Heater Assembly

Abstract

A heater assembly (400) is provided that is connectable to an aerosol generation body (500) to form an aerosol generation device (300). The heater assembly (400) comprises a heating element (402) configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating article (200). The heating element (402) is configured to rotatably couple to a heating element mount (512). An aerosol generation device (300) comprising the heater assembly (400) is also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heater assembly. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a heater assembly connectable to an aerosol generation device body to form an aerosol generation device. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generation device comprising the heater assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] In some known aerosol generating systems, an aerosol generating device interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. In some of these systems, the device comprises a heater assembly having a heating element. The heating element is configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate and to heat the aerosol-forming substrate from within to generate an aerosol. This arrangement, in which the aerosol-forming substrate is in direct contact with the heating element during use, can be an efficient way to generate an aerosol. However, this arrangement can also lead to material from the aerosol-forming substrate adhering to or otherwise depositing on the heating element. Therefore, such an arrangement can require the user to occasionally clean the heating element to prevent accumulation of aerosol-forming substrate material on the heating element.

[0003] A typical practice of cleaning a heating element of an aerosol generating device would involve using a brush or other cleaning tool to scrape or otherwise remove material from the heating element. During such cleaning, a torque may be applied to the heating element as the brush or other cleaning tool contacts the heating element. This torque may result in the heating element experiencing a shear force. Such forces may lead to breakage of the heating element. A similar torque may be applied to the heating element when it is engaged or disengaged from the aerosol generating article, and may also cause breakage of the heating element. Heating elements in the form of thin blades may be particularly susceptible to breakage, as they may break from the application of a relatively small torque. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a heater assembly having a heating element that is less likely to break when experiencing shear forces, for example due to the application of torque to the heating element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heater assembly. The heater assembly may be for use in an aerosol generating device. The heater assembly may be connectable to an aerosol generating device body. Connecting the heater assembly to the aerosol generating device body may form an aerosol generating device. The heater assembly may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be configured to penetrate the aerosol generating article. The heating element may be configured to connect, for example rotatably connect, to a heating element mount.

[0006] Advantageously, a heating element configured to be rotatably coupled to the heating element mount may allow the heating element to rotate relative to the element mount when a torque is applied to the heating element rather than breaking.

[0007] The heater assembly may be releasably connectable to the aerosol generating device body. Advantageously, this may allow a user to disconnect the heater assembly from the device body when desired, for example for cleaning the heating element.

[0008] The heating element may be rotatably coupled to the heating element mount. Optionally, the heating element may be mounted directly or indirectly on the heating element mount. The heater assembly may comprise the heating element mount. Advantageously, this may allow the heating element to rotate relative to the other components of the heater assembly. This may mean that the risk of damage to the heating element is reduced, even when the heater assembly is not coupled to the device body.

[0009] While coupled to the aerosol generation device body, the heating element may be rotatable relative to the device body or a component of the device body. The device body may comprise a heating element mount. The heater assembly may be rotatably coupleable to the heating element mount of the device body. Advantageously, this may allow a user to hold the device body while cleaning the heating element, while still allowing the heating element or entire heater assembly to rotate when torque is applied to the heating element.

[0010] The heating element may have a length. The length of the heating element may define a longitudinal axis. The length may be at least 5 or 10 millimeters. The length may be less than 100 or 50 millimeters. The heating element may have a width. The width may be at least 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 5 millimeters. The width may be less than 5, 3, or 2 millimeters. The heating element may have a depth. The depth may be at least 0.1 or 0.2 millimeters. The depth may be less than 5, 3, 2, 1, or 0.5 millimeters. Each of the length, width, and depth may be mutually perpendicular. The length may be, for example, at least 50, 100, 200, 500, or 1000% greater than the depth. The width may be, for example, at least 50, 100, 200, or 500% greater than the depth. The length may be, for example, at least 50, 100, 200, or 500% greater than the depth. The heating element may be substantially planar. The heating element may comprise a blade, such as a substantially flat blade. Advantageously, such a heating element may penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate more easily. In addition, such a heating element may be less likely to form large cavities in the aerosol-forming substrate and therefore less likely to lead to the material of the aerosol-forming substrate falling into the device body when the aerosol-forming substrate is removed from contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0011] The heating element, when rotatably coupled to the heating element mount, may be rotatable in one or both of a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the heating element mount. The first and second directions may be clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively. The heating element, when rotatably coupled to the heating element mount, may be capable of rotating at least 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees, 450 degrees, 540 degrees, or 720 degrees in one or both of a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The heating element, when rotatably coupled to the heating element mount, may be capable of rotating indefinitely in one or both of a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. Advantageously, the lack of a point beyond which the heating element cannot rotate may allow the heating element to continue to rotate in response to torque applied to the heating element, rather than breaking due to excessive shear forces occurring in the heating element.

[0012] The heating element may be capable of being positioned in one or more stable orientations. The term "stable orientation" may refer to an orientation or angular position of the heating element where the net torque applied to the heating element is zero. In a stable orientation, the heating element may not be able to rotate or may remain stationary relative to the element mount unless acted upon by a force external to the aerosol generating device, such as a force applied by a user.

[0013] A stable orientation may refer to a single angular position of the heating element relative to the element mount, or alternatively, the stable orientation may span a continuous range of angular positions of the heating element relative to the element mount.

[0014] In the stable orientation, rotation of the heating element relative to the element mount in one or both of a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction may be limited to less than, for example, 90, 60, 45, 20, or 10 degrees unless a torque of a magnitude equal to or greater than a threshold torque is applied to the heating element. This threshold torque may be between 0.0129 and 8.050 Newton meters, or between 0.634 and 5.070 Newton meters, or between 1.410 and 3.980 Newton meters.

[0015] In the stable orientation, rotation of the heating element relative to the heating element mount in a first direction less than a first predetermined angle, and preferably rotation of the heating element in a second direction opposite the first direction less than a second predetermined angle, may not be substantially resisted.

[0016] In the stable orientation, rotation of the heating element relative to the element mount in a first direction greater than a first predetermined angle, and preferably rotation of the heating element in a second direction opposite the first direction greater than a second predetermined angle, may be resisted, for example, by a rotation resistance mechanism or a heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism as described below.

[0017] One or both of the first and second predetermined rotation angles may be less than 90, 60, 45, 20, or 10 degrees of rotation. One or both of the first and second predetermined rotation angles may be 0 degrees, for example, where the stable orientation is a single angular position. The heating element may be allowed to rotate out of the stable orientation in which the heating element is located, for example, if the torque applied to the blade exceeds a threshold torque. This threshold torque may be a torque of 0.0129 to 8.050 Newton meters, or 0.634 to 5.070 Newton meters, or 1.410 to 3.980 Newton meters. In this way, a relatively small torque may be applied to the heating element, for example, while cleaning the heating element, without rotating the heating element in the stable orientation. Advantageously, this may make cleaning the heating element easier. However, the heating element may rotate when a relatively large torque is applied to the heating element, such as a torque that may cause the heating element to undergo sufficient shear forces to break the heating element. This may advantageously result in a reduction in the torque applied to the heating element. This may advantageously alert the user that excessive torque has previously been applied to the heating element.

