阅读说明：本技术 包括温度传感器的感应加热装置 (Induction heating device comprising a temperature sensor ) 是由 J·C·库拜特 O·米罗诺夫 E·斯图拉 于 2020-06-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于测量感应加热装置(10)的感受器(11、15)的温度的方法。感应加热装置(10)包括：腔(14、18)；至少一个感应器线圈(12、16),其被配置成当变化电流流过所述至少一个感应器线圈(12、16)时产生变化磁场；至少一个感受器(11、15),其相对于所述至少一个感应器线圈(12、16)被布置成使得所述至少一个感受器(11、15)能够通过穿透所述变化磁场而被加热；至少一个温度传感器(13、17)。所述方法包括：使所述至少一个温度传感器(13、15)与所述至少一个感受器(11、15)热接触的；当所述变化电流不流过所述至少一个感应器线圈(12、16)时测量所述至少一个感受器(11、15)的温度。(A method for measuring the temperature of a susceptor (11, 15) of an induction heating device (10). An induction heating device (10) comprises: a cavity (14, 18); at least one inductor coil (12, 16) configured to generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current flows through the at least one inductor coil (12, 16); at least one susceptor (11, 15) arranged with respect to the at least one inductor coil (12, 16) such that the at least one susceptor (11, 15) can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field; at least one temperature sensor (13, 17). The method comprises the following steps: -bringing the at least one temperature sensor (13, 15) in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor (11, 15); measuring the temperature of the at least one susceptor (11, 15) when the varying current does not flow through the at least one inductor coil (12, 16).)

1. A method for measuring the temperature of a susceptor of an induction heating device configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, the induction heating device comprising:

-a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate heatable by the induction heating means;

-at least one inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current flows through the at least one inductor coil;

-at least one susceptor arranged relative to the at least one inductor coil such that the at least one susceptor can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field, the at least one susceptor being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

-at least one temperature sensor;

the method comprises the following steps:

-bringing the at least one temperature sensor into thermal contact with the at least one susceptor;

-measuring the temperature of the at least one susceptor when the varying current is not flowing through the at least one inductor coil.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

-avoiding measuring the temperature of the at least one susceptor when the varying current flows through the at least one inductor coil.

3. The method of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is a thermocouple.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is a thermocouple, the thermocouple comprising a first thermocouple wire extending from a first proximal end to a first distal end and a second thermocouple wire extending from a second proximal end to a second distal end, the first proximal end joined to the second proximal end forming a junction, the junction in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the joint is in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor by a weld point.

6. The method of any one of claims 4 to 5 wherein the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire have a diameter of between about 5 microns and about 100 microns, preferably between about 45 microns and about 55 microns.

7. The method of any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the first thermocouple wire is surrounded by a first electrically insulating layer and the second thermocouple wire is surrounded by a second electrically insulating layer, the first and second electrically insulating layers having a thickness of between about 2 microns and about 10 microns.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first and second electrically insulating layers comprise parylene.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the at least one susceptor comprises a thermal insulator arranged for thermally insulating the at least one susceptor from the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire.

10. The method of any one of claims 4 to 9 wherein the first thermocouple wire comprises a nickel chromium alloy and the second thermocouple wire comprises a nickel aluminum manganese alloy.

11. The method of any of claims 1-2, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is a resistive temperature device comprising a resistive element such that as a temperature of the resistive element increases, a resistance of the resistive element increases.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the resistive element of the resistive temperature device comprises platinum.

13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein:

-the at least one inductor coil comprises a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil, the first inductor coil being configured to generate a first varying magnetic field when a first varying current flows through the first inductor coil, and the second inductor coil being configured to generate a second varying magnetic field when a second varying current flows through the second inductor coil;

-the at least one susceptor comprises a first susceptor arranged relative to the first inductor coil such that the first susceptor is heatable by penetration of the first varying magnetic field, and a second susceptor arranged relative to the second inductor coil such that the second susceptor is heatable by penetration of the second varying magnetic field, the first and second susceptors being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

the method further comprises:

-bringing the at least one temperature sensor into thermal contact with the first susceptor;

-measuring the temperature of the first susceptor when the first varying current does not flow through the first inductor coil.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

-avoiding measuring the temperature of the first susceptor when the first varying current flows through the first inductor coil.

15. The method of any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the at least one temperature sensor comprises a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the method comprising:

-bringing the first temperature sensor into thermal contact with the first susceptor;

-measuring the temperature of the first susceptor when the first varying current does not flow through the first inductor coil;

-bringing the second temperature sensor into thermal contact with the second susceptor;

-measuring the temperature of the second susceptor when the second varying current does not flow through the second inductor coil.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

-refraining from measuring the temperature of the first susceptor when the first varying current flows through the first inductor coil;

-avoiding measuring the temperature of the second susceptor when the second varying current flows through the second inductor coil.

17. An induction heating apparatus comprising:

-a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate heatable by the induction heating means;

-at least one inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current flows through the at least one inductor coil;

-at least one susceptor arranged relative to the at least one inductor coil such that the at least one susceptor can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field, the at least one susceptor being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

-a thermocouple comprising a first thermocouple wire extending from a first proximal end to a first distal end and a second thermocouple wire extending from a second proximal end to a second distal end, the first proximal end joined to the second proximal end forming a junction, the junction being in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor;

wherein said first thermocouple wire and said second thermocouple wire have a diameter between about 5 microns and about 100 microns, preferably between about 45 microns and about 55 microns.

18. The induction heating device of claim 17, wherein the susceptor is a tubular susceptor.

19. An induction heating device according to claim 18, wherein the tubular susceptor at least partially defines the cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.

20. Induction heating device according to any one of claims 18-19, wherein the tubular susceptor comprises a tubular support and a susceptor layer arranged on an inner surface of the tubular support.

21. The induction heating unit of any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the first thermocouple wire is surrounded by a first electrically insulating layer and the second thermocouple wire is surrounded by a second electrically insulating layer, the first and second electrically insulating layers having a thickness of between about 2 microns and about 10 microns.

22. The induction heating apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first and second electrically insulating layers comprise parylene.

23. The induction heating element of any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the first thermocouple wire comprises a nickel chromium alloy and the second thermocouple wire comprises a nickel aluminum manganese alloy.

24. An aerosol-generating device, comprising:

-an induction heating device according to any one of claims 17 to 23;

-a device housing; and

-a power supply electrically connected to the induction heating means and configured to provide a varying current to at least one inductor coil.

25. An aerosol-generating system comprising:

an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; and

an aerosol-generating device according to claim 24.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an induction heating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate and a method for measuring the temperature of a susceptor of an induction heating device.

Background

Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. The purpose of such heated aerosol-generating articles is to reduce the harmful or potentially harmful by-products produced by the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

In aerosol-generating articles, an inhalable aerosol is typically generated by transferring heat from a heating element to an aerosol-forming substrate. During heating, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate and entrained in the air. For example, the volatile compounds may be entrained in air drawn through, over, around, or otherwise within the vicinity of the aerosol-generating article. As the released volatile compounds cool, the compounds condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol can be inhaled by the user. The aerosol may contain flavors, flavorants, nicotine, and other desired ingredients.

The heating element may be comprised in an aerosol-generating device. The combination of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device may form an aerosol-generating system.

