Heating unit for aerosol-generating article

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating unit for an aerosol-generating article, the heating unit comprising: a heating furnace comprising furnace components, the heating furnace configured to operate in at least a heating mode and a non-heating mode, the heating mode is used for heating an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the heating furnace; a furnace holder configured to be heated when the furnace is operated in a heating mode; wherein the furnace bracket is configured to form a fixed connection with the furnace component when the heating furnace is operated in a heating mode, and is further configured to release the fixed connection with the furnace component when the heating furnace is operated in a non-heating mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating unit for an aerosol generating device. The heating unit includes a heating furnace and a furnace support, and the heating furnace is configured to operate in at least a heating mode and a non-heating mode. Depending on the operating mode, a fixed connection is formed between the furnace support and the furnace components included in the heating furnace.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a corresponding aerosol generating device and system. Background Art

[0003] Aerosol generating devices, particularly electronic nicotine delivery systems (referred to as ENDS), have become popular worldwide in the past few decades. These devices are alternatives to traditional combustible tobacco products such as cigarettes.

[0004] There are several types of aerosol generating devices on the market currently, which are based on different aerosolization techniques and aerosol generating matrices. A particular subset of aerosol generating devices is heated tobacco products, also referred to as "heat-not-burn" products and / or systems (HNB). These HNB systems can generate an inhalable aerosol by heating a tobacco-containing matrix, typically in solid or powdered form. Such HNB systems require an electronic device that includes a heating unit to heat the tobacco-containing matrix, rather than burning the tobacco as is done in conventional cigarettes.

[0005] The aforementioned heating unit(s) are typically provided with a heating cavity or a heating furnace, into which an aerosol generating article (or consumable) including tobacco can be inserted. Subsequently, the tobacco of the consumable is heated until an aerosol is formed. The heating furnace generates a high temperature between approximately 250°C and 400°C, which promotes the rapid formation of an aerosol that the user can inhale.

[0006] The heating furnace requires suitable fixing and sealing devices such that the heating furnace does not move or become displaced during use and ensures a seal. In addition, devices for cleaning and / or replacing the heating furnace during use should be provided to enable proper functioning during the life cycle of the aerosol generating device that includes such a heating furnace. Furthermore, safety should be ensured such that the user is not harmed when the aerosol generating device is in use and / or when cleaning and / or replacing the heating furnace.

[0007] Conventional implementations of heating furnaces in HNB devices have not solved these challenges, or have at least not fully solved these challenges. As an example, fixing of the heating furnace is conventionally performed by fixing pins that protrude through small orifices in the bottom of the heating furnace. The fixing pins are connected to the heating furnace by a sealing resin (i.e., an adhesive). Thus, the heating furnace is fixed throughout the life cycle of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] Accordingly, such a conventional implementation does not allow the removal of the heating furnace without damaging the aerosol generating device. Therefore, it is not possible to easily clean and / or replace the heating furnace. In addition, the manufacturing and assembly process of such a conventional heating furnace undergoes complex and cumbersome steps to provide the proper shape of the bottom of the heating furnace and to properly place the fixing pins. Therefore, the manufacturing and assembly process of the conventional heating furnace is hindered. The automation of such conventional manufacturing may not be easily achieved. Instead, skilled labor is required and, therefore, the process is time-consuming and costly.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for improvements to such heating units including the heating furnace and aerosol generating devices including these heating units.

[0010] In this context, an object of the present invention is to address one or more or all of the above challenges. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved heating unit for an aerosol generating article having a heating furnace. The resulting heating furnace will be provided with improved fixing means such that it facilitates the cleaning and / or removal of the heating furnace. Another object is to ensure the safety of the user such that the cleaning and / or removal of the heating furnace is provided in a safe state. Additionally, an object is to overcome the complex manufacturing steps associated with conventional heating units. Accordingly, a heating unit that can be manufactured and assembled in a simpler manner will be provided. Furthermore, compared to existing implementations, the manufacturing and assembly can be more easily automated. Accordingly, there is also an object to facilitate the improved, cost-effective and rapid manufacturing of such heating units.

[0011] These and other objects, which become apparent from the following description, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Summary of the Invention

[0012] General aspects

[0013] A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a heating unit for an aerosol generating article, the heating unit comprising: a heating furnace including a furnace component, the heating furnace being configured to operate in at least a heating mode and a non-heating mode, the heating mode being for heating an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is received within the heating furnace; a furnace support configured to be heated when the heating furnace operates in the heating mode; wherein the furnace support is configured to form a fixed connection with the furnace component when the heating furnace operates in the heating mode and is further configured to release the fixed connection with the furnace component when the heating furnace operates in the non-heating mode.

[0014] The advantage of this embodiment is that a fixed connection can be formed between the furnace support and the furnace component, and this fixed connection can be triggered by the operating mode of the heating furnace. This fixed connection can (only) depend on physical laws. For example, it can depend on the physical properties of the furnace support and the furnace component. This achieves reliable fixation. Further, this fixation can function independently of complex auxiliary equipment (such as electronics and / or sensors), which are cost-intensive and prone to failure. Therefore, this embodiment increases safety because the failure of the fixation due to the failure of the auxiliary equipment can be avoided.

[0015] The furnace component can be part of the heating furnace and / or in close communication with the heating furnace. Thus, when the furnace component is substantially fixed, the heating furnace is also substantially fixed.

[0016] In the heating mode, the heating furnace can have a sufficiently elevated temperature such that the aerosol-forming matrix can be heated. The temperature can be high enough such that an aerosol is formed from the aerosol-forming matrix. Typically, the heating mode includes the operating mode when the user inhales such an aerosol and thus activates the power supply of the device including the heating unit, etc.

[0017] In the non-heating mode of the heating furnace, the heating furnace can have a sufficiently low temperature. Generally, in this mode, substantially no aerosol is formed from the aerosol-forming matrix. As an example, the temperature of the heating furnace can be such that the user will not be injured if they touch the heating furnace in the non-heating mode.

[0018] It should be understood that this embodiment facilitates the removal of the heating furnace in a safe state, for example when the heating furnace has a low temperature in the non-heating mode. Thus, the heating furnace can be easily cleaned and / or replaced in an improved manner. In particular, if unwanted particles, dust, and / or dirt have accumulated around the heating furnace, they can be easily removed. The heating unit may often be exposed to or subjected to environmental influences such as humidity, dust, and / or dirt, which makes the embodiments described herein valuable. Such unwanted particles, dust, and / or dirt may have an adverse effect on the operation of the heating unit.