[0018] The aerosol generating device, e.g., the heater assembly or the aerosol generating device body, may comprise a first biasing means for biasing the heating element towards a first stable orientation. The aerosol generating device, e.g., the heater assembly or the aerosol generating device body, may comprise a second biasing means for biasing the heating element towards a second stable orientation different from the first stable orientation. One or both of the first biasing means and the second biasing means may comprise a spring. The first biasing means and the second biasing means may be the same biasing means.

[0019] The heating element may be able to be positioned in at least 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 stable orientations, for example by rotation relative to the element mount. Advantageously, this may mean that there are multiple orientations of the heating element in which it is easier to clean the element.

[0020] The heater assembly may comprise a rotary electrical interface for connecting the heating element to a power source. The device body may comprise a second rotary electrical interface corresponding to the rotary electrical interface of the heater assembly. The rotary electrical interface and the second rotary electrical interface together may form a rotary electrical connection for connecting the heating element to a power source. The rotary electrical connection may comprise a slip ring. The rotary electrical connection may be configured to maintain an electrical connection between the heating element and the power source as the heating element rotates relative to the element mount. Thus, advantageously, the rotary electrical interface of the heater assembly may form part of a rotary electrical connection that enables an electrical connection between the heating element and the power source to be maintained as the heating element rotates relative to the element mount.

[0021] The rotatable electrical interface may be capable of rotating at least 180 degrees, 360 degrees, or 720 degrees in one or both of a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction when the heating element is rotatably coupled to the element mount. The rotatable electrical interface may be capable of rotating indefinitely in one or both of a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction when the heating element is rotatably coupled to the element mount.

[0022] The aerosol generating device body may include a power source. Coupling the heater assembly to the device body may connect the heating element to a power source in the device body. Coupling the heating element to the heating element mount may connect the heating element to a power source in the device body. Advantageously, this may mean that fewer actions are required to form an aerosol generating device that is ready for use.

[0023] The heating element may comprise an electrically resistive track. In use, an electric current may be passed through the electrically resistive track to increase the temperature of the track. In use, this may be used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0024] The track may include a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal.The rotating electrical interface may include a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal.

[0025] The heating element may include a susceptor material. The susceptor material of the heating element may be configured to be inductively heated. For example, the aerosol generating device body may comprise an inductor, such as an inductor coil, and a power source. The power source may be configured to pass an alternating current through the inductor such that the inductor generates a varying electromagnetic field. The device body may be configured such that the heating element of the heater assembly is located within the varying electromagnetic field when the heater assembly is coupled to the device body. This may in turn generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor material. This may cause the susceptor material to heat. Hence, the power source and inductor of the device body may be configured to inductively heat the susceptor material of the heating element in use.

[0026] The susceptor material may be or include any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to temperatures in excess of 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, or 400 degrees Celsius. Preferred susceptor materials may include metal, or carbon, or both metal and carbon. Preferred susceptor materials may include ferromagnetic materials, such as ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptor materials may be or include one or more of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum. Preferred susceptor materials may include or be formed from 400 series stainless steel, such as grade 410, or grade 420, or grade 430 stainless steel. Different materials dissipate different amounts of energy when positioned in electromagnetic fields having similar values ​​of frequency and field strength. Therefore, the parameters of the susceptor material, such as the type and size of material, may be modified to provide the desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field.

[0027] The heater assembly may include a heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism. The heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism may be configured to resist rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount. The heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism may be configured to resist rotation of the heating element in a second direction relative to the heating element mount, opposite the first direction. Advantageously, resisting rotation of the heating element may prevent the heating element from rotating substantially freely, for example when a small torque is applied to the heating element during cleaning. This may make it easier to clean the heating element.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device may comprise an aerosol generation device body. The aerosol generation device body may comprise any of the features described above in relation to the aerosol generation device body. The aerosol generation device may comprise a heater assembly. The heater assembly may comprise any of the features described above in relation to the heater assembly. The heater assembly may be a heater assembly according to the first aspect.

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, the features described below with respect to the aerosol generating device refer to the aerosol generating device when the heater assembly is connected to the aerosol generating device body.

[0030] As explained above, the aerosol generation device body may include a second rotary electrical interface corresponding to the rotary electrical interface of the heater assembly. Together, the rotary electrical interface and the second rotary electrical interface may form a rotary electrical connection for connecting the heating element to a power source (e.g., the power source of the aerosol generation device body). The rotary electrical connection may advantageously be configured to maintain an electrical connection between the heating element and the power source as the heating element rotates relative to the heating element mount.

[0031] The second rotating electrical interface may comprise a first electrical contact surface. The second rotating electrical interface may comprise a second electrical contact surface. The first electrical contact surface may be in contact with a first electrical terminal of an electrical resistive track of the heating element when the heater assembly is coupled to the aerosol generation device body. The second electrical contact surface may be in contact with a second electrical terminal of an electrical resistive track of the heating element when the heater assembly is coupled to the aerosol generation device body. Advantageously, contact between the first electrical terminal and the first electrical contact surface, and between the second electrical terminal and the second electrical contact surface, may be used to connect the heating element of the heater assembly to a power source of the aerosol generation device body.

[0032] The first electrical contact surface may be substantially flat. The second electrical contact surface may comprise a closed loop of conductive material. The second electrical contact surface may be spaced apart from the first electrical contact surface. The second electrical contact surface may surround the first electrical contact surface, or the first electrical contact surface may surround the second electrical contact surface. As the heating element rotates relative to the heating element mount, the second electrical terminal may move relative to the second electrical contact surface, e.g., in a looped path along the second electrical contact surface. As the heating element rotates relative to the heating element mount, the second electrical terminal may remain in contact with the second electrical contact surface. As the heating element rotates relative to the heating element mount, the first electrical terminal may move relative to the first electrical contact surface, e.g., in a looped path along the first electrical contact surface. As the heating element rotates relative to the heating element mount, the first electrical terminal may remain in contact with the first electrical contact surface. Advantageously, in this way, an electrical connection may be maintained between the heating element and the power source as the heating element rotates.

[0033] One or both of the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface may be electrically connected to a power source in the aerosol generation device body by one or more wire connections.

