9.
- the heating element may be formed substantially from the heat element material.
- the heating element may be coated in the material.
- the heating element material may comprise an alloy of nickel, chromium and iron or aluminium, chromium and iron.
- the heating element material may comprise nichrome wire.
- the aerosol generator may be an internal aerosol generator.
- the aerosol generator may be configured to be inserted, in use, into a distal end of an aerosol generating article.
- the barrier element comprises a housing defining a cavity to receive at least a portion of an article containing aerosol generating material and the heating element at least partially surrounds the housing.
- the aerosol generator may be an external aerosol generator.
- the aerosol generator may be configured to receive, in use, at least a portion of an aerosol generating article containing aerosol generating material.
- the heating element is a resistive heating element.
- the heating element is a resistive heating coil. In some examples, the heating element is a film heater
- the heating element may comprise at least one heater coil.
- the heating element may comprise a single coil.
- the coil may have a constant pitch.
- the coil may have a variable pitch, wherein a central portion of the coil has less windings per unit length than the two end portions.
- the heating element may comprise two or more coils.
- the coil (s) may be helical coils.
- the heating element may be a resistive heating element.
- the heating element may be a resistive heating coil.
- the heating element may be a film heater.
- the barrier element may be an elongate housing.
- the elongate housing may comprise a cavity, and the heating element may be located within the cavity.
- the heating element may be free from contact with an inner surface of the elongate housing.
- the elongate housing may comprise one or more holes, slots, grooves, apertures or depressions, wherein the one or more holes, slots, grooves, apertures or depressions are provided at a base end of the heater and are at least partially filled with a thermally insulating material.
- the one or more holes, slots, grooves, apertures or depressions may be configured to act as a thermal break.
- the elongate housing may comprise a mount at a proximal end, and the mount may comprise one or more holes, slots, one or more holes apertures or depressions, wherein the one or more holes, slots, apertures or depressions are at least partially filled with a thermally insulating material.
- aerosol provision device configured to heat an article comprising aerosol generating material, the device comprising an aerosol generated as described above.
- the aerosol provision device may comprise a heating chamber, in which the aerosol generator is provided.
- the aerosol provision device may comprise a power source, a controller and a heating chamber, in which the aerosol generating article is removeable received.
- the power source may be aligned along a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.
- the power source may be aligned along a second longitudinal axis, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.
- the aerosol provision device may be configured for wireless charging.
- the aerosol provision device may be provided with a charging port, such as a USB port, which is used to couple the power supply to an external power source for recharging.
- an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device as described above; and an article comprising aerosol generating material.
- the aerosol provision system may comprise a charging unit having a cavity for removably receiving the aerosol provision device.
- the charging unit may comprise a moveable lid, which covers the aerosol provision device in a closed configuration.
- the charging unit may comprise a user display. The user display may be visible to a user when the moveable lid is in a closed position and is partially or fully concealed or obscured from sight by the lid when the lid is an open position.
- an aerosol generator for an aerosol provision device comprising:
- heating element configured to generate infrared radiation in the wavelength range 2.5 to 15 ⁇ m
- barrier element which has a transmittance of at least 50%for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m and comprising a material which has an emissivity of at least 0.45.
- an aerosol generator for an aerosol provision device configured to heat at least a portion of an article containing aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol generator comprises
- a heating element configured to generate infrared radiation in the wavelength range 2.5 to 15 ⁇ m
- barrier element comprising a material which has a transmittance of at least 50%for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m;
- barrier element wherein at least a portion of the barrier element is provided with an anti-reflection coating.
- the anti-reflection coating reduces the internal reflection of the infrared radiation generated by the heating element which may result in increased transmission of infrared radiation through the barrier layer, which in turn may further improve aerosolisation of an aerosol generating (e.g. by aerosolising a greater amount of the aerosol generating material and/or aerosolising the desired amount of aerosol generating material in a shorter period of time) .
- a method of generating aerosol comprising: providing an aerosol provision device comprising a heater as described above; and at least partially inserting an aerosol generating article into a receiving portion of the heating chamber.