[0019] Compared with a conventional heating unit, the heating furnace is thus not fixed during substantially the entire life cycle of the heating unit. The cost is reduced by providing a fixed connection according to the operating mode.

[0020] Another advantage attributable to this embodiment is that the heating furnace is fixed when it has an elevated temperature in the heating mode. This improves safety because the heating furnace is automatically fixed in place when needed. Further, this improves heating because the position of the heating furnace changes substantially little in the heating mode.

[0021] The heating unit can be used in an aerosol generating device that is held by a user. Thus, the aerosol generating device can be a portable and / or hand-held aerosol generating device that can be comfortably held by the user.

[0022] The heating unit can be configured to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user while a consumable, i.e., an aerosol generating article, is (at least partially) received within the heating furnace.

[0023] The heating unit can be of the resistive heating type, for example including a heating element arranged in contact with the heating furnace wall to transfer heat thereto by conduction. Resistive heating can also be referred to as Joule heating, resistance heating, or Ohmic heating. This means that during operation, when a circuit is established, an electric current flows through the heating element, such as a ceramic heating element. The flow of electric current through a conductor (such as the heating element) generates heat, the power of which is equal to the product of the resistance of the ceramic heating element and the square of the electric current. Typically, two electrodes provide electrical contact with the heating element. The two electrodes ensure that a voltage drop is applied between the two electrodes and thus a voltage drop is applied across the heating element to induce an electric current. Thereby, the temperature of the heating element can increase due to the flow of electric current and the resistance of the heating element.

[0024] As an example, the heating element can be a thermistor, i.e., a resistor whose resistance depends on temperature. Further, the heating element can be made of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor such that the resistance of the ceramic heating element increases at higher temperatures. This can provide a self-regulating effect. In particular, at certain temperatures, the ceramic heating element may not be further heated because the resistance has increased to a level that prevents further increase in the electric current.

[0025] The heating unit can also be of the inductive type, for example including at least one inductive coil that is circumferentially arranged around the heating furnace and is configured to inductively heat a susceptor element that is in contact with the heating furnace and / or formed by the heating furnace wall. The susceptor element can also be arranged in an aerosol generating article inserted into the heating furnace. The heating unit can also be a microwave heating unit that includes: a heating furnace that serves as a consumable receiving cavity; a microwave radiation source, particularly a solid-state transistor-based microwave source; and an impedance matching unit that is used to achieve impedance matching between the consumable article inserted into the heating furnace and the microwave field generated by the microwave source. Irrespective of the type of heating of the heating unit, it contributes to the establishment of a fixed connection and the release of the fixed connection.

[0026] Advantageously, no device for measuring temperature is required to form and release the fixed connection. Furthermore, generally no controller, control logic, and / or active devices (such as an active locking mechanism), a movable retention element, and / or an active mechanical movement of parts are required. It should be noted that forming a fixed connection as described herein may not be understood as forming a fixed connection with an aerosol-generating article that is received in a heating furnace.

[0027] The heating furnace referred to herein should be understood as a three-dimensional space that is heated in a heating mode, preferably by heating the walls of the heating furnace. Exemplarily, with respect to the three-dimensional space of the heating furnace, an elongated heating element that protrudes or extends into the space is not considered a heating furnace.

[0028] According to the second embodiment, the furnace support is configured to be at least partially clamped into the furnace component to form a fixed connection and is further configured to not be clamped into the furnace component to release the fixed connection.

[0029] "At least partially" clamping into the furnace component means that the furnace support can extend, expand, and / or protrude into the furnace component such that a fixed connection, such as a fastening, attachment, and / or rigid connection, is formed between the furnace support and the furnace component. When the heating unit is operating in a non-heating mode, the fixed connection is released. In this mode, the furnace support is not clamped into the furnace component. The sealing of the heating furnace can also be ensured through the clamping and / or fixed connection.

[0030] The phrase "not be clamped into the furnace component" means that the heating furnace can be removed without the user applying excessive force. In some cases, there may be at least partial contact between the furnace support and the furnace component even when the furnace support is not clamped into the furnace component. However, this does not necessarily increase the force required by the user to remove the heating furnace.

[0031] This embodiment has the advantage that the manufacture of the heating unit can be improved. This fixation can be established only by at least partially clamping the furnace support into the furnace component. This does not require complex connecting devices. Instead, it can be established by cylindrical sections that interact with each other. Therefore, the manufacture can be accelerated and errors during manufacture can be eliminated.

[0032] Temperature-dependent fixation, elastic deformation

[0033] According to the third embodiment, the furnace component includes a first material and the furnace support includes a second material, wherein the thermal expansion of the second material is greater than the thermal expansion of the first material.

[0034] This embodiment facilitates the different thermal expansions of the furnace component and the furnace support. Due to thermal expansion, the furnace support can be in a state of being at least partially clamped to the furnace component or not being at least partially clamped to the furnace component. Correspondingly, the fixation and non-fixation of the heating component and the heating furnace can depend on the temperatures of the furnace component and the furnace support.

[0035] Greater thermal expansion means greater expansion at a (specific) temperature and / or within a (specific) temperature range. This embodiment facilitates the furnace support expanding to a greater extent than the furnace component. Thus, the furnace support can be at least partially clamped to the furnace component in the heating mode.

[0036] It should be understood that the triggering of the fixed connection and the release of the fixed connection occur through the physics inherent in the material according to the second embodiment. The advantage is that the fixation can be performed in a reliable, predictable, cost-effective, and reproducible manner.

[0037] According to the fourth embodiment, the thermal expansion of the first material is within the elastic deformation range of the first material, and / or the thermal expansion of the second material is within the elastic deformation range of the second material.

[0038] Deformation refers to a change in the size or shape of an object. The elastic deformation range used herein can be understood as follows: Strain is the relative change in the size, length, and / or shape of an object and can be expressed as a dimensionless change in length. Strain is related to the force acting on the object. These forces can be represented by stress (the force per surface area of the object).

[0039] The relationship between stress (y-axis) and strain (x-axis) can be visualized by a stress-strain curve. This relationship (i.e., the shape of this curve) depends on the characteristics of the material of the object. The relationship between stress and strain is usually linear and reversible before the yield point. Such a range of the stress-strain curve can be called the elastic deformation range.