[0034] The aerosol generating device may comprise a rotation resistance mechanism. The rotation resistance mechanism may be configured to resist rotation of the heating element in one or both of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the heating element mount. The rotation resistance mechanism may be configured to resist rotation of the heating element in one or both of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the heating element mount when the heating element is located in one or more specific positions, for example one or more specific angular positions or one or more stable orientations. The rotation resistance mechanism may be or include the heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism described with respect to the first aspect. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device body may comprise at least a part of the rotation resistance mechanism. Advantageously, resisting rotation of the heating element may prevent the heating element from rotating substantially freely, for example when a relatively small torque is applied to the heating element during cleaning. This may make it easier to clean the heating element.

[0035] The rotational resistance feature may comprise one or more ridges. The one or more ridges may be coupled to or form part of the heater assembly or heating element. The rotational resistance feature may comprise an arm. The arm may be coupled to or form part of the heater assembly or heating element. The arm may extend radially outward from the heating element. The arm may extend axially away from the heating element. A first portion of the arm may be offset from an axis of rotation of the heating element. The first portion of the arm may move in a looped path as the heating element rotates about the axis of rotation of the heating element. The heating element may define a central longitudinal axis. The heating element may be rotatable about the central longitudinal axis of the heating element. The first portion of the arm may be offset from the central longitudinal axis of the heating element. The arm may move over the ridge or one of the ridges as the heating element rotates relative to the element mount. The arm may remain in contact with the ridge or one of the ridges as it moves over the ridge or one of the ridges. The or each ridge may be configured to resist rotation of the heating element in one or both of a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the heating element mount. For example, the or each ridge may be configured to resist movement of the arm over the or each ridge. The arm may then be configured to move over each of the ridges as the heating element rotates relative to the heating element mount. Movement of the arm over one of the ridges may provide resistance to rotation of the heating element relative to the heating element mount. Advantageously, the use of an arm coupled to the heating element and a ridge over which the arm moves as the heating element rotates may allow a straightforward way to resist rotation of the heating element. Additionally, this may allow straightforward adjustment of the maximum magnitude of resistance, for example by varying the peak size of the ridge(s), and the angle of rotation at which the resistance is applied, for example by varying the steepness of the ridge(s).

[0036] The rotational electrical connection may comprise at least a portion of the rotational resistance mechanism. The rotational resistance mechanism may comprise at least a portion of the rotational electrical connection. One or more components of the rotational electrical connection may also be one or more components of the rotational resistance mechanism. Advantageously, this may minimise the number of components in the aerosol generation device. Advantageously, this may simplify and reduce the cost of assembly and manufacture of the device compared to using separate components for the rotational electrical connection and the rotational resistance mechanism.

[0037] The second electrical contact surface may include one or more ridges. The arm may include, or may be, a second electrical terminal. As the heating element rotates relative to the element mount, the second electrical terminal may move over the ridge, or one of the ridges, on the second electrical contact surface. As the heating element rotates relative to the element mount, the second electrical terminal may then move over each of the ridges. Movement of the second electrical terminal over one of the ridges may provide resistance to rotation of the heating element relative to the element mount. Advantageously, this arrangement may provide a simple way of resisting rotation of the heating element relative to the element mount.

[0038] The or each ridge may subtend an angular range of at least 1 degree, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, or 50 degrees. The or each ridge may subtend an angular range of less than 90 degrees, 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 20 degrees, or 10 degrees.

[0039] The or each ridge may bias the heating element towards a stable orientation. The or each ridge may act as one or both of the first and second biasing means previously described.

[0040] As an example of a particular rotational resistance feature, the second electrical contact surface may be substantially annular and the second electrical terminal may be configured to loop clockwise around the second electrical contact surface as the heating element rotates clockwise. The second electrical contact surface may include four evenly spaced ridges. The second ridge, the third ridge, and the fourth ridge have peaks located at 90, 180, and 270 degrees azimuth clockwise from the peak of the first ridge, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, the term "azimuth" as used herein refers to a clockwise azimuth and may be measured clockwise from the peak of the first ridge, if applicable. Each ridge may span an angular range of approximately 10 degrees. The portions of the second electrical contact surface between the ridges may be substantially flat. Thus, the second ridge, having a peak located at a 90 degree orientation from the first ridge, begins rising at an 85 degree orientation, reaches its peak at a 90 degree orientation, and then drops back down to the flat portion of the second electrical contact surface at a 95 degree orientation, which continues to the beginning of the third ridge at a 175 degree orientation. The heating element may initially be oriented such that the second electrical terminal is located at approximately a 45 degree orientation. Thus, in this position, the heating element may be able to rotate substantially freely or without significant resistance in either direction by approximately 40 degrees before encountering substantial resistance from the rotational resistance mechanism. When the heating element is rotated clockwise by 40 degrees to an 85 degree orientation, the second electrical terminal engages the ridge with its peak located at a 90 degree orientation. As the heating element rotates further clockwise under the application of torque to the heating element, resistance to further clockwise rotation of the heating element will also increase. This is because a greater torque is required to move the second electrical terminal upward toward the peak of the ridge located at the 90 degree orientation. Once the second electrical terminal reaches the peak of the ridge at the 90 degree orientation under the applied torque, the resistance to rotation of the heating element decreases. Therefore, the heating element can rotate further in this direction and the second electrical terminal can move downward beyond the peak of the ridge without significant resistance and possibly with assistance from the downward sloping portion of the ridge.In this sense, rotation of the heating element may be resisted by the rotation resistance mechanism up to a degree of rotation of the heating element or application of a threshold torque to the heating element, and then beyond this degree of rotation or threshold torque, rotation may be allowed or assisted by the rotation resistance mechanism.

[0041] As an alternative to the rotation resistance mechanism, when the heater assembly is coupled to the aerosol generation device body, the heating element may be located within a chamber defined by the device body. The arms may be coupled to the heating element and may extend radially outward from the heating element. The interior surface of the chamber of the device body may include one or more ridges extending radially inward toward the heating element. As the heating element rotates, the radially outwardly extending arms may contact and move over the ridges. These ridges may resist rotation of the heating element in a manner similar to that described above.

[0042] When the arm or second electrical terminal is located between two consecutive ridges, the heating element may be located in a stable orientation as previously described. In this sense, the predetermined rotation angle previously described may be the amount of rotation in a given direction that is possible before another ridge resists further rotation of the heating element in the given direction. A ridge may not continue to resist rotation of the heating element after the arm or second electrical terminal has moved beyond the peak of that ridge. In this sense, the rotation resistance feature, or the or each ridge of the rotation resistance feature, may be considered to temporarily resist rotation of the heating element. Advantageously, the second electrical contact surface comprising multiple ridges may provide multiple stable orientations in which it is easier to clean the heating element than if no stable orientations existed.