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol provision system including an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit;
- Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another aerosol provision device; a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the aerosol provision device of Figure 2 and an aerosol generating article of the aerosol provision system;
- Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the aerosol provision device of Figure 1 and an aerosol generating article of the aerosol provision system
- Figures 5a and 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional views of embodiments of an aerosol generator which can be used in the device of Figure 1 or Figure 2;
- Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the aerosol provision device of Figure 2 according to another embodiment and an aerosol generating article;
- FIGS 7a and 7b show alternative embodiments of an aerosol generator of Figure 6;
- Figure 8 shows the infra-red transmittance of aerosol-generating material in the form of a tobacco substrate as a function of frequency in wavenumber
- Figures 9a and 9b show cross-sectional view of a heater element.
- a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
- the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
- the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END) , although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
- END electronic nicotine delivery system
- the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.
- a heat-not-burn system is a tobacco heating system.
- the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.
- Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.
- the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material.
- the solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
- the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
- the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
- the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
- aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.
- the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
- the aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former.
- a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present.
- a solvent such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent.
- the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material.
- the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
- the aerosol-generating material may comprise or be in the form of an aerosol-generating film.
- the aerosol-generating film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol former.
- a substance to be delivered and/or filler may also be present.
- the aerosol-generating film may be substantially free from botanical material.
- the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.
- the aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm.
- the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.
- the aerosol-generating film may be continuous.
- the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material.
- the sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet.
- the shredded sheet may comprise one or more strands or strips of aerosol-generating material.
- the aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous.
- the aerosol-generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support.
- the support may be planar or non-planar.
- the aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol-former and one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered, to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilise at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.
- a binder such as a gelling agent
- a solvent such as water
- an aerosol-former such as one or more other components, such as one or more substances to be delivered
- An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating.
- An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use.
- a user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales.
- the article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within or over a heater of the device which is sized to receive the article.
- An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material.
- the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
- a consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user.
- a consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
- a consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use.
- Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article.
- the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry) .
- the power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery.
- the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component.
- the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.
- FIG. 1 shows an aerosol provision system 10 comprising an aerosol provision device 100 and a charging unit 8080.
- the device is shown located within a cavity of a charging unit 80.
- the aerosol provision device 100 is arranged to generate aerosol from an aerosol generating article (not shown) which may be inserted, in use, into the aerosol provision device 100.
- the aerosol provision device 100 is an elongate structure, extending along a longitudinal axis. Additionally, the aerosol provision device has a proximal end, which will be closest to the user (e.g. the user’s mouth) when in use by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol provision device 100, as well as a distal end which will be furthest from the user when in use. The proximal end may also be referred to as the “mouth end” .
- the aerosol provision device 100 also accordingly defines a proximal direction, which is directed towards the user when in use. Further, the aerosol provision device 100 also likewise defines a distal direction, which is directed away from the user when in use.
- the terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along a longitudinal axis.
- the aerosol provision device 100 comprises an opening at the distal end, leading into a heating chamber.
- the aerosol provision device 100 may be removably inserted into the charging unit 80 in order to be charged.
- the charging unit 80 comprises a cavity for receiving the aerosol provision device 100.
- the aerosol provision device 100 may be inserted into the cavity via an opening.
- the cavity may also comprise a longitudinal opening.
- a portion of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise a first side.
- One or more user-operable control elements such as buttons 86 which can be used to operate the aerosol provision device 100 may be provided on the first side of the aerosol provision device 100.
- the first side of the aerosol provision device 100 may be received in the longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 80.
- the cavity of the charging unit 80 may have a cross-sectional profile which only permits that the aerosol provision device 100 be inserted into the charging unit 80 in a single orientation.
- the outer profile of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise an arcuate portion and a linear portion.
- the cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided in the charging unit 80 may also comprise a similar arcuate portion and a linear portion.
- the linear portion of the cross-sectional profile of the cavity may correspond with the longitudinal opening.