[0040] The elastic deformation range is different from the plastic deformation range. The plastic deformation range is characterized by the permanent deformation that still exists when the stress is reduced. The maximum strain of elastic deformation may depend on the material.

[0041] The fourth embodiment is advantageous because it allows the thermal expansions of the first material (i.e., the furnace component) and the second material (i.e., the furnace support) to be repeated multiple times without any plastic deformation of the furnace component and the furnace support. Therefore, a reliable fixed connection and the release of the fixed connection are ensured.

[0042] According to the example, the thermal expansion of the first material is not within the plastic deformation range of the first material, and / or the thermal expansion of the second material is not within the plastic deformation range of the second material.

[0043] According to the fifth embodiment, in any one of the third or fourth embodiments, the first material has a coefficient of thermal expansion of at most 15.0 μm / (m K), preferably at most 13.0 μm / (m K), more preferably at most 11.0 μm / (m K), most preferably at most 9.5 μm / (m K) and / or at least 6.0 μm / (m K), preferably at least 7.0 μm / (m K), more preferably at least 8.0 μm / (m K), most preferably at least 9.0 μm / (m K); and / or the second material has a coefficient of thermal expansion of at least 15.0 μm / (m K), preferably at least 17.0 μm / (m K), more preferably at least 20.0 μm / (m K), most preferably at least 23.0 μm / (m K) and / or at most 30.0 μm / (m K), preferably at most 27.0 μm / (m K), more preferably at most 25.0 μm / (m K), most preferably at most 23.0 μm / (m K).

[0044] The relative expansion (also known as strain) of a material divided by the change in temperature can be referred to as the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material. The coefficient of thermal expansion describes how the size of an object changes with temperature.

[0045] The advantage of this embodiment is that the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material is less than that of the second material. Therefore, the second material (i.e., the furnace support) expands to a greater extent than the first material (i.e., the furnace component).

[0046] The length ( ) of a component with an initial length ( ) can be determined according to the following equation.

[0047] (1)

[0048] In the above equation, the coefficient of thermal expansion is denoted as , and the component is subjected to a temperature change .

[0049] This embodiment allows the selection of materials with specific coefficients of thermal expansion and the initial dimensions of the furnace support and furnace component such that the temperature of the component at which the fixed connection is released can be predicted. Therefore, the temperature at which the furnace support is removed (e.g., for cleaning) can be determined. This temperature can be predicted in advance, for example, even before manufacturing. Such a temperature can also be calibrated for removing the heating furnace. For example, the heating unit can be provided with different temperatures for removing the heating furnace. As understood, this also includes heating units with correspondingly different temperatures for forming the fixed connection.

[0050] According to the sixth embodiment, in any one of the third to fifth embodiments, the first material is steel (such as stainless steel), and / or the second material is aluminum.

[0051] These materials are relatively inexpensive and easy to procure. In this embodiment, the materials are limited to steel and / or aluminum. However, any combination of materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion can generally be applied. Importantly, the expansion should be elastic so that the materials do not substantially break.

[0052] Ceramics have a different coefficient of thermal expansion from metals. Accordingly, in one example, if the ceramics are not too rigid, they can be used.

[0053] According to the seventh embodiment, in any one of the third to sixth embodiments, when the heating furnace is operating in the heating mode, the first material and / or the second material have a temperature of at least 40°C, preferably at least 45°C, more preferably at least 50°C, even more preferably at least 55°C, and most preferably at least 60°C, where the ambient temperature is 25°C.

[0054] For this embodiment, the furnace support and the furnace component can form a fixed connection at a temperature of, for example, 40°C or 60°C. It should be understood that at such elevated temperatures, the user can no longer easily remove the heating furnace, which increases safety. The heating furnace can still be forcibly removed (e.g., with greater force). However, this will damage the heating furnace and / or the furnace support, which is not desirable. This embodiment also improves heating efficiency and user comfort because the fixed connection ensures improved heating of the aerosol-generating article and rapid aerosol generation can be expected.

[0055] Note that the ambient temperature can also be about at least 15°C or 20°C and at most about 30°C. The specification of the ambient temperature should support the understanding that the temperature of the first material and / or the second material is derived from the heating furnace rather than the environment.

[0056] According to the eighth embodiment, in any one of the third to seventh embodiments, when the heating furnace is operating in the non-heating mode, the first material and / or the second material have a temperature of at most 60°C, preferably at most 55°C, more preferably at most 50°C, even more preferably at most 45°C, and most preferably at most 40°C, where the ambient temperature is 25°C.

[0057] For this embodiment, the fixed connection formed between the furnace support and the furnace component can be released at a temperature of, for example, 60°C or 40°C. It should be understood that at such low temperatures, the user can easily remove the heating furnace. This facilitates cleaning at a safe temperature without endangering user convenience.

[0058] Regarding the ambient temperature, the same principles apply as described for the previous embodiment.

[0059] It should be understood that the increase in the size of components due to thermal expansion may be affected by a (small) time delay. Typically, the (small) time delay can be neglected because the material expands substantially simultaneously with the temperature of the material. However, material impurities may not be completely excluded. Accordingly, once the furnace support reaches a temperature of, for example, 60 °C, a short period of time may be required for the furnace support to expand sufficiently to be at least partially clamped into the furnace component (the furnace component also expands at a temperature of, for example, 60 °C).

[0060] According to the 9th embodiment, in any of the previous embodiments, when the heating furnace is operating in the non-heating mode, a gap is formed between one or more surfaces of the furnace component and one or more surfaces of the furnace support, and when the heating furnace is operating in the heating mode, a fixed connection is formed between one or more surfaces of the furnace component and one or more surfaces of the furnace support.

[0061] The furnace component may have one or more surfaces as described herein. Moreover, the furnace support may have one or more surfaces as described herein. In the non-heating mode, a gap is formed between these surfaces. The advantage of this gap is that it enables the removal of the heating furnace.

[0062] A fixed connection is formed between the (multiple) surfaces. This can be understood as the (multiple) surfaces of the furnace component coming into contact with the (multiple) surfaces of the furnace support. In an example, the (multiple) surfaces of the furnace component may be opposite to, facing, and / or surrounding the (multiple) surfaces of the furnace support.

[0063] According to the 10th embodiment, in the previous embodiment, the gap averages 0.001 mm, preferably at least 0.002 mm, more preferably at least 0.004 mm, even more preferably at least 0.006 mm, most preferably at least 0.01 mm and / or at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, more preferably at most 0.1 mm, even more preferably at most 0.05 mm, most preferably at most 0.01 mm.