[0043] The rotation resistance mechanism may provide a non-linear resistance to rotation of the heating element, for example in one or both of the first and second directions relative to the heating element mount. The rotation resistance mechanism may provide zero or substantially zero resistance to rotation through some degree of rotation of the heating element relative to the heating element mount. The rotation resistance mechanism may provide increasing resistance to rotation in response to increasing torque applied to the heating element, up to a threshold torque applied to the heating element. Once the rotation resistance mechanism begins to resist rotation of the heating element, the resistance to rotation may also increase as one or both of the heating elements rotate further and the torque applied to the heating element increases. This may limit rotation of the heating element until the applied torque reaches a threshold torque, for example limiting rotation to less than 90 degrees, 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 20 degrees, or 10 degrees. When the torque applied to the heating element reaches or exceeds the threshold torque, the heating element may be allowed to rotate further. If the rotation resistance mechanism comprises one or more ridges, this increased resistance to rotation may occur as the second electrical terminal moves upward toward the peak of the ridge. Advantageously, limiting rotation in response to a small torque applied to the heating element may make it easier to clean the heating element since the user may be able to apply some pressure to the heating element with the cleaning tool without the element rotating a significant amount away from the cleaning tool.

[0044] This threshold torque, or any other torque mentioned herein, may be a torque between 0.0129 and 8.050 Newton meters, or between 0.634 and 5.070 Newton meters, or between 1.410 and 3.980 Newton meters.

[0045] This threshold torque, or any other threshold torque mentioned herein, may be measured using a torque measuring device, such devices are commercially available and will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0046] This threshold torque, or any other threshold torque mentioned herein, may be measured by engaging a torque measuring device with the heating element. A torque may be applied to the heating element using the torque measuring device. The torque applied to the heating element may be slowly increased towards the threshold torque. The torque applied to the heating element may be monitored by the torque measuring device. When the torque applied to the heating element reaches or exceeds the threshold torque, the resistance to rotation of the heating element may decrease, as explained above. At this stage, the heating element may be allowed to rotate, as explained above. Hence, the torque applied to the heating element by the torque measuring device may decrease. Thus, the torque measuring device may indicate that the torque applied to the heating element increases to a maximum torque and then decreases. The threshold torque may be equal, or may be assumed to be equal, to the maximum torque measured by the torque measuring device during this process.

[0047] As the torque applied to the heating element increases beyond a threshold torque, the resistance to rotation of the heating element may decrease. For example, rotation of the heating element beyond the threshold torque may be temporarily assisted. If the rotation resistance mechanism comprises one or more ridges, this may occur when the arm or the second electrical terminal passes the peak of the ridge. The rotation resistance mechanism may be configured such that the threshold torque is less than a torque that would be expected to damage the heating element if applied to a non-rotatable heating element. Advantageously, this may allow the user to apply some torque to the heating element without causing significant rotation of the heating element, but once the torque applied to the heating element reaches a threshold torque, e.g., a threshold torque at which the heating element is at risk of being damaged, the resistance to rotation of the heating element decreases and the heating element is allowed or encouraged to rotate. This rotation may result in a subsequent reduction in the torque applied to the heating element as a reaction from the user noticing the rotation of the heating element when applying torque to the heating element while, for example, cleaning the heating element. In this sense, a reduction in resistance to rotation at or above a threshold torque may also advantageously act as a warning to a user applying torque to the heating element that the user is applying excessive torque to the heating element.

[0048] The rotation resistance mechanism may prevent or limit rotation of the heating element in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the heating element mount, respectively, up to a threshold torque in a first direction applied to the heating element acting to rotate the heating element in the first direction, or up to a threshold torque in a second direction applied to the heating element acting to rotate the heating element in the second direction. The threshold torque in the first direction and the threshold torque in the second direction may be substantially equal in magnitude, for example, if the ridges are substantially symmetric about their peaks. Thus, the rotation resistance mechanism may prevent or limit rotation of the heating element in either the first direction or the second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the heating element mount, up to a threshold torque applied to the heating element acting to rotate the heating element in that direction. Advantageously, this may allow a user to apply torque to the heating element in either direction without significantly increasing the risk of crushing the heating element, for example, while cleaning the heating element with a cleaning tool.

[0049] One or both of the threshold torque in the first direction and the threshold torque in the second direction may be a torque between 0.0129 and 8.050 Newton meters, or between 0.634 and 5.070 Newton meters, or between 1.410 and 3.980 Newton meters.

[0050] If the torque applied to the heating element exceeds a threshold torque in the first or second direction, the rotation resistance mechanism may allow or encourage further rotation of the heating element in the first or second direction, respectively. Advantageously, this may allow the user to apply some torque to the heating element without causing significant rotation of the heating element, but once the torque applied to the heating element reaches a threshold torque, such as a threshold torque where there is a risk of the heating element breaking, the resistance to rotation of the heating element may be reduced and the heating element may be able to rotate.

[0051] The aerosol generating device body may comprise a housing. The housing may comprise a holding portion. The holding portion may be configured to be held by a user during use of the device to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device may comprise a chamber. The housing may define the chamber. The chamber may be for receiving an aerosol generating article. The heating element may be located at least partially within the chamber. The heating element may be configured to penetrate an aerosol generating article received in the chamber. The heating element may be rotatable relative to at least a portion of the housing. For example, the heating element may be rotatable relative to the chamber. Alternatively, or additionally, the heating element may be rotatable relative to the holding portion of the housing.

[0052] The chamber may define a longitudinally extending cavity. The heating element may extend along a central longitudinally extending axis of the chamber. The heating element may be rotatable about the central longitudinally extending axis of the chamber. Advantageously, this may eliminate movement of the heating element in a circular path as it rotates.

[0053] Features described with respect to the first aspect may be applicable to the second aspect of the present disclosure. Features described with respect to the second aspect may be applicable to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0054] The term "aerosol" as used herein refers to a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature, as well as solid particulates, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particulates and liquid droplets.

[0055] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein refers to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0056] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate, which may include one or more of powders, granules, pellets, shreds, threads, strips, or sheets containing one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

[0057] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a solid component and a liquid component. The aerosol-forming substrate includes a liquid, gel, or paste aerosol-forming substrate.

[0058] The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, threads, strips, or sheets. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier, for example in the form of a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, in a pattern to provide a non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0059] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco-containing material. The tobacco-containing material may contain volatile tobacco flavour compounds. These compounds may be released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients such as flavourants.

[0060] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0061] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembly of sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "assembled" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or clamped substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0062] The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol when used and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, most preferably glycerin, etc.).