The heating element may be a resistive heating element which may be inserted into or disposed around the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is received in the aerosol-generating device. In other aerosol-generating systems, inductive heating means are used instead of resistive heating elements. The inductive heating device typically comprises an inductor coil and a susceptor arranged such that it is in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate. The inductor coil generates a varying magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor, thereby heating the susceptor, and hence the aerosol-forming substrate. Inductive heating allows the aerosol to be generated without exposing the heating device to the aerosol-generating article. This may improve the ease of cleaning the heating device. However, it may be difficult to accurately measure the temperature of the susceptor of such an induction heating device, and thus the amount of heat applied to the aerosol-forming substrate when forming an aerosol.

It is desirable to provide an induction heating device that allows accurate measurement of susceptor temperature. It is also desirable to provide a method for accurately measuring the temperature of such susceptors.

Disclosure of Invention

There is provided a method for measuring the temperature of a susceptor of an induction heating device configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate. The induction heating means may comprise a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate which may be heated by the induction heating means. The induction heating device may comprise at least one inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current flows through the at least one inductor coil. The inductive heating device may comprise at least one susceptor arranged relative to the at least one inductor coil such that the at least one susceptor can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field, the at least one susceptor being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The induction heating means may comprise at least one temperature sensor. The method may comprise bringing at least one temperature sensor into thermal contact with at least one susceptor. The method may include measuring a temperature of the at least one susceptor while the varying current is not flowing through the at least one inductor coil.

In the disclosure, there is provided a method for measuring the temperature of a susceptor of an induction heating device configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, the induction heating device comprising:

-a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate heatable by the induction heating means;

-at least one inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current flows through the at least one inductor coil;

-at least one susceptor arranged relative to the at least one inductor coil such that the at least one susceptor can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field, the at least one susceptor being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

-at least one temperature sensor;

the method comprises the following steps:

-bringing the at least one temperature sensor into thermal contact with the at least one susceptor;

-measuring the temperature of the at least one susceptor when the varying current is not flowing through the at least one inductor coil.

The induction heating means may comprise at least one inductor coil. The at least one inductor coil is arranged to generate a varying magnetic field upon receiving a varying current from a power source. Such varying current may be between about 5 kilohertz and about 500 kilohertz. In some embodiments, the varying current is a high frequency varying current. As used herein, the term "high frequency varying current" refers to a varying current having a frequency between about 500 kilohertz and about 30 megahertz. The high frequency varying current may have a frequency between about 1 megahertz and about 30 megahertz, such as between about 1 megahertz and about 10 megahertz, or such as between about 5 megahertz and about 8 megahertz. The varying current may be an alternating current generating an alternating magnetic field.

The inductor coil may have any suitable form. For example, the inductor coil may be a flat inductor coil. The flat inductor coil may be wound in a spiral manner substantially in a plane. Preferably, the inductor coil is a tubular inductor coil. Typically, the tubular inductor coil is helically wound about a longitudinal axis. The inductor coil may be elongated. Particularly preferably, the inductor coil may be an elongated tubular inductor coil. The inductor coil may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the inductor coil may have a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or other polygonal cross-section.

The inductor coil may be formed of any suitable material. The inductor coil is formed of an electrically conductive material. Preferably, the inductor coil is formed of a metal or metal alloy.

As used herein, "conductive" refers to a material having a resistivity of less than or equal to 1 x 10 "4 ohm-meters (Ω -m) at twenty degrees celsius.

The induction heating means may comprise at least one susceptor. As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to an element comprising a material capable of converting magnetic energy into heat. The susceptor is heated when it is positioned in a varying magnetic field, such as that produced by an inductor coil. Heating of the susceptor may be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material.

The susceptor may comprise any suitable material. The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release the volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. The preferred susceptor can be heated to a temperature in excess of about 250 degrees celsius. Preferred susceptors may be formed from electrically conductive materials. Suitable materials for the elongate susceptor include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel-containing compounds, titanium and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptors include metals or carbon. Some preferred susceptors include ferromagnetic materials such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloy (such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel) ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. Some preferred susceptors are constructed of ferromagnetic materials. Suitable susceptors may include aluminum. Suitable susceptors may be comprised of aluminum. The susceptor may comprise at least about 5%, at least about 20%, at least about 50%, or at least about 90% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material.

Preferably, the susceptor is formed from a substantially gas impermeable material. In other words, preferably the susceptor is formed from a material which is gas impermeable.

The at least one susceptor of the induction heating device may have any suitable form. For example, the susceptor may be elongate. The susceptor may have any suitable cross-section. For example, the susceptor may have a circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or other polygonal cross-section. The susceptor may be tubular.

In some preferred embodiments, the susceptor may comprise a susceptor layer disposed on a support. Arranging the susceptor in a varying magnetic field induces eddy currents near the susceptor surface, an effect known as the skin effect. Thus, the susceptor may be formed from a relatively thin layer of susceptor material, while ensuring that the susceptor is effectively heated in the presence of a varying magnetic field. Manufacturing the susceptor from a support and a relatively thin susceptor layer may facilitate the manufacture of simple, cheap and robust aerosol-generating articles.

The support may be formed of a material that is not susceptible to induction heating. Advantageously, this may reduce heating of the surface of the susceptor that is not in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the surface of the support forms the surface of the susceptor that is not in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

The support may comprise an electrically insulating material. As used herein, "electrically insulating" refers to a material having a resistivity of at least 1 x 104 ohm-meters (Ω m) at twenty degrees celsius.

Forming the support body from a thermally insulating material may provide a thermally insulating barrier between the susceptor layer and other components of the induction heating device, such as an inductor coil surrounding the induction heating element. Advantageously, this may reduce heat transfer between the susceptor and other components of the induction heating system.

The insulating material can also have a surface area of less than or equal to about 0.01 square centimeters per second (cm)²Volume thermal diffusivity per second) as measured using the laser flash method. Providing a support with such a thermal diffusivity may result in a support with a high thermal inertia, which may reduce heat transfer between the susceptor layer and the support, and reduce temperature variations of the support.

The susceptor may be provided with a protective outer layer, such as a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer. The protective outer layer may enhance the durability of the susceptor and facilitate cleaning of the susceptor. The protective outer layer may substantially surround the susceptor. The susceptor may include a protective coating formed from glass, ceramic, or inert metal.

The susceptor may be of any suitable size. The susceptor may have a length of between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, such as between about 6 mm and about 12 mm, or between about 8 mm and about 10 mm. The width of the susceptor may be between about 1 mm and about 8 mm, for example between about 3 mm and about 5 mm. The susceptor may have a thickness of between about 0.01 mm and about 2 mm. Where the susceptor has a constant cross-section (e.g., a circular cross-section), the susceptor may have a preferred width or diameter of between about 1 millimeter and about 5 millimeters.

The induction heating means may comprise at least one external heating element. The at least one external heating element may comprise at least one susceptor. As used herein, the term "external heating element" refers to a heating element configured to heat an outer surface of an aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one external heating element may at least partially surround a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.

The induction heating means may comprise at least one internal heating element. The internal heating element may comprise at least one susceptor. As used herein, the term "internal heating element" refers to a heating element configured to be inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating elements may be in the form of blades, pins and cones. The at least one internal heating element may extend into the cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.

In some embodiments, the induction heating device comprises at least one internal heating element and at least one external heating element.