- the charging unit 80 includes a slidable lid 83.
- the slidable lid 83 may be closed so as to cover the opening into the aerosol provision device 100.
- the charging unit 80 may have an alternative lid configuration, such as a hinged or pivoted lid, or no lid may be provided.
- the charging unit 80 may include a user interface such as display 88, which can be provided at any convenient location, such as in the position shown in Figure 1.
- FIG. 2 shows another aerosol provision system 20.
- the system 20 comprises a one-piece aerosol provision device 200 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material, and the aerosol generating article 50 comprising the aerosol generating material.
- the device 200 can be used to heat the aerosol generating article 50 comprising the aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which can be inhaled by a user of the device 200.
- the device 20 comprises a housing 201 which surrounds and houses various components of the device 200.
- the housing 201 is elongate.
- the device 200 has an opening 204 in one end, through which the article 50 can be inserted for heating by the device 200.
- the article 50 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 200 for heating by the device 200.
- the device 200 may comprise a user-operable control element 206, such as a button or switch, which operates the device 200 when operated, e.g. pressed. For example, a user may activate the device 200 by pressing the switch 206.
- a user-operable control element 206 such as a button or switch, which operates the device 200 when operated, e.g. pressed.
- a user may activate the device 200 by pressing the switch 206.
- the device 200 defines a longitudinal axis 209 along which an article 50 may extend when inserted into the device 200.
- the opening 204 is aligned on the longitudinal axis 209.
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of an embodiment of the aerosol provision system 20.
- the aerosol provision device comprises a power source 210, a controller 220 and a heating chamber 201, in which the aerosol generating article 50 is removeable received.
- the one-piece device of Figure 3 shows the power source 210 aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 201.
- the power source is aligned along a second longitudinal axis, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.
- the aerosol provision device is provided with an aerosol generator 301 in the form of a pin.
- the aerosol generator 301 may comprise other elongate configurations, and can have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, for example oval, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal.
- the aerosol generator 301 is provided in the heating chamber 202.
- the aerosol generator 301 extends or projects into the heating chamber 202.
- the aerosol generator 301 may be inserted, in use, into a distal end of the aerosol generating article 50 which is received within the heating chamber 202 in order to internally heat the aerosol generating article 50.
- This type of aerosol generator can be referred to as an internal aerosol generator or internal heater.
- FIG 4 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of an embodiment of the aerosol provision system 10 of Figure 1.
- the aerosol provision device 100 is located in the charging unit 80.
- the aerosol provision device 100 comprises a power source 110, a controller 120 and a heating chamber 102, in which the aerosol generating article 50 is removeable received.
- the aerosol provision device 100 comprises an aerosol generator 301 in the form of a pin, which in use is inserted into a distal end of the aerosol generating article 50 which is received within the heating chamber 202 in order to internally heat the aerosol generating article 50.
- FIG. 5a shows an embodiment of an aerosol generator 301 for use in an aerosol provision device, such as those as described above.
- the aerosol generator 301 comprises a barrier element 302 and the heating element 350.
- the barrier element physically isolates/protects the heating element 350 from the aerosol generating article 50.
- the barrier element 302 is an elongate housing defining a longitudinal axis.
- the elongate housing 302 has a base end 303 and a free end 304.
- the base end 304 mounts to the device body.
- the elongate housing 302 is tubular.
- the barrier element 302 may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes, such as but not limited to, circular, elliptical, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal.
- the elongate housing 302 comprises an inner void (or cavity) 308.
- the free end 304 of the elongate housing 302 extends towards the proximal end of the heating chamber.
- the free end 304 of the aerosol generator 301 is closed, in other words, the inner void 308 does not extend through the free end 304.
- a tip 311 is provided at the free end 304.
- the tip 311 extends to an apex 312. Other shapes and configurations of the tip 311 may be provided, for example the tip 311 may define a planar surface.
- a mount 305 at the base end 303 mounts the aerosol generator 301 within a heater chamber of an aerosol provision device. It will be understood that different mounting arrangements may be used, for example a fixing, moulding, and bonding including adhering.