[0063] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol former. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise glycerin as the only aerosol former or propylene glycol as the only aerosol former. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers. For example, the aerosol former components of the aerosol-forming substrate may be glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0064] The term "aerosol-generating article" as used herein refers to an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise components in addition to the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article. The aerosol-generating article may generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article may be in the shape of a rod.

[0065] The term "aerosol generating device" as used herein refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-generating article including the aerosol-forming substrate, or by interacting with a cartridge that holds the aerosol-forming substrate or the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the substrate. The aerosol generating device may be an electrically operated aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise an aerosol generating device body and a heater assembly.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "longitudinal" and "axial" are used to describe the direction between a downstream, proximal, or mouth end of a component, such as an aerosol generating device, heating element, or aerosol generating article, and an opposite, upstream, or distal end of the component. The distance between the proximal and distal ends of the component may be referred to as the length of the component.

[0067] As used herein, the term "radial" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Distances measured radially may be referred to as widths or depths.

[0068] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, rotation of a heating element may refer to rotation of the heating element about its longitudinal axis.

[0069] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, rotation of a heating element may refer to rotation of the heating element relative to the element mount.

[0070] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, torque applied to a heating element may refer to torque applied to a heating element in a direction that rotates the heating element about its longitudinal axis, for example, relative to the element mount.

[0071] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0072] Example 1. A heater assembly connectable to an aerosol generating device body to form an aerosol generating device, the heater assembly comprising a heating element configured to penetrate the aerosol generating article, the heating element configured to be rotatably connected to a heating element mount. Example 2. The heater assembly of example 1, wherein the heater assembly comprises a heating element mount, and the heating element is rotatably coupled to the heating element mount. Example 3. A heater assembly described in any of Examples 1-2, wherein the heating element has a length, a width, and a depth, each of the length, width, and depth being mutually perpendicular, and each of the length and width being greater than the depth. Example 4. The heater assembly of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the heating element comprises a substantially flat blade. Example 5. The heater assembly of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the heating element, when rotatably coupled to the heating element mount, can rotate at least 360 degrees in a given direction. Example 6. The heater assembly of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the heating element is rotatable relative to the element mount between at least two stable orientations. Example 7. A heater assembly as described in any of Examples 1-6, wherein the heater assembly is releasably connectable to the aerosol generating device body. Example 8. The heater assembly of any of Examples 1-7, wherein the heater assembly comprises a rotating electrical interface for connecting the heating element to a power source. Example 9. The heater assembly of example 8, wherein the rotating electrical interface is capable of rotating at least 360 degrees in a given direction when the heating element is rotatably coupled to the heating element mount. Example 10. A heater assembly as described in example 8 or example 9, wherein the heating element comprises an electrically resistive track, and in use an electrical current is passed through the track to increase the temperature of the track. Example 11. The heater assembly of example 10, wherein the track has a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal. Example 12. The heater assembly of example 11, wherein the rotating electrical interface comprises a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal. Example 13. The heater assembly of any of Examples 1-12, wherein the heater assembly comprises a heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism configured to resist rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount. Example 14. An aerosol generating device comprising an aerosol generating device main body and the heater assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 13. Example 15. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 14, wherein the heater assembly is a heater assembly as described in any of Examples 8 to 12, and the device body has a second rotating electrical interface corresponding to the rotating electrical interface of the heater assembly, and the rotating electrical interface and the second rotating electrical interface together form a rotating electrical connection for connecting the heating element to a power source. Example 16. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 15, wherein the heater assembly is the heater assembly described in Example 11 or Example 12, and the second rotating electrical interface has a first electrical contact surface that contacts the first electrical terminal and a second electrical contact surface that contacts the second electrical terminal. Example 17. The aerosol generating device of example 16, wherein the second electrical contact surface comprises a closed loop of conductive material. Example 18. The aerosol generating device of example 16 or example 17, wherein the second electrical contact surface is spaced apart from and surrounds the first electrical contact surface. Example 19. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the second electrical terminal moves relative to the second electrical contact surface as the heating element rotates relative to the heating element mount. Example 20. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 19, wherein the second electrical terminal moves in a looped path along the second electrical contact surface as the heating element rotates relative to the heating element mount. Example 21. An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 16 to 20, wherein the aerosol generating device body is provided with a power source, and one or both of the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are electrically connected to the power source by a wired connection. Example 22. An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 16 to 21, wherein the device comprises a rotation resistance mechanism configured to resist rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount. Example 23. The aerosol generating device of example 22, wherein the second electrical contact surface comprises a protuberance. Example 24. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 23, wherein the ridges are configured to resist rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount. Example 25. The aerosol generating device of example 23 or example 24, wherein the second electrical terminal moves over the ridge as the heating element rotates relative to the heating element mount. Example 26. An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 14 to 21, wherein the device comprises a rotation resistance mechanism configured to resist rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount. Example 27. The aerosol generating device of Example 26, wherein the rotational resistance mechanism provides non-linear resistance to rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount. Example 28. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 26 or Example 27, wherein the rotation resistance mechanism provides increasing resistance to rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount in response to increasing torque applied to the heating element up to a threshold torque applied to the heating element, the threshold torque optionally being between 0.0129 and 8.050 Newton meters, or between 0.634 and 5.070 Newton meters, or between 1.410 and 3.980 Newton meters. Example 29. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 28, wherein resistance to rotation of the heating element decreases as the torque applied to the heating element increases beyond a threshold torque. Example 30. An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 26 to 29, wherein the rotation resistance mechanism prevents rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount or limits rotation to a second threshold torque applied to the heating element, the second threshold torque optionally being 0.0129 to 8.050 Newton meters, or 0.634 to 5.070 Newton meters, or 1.410 to 3.980 Newton meters. Example 31. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 30, wherein the rotation resistance mechanism enables rotation of the heating element when the torque applied to the heating element exceeds a second threshold torque. Example 32. An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 26 to 31, wherein the rotation resistance mechanism is configured to resist rotation of the heating element relative to the heating element mount in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Example 33. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 26 to 32, wherein the rotation resistance mechanism comprises a protuberance. Example 34. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 33, wherein the device comprises an arm, and the arm is dragged over the ridge as the heating element rotates relative to the housing. Example 35. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 34, wherein the arm is connected to or forms part of a heating element. Example 36. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 14 to 35, wherein the device comprises a chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article. Example 37. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 36, wherein the heating element is positioned within the chamber and configured to penetrate an aerosol-generating article received within the chamber. Example 38. The aerosol generating device of example 36 or example 37, wherein the chamber defines a longitudinally extending cavity. Example 39. The aerosol generating device of example 36, example 37, or example 38, wherein the heating element extends along a central longitudinal axis of the chamber. Example 40. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 39, wherein the heating element is rotatable about an axis extending in the central longitudinal direction of the chamber. Example 41 The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 36 to 40, wherein the heating element is rotatable relative to the chamber.