The induction heating device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds, which may form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate is part of an aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a solid component and a liquid component. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material comprising volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant substrate material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aggregated, curled sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As used herein, the term "crimped sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and which is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-or triacetate; and fatty acid esters of mono-, di-or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyldodecanedioate and dimethyltetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol-formers may include polyols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerol. If present, the aerosol-former content of the homogenized tobacco material may be equal to or greater than 5 weight percent on a dry weight basis, such as between about 5 weight percent and about 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

The induction heating means may comprise at least one temperature sensor.

The method may comprise the step of bringing at least one temperature sensor into thermal contact with at least one susceptor. As a result, the at least one temperature sensor may measure the temperature of the at least one susceptor.

The method may include the step of measuring the temperature of the at least one susceptor while a varying current is not flowing through the at least one inductor coil. It has been found that when a varying current flows through the at least one inductor coil, the magnetic field generated by the at least one inductor coil can induce a current in the at least one temperature sensor. Such induced currents may lead to erroneous measurements of the temperature of the at least one susceptor. Thus, measuring the temperature of the at least one susceptor when a varying current is not flowing through the at least one inductor coil may improve the accuracy of the temperature measurement of the at least one susceptor. The method may further comprise the step of avoiding measuring the temperature of the at least one susceptor when a varying current is flowing through the at least one inductor coil. This further step may help to ensure that the accuracy of the temperature measurement of the at least one susceptor is improved.

The at least one temperature sensor may be a thermocouple. The thermocouple may include a first thermocouple wire and a second thermocouple wire. The first thermocouple wire extends from a first proximal end to a first distal end. The second thermocouple wire extends from the second proximal end to the second distal end. The first proximal end is joined to the second proximal end, thereby forming a joint. The joint is in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor. As used herein, "proximal end of the thermocouple wire" is defined as the end of the thermocouple wire closest to the at least one susceptor.

The thermocouple sensor may provide an inexpensive arrangement to measure the temperature of the susceptor. Thermocouple sensors may be beneficial for measuring a wide range of temperatures for the operation of the susceptor. An advantage of thermocouple sensors is that they may not require an external power source to activate. The use of a thermocouple in the method of the present disclosure may improve the accuracy of susceptor temperature measurements.

In one embodiment, the joint is in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor via a weld point.

The first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire may have a diameter between about 5 microns and about 100 microns. Because of these diameters, the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire may have a low thermal mass. This is advantageous to allow for a fast temperature stabilization of the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire. Such rapid temperature stabilization is useful for improving the accuracy of susceptor temperature measurements at a given time.

The first thermocouple wire may be surrounded by a first electrically insulating layer. The second thermocouple wire may be surrounded by a second electrically insulating layer. The first and second electrically insulating layers are made of an electrically insulating material. The first and second electrically insulating layers may have a thickness between about 2 microns and about 10 microns. Providing first and second electrically insulating layers may help reduce the generation of induced currents in the first and second thermocouple wires. By providing first and second electrically insulating layers having a thickness between about 2 microns and about 10 microns, the first and second thermocouple wires may have a low thermal mass. This may result in sufficient temperature stability of the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire.

The first and second electrically insulating layers may comprise parylene. The material also helps to improve the thermal stability of the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire.

The at least one susceptor may comprise a thermal insulator arranged to thermally insulate the at least one susceptor from the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire. The thermal insulator is made of a thermal insulating material. This arrangement may help ensure that the thermocouple sensor is in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor only through the junction. This may also improve the accuracy of susceptor temperature measurement.

As used herein, the term "thermally insulating material" is used to describe a material having a bulk thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 100 milliwatts per meter kelvin (mW/(mK)) at 23 degrees celsius and 50% relative humidity, as measured using a modified transient plane source (MTP) method.

The first thermocouple wire may comprise nichrome (chromel). The second thermocouple wire may comprise nickel aluminium manganese (alumel).

The at least one temperature sensor may be a resistive temperature device. The resistive temperature device includes a resistive element. When the temperature of the resistance element increases, the resistance of the resistance element increases. Therefore, a correlation can be established between the resistance of the resistance element and the temperature of the resistance element. In this way, the temperature of the resistive element can be obtained by measuring the resistance of the resistive element. Since the resistive element is in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor, the temperature of the resistive element can be used to obtain the temperature of the at least one susceptor. The resistive element is preferably formed of metal.

In one embodiment, the correlation is established in such a way that the resistance of a 100 ohm resistive element represents the temperature of the resistive element at 0 degrees celsius.

The resistive element of the resistive temperature device may include platinum. Platinum may be a suitable material for the resistive element because it may be chemically inert. Platinum may provide a substantially linear relationship between the resistance of the resistive element and the temperature of the resistive element, thereby facilitating calibration. Platinum has a high temperature coefficient of resistance. This may help to allow for easily measured resistance changes with temperature. This may also provide stability of the measurement, since the temperature does not change drastically with time. The resistive element may include nickel.

In one embodiment, the induction heating device used in the method for measuring susceptor temperature is such that:

-the at least one inductor coil comprises a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil, the first inductor coil being configured to generate a first varying magnetic field when a first varying current flows through the first inductor coil, and the second inductor coil being configured to generate a second varying magnetic field when a second varying current flows through the second inductor coil;

-the at least one susceptor comprises a first susceptor arranged relative to the first inductor coil such that the first susceptor is heatable by penetration of the first varying magnetic field, and a second susceptor arranged relative to the second inductor coil such that the second susceptor is heatable by penetration of the second varying magnetic field, the first and second susceptors being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

the method for measuring the temperature of the induction heating device further comprises:

-bringing the at least one temperature sensor into thermal contact with the first susceptor;

-measuring the temperature of the first susceptor when the first varying current does not flow through the first inductor coil.

Providing an induction heating device with a first inductor coil arranged to heat the first susceptor and a second inductor coil arranged to heat the second susceptor enables selective heating of the first and second susceptors. Such selective heating allows the induction heating means to heat different parts of the aerosol-forming substrate at different times and may enable one of the susceptors to be heated to a different temperature than the other susceptor.

Providing at least one temperature sensor in thermal contact with the first susceptor enables the temperature of the first susceptor to be measured. By measuring the temperature of the first susceptor when the first varying current does not flow through the first inductor coil, it is possible to avoid inducing a current in the at least one temperature sensor. Since such induced currents may lead to erroneous measurements of the temperature, the accuracy of the temperature measurement of the first susceptor may be improved when the induced currents are reduced or suppressed.

The method of this embodiment may further comprise avoiding measuring the temperature of the first susceptor while the first varying current is flowing through the first inductor coil. This may further ensure that erroneous measurements are minimized or avoided, since no measurements are made while the magnetic field generated by the first inductor coil may induce a current in the at least one temperature sensor.

The at least one temperature sensor of this embodiment may comprise a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the method comprising:

-bringing the first temperature sensor into thermal contact with the first susceptor;

-measuring the temperature of the first susceptor when the first varying current does not flow through the first inductor coil;

-bringing the second temperature sensor into thermal contact with the second susceptor;

-measuring the temperature of the second susceptor when the second varying current does not flow through the second inductor coil.