[0064] The gap should be large enough to facilitate the relatively easy and convenient removal of the heating furnace by the user. A large gap may also be beneficial for the manufacturing process as manufacturing errors are tolerated to a greater extent. Additionally, a large gap provides improved installation space. In some examples, the gap may define a conical shape or a funnel shape, which can facilitate the insertion of the heating furnace. On the other hand, the gap should not be too large; otherwise, the thermal expansion required to form a fixed connection on the upper side would be too large. This can be disadvantageous as the material may undergo plastic deformation. A large gap may also result in an excessive temperature in the heating mode and the entire device not being compact. Accordingly, a balance should be achieved with respect to the gap.

[0065] The gap can be understood as a spacing and provides a "sliding fit" or "slip fit", which facilitates removal as compared to a "press fit" or "interference fit". It should be noted that the gap size also depends on the geometry, the choice of materials, and the threshold temperature for forming the fixed connection.

[0066] In the case where the (multiple) surfaces of the furnace support and the (multiple) surfaces of the furnace component, between which the gap is formed, are substantially cylindrical, the gap can be substantially equal along the circumferential direction.

[0067] When in the heating mode, the gap can be filled by the furnace support by at least 98%, preferably at least 99%, more preferably at least 99.5%, and most preferably, the gap is completely filled such that pressure is provided between the outer surface of the furnace support and the (inner) surface of the furnace component. Thereby, the furnace support is at least partially clamped into the furnace component.

[0068] According to the 11th embodiment, any one of the foregoing embodiments further includes a tube for accommodating the heating furnace, wherein when the heating furnace is operating in the heating mode, pressure is provided between the heating furnace and the tube.

[0069] The advantage of the tube is that it can surround the heating furnace and protect the heating furnace from the surrounding environment. In one example, the fixed connection in the heating mode may include pressing the heating furnace against the tube to enhance the fixation. This can be achieved by an appropriate material selection of the tube.

[0070] Generally, sufficient fixation has been achieved by at least partially clamping the furnace support into the furnace component.

[0071] As an example, the tube has a generally cylindrical shape. Additionally, the heating furnace may also have a generally cylindrical shape. In the non - heating mode, there may be a tube gap between the heating furnace and the tube. The tube gap can be measured in the radial direction. Moreover, the tube gap may be constant along the circumferential direction. In other cases, the tube gap may not be constant along the circumferential direction, for example, the tube gap may not be circumferentially symmetric or is substantially asymmetric.

[0072] Bottom part of the heating furnace, improved connection

[0073] According to the 12th embodiment, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the heating furnace is substantially hollow and / or substantially symmetric.

[0074] In this embodiment, the heating furnace has a simplified structure, which makes the manufacturing process easy. In particular, it should be understood that this simplified structure can also enable the automation of the manufacturing process, which reduces the production cost. Additionally, errors in the manufacturing process can thus be reduced. Generally, a more reliable heating furnace can be provided.

[0075] As an example, the heating furnace can be manufactured by an extrusion process, followed by optional cutting, such that the desired length of the heating furnace is achieved.

[0076] According to the 13th embodiment, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the furnace support extends into the furnace component by at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20% and / or at most 35%, preferably at most 30%, more preferably at most 25%, most preferably at most 20% of the length of the heating furnace.

[0077] According to an example, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the furnace support extends into the furnace component by at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 1.0 mm, more preferably at least 2.0 mm, most preferably at least 3.0 mm and / or

[0078] at most 15 mm, preferably at most 12 mm, more preferably at most 10 mm, more preferably at most 8 mm, more preferably at most 6 mm, most preferably at most 5 mm.

[0079] For the above embodiments and the above examples, the extension of the furnace support into the furnace component should not be too small and should not be too large either.

[0080] A large extension increases the contact area of the (multiple) surfaces of the furnace support and the furnace component. Accordingly, the formation of the fixed connection is improved. However, the extension should not be too large so as not to waste space. A small amount promotes a compact device. Accordingly, a balance should be achieved in terms of the extension.

[0081] In one example, the heating furnace can have a length of about 20 mm.

[0082] According to the 14th embodiment, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the furnace component is arranged at the rear end of the heating furnace, which is positioned opposite to the front end of the heating furnace, through which an aerosol-generating article can be received, wherein the furnace support optionally extends into the end of the furnace component that is positioned opposite to the front end of the heating furnace.

[0083] By arranging the furnace component at the rear end of the heating furnace, the furnace component is generally not visible to the user operating the device including the heating unit. This supports user convenience.

[0084] The furnace support can also be located at the rear end of the heating furnace and can extend into the end of the furnace component opposite to the front end of the heating furnace. Thus, the furnace support extends in the removal direction of the heating furnace. This has the advantage that the furnace component and the furnace support are substantially accommodated within the device and may not be affected by dust and / or dirt that may impair their operation. Additionally, there is substantially no accumulation of unwanted particles between the (multiple) surfaces of the furnace support forming the fixed connection and the (multiple) surfaces of the furnace component.

[0085] According to the 15th embodiment, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the furnace component includes a slit located at the rear end of the heating furnace facing away from the front end of the heating furnace, where an aerosol-generating article can be received at the front end.

[0086] The slit can be understood as a recess and / or a notch. It increases the elasticity of the furnace component, which improves the formation of the fixed connection. In a preferred example, when observed with the heating unit standing on the ground, the slit is arranged vertically. Vertically means that the slit is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the heating furnace. Depending on the desired elasticity, the slit can have a length of about 0.05 mm to about 5 mm. Advantageously, the slit is arranged at the bottom of the furnace component because this facilitates the manufacturing process.

[0087] Two slits can also be provided, for example, on two diametrical sides, preferably on two diametrically opposite sides of the furnace component.

[0088] According to the 16th embodiment, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the furnace component is integrally formed with the cylinder included in the heating furnace for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

[0089] This embodiment contributes to an improved manufacturing process. In one example, the furnace component and the heating furnace are substantially one-piece. However, the furnace component can also be a separate piece but in communication with the heating furnace (such as thermally communicating and / or in direct contact). Importantly, the furnace component is integrally formed with the cylinder such that the furnace component can be easily inserted into the tube and / or the device including the heating unit.

[0090] According to the 17th embodiment, in any of the foregoing embodiments, the furnace component is not fixed to the furnace support by an adhesive.