[0073] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0074] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system including an aerosol generating device having a heater assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a portion of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative aerosol generating device having an alternative heater assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0075] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 100 comprising an aerosol generating device 300 and an aerosol generating article 200 for use with the aerosol generating article 300. The device 300 comprises a heater assembly 400 coupled to an aerosol generating device body 500.

[0076] The heater assembly 400 comprises a heating element 402. In FIG. 1, the heating element 402 is shown penetrating the aerosol generating article 200. The heating element 402 comprises a substantially flat blade 404 having a length of approximately 15 mm, a width of approximately 3 mm and a depth of approximately 0.5 mm. The heating element 402 also comprises an electrical resistive track 406 through which, in use, an electrical current is passed to increase the temperature of the track 406. The track 406 has a first electrical terminal 408 and a second electrical terminal 410. The terminals form a rotating electrical interface for connecting the heating element 402 to a power source of the aerosol generating device body 500 via a second rotating electrical interface of the aerosol generating device body 500. The heater assembly 400 is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 2.

[0077] The aerosol generating device body 500 comprises a housing 502 configured to be held by a user during use. The device body 500 comprises a chamber 504 defining a longitudinally extending cavity 506 for receiving the aerosol generating article 200. The aerosol generating device body 500 also comprises a second rotating electrical interface, the second rotating electrical interface comprising a first electrical contact surface 508 and a second electrical contact surface 510. As shown in FIG. 1, when the heater assembly 400 is coupled to the aerosol generating device body 500, the first electrical terminal 408 of the heating element 402 is in contact with the first electrical contact surface 508 and the second electrical terminal 410 of the heating element 402 is in contact with the second electrical contact surface 510. The aerosol generating device body 500 also comprises a power source 512. In this embodiment, the power source 512 is a lithium ion battery, although any suitable power source may be used. The first rotary electrical interface of the heater assembly 400 (which includes a first electrical terminal 408 and a second electrical terminal 410) and the second rotary electrical interface of the aerosol generation device body 500 together form a rotary electrical connection of the aerosol generation device 300. The rotary electrical connection connects the heating element 402 to a power source 512 via a first wire 514 and a second wire 516. The rotary electrical connection allows the heating element 402 to rotate indefinitely in a given direction relative to the aerosol generation device body 500 while maintaining an electrical connection between the track 406 of the heating element 402 and the power source 512.

[0078] The aerosol generating device main body 500 also includes a controller 518 for controlling the supply of power from the power source 512 to the heating element 402 .

[0079] The aerosol-generating article 200 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 230, a hollow tube 240, a transition section 250, and a mouthpiece filter 260. These four elements are arranged sequentially and in coaxial alignment and assembled by cigarette paper 270. The aerosol-generating article 200 has an oral end 222 that a user inserts into his or her mouth during use, and a distal end 223 located at the opposite end of the aerosol-generating article 200 relative to the oral end 222. Elements located between the oral end 222 and the distal end 223 can be described as being upstream of the oral end, or alternatively, downstream of the distal end. When assembled, the aerosol-generating article 200 is approximately 45 millimeters long and has a diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

[0080] The aerosol-forming substrate 230 is located upstream of the hollow tube 240 and extends to the distal end 223 of the aerosol-generating article 200. The aerosol-forming substrate 230 comprises a bundle of crimped cast leaf tobacco wrapped with filter paper (not shown) to form a plug. The cast leaf tobacco contains additives including glycerin as an aerosol former.

[0081] The hollow tube 240 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 230 and is formed from a tube of cellulose acetate. The hollow tube 240 defines an opening having a diameter of approximately 3 millimeters. One function of the hollow tube 240 is to position the aerosol-forming substrate 230 towards the distal end 223 of the aerosol-generating article 200 so that the aerosol-forming substrate 230 can be penetrated by the heating element 402, as shown in Figure 1. The hollow tube 240 serves to prevent the aerosol-forming substrate 230 from being forced along the aerosol-generating article 200 towards the mouth end 222 when the heating element 402 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 230.

[0082] The transition section 250 comprises a thin-walled tube approximately 18 millimeters long. The transition section 250 allows volatile materials emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate 230 to pass along the aerosol-generating article 200 towards the mouth end 222. In use, the volatile compounds emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate 230 may cool in the transition section 250 to form an aerosol.

[0083] Mouthpiece filter 260 is a conventional mouthpiece filter formed from cellulose acetate and has a length of approximately 7.5 millimeters.

[0084] The four elements identified above are assembled by being tightly wound in cigarette paper 270. The cigarette paper 270 in this particular embodiment is a conventional cigarette paper. The cigarette paper 270 may be a porous material having an anisotropic structure including cellulose fibers (vertical and horizontal fibers held together by H-bonds) and a filler. The filler may be CaCO3 and the burn additive may be one or more of K / Na citrate, sodium acetate, MAP (monoammonium phosphate), DSP (disodium phosphate). The final composition per square meter may be approximately 25 grams of fiber + 10 grams of calcium carbonate + 0.2 grams of burn additive. The porosity of the paper may be 0 to 120 Coresta units. The interfaces between the paper and each of the elements locate the elements within the aerosol-generating article 200.

[0085] Although a particular aerosol-generating article 200 is described herein, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other aerosol-generating articles are suitable for use in the present invention.

[0086] Prior to use, the aerosol generation device 300 is assembled by connecting the heater assembly 400 to the aerosol generation device body 500. In this embodiment, the heater assembly 400 is lowered into the chamber 504 of the device body 500 and releasably connected to the device body 500 using a snap-fit ​​connection, although any suitable type of connection can be used. In this embodiment, the snap-fit ​​connection is between the annular projection 520 of the device body 500 and the annular recess 412 of the heater assembly 400.

[0087] In this embodiment, the aerosol generation device body 500 includes an element mount 522 in which the second rotating electrical interface is located. When the heater assembly 400 is coupled to the device body 500 via a snap-fit ​​connection, the heating element 402 is centrally located within the chamber 504 and is rotatable about an axis extending along the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 504. The heater assembly 400 is therefore rotatable relative to the element mount 522 of the aerosol generation device body 500 and may be described as being rotatably coupled to the element mount 522 of the aerosol generation device body 500.

[0088] In use, a user inserts the aerosol-generating article 200 into the chamber 504 of the device body 500. This causes the heating element 402 to penetrate the aerosol-generating article 200 and place the heating element 402 in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate 230 of the aerosol-generating article 200. The user then presses a button (not shown) on the device body 500. This causes the controller 518 to send a signal to the power source 512, which in turn causes the power source 512 to pass a current through the electrical resistance track 406 on the heating element 402 via the first wire 514 and the second wire 516, the rotating electrical connection, the first electrical terminal 408 and the second electrical terminal 410. This current resistively heats the track 406 to approximately 300 degrees Celsius. This heats the aerosol-forming substrate 230 and causes volatile materials within the aerosol-forming substrate 230 to be released.