By arranging the temperature sensor in thermal contact with both the first susceptor and the second susceptor, the temperature of both susceptors can advantageously be measured with increased accuracy. This may be particularly advantageous when one susceptor is configured to heat at a different temperature than the other susceptor.

The method may further comprise:

-refraining from measuring the temperature of the first susceptor when the first varying current flows through the first inductor coil;

-avoiding measuring the temperature of the second susceptor when the second varying current flows through the second inductor coil.

This may further improve the accuracy of the temperature measurements of the first and second susceptor.

An induction heating apparatus is provided. The induction heating means may comprise a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate which may be heated by the induction heating means. The induction heating device may comprise at least one inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current flows through the at least one inductor coil. The induction heating means may comprise at least one susceptor which is arranged with respect to the at least one inductor coil such that the at least one susceptor can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field. The at least one susceptor is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one susceptor may comprise a thermocouple. The thermocouple may include a first thermocouple wire and a second thermocouple wire. The first thermocouple wire may extend from a first proximal end to a first distal end and the second thermocouple wire may extend from a second proximal end to a second distal end, the first proximal end being joined to the second proximal end, thereby forming a junction. The joint may be in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor. The first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire may have a diameter between about 5 microns and about 100 microns. The first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire may have a diameter between about 45 microns and about 55 microns.

In the disclosure, an induction heating apparatus includes:

-a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate heatable by the induction heating means;

-at least one inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current flows through the at least one inductor coil;

-at least one susceptor arranged relative to the at least one inductor coil such that the at least one susceptor can be heated by penetrating the varying magnetic field, the at least one susceptor being configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate;

-a thermocouple comprising a first thermocouple wire extending from a first proximal end to a first distal end and a second thermocouple wire extending from a second proximal end to a second distal end, the first proximal end joined to the second proximal end forming a junction, the junction being in thermal contact with the at least one susceptor;

wherein said first thermocouple wire and said second thermocouple wire have a diameter between about 5 microns and about 100 microns, preferably between about 45 microns and about 55 microns.

Having such first and second thermocouple wires with diameters between about 5 microns and about 100 microns may have a low thermal mass. This is advantageous to allow for a fast temperature stabilization of the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire. Such rapid temperature stabilization may be used to ensure that the measurement of the temperature of the at least one susceptor at a given time is less affected by the temperature or mode of operation of the induction heating device prior to such given time. It follows that an induction heating device comprising such a first thermocouple wire and a second thermocouple wire may advantageously provide an improved measurement of the temperature of at least one susceptor. This advantage may even be more relevant when the temperature of at least one susceptor is measured by one of the methods described above.

In a preferred embodiment, the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire have a diameter between about 45 micrometers and about 55 micrometers. This may allow for an even improved accuracy of the temperature measurement of the at least one susceptor.

The first thermocouple wire may be surrounded by a first electrically insulating layer and the second thermocouple wire may be surrounded by a second electrically insulating layer, the first and second electrically insulating layers having a thickness between about 2 microns and about 10 microns. By providing the first and second electrically insulating layers with such a thickness, the first and second thermocouple wires may have a low thermal mass. This may result in sufficient temperature stability of the first thermocouple wire and the second thermocouple wire. As a result, the induction heating device may provide a more accurate measurement of the temperature of the at least one susceptor even immediately after a change in the temperature or mode of operation of the induction heating device.

There is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising any of the induction heating devices disclosed above. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a device housing. The device housing may at least partially define a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate is at the proximal end of the device.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

Where the susceptor is a tubular susceptor, the tubular susceptor may at least partially define a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. When the susceptor comprises a support, the support may be a tubular support, and the susceptor layer may be disposed on an inner surface of the tubular support. Providing a susceptor layer on the inner surface of the support may position the susceptor layer adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby improving heat transfer between the susceptor layer and the aerosol-forming substrate.

The device housing may be elongate. Preferably, the device housing is cylindrical in shape. The device housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is portable. The aerosol-generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol-generating device may have an overall length of between about 30 millimeters and about 150 millimeters. The aerosol-generating device may have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 30 mm. The aerosol-generating device may be a handheld device. In other words, the aerosol-generating device may be sized and shaped to be held in a user's hand.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply configured to provide a varying current to the inductor coil.

The power supply may be a DC power supply. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a battery. The power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. However, in some embodiments, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows storage of sufficient energy for one or more user operations. For example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous heating of the aerosol-forming substrate for a period of about six minutes, corresponding to the typical time taken to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period of more than six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the aerosol generator. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of uses or discrete activations of the device. In one embodiment, the power source is a dc power source having a dc power source voltage in the range of about 2.5 volts to about 4.5 volts and a dc power source current in the range of about 1 amp to about 10 amps (corresponding to a dc power source of between about 2.5 watts to about 45 watts).

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller connected to the at least one inductor coil and the power supply. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the at least one inductor coil. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller or an Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC) or other circuitry capable of providing control. The controller may include other electronic components. The controller may be configured to regulate the supply of current to the at least one inductor coil. The current may be supplied to the at least one inductor coil continuously after activation of the aerosol-generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a one-by-one basis.

The controller may advantageously comprise a DC/AC inverter, which may comprise a class D or class E power amplifier.

The controller may be configured to supply a varying current to the at least one inductor coil. The varying current may be between about 5 kilohertz and about 500 kilohertz. In some embodiments, the varying current is a high frequency varying current, i.e., a current between about 500 kilohertz and about 30 megahertz. The high frequency varying current may have a frequency between about 1 megahertz and about 30 megahertz, such as between about 1 megahertz and about 10 megahertz, or such as between about 5 megahertz and about 8 megahertz.

In some embodiments, the device housing comprises a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may comprise more than one air inlet. The one or more air inlets may reduce the temperature of the aerosol prior to delivery to the user and may reduce the concentration of the aerosol prior to delivery to the user.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. As used herein, the term "mouthpiece" refers to a portion of an aerosol-generating system that is placed in the mouth of a user in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system directly from an aerosol-generating article received by an aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a user interface to enable the device, such as a button to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a display to indicate the status of the device or aerosol-forming substrate.

There is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising any of the above aerosol-generating devices. The aerosol-generating system further comprises an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be an aerosol-generating article which may be inhaled directly by a user drawing or drawing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the system. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. An article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco may be referred to as a tobacco rod.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. In an aerosol-generating system, an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device cooperate to generate a breathable aerosol.

The aerosol-generating article may have any suitable form. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as an aerosol-generating segment comprising the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating segment may comprise a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates. The aerosol-generating segment may comprise a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the second aerosol-forming substrate is substantially identical to the first aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the second aerosol-forming substrate is different from the first aerosol-forming substrate.

Where the aerosol-generating segment comprises a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates, the number of aerosol-forming substrates may be the same as the number of susceptors in the inductive heating element. Similarly, the number of aerosol-forming substrates may be the same as the number of inductor coils in the induction heating device.