[0091] Adhesives have the disadvantage that they may easily fail, for example, if the temperature becomes too high. Further, it is advantageous to dispense with the adhesive because the fixed connection is not always fixed.

[0092] According to another embodiment of the heating unit, when in the heating mode, a cross-section of a part of the furnace support that is at least partially clamped into the furnace component is at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95% of the cross-section of the furnace component in the non-heating mode.

[0093] This helps to form a fixed connection through thermal expansion.

[0094] The cross-section of this part of the furnace support and / or the furnace component can be observed, for example, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heating furnace. Typically, the longitudinal axis can be arranged to be substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article into the heating furnace.

[0095] According to another embodiment of the heating unit, the furnace support extends out of the furnace component at an end of the heating furnace opposite to the end that can receive the aerosol-generating article.

[0096] The advantage of this is that the furnace support can be more easily fixed to the rest of the device (such as a frame).

[0097] Aerosol generating device

[0098] The 18th embodiment of the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device, which includes: a heating unit according to any one of the 1st to 17th embodiments; and a power source configured to supply current to the heating unit for generating an aerosol for a user to inhale.

[0099] The aerosol-generating device can be a portable or handheld aerosol-generating device that can be comfortably held by a user. For example, the aerosol-generating device can be held between the fingers and / or in the palm of one hand.

[0100] The power source can be any suitable power source, such as a DC voltage source, such as a battery, for example, a lithium iron phosphate battery. Alternatively, the power source can be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lithium-based battery (such as a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium-iron-phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium-polymer battery). The power source can be located within a part of the aerosol-generating device, or it can be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source can allow recharging and can have a capacity that allows storing enough energy for one or more, preferably multiple, normal usage cycles of the aerosol-generating device.

[0101] According to the 19th embodiment, in the aerosol-generating device according to the previous embodiment, the furnace support is fixed to a part of the aerosol-generating device (such as a frame or a housing), preferably fixed within the aerosol-generating device.

[0102] The furnace support can be fixed to a part of the aerosol generating device that is not included in the heated furnace. As an example, the furnace support can be fixed by means of screws or the like. Thus, the furnace support can be substantially fixed throughout the life cycle of the device. Advantageously, the fixed connection to the furnace component depends on the temperature described herein. Therefore, when forming the fixed connection between the furnace support and the furnace component, all components are substantially fixed and do not move within the device, which improves the heating of the aerosol generating article.

[0103] According to the 20th embodiment, in the aerosol generating device according to the 18th or 19th embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a magnet configured to substantially hold the position of the heating furnace when the heating furnace is operating in a non-heating mode, wherein the magnet is optionally arranged near the rear end of the heating furnace, the rear end being positioned opposite to the front end of the heating furnace through which the aerosol generating article can be received.

[0104] When the heating furnace is in the non-heating mode, the magnet can help to hold the furnace component and / or the heating furnace in place. Despite the magnet, the user can still conveniently remove the heating furnace when the heating furnace is in the heating mode.

[0105] "Substantially hold" means that the force provided by the magnet is sufficient to prevent significant movement, but the user can still remove the heating furnace without excessive force.

[0106] The 21st embodiment of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device as described herein and an aerosol generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0107] It should be noted that the aerosol generating system and / or aerosol generating device described herein can include all aspects and / or embodiments described herein, even if not explicitly described as belonging to the aerosol generating system and / or aerosol generating device but by reference to the heating unit. It should also be understood that the features and advantages described with reference to the aerosol generating system and / or aerosol generating device can equally apply to the heating unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0108] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments will be described only by way of example. Refer to the following drawings:

[0109] Figure 1 A heating unit for an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a side cross-sectional view;

[0110] Figure 2 A heating unit for an aerosol generating article according to an embodiment of the present invention in the non-heating mode of the heating furnace is shown in a side cross-sectional view; Figure 1 of the embodiment;

[0111] Figure 2aA side cross-sectional view shows a heating unit for an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention in an operating mode between a non-heating mode and a heating mode of a heating furnace; Figure 1 of an embodiment;

[0112] Figure 2b A side cross-sectional view shows a heating unit for an aerosol-generating article according to the present invention in a heating mode of a heating furnace; Figure 1 of an embodiment;

[0113] Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view shows the thermal expansion of a furnace component and a furnace support in a non-heating mode (left) and a heating mode (right) of a heating furnace according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 ;

[0114] Figure 4 A first side cross-sectional view shows a furnace component including a slit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0115] Figure 4a A second side cross-sectional view rotated 180° compared to the first side cross-sectional view shows Figure 4 an embodiment of;

[0116] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a stress-strain curve; and

[0117] Figure 6 An aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0118] Definitions

[0119] As used herein, the terms "fixing", "fixation", "fixed connection" can be understood as making the relative positions of the parts to be fixed substantially unchanged.

[0120] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" may also be referred to as a consumable or a consumable article. Such an aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate that can be heated to generate an aerosol and / or a vapor for inhalation by a user.

[0121] The terms "one end", "the other end", "outer side", "upper", "above", "inner side", "beneath", "below", "horizontal", "coaxial", "central", "end", "portion", "length", "outer end", etc., indicating orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings.

[0122] In the present invention, terms such as "upper", "above", "lower", "beneath" for indicating spatial relative positions are for the purpose of facilitating description to depict the relationship of a unit, device, part, component, and / or feature shown in the drawings relative to another unit, device, part, component, and / or feature.

[0123] The terms of spatial relative positions may be intended to include different orientations of the unit, device, part, component, and / or feature in addition to the orientations shown in the drawings. For example, if the unit, device, part, component, and / or feature in the drawings is flipped, the unit, device, part, component, and / or feature described as "lower" or "beneath" other unit, device, part, component, and / or feature will be located "above" the other unit, device, part, component, and / or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "lower" may cover both upper and lower orientations.

[0124] Embodiments shown in the drawings

[0125] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention may also be used in other embodiments not explicitly disclosed below. As detailed below, the embodiments are compatible with each other, and the individual features of one embodiment may also be applied to another embodiment.

[0126] Throughout the drawings and the description, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and for the purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions, scales, and depictions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. The drawings do not limit the scope of the claims, but only support the understanding of the present invention.