[0089] When a user inhales on the mouth end 222 of the aerosol-generating article 200, air is drawn into the aerosol-generating article 200 through the air inlet 523 of the aerosol-generating body 500. This airflow carries volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate 230 through the aerosol-generating article 200. These compounds pass sequentially through the hollow tube 240 of the aerosol-generating article, the transition section 250, and the mouthpiece filter 260. As the compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article 200 through the mouth end 222 of the aerosol-generating article 200 and enters the user's mouth.

[0090] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 400 of the aerosol generating device of FIG.

[0091] The heating element 402 is formed by depositing an electrically resistive track 406 on a blade 404 and then coating the track 406 and the blade 404 with a protective coating. The protective coating protects the track 406 from being scraped or removed from the blade 404. In this embodiment, the track 406 is formed from a platinum alloy, the blade 404 is formed from zirconium, and the protective coating is formed from glass.

[0092] The heater assembly 400 includes a body portion 414. In this embodiment, the body portion 414 is fixed to the heating element 402. Therefore, in use, the heating element 402 and the body portion 414 may rotate together. The body portion 414 is formed from a polymer and defines an annular recess 412 in the heater assembly 400.

[0093] As shown in Figure 2, the first electrical terminal 408 comprises a portion in contact with the electrical resistive track 406, a radially extending portion, and a first electrical terminal contact portion 416 extending axially for contacting a first electrical contact surface 508 of the device body 500 shown in Figure 1. Similarly, the second electrical terminal 410 comprises a portion in contact with the electrical resistive track 406, a radially extending portion, and a second electrical terminal contact portion 418 extending axially for contacting a second electrical contact surface 510 of the device body 500 shown in Figure 1.

[0094] Figure 3 shows a top view of a portion of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1. Specifically, Figure 3 shows view AA shown in Figure 1.

[0095] In Figure 3, the second rotating electrical interface of the aerosol generation device body can be seen. The second rotating electrical interface comprises a first electrical contact surface 508 and a second electrical contact surface 510. The first electrical contact surface 508 comprises a flat circular surface of conductive material. The second electrical contact surface 510 comprises a closed annular loop of conductive material. The second electrical contact surface 510 is spaced apart from and surrounds the first electrical contact surface 508.

[0096] The second electrical contact surface 510 includes a first ridge 524, a second ridge 526, a third ridge 528, and a fourth ridge 530. These four ridges are evenly spaced from one another around the annular second electrical contact surface 510. When viewed in Figure 3, each ridge rises out of the plane of the page. In this embodiment, the steepness and peak height of each of the four ridges is the same.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 1, when the heater assembly 400 is connected to the aerosol generating device body 500, as the heating element 402 rotates relative to the heating element mount 522, the first electrical terminal 408 remains in contact with the first electrical contact surface 508 and the second electrical terminal 410 moves along the second electrical contact surface 510 in a looped path.

[0098] After consumption of one or more aerosol-generating articles, it may be desirable to clean the heating element 402, for example to remove residue from the aerosol-forming substrate adhering to the heating element 402. This may be done by inserting a cleaning brush into the chamber 504 of the device body 500 and rubbing the cleaning brush against the heating element 402. During such cleaning, or during other interactions with the heating element 402, such as inserting the heating element 402 into an aerosol-generating article, a torque may be applied to the heating element 402. Such a torque may act to rotate the heating element 402 about its longitudinal axis. If the heating element 402 were fixed in place, such an applied torque could damage the heating element 402 due to the resulting shear forces in the heating element 402. However, in this embodiment, the heating element 402 is rotatable about its central axis, which is aligned with the central axis of the chamber 504 relative to the aerosol-generating device body 500.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 3, the second ridge 526, the third ridge 528, and the fourth ridge 530 have peaks located at 90, 180, and 270 degrees clockwise from the peak of the first ridge 524, respectively. The axes included on the right side of FIG. 3 indicate the orientation of each of the ridges. Each ridge spans an angular range of approximately 10 degrees. Thus, for the second ridge 526 having a peak located at a 90 degree clockwise orientation from the first ridge 524, the ridge begins to rise at an 85 degree orientation, reaches its peak at a 90 degree orientation, and then drops to a valley (or a substantially flat surface of the second electrical contact surface 510) at a 95 degree orientation, which continues to the beginning of the third ridge 528 at a 175 degree orientation.

[0100] The heating element 402 may initially be oriented such that the second electrical terminal 410 points toward an approximately 45 degree azimuth. Thus, in this position, the heating element 402 may rotate substantially freely or without significant resistance in either direction by approximately 40 degrees before encountering substantial resistance to rotation from one of the ridges. This may be referred to as a stable orientation, since it resists rotation of the heating element 402 beyond a predetermined angle relative to the element mount 522. Thus, in this embodiment, the heating element 402 may be positioned in four stable orientations, each of which has the contact portion 418 of the second electrical terminal between a different pair of adjacent ridges of the second electrical contact surface 510.

[0101] When in the stable orientation outlined above, if the heating element 402 is rotated clockwise, for example, 40 degrees relative to the 85 degree orientation under application of torque to the heating element 402, the second electrical terminal contact portion 418 of the second electrical terminal 410 will engage the second ridge 526. As the heating element 402 rotates further clockwise under application of torque to the heating element 402, the resistance to rotation of the heating element 402 provided by the interaction between the second electrical terminal 418 and the second ridge 526 will also increase. This is because more torque is required to continue rotating the heating element 402 clockwise as the second electrical terminal 410 moves upward toward the peak of the second ridge 526 located at the 90 degree orientation. This is because the second electrical terminal 410 is forced to bend further from its natural lowest energy state during this continued rotation.

[0102] When the second electrical terminal 410 reaches the peak of the electrical ridge 526 at the 90 degree orientation under the torque applied to the heating element 402, the resistance to rotation of the heating element 402 decreases. This is because further clockwise rotation of the heating element 402 results in the second electrical terminal 410 moving down the second ridge 526 away from the peak of the second ridge 526. Hence, at this point the heating element 402 is able to rotate or can rotate easily as the second electrical terminal 410 moves down past the peak of the second ridge 526 without having much, if any, resistance. The peak torque applied to the heating element 402 is applied when the second electrical terminal 410 reaches the peak of the ridge and may be referred to as the threshold torque. Thus, above the applied threshold torque, the resistance to rotation of the heating element 402 decreases and the heating element 402 is able to rotate. In this manner, the aerosol generating device 300 of FIG. 1 may be described as having a rotation resistance mechanism. The rotational resistance mechanism does not prevent the heating element 402 from rotating indefinitely in a given direction, but does provide resistance to rotation in some orientations up to a threshold torque, which may be referred to as a non-linear resistance to rotation. The rotational resistance mechanism resists rotation of the heating element in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions in a similar manner.