The aerosol-generating segment may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating segment may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-generating segment may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

Where the aerosol-generating segment comprises a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates, the aerosol-forming substrates may be arranged end-to-end along the axis of the aerosol-generating segment. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating segment may comprise a spacing between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of between about 30 millimeters and about 100 millimeters. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of about 45 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 7.2 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating segment may have a length of between about 7 millimeters and about 15 millimeters. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating segment may have a length of about 10 millimeters or 12 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating segment preferably has an outer diameter about equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating segment may have an outer diameter of between about 5 millimeters and about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating segment may have an outer diameter of about 7.2 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter segment. The filter segment may be located at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter tip segment may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. In some embodiments, the filter tip segment may have a length of about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. In some preferred embodiments, the filter tip segment may have a length of about 7 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer wrapper. The outer wrapper may be formed of paper. The outer wrapper may be gas permeable at the aerosol-generating section. In particular, in embodiments comprising a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates, the outer wrapper may comprise perforations or other air inlets at the interface between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates. Where a space is provided between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates, the outer wrapper may comprise perforations or other air inlets at the space. This may enable the aerosol-forming substrate to be provided directly with air that is not drawn through another aerosol-forming substrate. This may increase the amount of air received by each aerosol-forming substrate. This may improve the characteristics of the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a spacing between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter segment of the filter. The spacing may be about 18 millimeters, but may be in the range of about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters.

Drawings

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for measuring the temperature of a susceptor of an induction heating device.

Figure 2 shows an induction heating device comprising an inductor coil, a susceptor, a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate and a temperature sensor.

Fig. 3 depicts an induction heating device comprising a first and a second inductor coil, a first and a second susceptor, a first and a second part of a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, and a first and a second temperature sensor.

Figure 4 depicts an induction heating device comprising first and second inductor coils, a susceptor, a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, and first and second temperature sensors.

Figure 5 shows a thermocouple in thermal contact with a susceptor.

Figure 6 shows a resistive temperature device in thermal contact with a susceptor.

Figure 7 is a representation of an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device comprising an inductive heating device.

Figure 8 shows the aerosol-generating system of figure 7 when an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is received in a cavity of an induction heating device.

Figure 9 shows an aerosol-generating article comprising a filter assembly comprising a cooling section, a filter section and a mouth end section.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a method for measuring the temperature of a susceptor in an induction heating device 10. Detailed embodiments of such an induction heating unit 10 are described with reference to fig. 2 to 8. The method of figure 1 comprises step a whereby a temperature sensor 13 of an induction heating device 10 is arranged in thermal contact with a susceptor 11 of the induction heating device 10. The method of figure 1 also comprises step B whereby the temperature of the susceptor 11 is measured while a varying current is not flowing through the inductor coil 12 of the induction heating device 10. The inductor coil 12 is configured to generate a varying magnetic field when such a varying current flows through the inductor coil 12. The susceptor 11 is arranged relative to the coil of the inductor coil 12 in such a way that the susceptor 11 can be heated by penetrating a changing magnetic field. The susceptor 11 is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. In the example of embodiment of fig. 1, the method further comprises a step C, indicated with a dashed line. Step C comprises avoiding measuring the temperature of the susceptor 11 while varying current is flowing through the inductor coil 12.

Fig. 2 shows an induction heating device 10 comprising a susceptor 11 and an inductor coil 12. As already explained with respect to fig. 1, the inductor coil 12 is configured to generate a varying magnetic field when a varying current flows through the inductor coil 12. The susceptor 11 is arranged relative to the inductor coil 12 in such a way that the susceptor 11 can be heated by a varying magnetic field generated by penetration of the inductor coil 12. The susceptor 11 is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. In other words, when the susceptor 11 is heated by penetration of a varying magnetic field, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by the susceptor. An aerosol-forming substrate that can be heated by a susceptor can be received in the cavity 14 of the induction heating device 10. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the susceptor 11 is a tubular susceptor 11 defining a cavity 14 for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate.

A temperature sensor 13 is arranged in thermal contact with the susceptor 11. Thus, the temperature sensor 13 may be used to measure the temperature of the susceptor 11. Temperature measurements of the susceptor 11 can be made when a varying current is not flowing through the inductor coil 12. In particular, measuring the temperature of the susceptor 11 can be avoided when a varying current flows through the inductor coil 12. The method improves the accuracy of the temperature measurement of the susceptor 11, since the current induced in the temperature sensor 13 by the magnetic field generated by the inductor coil 12 is minimized. Such induced currents may lead to erroneous measurements of the temperature of the susceptor 11.

Figure 3 shows an induction heating device 10 comprising a first susceptor 11 and a second susceptor 15. The induction heating unit 10 further comprises a first inductor coil 12 and a second inductor coil 16. First inductor coil 12 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field when a first varying current flows through first inductor coil 12. Second inductor coil 16 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field when a second varying current flows through second inductor coil 16. The first susceptor 11 is arranged with respect to the first inductor coil 12 such that the first susceptor 11 can be heated by penetrating the first varying magnetic field. The second susceptor 15 is arranged with respect to the second inductor coil 16 such that the second susceptor 15 can be heated by penetrating the second varying magnetic field. Thus, when the first susceptor 11 is heated by penetration of the first varying magnetic field, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by the first susceptor 11. Likewise, when the second susceptor 15 is heated by penetration of the second varying magnetic field, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by the second susceptor 15.

The temperature sensors of the embodiment of fig. 3 comprise a first temperature sensor 13 and a second temperature sensor 17. A first temperature sensor 13 is arranged in thermal contact with the first susceptor 11. As a result, the first temperature sensor 13 can be used to measure the temperature of the first susceptor 11. A temperature measurement of the first susceptor 11 can be made when a first varying current does not flow through the first inductor coil 12. In particular, it is possible to avoid measuring the temperature of the first susceptor 11 while a first varying current is flowing through the first inductor coil 12.

A second temperature sensor 17 is arranged in thermal contact with the second susceptor 15. As a result, the second temperature sensor 17 can be used to measure the temperature of the second susceptor 15. A temperature measurement of the second susceptor 15 can be made when the second varying current does not flow through the second inductor coil 16. In particular, measuring the temperature of the second susceptor 15 while the second varying current is flowing through the second inductor coil 16 can be avoided.

The method improves the accuracy of the temperature measurement of the first and second susceptors 11, 15, since the currents induced in the first and second temperature sensors 13, 17 by the first and second magnetic fields generated by the first and second inductor coils 12, 16, respectively, can be minimized. This induced current may lead to erroneous measurements of the temperature of the first susceptor 11 and the second susceptor 15.

In the embodiment of fig. 3, the first susceptor 11 is a tubular susceptor defining a first portion 14 of a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. Likewise, the second susceptor 15 is a tubular susceptor defining a second portion 18 of a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.

The embodiment of figure 3 enables selective heating of the first susceptor 11 and the second susceptor 15. This selective heating enables the induction heating device 10 to heat different parts of the aerosol-forming substrate at different times and may enable one of the susceptors 11, 15 to be heated to a different temperature than the other susceptor 15, 11 when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the first and second parts 14, 18 of the cavity. Such temperatures may advantageously be measured using the method of fig. 1.

Figure 4 shows an induction heating device 10 comprising a single susceptor 11 having a first region 111 and a second region 112. The induction heating unit 10 further comprises a first inductor coil 12 and a second inductor coil 16. First inductor coil 12 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field when a first varying current flows through first inductor coil 12. Second inductor coil 16 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field when a second varying current flows through second inductor coil 16. The first region 111 is arranged with respect to the first inductor coil 12 such that the first region 111 can be heated by penetrating the first varying magnetic field. The second region 112 is arranged with respect to the second inductor coil 16 such that the second region 112 can be heated by penetrating the second varying magnetic field. Thus, when the first region 111 is heated by penetration of the first varying magnetic field, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by the first region 111. Likewise, when the second region 112 is heated by penetration of the second varying magnetic field, the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated by the second region 112.