[0127] Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view shows a heating unit 10 for an aerosol-generating article 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heating unit 10 includes a heating furnace 20, and the heating furnace includes a furnace component 21. The heating furnace 20 is configured to operate at least in a heating mode to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 1 when the aerosol-generating article 1 is received within the heating furnace 20. The heating furnace 20 is further configured to operate at least in a non-heating mode. This may be a mode when the aerosol-generating device including the heating unit 10 is not in use, for example, when the aerosol-generating device is stored at a certain location.

[0128] It can be seen that the furnace component 21 is integrally formed with a cylinder of the heating furnace 20 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 1. In this example, the furnace component 21 is an integral part of the heating furnace 20. However, this is not necessarily the case according to the present disclosure. The furnace component 21 is indicated by a brace in this drawing. This means that the length along the longitudinal axis L of the heating furnace 20 surrounded by the brace represents the furnace component 21.

[0129] The heating unit further includes a furnace support 30 that is configured to be heated when the heating furnace 20 is operating in the heating mode. The furnace support 30 is configured to form a fixed connection with the furnace component 21 when the heating furnace 20 is operating in the heating mode, and is further configured to release the fixed connection with the furnace component 21 when the heating furnace 20 is operating in the non-heating mode.

[0130] The furnace support 30 may be configured to be at least partially clamped into the furnace component 21 when the heating furnace 20 is operating in the heating mode. Additionally, the furnace support 30 may be configured to not be clamped into the furnace component 21 when the heating furnace 20 is operating in the non-heating mode.

[0131] The furnace component 21 includes a first material (not indicated separately; reference numeral 21 may represent the first material), and the furnace support 30 includes a second material (not indicated separately; reference numeral 30 may represent the second material). The thermal expansion of the second material (i.e., of the furnace support 30) is greater than the thermal expansion of the first material (i.e., of the furnace component 21). It should be understood that, in particular, if the furnace component 21 is integrally formed with the heating furnace 20, the heating furnace 20 may include or be composed of the same first material as the furnace component 21, as this simplifies manufacturing. Additionally, the heating furnace 20 is substantially hollow and / or substantially symmetric, which additionally simplifies manufacturing.

[0132] In this particular example, the first material (furnace component 21) is stainless steel, which has a coefficient of thermal expansion of approximately 9.4 μm / (mK). The second material (furnace support 30) is aluminum alloy, which has a coefficient of thermal expansion of approximately 23 μm / (m K). However, any combination of the coefficients of thermal expansion of the first and second materials is possible, as long as the thermal expansion of the second material is greater than the thermal expansion of the first material.

[0133] In this figure, the operating mode of the heating furnace 20 is the non-heating mode, or at least not the heating mode. This is shown by the gap (see reference numeral 35 in the remaining figures) between the furnace component 21 and the furnace support 30. Accordingly, in the operating mode of this figure, the heating furnace 20 can be easily removed for cleaning and / or maintenance. When the heating furnace 20 is operating in the heating mode, there is a gap between the surfaces forming the fixed connection.

[0134] Since the heating furnace 20 is operating in a non-heating mode, the first material and / or the second material has a temperature of at most 60 °C, preferably at most 55 °C, more preferably at most 50 °C, even more preferably at most 45 °C, and most preferably at most 40 °C. The ambient temperature is 25 °C. The heating furnace 20 and the furnace component 21 are in thermal contact with each other. Accordingly, the temperature of the heating furnace 20 can be similar to the temperature of the furnace component 21. It is possible that their temperatures can be the same. Correspondingly, when the heating furnace 20 is removed and touched by hand, the user will not be injured.

[0135] The furnace support 30 extends into the furnace component 21 by at least 5% and at most 35% of the length of the heating furnace 20 preferably. The length of the heating furnace 20 is measured along the longitudinal axis L of the heating furnace 20 as indicated in this drawing. The heating furnace can be about 20 mm long (this includes the length of the furnace component 21). The preferred extension range of the furnace support 30 into the furnace component 21 is about 5 mm, which corresponds to 25% of the length of the heating furnace 20.

[0136] This drawing also shows that the furnace component 21 is arranged at the rear end of the heating furnace 20, which is positioned opposite to the front end of the heating furnace 20, through which the aerosol-generating article 1 is received. In addition, the furnace support 30 extends into the end of the furnace component 21 that is positioned opposite to the front end of the heating furnace 20. The front end of the heating furnace 20 is located in the top region of this drawing, and its opposite end is located in the bottom region of this drawing. Similarly, the front end of the heating furnace 20 is located in the top region of this drawing, and the rear end of the heating furnace 20 is located in the bottom region of this drawing.

[0137] The heating furnace 20, the furnace component 21, and / or the furnace support 30 are not fixed to each other by an adhesive.

[0138] The furnace support 30 is fixed to a part of the aerosol-generating device (such as a frame or a housing), preferably fixed inside the aerosol-generating device. This is indicated by the screw 80 in this drawing. It can be advantageous that the furnace support 30 extends out of the furnace component 21 at the end of the heating furnace 20 opposite to the end that receives the aerosol-generating article 1 (i.e., such that the furnace support 30 extends out of the bottom end of the heating furnace 20 in this drawing). This can help to fix the furnace support 30 to a part of the aerosol-generating device.

[0139] The aerosol-generating device including the heating unit 10 can include a magnet (not indicated in this drawing), which is arranged near the rear end of the heating furnace 20 (the rear end of the heating furnace 20 is located in the bottom region of this drawing).

[0140] In the embodiment of the figure, the heating furnace 20, the furnace component 21 and / or the furnace support 30 may have a circular cross section (multiple). The cross section is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heating furnace 20. This longitudinal axis (indicated as a dotted line L in the figure) is arranged substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the aerosol-generating article 1 into the heating furnace 20.

[0141] Figure 2 The heating furnace 20 is shown in a side cross-sectional view in a non-heating mode. Figure 1 A heating unit 10 for an aerosol generating article 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, for the purpose of clarity and without limiting the scope of protection, the Figure 1 Some of the features shown in .

[0142] Since this embodiment is shown in a non-heating mode, the first material and / or the second material has a temperature of at most 60°C, or at most 40°C, as described herein.

[0143] A gap 35 is formed between one or more surfaces 22 of the furnace component 21 and one or more surfaces 31 of the furnace support 30, and when the heating furnace 20 is operated in the heating mode, the one or more surfaces of the furnace component and the one or more surfaces of the furnace support form a fixed connection. As described herein, the gap 35 in this figure is about 0.001 mm to about 0.1 mm.