- the mount 305 may be a separate component or may be integrally formed with the elongate housing 302.
- the mount 305 may act as a support element, to provide structural support to the aerosol generator.
- a mount (support element) the mount can extend partially upwards around a lower portion of the barrier element.
- one or more separate support elements are provided at a lower portion of the barrier element to provide structural support to the aerosol generator.
- One or more support elements can be provided on external and/or internal surfaces of the elongate housing. Alternatively, support elements can be provided within the walls of the elongate housing.
- support element (s) provided in the aerosol generator will reinforce and strengthen the barrier portion. This will reduce damage and/or breakage of the aerosol generator as it is inserted into the article in use.
- the aerosol generator has a height H and a width W, where the width W is the width of the elongate housing 302.
- the heating element 350 is located within elongate housing 302 of the aerosol generator 301. There is a small air gap 360 between the outer surface of the heating element 350 and the inner surface of the elongate housing 302.
- the heating element 350 extends between the base end 303 and the free end 304. In some embodiments, the heating element extends partially along the length of the inner void 308.
- the aerosol generator 301 comprises electrical connection paths 352, 353.
- the electrical connection paths extend from each end of the heating element 350.
- a base electrical connection path 352 extends from the distal end of the heating element 350.
- a return electrical connection path 353 extends from the proximal end of the heating element 350.
- one or both of the electrical connection paths 352, 353 comprise the same material as the heating element.
- one or both of the electrical connection paths 352, 353 comprise the same coating.
- Figure 5b shows another embodiment of an aerosol generator 301 for use in an aerosol provision device, such as those as described above.
- the embodiment of Figure 5b comprises similar features to that of the previous embodiment.
- the heating element 350 further comprises a coating 355, applied to its outer surface.
- the aerosol generator 301 of Figure 5a has a height H2 and a width W2, and it will be appreciated that it is shorter (H2 ⁇ H) and wider (W2 >W) that the aerosol generator of Figure 5a.
- aerosol generators according to other embodiments can be sized and shaped in accordance with heating chamber to be used with an appropriately sized and shaped aerosol generating article.
- the heating coil is a helical coil, having a rectangular cross-sectional profile.
- the heating coil has a circular cross-sectional profile.
- the aerosol generator may comprise two or more heating element, such as heating coils.
- FIG 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of part of the aerosol provision device of Figure 2 according to another embodiment.
- the aerosol provision device comprises a power source 210, a controller 220 and a heating chamber 201, in which the aerosol generating article 50 comprising aerosol generating material 52 is removeable received.
- the aerosol provision device is provided with an external aerosol generator 301 comprising a coil.
- the aerosol generator 301 surrounds the heating chamber 202.
- the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber, and the aerosol generator surrounds the inserted end of the article in order to externally heat the aerosol generating article 50.
- FIG. 7a shows an embodiment of an external aerosol generator 301 for use in an aerosol provision device, such as those as described above.
- the aerosol generator 301 comprises a barrier element 302 and a heating element 350 in the form of a helical coil.
- the coil has a circular cross-sectional profile.
- the barrier element 302 is provided radially inward of the helical coil, such that it provides a barrier to protect the heating element from interaction with the article when it is inserted into the heating chamber.
- the aerosol generator comprises an insulation layer is 358 which is provided radially externally of the heating element 350.
- the insulation layer may be omitted or may be provided as part of the aerosol provision device (not part of the aerosol generator) .
- two radiating or more heating elements are provided.
- the two or more heating elements may be configured to operate simultaneously or sequentially.
- Figure 7b shows another embodiment of an external aerosol generator 301 comprising a barrier element 302 and a heating element 350 in the form of a film heater. It will be appreciated that the aerosol generator may also comprise an insulation layer is 358 which is provided radially externally of the heating element 350.
- the film heater 350 has high tensile strength and high resistance to tearing.
- the film heater 350 has a small thickness, such as less than 1 mm, which can contribute significantly in reducing the size of the aerosol generator.