The temperature sensors of the embodiment of fig. 4 comprise a first temperature sensor 13 and a second temperature sensor 17. The first temperature sensor 13 is arranged in thermal contact with the first area 111. As a result, the first temperature sensor 13 can be used to measure the temperature of the first region 111. When the first varying current does not flow through the first inductor coil 12, a temperature measurement of the first region 111 may be made. In particular, measuring the temperature of the first region 111 while the first varying current flows through the first inductor coil 12 may be avoided.

The second temperature sensor 17 is arranged in thermal contact with the second area 112. As a result, the second temperature sensor 17 may be used to measure the temperature of the second region 112. A temperature measurement of the second region 112 may be made when the second varying current does not flow through the second inductor coil 16. In particular, measuring the temperature of the second region 112 while the second varying current is flowing through the second inductor coil 16 may be avoided.

The method improves the accuracy of the temperature measurement of the first and second areas 111, 112 of the susceptor 11, since the currents induced in the first and second temperature sensors 13, 17 by the first and second magnetic fields generated by the first and second inductor coils 12, 16, respectively, can be minimized. Such induced current may cause erroneous measurement of the temperatures of the first and second regions 111 and 112.

In the embodiment of fig. 4, the susceptor 11 is a tubular susceptor defining a cavity 14 for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.

The embodiment of fig. 4 enables selective heating of the first region 111 and the second region 112. This selective heating enables the induction heating device 10 to heat different portions of aerosol-forming substrate at different times when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the cavity 14, and may enable one of the regions 111, 112 to be heated to a different temperature than the other region 112, 111. Such temperatures may advantageously be measured using the method of fig. 1.

Figure 5 shows the thermal contact between the temperature sensor 13 and the susceptor 11 in more detail. In particular, the temperature sensor 13 of the embodiment of fig. 5 is a thermocouple 131. The thermocouple 131 includes a first thermocouple wire 132 and a second thermocouple wire 133. First thermocouple wire 132 extends from a first proximal end 136 to a first distal end (not shown). Second thermocouple wire 133 extends from a second proximal end 137 to a second distal end (not shown). The first proximal end 136 is joined to the second proximal end 137, thereby forming a joint 138 in thermal contact with the susceptor 11. In the embodiment of figure 5, the joint 138 is in thermal contact with the susceptor 11 by a weld 139.

In the embodiment of fig. 5, the first thermocouple wire 132 has a first diameter D1 and the second thermocouple wire 133 has a second diameter D2. The first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2 are between about 5 microns and about 100 microns, preferably between about 45 microns and about 55 microns. Such diameters D1, D2 may facilitate rapid temperature stabilization of first thermocouple wire 132 and second thermocouple wire 133.

In fig. 5, the first thermocouple wire 132 is surrounded by a first electrically insulating layer 134, and the second thermocouple wire 133 is surrounded by a second electrically insulating layer 135. The first electrically insulating layer 134 has a first thickness t1, and the second electrically insulating layer 135 has a second thickness t 2. Such thicknesses t1, t2 are between about 2 microns and about 10 microns, which may help achieve rapid temperature stabilization in the first thermocouple wire 132 and the second thermocouple wire 133.

The first and second electrically insulating layers 134, 135 of the embodiment of fig. 5 comprise parylene. Likewise, the first thermocouple wire 132 includes nichrome, and the second thermocouple wire 133 includes nickel-aluminum alloy.

In fig. 5, the susceptor 11 comprises a thermal insulator 19 arranged to thermally insulate the susceptor 11 from the first thermocouple wire 132 and the second thermocouple wire 133. This arrangement can help ensure that the thermocouple 131 is in thermal contact with the susceptor 11 only through the joint 138 and the weld 139. This may also improve the accuracy of the temperature measurement of the susceptor 11.

In fig. 6, the temperature sensor 13 is a resistive temperature device 139. Resistive temperature device 139 includes a resistive element 140 whose resistance increases as its temperature increases. A line 141 is provided to connect the resistive element 139 to a measuring device configured to measure the resistance of the circuit formed by the resistive element 140 and the line 141.

A correlation may be established between the resistance of the resistive element 140 and the temperature of the resistive element 140. Thus, by measuring the resistance of the resistive element 140, the temperature of the resistive element 140 can be obtained, which corresponds to the temperature of the susceptor 11 in thermal contact with the resistive element 140. The resistive element 140 is preferably formed of metal. More preferably, the resistive element 140 includes at least one of platinum and nickel.

The wiring 141 may be designed in such a manner that the resistance of the circuit formed by the resistive element 140 and the wiring 141 is substantially the same as the resistance of the resistive element 141. In other words, the configuration of the line 141 may reduce errors in the resistance measurement of the resistive element 140.

In one example, the line 141 includes two wires connecting opposite ends of the resistive element 141 to a measurement device. In this example, the resistance of the circuit formed by resistive element 140 and line 141 is equal to the resistance of resistive element 141 plus the resistance of each of the two wires. This may result in the temperature measured by the resistive temperature device 139 being greater than the temperature of the resistive element 140, which corresponds to the temperature of the susceptor 11.

In another example, the line 141 includes three wires. Two wires connect one end of the resistive element 141 to the measuring device. The remaining wires connect the opposite ends of the resistive element 141 to the measuring device. The three wires of the line 141 may be identical in material and length. The three wires may have similar resistances. The resistance of the circuit formed by resistive element 140 and line 141 may be measured by only two wires on the same end of resistive element 140. This first measurement will indicate the total resistance of the two wires. Also, the resistance of the circuit formed by the resistive element 140 and the line 141 may be measured by the wire on the opposite end of the resistive element 140 and one of the other two wires. This second measurement will indicate the resistance of the resistive element 140 plus the total resistance of the two wires used for the measurement. When the resistances of the three wires are the same, a more accurate measurement of the resistance of the resistive element 140 can be obtained by subtracting the first measured value from the second measured value.

Other configurations of the line 141 known in the art, such as a line 141 comprising four wires, may also be used with the present invention.

Fig. 7 and 8 show schematic cross-sections of an aerosol-generating device 200 and an aerosol-generating article 300.

The aerosol-generating device 200 includes a generally cylindrical device housing 202 having a shape and size similar to a conventional cigar.

The aerosol-generating device 200 further comprises a power source 206 in the form of a rechargeable nickel cadmium battery, a controller 208 in the form of a printed circuit board comprising a microprocessor, an electrical connector 209 and the induction heating device 10. In the embodiment of fig. 7 and 8, the induction heating unit 10 is similar to the induction heating unit of fig. 3. However, other induction heating means may be used. In particular, an induction heating device comprising one inductor coil and one susceptor may be used. Alternatively, an induction heating device comprising more than two inductor coils and more than two susceptors may be used. In a preferred alternative, an induction heating device comprising one susceptor, two inductor coils and two temperature sensors may be used; in particular, the induction heating device of fig. 4 may be used.

The power supply 206, controller 208, and induction heating unit 10 are all housed within the unit housing 202. The induction heating means 10 of the aerosol-generating device 200 is arranged at the proximal end of the device 200. An electrical connector 209 is disposed at the distal end of the device housing 202.