[0144] The temperature of the first material and / or the second material may be low enough so that there is substantially no thermal expansion compared to the ambient temperature.

[0145] Figure 2a The furnace 20 according to the invention is shown in a side cross-sectional view in an operating mode between a non-heating mode and a heating mode. Figure 1 A heating unit 10 for an aerosol-generating article 1 of an embodiment.

[0146] and Figure 2 Compared to the device shown in FIG. 1 , a slight thermal expansion can be discerned in this figure. In particular, the expansion can be directed in radial directions (e.g., to the left and to the right in this figure). Both the furnace part 21 and the furnace support 31 experience a slight thermal expansion. It can also be seen that the heating furnace 20 experiences a slight thermal expansion. However, a gap still remains between one or more surfaces 22 of the furnace part 21 and one or more surfaces 31 of the furnace support 30, with which one or more surfaces of the furnace part and one or more surfaces of the furnace support form a fixed connection when the heating furnace 20 is operated in the heating mode.

[0147] Figure 2b The side cross-sectional view shows the heating furnace 20 in the heating mode according to the invention. Figure 1The heating unit 10 for the aerosol-generating article 1 according to an embodiment.

[0148] Since the heating furnace 20 is operating in the heating mode, the first material and / or the second material have a temperature of at least 40 °C, or at least 60 °C.

[0149] Compared with Figure 2a the device shown, further thermal expansion can be identified in this figure. The thermal expansion of the furnace support 30 and the furnace component 21 causes there to be substantially no gap anymore. Accordingly, the furnace support 30 can be at least partially clamped into the furnace component 21. Thereby, a fixed connection between the furnace support 30 and the furnace component 21 is formed. It should also be noted that pressure is applied between the furnace support 30 and the furnace component 21. This pressure is large enough such that the heating furnace 20 cannot be easily removed, i.e., without excessive force and / or without damaging the heating furnace 20 and / or the furnace support 30.

[0150] This fixed connection is established only by the physical properties inherent in the materials. Accordingly, the fixing does not require complex, expensive, and / or failure-prone equipment.

[0151] Compared with Figure 2a similarly, the heating furnace 20 also undergoes further thermal expansion.

[0152] The thermal expansion of the first material (furnace component 21) and the second material (furnace support 30) is within the elastic deformation range of the respective materials. In particular, no plastic deformation occurs.

[0153] Since the furnace support 30 can be at least partially clamped into the heating furnace 20 (in the heating mode of the heating furnace 20), the heating furnace 20 is substantially sealed. For example, no aerosol leaves the heating unit 10 in an undesired manner. Accordingly, this embodiment provides improved sealing, while the bottom of the heating furnace 20 can be manufactured in a simple manner compared to conventional implementations.

[0154] Figure 3 Shown in side cross-section are the thermal expansions of the furnace component 21 and the furnace support 30 in the non-heating mode (left) and the heating mode (right) of the heating furnace 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 of the heating furnace 20.

[0155] Since the shape of the furnace component 21 and the shape of the furnace support 30 are preferably cylindrical, the following examples refer to the diameter.

[0156] The diameter of the furnace component 21 in the non-heating mode of the heating furnace 20 can be referred to as do_21. It can also be referred to as the initial diameter of the furnace component 21. The first material (i.e., the material of the furnace component 21) has the following denoted as The coefficient of thermal expansion is approximately 9.4 μm / (m K).

[0157] The diameter of the furnace support 30 in the non-heating mode of the heating furnace 20 can be referred to as do_30. It can also be referred to as the initial diameter of the furnace support 30. The second material (i.e., the material of the furnace support 30) has a coefficient of thermal expansion denoted below as The coefficient of thermal expansion is approximately 23 μm / (m K).

[0158] Assuming that the furnace component 21 and the furnace support 30 undergo a temperature change of approximately 50°C (e.g., the temperature difference between the non-heating mode and the heating mode), the corresponding diameter d1_21 of the furnace component 21 in the heating mode of the heating furnace 20 and the corresponding diameter d1_30 of the furnace support 30 in the heating mode of the heating furnace 20 are as follows:

[0159] (2)

[0160] (3)

[0161] Evaluating the above equations (2) and (3) according to the requirement that d1_21 is equal to d1_30 (which would be required to achieve a fixed connection at the 50°C threshold temperature) gives the following table. In the said table, different initial diameters d0_21 of the furnace component 21 and the diameters d1_21 after expansion at the threshold temperature of 50° and (as another example) at a temperature of 70°C are shown. In addition, the corresponding required initial diameters d0_30 of the furnace support 30 for the threshold temperatures of 50°C and (as another example) 70°C are shown.

[0162] Table 1: Diameter of the furnace component 21 in the non-heating mode (d0_21); Diameters of the furnace component 21 in the heating mode at 50°C and 70°C (d1_21); Diameter of the furnace support 30 in the corresponding non-heating mode

[0163] (d0_30)

[0164]

[0165] Preferably, the diameter (d0_21) of the furnace component 21 in the non-heating mode is in the range of approximately 5 mm to 10 mm, more preferably in the range of approximately 6 mm to 9 mm, and most preferably in the range of approximately 7 mm to 8.5 mm.

[0166] It can be seen that if a larger threshold temperature (e.g., 70°C) is desired, then, contrary to the case where a smaller threshold temperature (e.g., 50°C) is desired, the initial diameter d0_30 of the furnace support 30 is relatively smaller compared to the initial diameter d0_21 of the furnace component 21.

[0167] The above table is only for the purpose of illustrating the embodiments of the present invention. The coefficient of thermal expansion can also be selected according to the desired initial diameter.

[0168] Figure 4 A first side sectional view shows a furnace component 21 including a slit 25 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] The slit 25 is arranged at the rear end of the heating furnace 20, which is away from the front end of the heating furnace 20 where an aerosol generating article 1 (not shown here) can be received. In this drawing, the rear end of the heating furnace 20 is located in the bottom region of this drawing.

[0170] Figure 4a A second side sectional view rotated 180° compared to the first side sectional view shows Figure 4 an embodiment of. In this drawing, the corresponding arrow on the left indicates a rotation of 180°.

[0171] It can be seen that the furnace component 21 includes a second slit 25', which is optional and is thus shown by a dotted line.