- the film heater may be a polymide heater, such as, but not limited to a polyimide heater. Other materials could alternatively be used.
- the heating element 350 may comprise a plurality of axially aligned heating regions 351 in a substantially elongate arrangement.
- the regions 351 may each comprise an individual element of the heating element 350.
- the heating regions 350 may, for example, all be aligned with each other along a longitudinal axis of the heating element 350, thus providing a plurality of independent heating zones along the length of the heating element 350.
- the heating regions 350 are geometrically arranged so that different ones of the heating regions 350 are arranged to predominately and independently heat different regions of the aerosol generating material 52.
- the heating element as described in any other embodiments of the aerosol generator may also comprise a plurality of individual heating regions.
- the heating regions may be operable independently of one another so that different regions can be activated at different times to heat the aerosol generating material 52.
- the heating regions may be arranged in the aerosol generator 301 in any geometric arrangement.
- the heating element 350 is formed from a resistive material having an emissivity of at least 0.7. Materials with high emissivity are highly efficient in emitting infrared thermal energy, which during operation of the aerosol generator used to aerosolise the aerosol generating material.
- a typical aerosol generating material may comprise the following components
- Microcrystalline cellulose 2-4%
- aerosol generating material may absorb certain wavelengths of infra-red radiation more strongly than other wavelengths. Accordingly, the Applicants have identified that providing infra-red radiation at these more strongly absorbed wavelengths may provide more efficient heating of the aerosol generating material by the infra-red radiation.
- the frequency of the incident radiation corresponds to the resonant frequency of a particular vibration mode of an atomic bond within the aerosol generating material, then there will be particularly strong absorption of radiation at that frequency.
- aerosol generating material may absorb infra-red radiation particularly strongly at wavelengths of between approximately 2.6 and 3.7 microns. This is believed to correspond to absorption of infra-red radiation by the stretching of O-H bonds in the aerosol generating material.
- a broad absorption peak, where the transmittance of the tobacco rod is reduced significantly, is found at frequencies of between 3600 cm-1 and 2700 cm-1 (which corresponds to wavelengths of between 2.6 and 3.7 microns) . This is believed to correspond to the resonant frequency of the stretching of O-H bonds in the tobacco substrate.
- IR heaters that operate at these wavelengths may allow for particularly strong absorption of IR radiation by the aerosol generating material (such as a tobacco substrate) , and therefore particularly efficient heating of the aerosol generating material.
- an aerosol generator in accordance with embodiments may provide an effective means of producing aerosol without burning an aerosol generating material.
- the heating element 350 is formed from a resistive material having an emissivity of at least 0.7 at the operating temperature of the heating element.
- the operating temperature of the heating element is in the range may be in therange of 500 –1300 °C. In some embodiments, the operating temperature of the heatingelement is approximately 1000 °C.
- an aerosol generator in accordance with embodiments may provide an effective means of producing aerosol without burning an aerosol generating material.
- Materials with high emissivity are particularly effective at emitting infrared radiation. Generating infrared radiation using a material with higher emissivity may help to increase the amount of infrared radiation that is generated (e.g. for a given amount of power, volume of material and/or surface area of material) . As materials with a higher emissivity are able to provide more infrared radiation, using materials with high emissivity may help to improve aerosolisation of an aerosol generating (e.g. by aerosolising a greater amount of the aerosol generating material and/or aerosolising the desired amount of aerosol generating material in a shorter period of time) .
- the material has an emissivity of at least 0.7 when heatedto a temperature of approximately 1000 °C.
- the heating element isheated to a temperature of approximately 1000 °C. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the material to have a high emissivity at this temperature. This may help to ensure that the heater is configured to emit the desired amount of infrared radiation duringheating and/or after being heated (e.g. to a temperature of approximately 1000 °C) .
- the material has a higher emissivity, for example of atleast 0.8 or at least 0.9, when heated to a temperature of approximately 1000 °C.
- the heating element is configured to generate infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m and the material has an emissivity of at least 0.7 for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m.