As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user end or mouth end of an aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article. The proximal end of a component of an aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article is the end of the component closest to the user or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article. As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end.

The controller 208 is configured to control the supply of power from the power source 206 to the induction heating unit 10. The controller 208 also includes a DC/AC inverter, including a class D power amplifier. The controller 208 is also configured to control recharging of the power source 206 from the electrical connector 209. The controller 208 also comprises a puff sensor (not shown) configured to sense when a user puffs the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity 14, 18.

The induction heating unit 10 comprises a first inductor coil 12 and a second inductor coil 16. The induction heating device 10 further comprises a first susceptor 11 and a second susceptor 15. As described with respect to fig. 3, the first susceptor 11 is a tubular susceptor defining a first portion 14 of a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. Likewise, the second susceptor 15 is a tubular susceptor defining a second portion 18 of a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. In the embodiment of fig. 7 and 8, the first inductor coil 12 and the second inductor coil 16 are also tubular and they are arranged concentrically around the first susceptor 11 and the second susceptor 15, respectively.

First inductor coil 12 is connected to controller 208 and power source 206, and controller 208 is configured to supply a first varying current to first inductor coil 12. When a first varying current is supplied to the first inductor coil 12, the first inductor coil 12 generates a first varying magnetic field that heats the first susceptor 11 by induction.

Second inductor coil 16 is connected to controller 208 and power supply 208, and controller 208 is configured to supply a second varying current to second inductor coil 16. When a second varying current is supplied to the second inductor coil 16, the second inductor coil 16 generates a second varying magnetic field which heats the second susceptor 15 by induction.

The induction heating means 10 comprises a first temperature sensor 13 in thermal contact with the first susceptor 11. The induction heating means 10 comprises a second temperature sensor 17 in thermal contact with the second susceptor 15. The first temperature sensor 13 and the second temperature sensor 17 may be used to measure the temperature of the first susceptor 11 and the second susceptor 15 respectively, as described in relation to figure 3.

The device housing 202 also defines an air inlet 280 proximate the distal end of the cavities 14, 18 for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The air inlet 280 is configured to enable ambient air to be drawn into the device housing 202. An airflow path is defined through the device to enable air to be drawn into the chambers 14, 18 from the air inlet 280.

The aerosol-generating article 300 is generally in the form of a cylindrical rod having a diameter similar to the inner diameter of the cavity 14, 18 for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article 300 comprises a cylindrical cellulose acetate filter segment 304 and an aerosol-generating segment 310 wrapped together by an outer wrapper 320 of cigarette paper.

A filter segment 304 is arranged at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 300 and forms a mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating system on which a user draws to receive aerosol generated by the system.

The aerosol-generating segment 310 is arranged at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 300 and has a length substantially equal to the length of the cavities 14, 18. The aerosol-generating segment 310 comprises a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates, including: a first aerosol-forming substrate 312 at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 300 and a second aerosol-forming substrate 314 at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating segment 210, the second aerosol-forming substrate being adjacent to the first aerosol-forming substrate 312. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, two or more aerosol-forming substrates may be formed from the same material. However, in this embodiment, each of the aerosol-forming substrates 312, 314 is different. The first aerosol-forming substrate 312 comprises an aggregated crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material without additional flavouring. The second aerosol-forming substrate 314 comprises an agglomerated crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprising flavour in the form of menthol. In other examples, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a flavour in the form of menthol and not a tobacco material or any other nicotine source. Each of the aerosol-forming substrates 312, 314 may also include additional components, such as one or more aerosol-forming agents and water, so that heating the aerosol-forming substrate generates an aerosol with desired sensory characteristics.

The proximal end of the first aerosol-forming substrate 312 is exposed because it is not covered by the outer wrapping material 320. The outer wrapper 320 comprises a perforation line 322 that surrounds the aerosol-generating article 300 at the interface between the first aerosol-forming substrate 312 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 314. The perforations 322 enable air to be drawn into the aerosol-generating segment 310.

In this embodiment, the first aerosol-forming substrate 312 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 314 are arranged end to end. However, it is envisaged that in other embodiments a separation may be provided between the first aerosol-forming substrate 312 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 314.

Figure 9 shows aerosol-generating articles similar to those of figures 7 and 8. However, the filter segment 304 is a filter assembly 304 in the form of a rod. The filter assembly 304 includes three segments: cooling section 307, filter section 309 and mouth end section 311. In the embodiment of fig. 9, the cooling section 307 is positioned adjacent the second aerosol-forming substrate 314 between the second aerosol-forming substrate 314 and the filter section 309, such that the cooling section 307 is in an abutting relationship with the second aerosol-forming substrate 314 and the filter section 309. In other examples, there may be a spacing between the second aerosol-forming substrate 314 and the cooling section 307 and between the cooling section 307 and the filter section 309. Filter section 309 is located between cooling section 307 and mouth end section 311. The mouth end section 311 is located towards the proximal end of the article 300, adjacent to the filter section 309. In the embodiment of fig. 9, the filter segments 309 are in abutting relationship with the mouth end segments 311. In one example, the overall length of the filter assembly 304 is between 37 and 45 millimeters, and more preferably, the overall length of the filter assembly 304 is 41 millimeters.

In one example of the embodiment of fig. 9, the aerosol-generating segment 310 is between 34 and 50 millimeters in length, more preferably the aerosol-generating segment 310 is between 38 and 46 millimeters in length, still more preferably the aerosol-generating segment 310 is 42 millimeters in length.

In one example of the embodiment of fig. 9, the overall length of the article 300 is between 71 millimeters and 95 millimeters, more preferably the overall length of the article 300 is between 79 millimeters and 87 millimeters, and still more preferably the overall length of the article 300 is 83 millimeters.

In one example, the cooling section 307 is a ring-shaped tube and an air gap is defined within the cooling section 307. The air gap provides a chamber for the flow of heated volatile components generated from the aerosol-generating segment 310. The cooling section 307 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compression forces and bending moments that may be generated during manufacture and when the article 300 is in use during insertion into the aerosol-generating device 200. In one example, the wall thickness of the cooling section 307 is about 0.29 millimeters.

The cooling section 307 provides a physical displacement between the aerosol-generating section 310 and the filter section 309. The physical displacement provided by the cooling section 307 will provide a thermal gradient over the length of the cooling section 307. In one example, the cooling section 307 is configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 40 degrees celsius between the heated volatile components entering the distal end of the cooling section 307 and the heated volatile components exiting the proximal end of the cooling section 307. In one example, the cooling section 307 is configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 60 degrees celsius between the heated volatile components entering the distal end of the cooling section 307 and the heated volatile components exiting the proximal end of the cooling section 307. This temperature differential across the length of the cooling element 307 protects the temperature sensitive filter segment 309 from the high temperature of the aerosol formed by the aerosol-generating segment 310.

In one example of the article 300 of fig. 9, the length of the cooling section 307 is at least 15 millimeters. In one example, the length of the cooling segment 307 is between 20 millimeters and 30 millimeters, more particularly between 23 millimeters and 27 millimeters, more particularly between 25 millimeters and 27 millimeters, and more particularly between 25 millimeters.