[0172] In the case where the furnace component 21 includes two slits 25, 25', these two slits are arranged on the diameter side of the furnace component 21. These two slits 25, 25' can be manufactured with a thin wire (for example, with a diameter of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, such as 0.1 mm). One slit 25 can also be manufactured by a water jet (only on one side). The water jet can be understood as a water jet cutting machine, which can be an industrial tool capable of cutting materials preferably by using a high-pressure water jet or a mixture of water and abrasive substances. It should be noted that one slit 25 is already sufficient to improve the elasticity of the furnace component 21.

[0173] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a stress-strain curve is shown. Thus, the relationship between the stress (y-axis) and strain (x-axis) of an exemplary material is shown. The shape of this curve depends on the characteristics of the material. The elastic deformation range 40 is indicated in this drawing. It should be understood that the thermal expansion described herein is within the elastic deformation range 40. This elastic (and linear) relationship of the material is also called Young's modulus.

[0174] Figure 6 An aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol generating system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. The system 200 includes the aerosol generating device 100 and an aerosol generating article 1, which includes an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0175] The aerosol generating device 100 includes the heating unit 10 according to any one of the foregoing embodiments. In addition, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a power source 101 configured to supply an electric current to the heating unit 10, preferably to the heating furnace 20, for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user. The power source 101 can be any suitable power source 101, such as a DC voltage source.

[0176] In all of the above embodiments, the heating unit 10 is a portable or hand-held heating unit 10. This also applies to the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating system 200, and the aerosol generating article 1.

[0177] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, in light of the above teachings, various modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that may fall within the true scope of the present invention.

[0178] List of reference numerals

[0179] 1 Aerosol generating article

[0180] 10 Heating unit

[0181] 20 Heating furnace

[0182] 21 Furnace component

[0183] 22 (Multiple) surfaces of the furnace component

[0184] 25, 25’ Slit

[0185] 30 Furnace support

[0186] 31 (Multiple) surfaces of the furnace support

[0187] 35 Gap

[0188] 40 Elastic deformation range

[0189] 80 Screw

[0190] 100 Aerosol generating device

[0191] 101 Power source

[0192] 200 Aerosol generating system

[0193] L Longitudinal axis of the heating furnace

Claims

1. A heating unit (10) for an aerosol-generating article (1), the heating unit (10) comprises: A heating furnace (20), the heating furnace comprising a furnace component (21), the heating furnace (20) being configured to operate at least in a heating mode and a non-heating mode, the heating mode being for heating an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article (1) when the aerosol-generating article (1) is received within the heating furnace (20); A furnace support (30), the furnace support being configured to be heated when the heating furnace (20) operates in the heating mode; wherein the furnace support (30) is configured to form a fixed connection with the furnace component (21) when the heating furnace (20) operates in the heating mode, and is further configured to release the fixed connection with the furnace component (21) when the heating furnace (20) operates in the non-heating mode.

2. The heating unit (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The furnace support (30) is configured to be at least partially clamped into the furnace component (21) to form the fixed connection, and is further configured to not be clamped into the furnace component (21) to release the fixed connection.

3. The heating unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The furnace component (21) comprises a first material, and the furnace support (30) comprises a second material, wherein the thermal expansion of the second material is greater than the thermal expansion of the first material.

4. The heating unit (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The thermal expansion of the first material is within the elastic deformation range of the first material, and / or wherein the thermal expansion of the second material is within the elastic deformation range of the second material.

5. The heating unit (10) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein, The first material has a coefficient of thermal expansion of at most 15.0 μm / (m K), preferably at most 13.0 μm / (m K), more preferably at most 11.0 μm / (m K), most preferably at most 9.5 μm / (m K) and / or at least 6.0 μm / (m K), preferably at least 7.0 μm / (m K), more preferably at least 8.0 μm / (m K), most preferably at least 9.0 μm / (m K); and / or wherein the second material has a coefficient of thermal expansion of at least 15.0 μm / (m K), preferably at least 17.0 μm / (m K), more preferably at least 20.0 μm / (m K), most preferably at least 23.0 μm / (m K) and / or at most 30.0 μm / (m K), preferably at most 27.0 μm / (m K), more preferably at most 25.0 μm / (m K), most preferably at most 23.0 μm / (m K).

6. The heating unit (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, When the heating furnace (20) is operated in the heating mode, the first material and / or the second material has a temperature of at least 40°C, preferably at least 45°C, more preferably at least 50°C, even more preferably at least 55°C, most preferably at least 60°C, wherein the ambient temperature is 25°C.

7. The heating unit (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, in, When the heating furnace (20) is operated in the non-heating mode, the first material and / or the second material has a temperature of at most 60°C, preferably at most 55°C, more preferably at most 50°C, even more preferably at most 45°C, most preferably at most 40°C, wherein the ambient temperature is 25°C.

8. The heating unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, When the heating furnace (20) is operated in the non-heating mode, a gap (35) is formed between one or more surfaces (22) of the furnace component (21) and one or more surfaces (31) of the furnace support (30); when the heating furnace (20) is operated in the heating mode, one or more surfaces of the furnace component and one or more surfaces of the furnace support form the fixed connection.

9. The heating unit (10) according to the preceding claim, in, The gap (35) is on average at least 0.001 mm, preferably at least 0.002 mm, more preferably at least 0.004 mm, even more preferably at least 0.006 mm, most preferably at least 0.01 mm and / or at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, more preferably at most 0.1 mm, even more preferably at most 0.05 mm, most preferably at most 0.01 mm.

10. The heating unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The furnace support (30) extends into the furnace part (21) by at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 15%, most preferably at least 20% and / or at most 35%, preferably at most 30%, more preferably at most 25%, most preferably at most 20% of the length of the heating furnace (20).

11. The heating unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The oven component (21) is arranged at a rear end of the heating oven (20), the rear end being located opposite to a front end of the heating oven (20) through which the aerosol generating article (1) can be received, The furnace support (30) optionally extends into an end of the furnace component (21) that is located opposite to the front end of the heating furnace (20).

12. The heating unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The oven component (21) comprises a slot (25) at a rear end of the oven (20) facing away from a front end of the oven (20) at which an aerosol-generating article (1) can be received.

13. The heating unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The furnace component (21) is integrally formed with a cylinder included in the heating furnace (20) for receiving the aerosol-generating article (1).

14. The heating unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the furnace component (21) is not fixed to the furnace support (30) by an adhesive.

15. An aerosol-generating device (100), comprising: the heating unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims; and a power source (101) configured to supply current to the heating unit (10) for generating an aerosol for user inhalation.

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