- the range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m may be a particularly effective range of infrared wavelengths for heating the O-H bonds that are present in a tobacco substrate. Therefore, a heating element configured to generate infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m may be particularly effective at generating an aerosol from a tobacco substrate.
- the heater is configured to generate infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m, it may be advantageous that the material has a high emissivity for this range of wavelengths. A high emissivity may help to ensure that the desired amount of infrared radiation is emitted in the range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m, thereby helping to ensure that the article is heated effectively.
- the heating element is configured to generate infrared radiation in the range 5.0 –12.0 ⁇ m; and the material has an emissivity of at least 0.7 for infrared radiation in the range 5.0 –12.0 ⁇ m.
- the material has a high emissivity for this range of wavelengths.
- a high emissivity may help to ensure that the desired amount of infrared radiation is emitted in the range 5.0 –12.0 ⁇ m, thereby helping to ensure that the article is heated effectively.
- the material comprises an alloy of nickel, chromium and iron or aluminium, chromium and iron.
- the material comprises nichrome wire.
- the aerosol generating material may be a non-tobacco substrate, in which case the material can be selected with an appropriate emissivity in accordance with the required wavelength range for the substrate.
- the heating element may comprise a material which additionally has high temperature resistance to oxidation.
- the heating element is substantially formed from the material having a high emissivity as described above.
- one or both of the electrical connection paths 352, 353 (as shown for example in Figure a) comprise a material which has an emissivity of at least 0.7 as described with respect to the heating element.
- one or both of the electrical connection paths 352, 353 are substantially formed from a material which has an emissivity of at least 0.7.
- One or both of the electrical connection paths may be substantially formed from same material as the heating element.
- one or both of the electrical connection paths 352, 353 are provided with a coating which comprises a material which has an emissivity of at least 0.7.
- One or both of the electrical connection paths may be provided with a coating comprising the same material as the coating provided on the heating element.
- the infrared radiation generated by the heating element 350 passes through the barrier element 302 into the aerosol generating material 52 in the aerosol generating article 50.
- the barrier element itself may generate infrared radiation in the desired wavelength range, and infrared radiation generated by the barrier element contributes to the aerosol generation of the aerosol generating material.
- the heating element generates infrared radiation in a first waveband and the barrier element generates infrared radiation in the same waveband. It will be appreciated that in this case, the infrared radiation generated by the heating element will target a first set of chemical bond (s) within the tobacco substrate, and the infrared radiation generated by the barrier element will target the same set of chemical bond (s) within the tobacco substrate.
- the heating element generates infrared radiation in a first waveband and the barrier element generates infrared radiation in a second waveband.
- the infrared radiation generated by the heating element will target a first set of chemical bond (s) within the tobacco substrate
- the infrared radiation generated by the barrier element will target a second set of chemical bond (s) within the tobacco substrate.
- the heating element may be configured to generate infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m
- the barrier element is configured to generate infrared radiation in the range 5.0 –12.0 ⁇ m.
- the infrared radiation generated by the heating element will target O-H bonds within the tobacco substrate
- the infrared radiation generated by the barrier element will target a second set of chemical bond (s) , for example C-C and/or C-O bonds within the tobacco substrate.
- the barrier element has a transmittance of at least 50%for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m; and the barrier element comprises a material which has an emissivity of at least 0.45.
- the barrier element 302 comprises at least a portion with a relatively high transmittance for the infrared wavelength generated by the heating element.
- the portion of the barrier element adjacent to the aerosol generating material when the aerosol generating article is inserted comprises a material with a relatively high transmittance for the infrared wavelength generated by the heating element.
- At least a portion of the barrier element has a transmittance of at least 50%for infrared radiation in the wavelength range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m. It will be understood that this means that the material has the defined transmittance for infrared radiation over at least some wavelengths within this range.
- the barrier element comprises a material with an emissivity of at least 0.45
- the barrier element itself may also generate infrared radiation which can contribute to aerosol generation (as described above) .
- the pre-heat time is defined as the time required to bring the aerosol generating material up to a temperature at which it will produce aerosol when drawn on by a user.