The cooling section 307 is made of paper, which means that it is composed of a material that does not generate the compound of interest. In one example of the article 300 of fig. 9, the cooling section 307 is made of a spirally wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber while maintaining mechanical rigidity. The spirally wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes in terms of tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness. In another example, the cooling segment 307 is a recess formed by a rigid plug segment wrap or tipping paper. The rigid filter segment wrapper or tipping paper is manufactured to have a stiffness sufficient to withstand axial compression forces and bending moments that may occur during manufacture and when the article 300 is in use during insertion into the aerosol-generating device 200.

For each example of the cooling section 307, the dimensional accuracy of the cooling section is sufficient to meet the dimensional accuracy requirements of the high speed manufacturing process.

Filter segment 309 may be formed of any filter material sufficient to remove one or more volatile compounds from the heated volatile components from aerosol-generating segment 310. In one example of the article 300 of fig. 9, the filter segments 309 are made of a monoacetate material such as cellulose acetate. Filter segment 309 provides cooling and stimulation reduction of the heated volatile components without depleting the amount of heated volatile components to a level that is not satisfactory to the user.

The density of the cellulose acetate tow material of the filter segment 309 controls the pressure drop across the filter segment 309, which in turn controls the resistance to draw of the article 300. Thus, the selection of the material of the filter segments 309 is important to control the resistance to draw of the article 300. In addition, the filter segments perform a filtering function in the article 300.

The presence of filter section 309 provides a thermal insulating effect by providing further cooling of the heated volatile components exiting cooling section 307. This further cooling effect reduces the contact temperature of the user's lips on the surface of the filter segment 309.

One or more flavors may be added to filter segment 309 in the form of a flavored liquid injected directly into filter segment 309 or by embedding or disposing one or more flavored frangible capsules or other flavor carriers within the cellulose acetate tow of filter segment 309. In one example of the article 300 of fig. 9, the filter segments 309 are between 6 mm and 10 mm in length, and more preferably 8 mm.

The mouth end section 311 is an annular tube and defines an air gap within the mouth end section 311. The air gap provides a chamber for heated volatile components flowing from filter section 309. The mouth end section 311 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation, but is sufficiently rigid to withstand axial compression forces and bending moments that may be generated during manufacture and when the article is used during insertion into the aerosol-generating device 200. In one example, the wall thickness of the mouth end section 311 is about 0.29 millimeters.

In one example, the length of the mouth end section 311 is between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters, and more preferably 8 millimeters.

The mouth end section 311 may be made of a spirally wound paper tube that provides a hollow interior chamber while maintaining a critical mechanical stiffness. The spirally wound paper tube can meet the strict dimensional accuracy requirements of high-speed manufacturing processes in terms of tube length, outer diameter, roundness and straightness.

The port section 311 provides the function of preventing any liquid condensate that accumulates at the outlet of the filter section 309 from coming into direct contact with the user.

It should be appreciated that in one example, the mouth end section 311 and cooling section 307 may be formed from a single tube, and the filter section 309 is located within the tube separating the mouth end section 311 from the cooling section 307.

In the article 300 of fig. 9, vents 317 are located in the cooling section 307 to help cool the article 300. In one example, the vent holes 317 comprise one or more rows of holes, and preferably, each row of holes is circumferentially arranged around the article 300 in a cross-section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 300.

In one example of the article 300 of fig. 9, there are one to four rows of vents 317 to provide ventilation for the article 300. Each row of vents 317 may have 12 to 36 vents 317. The diameter of the vent 317 may be, for example, between 100 and 500 microns. In one example, the axial spacing between the rows of vent holes 317 is between 0.25 millimeters and 0.75 millimeters, and more preferably, the axial spacing between the rows of vent holes 317 is 0.5 millimeters.

In one example of the article 300 of fig. 9, the vents 317 are of uniform size. In another example, the vent holes 317 are different sizes. The vents may be made using any suitable technique, for example, one or more of the following: laser techniques, mechanical perforation of the cooling section 307, or pre-perforation of the cooling section 307 prior to its formation into the article 300. The vents 317 are positioned to provide effective cooling to the article 300.

In one example of the article 300 of fig. 9, the row of vents 317 is at least 11 millimeters from the proximal end of the article 300, more preferably the vents 317 are 17 millimeters to 20 millimeters from the proximal end of the article 300. The location of the vent 317 is positioned such that the user does not block the vent 317 when using the article 300.

Advantageously, providing a vent between 17 mm and 20mm from the proximal end of the article 300 enables the vent 317 to be located outside the aerosol-generating device 200 when the article 300 is fully inserted into the aerosol-generating device 200. By locating the vent 317 on the exterior of the device 200, unheated air can enter the article 300 from the exterior of the device 200 through the vent to aid in cooling of the article 300.

The length of the cooling section 307 is such that when the article 300 is fully inserted into the device 200, the cooling section 307 will be partially inserted into the device 200.

As shown in fig. 8, the length of the first aerosol-forming substrate 312 is such that the first aerosol-forming substrate 312 extends from the distal end of the cavity 14, 18 to receive the aerosol-forming substrate along the first portion 14 of the cavity. The length of the second aerosol-forming substrate 314 is such that the second aerosol-forming substrate 314 extends along the second portion 18 of the cavity as far as the proximal end of the cavity 14, 18.

In use, when the aerosol-generating article 300 is received in the cavity 14, 18, a user may draw on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 300 to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system. When a user draws on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 300, air is drawn into the device housing 202 at the air inlet 280 and into the aerosol-generating segment 310 of the aerosol-generating article 300. Air is drawn into the proximal end of the first aerosol-forming substrate 312 and into the proximal end of the second aerosol-forming substrate 314.

In this embodiment, the controller 208 of the aerosol-generating device 200 is configured to power the inductor coils 12, 16 of the induction heating device 10 in a predetermined sequence. The predetermined sequence includes supplying a first varying current to the first inductor coil 12 during a first puff from the user, followed by supplying a second varying current to the second inductor coil 16 during a second puff from the user after the first puff has been completed. In the third diagram, the sequence starts again at the first inductor coil 12. This sequence results in heating of the first aerosol-forming substrate 312 on the first puff and results in heating of the second aerosol-forming substrate 314 on the second puff. Since the aerosol-forming substrates 312, 314 of the article 300 are both different, this sequence results in a different experience for the user at each puff on the aerosol-generating system.

The measurement of the temperature of the first susceptor 11 may be performed during a second puff by the user, i.e. when a first varying current does not flow through the first inductor coil 12. Also, it is possible to avoid measuring the temperature of the first susceptor 11 during the first inspiration of the user, i.e. when a first varying current is flowing through the first inductor coil 12.

The temperature measurement of the second susceptor 15 may be made during the first inhalation by the user, i.e. when the second varying current does not flow through the second inductor coil 16. Also, measuring the temperature of the second susceptor 15 during a second puff by the user, i.e. when a second varying current is flowing through the second inductor coil 16, can be avoided.

The method improves the accuracy of the temperature measurement of the first susceptor 11 and the second susceptor 15.

In the example of this embodiment, the first temperature sensor 13 is a thermocouple 131 as shown in fig. 5. In another example, the first temperature sensor 13 is a resistive temperature device 139, as shown in fig. 6. In another example, the second temperature device 17 is a thermocouple 131. In another example, the second temperature sensor 17 is a resistive temperature device 139.