- the aerosol generator according to embodiments can bring the aerosol generating material up to a temperature of at least 400 °C in less than 5 seconds.
- the portion of barrier element has a transmittance of at least 70%, at least 80%or at least 90%.
- the portion of the barrier element may have the defined transmittance for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –15 ⁇ m.
- the portion of the barrier element may have the defined transmittance for infrared radiation in the range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m.
- the range 2.5 –3.3 ⁇ m may be a particularly effective range of infrared wavelengths for heating the O-H bonds that are present in a tobacco substrate.
- the portion of the barrier element may have the defined transmittance for infrared radiation in the range 5-12 ⁇ m.
- the portion of the barrier element is formed substantially from the material having the defined emissivity.
- the barrier element is formed substantially from the material having the defined emissivity.
- Suitable materials for the barrier element include, but are not limited to: quartz, diamond, infrared glass, transparent ceramics, calcium floride, UV fused silica, sapphire.
- the portion of the barrier element is additionally coated in a second material which is an anti-reflection coating.
- the anti-reflection coating may be any suitable coating, and may be selected in accordance with the barrier element material.
- the anti-reflection coating may have a refractive index between that of the material and air, in order to reduce internal reflection at an interface between the barrier layer the air.
- the anti-reflection coating may have a refractive index between that of the material and the aerosol generating material, in order to reduce internal reflection at an interface between the barrier layer the aerosol generating material
- the anti-reflection coating reduces the internal reflection of the infrared radiation generated by the heating element which may result in increased transmission of infrared radiation through the barrier layer. This may further improve aerosolisation of an aerosol generating (e.g. by aerosolising a greater amount of the aerosol generating material and/or aerosolising the desired amount of aerosol generating material in a shorter period of time) .
- the portion of the barrier element further comprises a roughened surface, wherein the roughened surface is configured to reduce internal reflection of the generated infrared radiation.
- the portion of the barrier element comprises a textured surface; wherein the roughened surface is configured to reduce internal reflection of the generated infrared radiation.
- the reduction in internal reflection of the infrared radiation generated by the heating element may result in increased transmission of infrared radiation through the barrier layer. This may further improve aerosolisation of an aerosol generating (e.g. by aerosolising a greater amount of the aerosol generating material and/or aerosolising the desired amount of aerosol generating material in a shorter period of time) .
- the portion of the barrier element has a transmittance between 50%and 80%, and a suitable material would be for example silicon. This may help to provide a barrier element that allows sufficient infrared radiation generated by the heating element to pass through, whilst at the same time adsorbing infrared radiation into the barrier element itself, such that the barrier element generates infrared radiation.
- Figure 9a shows a cross-sectional view through a heating element 350 according to an embodiment.
- the heating element 350 comprises heater core 354 and a coating 355 is provided on the outer surface of the heater core 354.
- the heater core 354 comprises a resistive heating element.
- the coating 355 comprises the material having a high emissivity as described above.
- the coating 355 comprises a material having a higher emissivity than the heater core 354.
- the heating element 350 is substantially coated with the material.
- the heating element 350 is at least partially coated with the material.
- an upper portion of the heating element i.e. the portion adjacent to the tip, may be coated with the material.
- the heating element being (at least partially) coated in the material may help to ensure that the heating element is able to emit the desired amount of infrared radiation.
- the heating element may be (at least partially) coated on an external surface and/or an internal surface.
- the coating may be applied on a surface of the heating element configured to be directed towards and/or in contact with the article containing aerosol generating material. This may help to ensure that the infrared radiation is emitted towards the aerosol generating material to be heated.
- the coating may comprise any material listed above with respect to the heating element. Additionally, the coating may comprise any other suitable high emissivity material, such as but not limited to, graphite, carbon, carbon black, ceramic, glass, gold.
- Figure 9b shows a cross-sectional view through a heating element 350 according to an embodiment.
- the heating element 350 comprises a material having a high emissivity, as described above and a coating 355.
- An intermediate layer 356 is provided between the heating element 350 and the coating 355.
- the intermediate layer 356 may be a naturally occurring oxide layer.
- the intermediate layer 356 may be an anti-oxidation layer applied to on the heater core to prevent deterioration of the heater core 354.
- the intermediate layer 356 may be a bonding material to ensure adherence of the coating 355 to the heater core 354.
- an oxide layer may increase the emissivity of the heating element
- the aerosol generator of the aerosol provision system is a part of the aerosol generating article, rather than being a part of the aerosol provision device.
- the heating element and barrier element are embedded within portion of the article comprising the aerosol generating material. It will be appreciated that this arrangement can also be considered as an internal aerosol generator.
- the heating element may be a resistive heating element, for example in the form of the resistive coil described above, which is provided as part of the aerosol generating article.
- Electrical connections may be provided on the aerosol generating article, configured to couple with respective electrical connections in the aerosol provision device. The electrical coupling between the article and the aerosol provision device may enable electric current to flow from a power source in the aerosol provision device to the resistive heating element.
Landscapes
- Resistance Heating (AREA)
Abstract
L'invention concerne un générateur d'aérosol pour un dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol conçu pour chauffer au moins une partie d'un article contenant un matériau de génération d'aérosol, le générateur d'aérosol comprenant : un élément chauffant conçu pour générer un rayonnement infrarouge dans la plage de longueurs d'onde de 2,5 à 15 µm et un élément barrière. Au moins une partie de l'élément barrière présente une transmittance d'au moins 50 % pour un rayonnement infrarouge dans la plage de 2,5 à 15 µm. L'élément barrière contient un matériau qui a une émissivité d'au moins 0,45.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2024/091010 WO2025227395A1 (fr) | 2024-04-30 | 2024-04-30 | Générateur d'aérosol pour dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2024/091010 WO2025227395A1 (fr) | 2024-04-30 | 2024-04-30 | Générateur d'aérosol pour dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2025227395A1 true WO2025227395A1 (fr) | 2025-11-06 |
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ID=91274731
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2024/091010 Pending WO2025227395A1 (fr) | 2024-04-30 | 2024-04-30 | Générateur d'aérosol pour dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2025227395A1 (fr) |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20220322744A1 (en) * | 2019-12-23 | 2022-10-13 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co.,Ltd. | Heater and smoking device including the heater |
| JP2023510534A (ja) * | 2020-01-18 | 2023-03-14 | 深▲せん▼市合元科技有限公司 | エアロゾル生成装置 |
| US20230189401A1 (en) * | 2020-05-06 | 2023-06-15 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. | Heating body and aerosol-generation device including same |
| US20230263229A1 (en) * | 2020-09-01 | 2023-08-24 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. | Aerosol generation device and infrared heater |
| EP4324348A1 (fr) * | 2021-04-15 | 2024-02-21 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. | Appareil de génération d'aérosol et élément chauffant à infrarouge |
| EP4331407A1 (fr) * | 2021-04-30 | 2024-03-06 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. | Dispositif et système de génération d'aérosol |
-
2024
- 2024-04-30 WO PCT/CN2024/091010 patent/WO2025227395A1/fr active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20220322744A1 (en) * | 2019-12-23 | 2022-10-13 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co.,Ltd. | Heater and smoking device including the heater |
| JP2023510534A (ja) * | 2020-01-18 | 2023-03-14 | 深▲せん▼市合元科技有限公司 | エアロゾル生成装置 |
| US20230189401A1 (en) * | 2020-05-06 | 2023-06-15 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. | Heating body and aerosol-generation device including same |
| US20230263229A1 (en) * | 2020-09-01 | 2023-08-24 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. | Aerosol generation device and infrared heater |
| EP4324348A1 (fr) * | 2021-04-15 | 2024-02-21 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. | Appareil de génération d'aérosol et élément chauffant à infrarouge |
| EP4331407A1 (fr) * | 2021-04-30 | 2024-03-06 | Shenzhen First Union Technology Co., Ltd. | Dispositif et système de génération d'aérosol |
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