[0103] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative aerosol generation device 600 comprising an alternative heater assembly 700 and an alternative aerosol generation device body 800.

[0104] The alternative aerosol generating device 600 is similar to the aerosol generating device 300 shown in FIG. 1, so only the major differences between the two devices will be described here.

[0105] The heater assembly 700 is releasably coupled to the aerosol generation device body 800 by mating threads 702 on the heater assembly 700 with corresponding threads 802 on the device body 800 .

[0106] The heater assembly 700 includes a heating element 704 and a body portion 706, but unlike the heater assembly shown in FIG. 2, the heating element 704 is not fixed to the body portion 706. Rather, the heating element 704 is rotatably coupled to the body portion 706 using a spindle 708. The spindle 708 is attached to a blade 710 of the heating element 704 and is rotatably coupled to a base of the main body 706. In this embodiment, the base of the main body 706 may be referred to as an element mount 712. Thus, in this embodiment, the heating element mount 712 is part of the heater assembly 700, and the heating element 704 is rotatably coupled to the heating element mount 712.

[0107] The heater assembly 700 also includes an arm 714. The arm 714 extends radially outward and is coupled to the heating element 704 via a spindle 708 so as to rotate as the heating element 704 rotates. The arm 714 is located in an annular recess 716 in the body portion 706. The annular recess 716 includes four ridges extending radially inward. Similar to the ridges of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, each of the four ridges are equally spaced from one another and are positioned with their radially inward peaks at orientations of 0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees measured clockwise from the peak of the first ridge when viewing the aerosol generating device from above. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, only the second ridge 718 and the fourth ridge 720 of the aerosol generating device 600 are visible.

[0108] As the heating element 704 rotates, the arm 714 rotates within the recess 716. As the heating element 704 rotates, the radially outer end of the arm 714 may contact one of the four ridges. The contacted ridge resists further rotation of the heating element 704 in a manner similar to that described with respect to the ridges of the aerosol generating device shown in FIG. 1. That is, after the radially outer end of the arm 714 moves toward and contacts the beginning of the ridge, the arm 714 will have to bend further from its natural lowest energy state in order for the arm 714 to travel along the ridge toward its peak and for the heating element 704 to rotate further. The ridges therefore provide resistance to further rotation of the heating element 704, which resistance increases as the torque applied to the heating element 704 increases. Once the arm 714 reaches the peak of the ridge, the resistance to further rotation decreases. This is because further rotation of the heating element 704 results in the radially extending arms 714 moving down the ridge away from their peak. Hence, at this point, the heating element 704 is able to rotate without significant resistance, if any. The peak torque applied to the heating element is applied as the arms 714 reach the peak of the ridge, and may be referred to as the threshold torque. Thus, once the torque applied to the heating element 704 exceeds the threshold torque, the resistance to rotation of the heating element 704 decreases and the heating element 704 is able to rotate. In this manner, the heater assembly 700 of the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 4 may be described as having a heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism. The heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism does not prevent the heating element 704 from rotating indefinitely in a given direction relative to the heating element mount 712 of the heater assembly 700, but does provide resistance to rotation in some orientations up to a threshold torque. This may be referred to as a non-linear resistance to rotation. The heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism resists rotation of the heating element 704 in a similar manner in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0109] 4, the second electrical contact surface 804 of the aerosol generation device body 800 is a substantially flat annular loop of conductive material. There are no protuberances on this second electrical contact surface 804 since the rotation to resistance of the heating element 704 is provided by the heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism described above.

[0110] The operation of the aerosol generating device 600 to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating article (not shown in FIG. 4) is identical to the operation of the aerosol generating device 300 shown in FIG.

[0111] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like, should be understood in all cases as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A±10%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, in some cases as used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel property(ies) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A heater assembly that can be connected to the main body of an aerosol generator to form an aerosol generator, Heating element mount, A heating element rotatably connected to the aforementioned heating element mount and configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating article, A heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism configured to resist the rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount, A heater assembly wherein the heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism is configured to restrict the rotation of the heating element in the first direction relative to the heating element mount up to a threshold torque applied to the heating element, and is configured to allow further rotation of the heating element when the torque applied to the heating element exceeds the threshold torque.

2. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the heater assembly rotation resistance mechanism is configured to resist the rotation of the heating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the heating element mount.

3. An aerosol generator comprising an aerosol generator body and a heater assembly connected to the aerosol generator body, The heater assembly comprises a heating element configured to penetrate the aerosol generating article and to rotate relative to the heating element mount of the aerosol generating device, The device includes a rotational resistance mechanism configured to resist the rotation of the heating element in a first direction relative to the heating element mount, and An aerosol generator wherein the rotational resistance mechanism is configured to limit the rotation of the heating element in the first direction relative to the heating element mount up to a threshold torque applied to the heating element, and is configured to allow further rotation of the heating element when the torque applied to the heating element exceeds the threshold torque.

4. The aerosol generator according to claim 3, wherein the rotational resistance mechanism is configured to resist the rotation of the heating element in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the heating element mount.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the heater assembly is provided with a rotary electrical interface, and the apparatus body is provided with a power supply and a second rotary electrical interface corresponding to the rotary electrical interface, and both the rotary electrical interface and the second rotary electrical interface form a rotary electrical connection for connecting the heating element to the power supply.

6. The heating element comprises an electrically resistant track, and during use, current flows through this track, raising the temperature of the track, and the track has a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal, The aerosol generator according to claim 5, wherein the rotating electrical interface comprises the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal, and the second rotating electrical interface comprises a first electrical contact surface that contacts the first electrical terminal and a second electrical contact surface that contacts the second electrical terminal.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second electrical contact surface is separated from and surrounds the first electrical contact surface.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the apparatus body includes at least a portion of the rotational resistance mechanism.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the rotational electrical connection includes at least a portion of the rotational resistance mechanism.

10. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the heater assembly can be releasably connected to the aerosol generator body.

11. The heater assembly or aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating element comprises substantially flat blades.

12. The heater assembly or aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the heating element can be rotated at least 360 degrees in the first direction.

13. The heater assembly or aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the heating element can rotate indefinitely in the first direction.

14. The heater assembly or aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the heating element is rotatable with respect to the heating element mount in both the first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction.

15. The heater assembly or aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein the heating element can rotate indefinitely in the second direction.

16. The heater assembly or aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the heating element is rotatable between at least two stable orientations with respect to the heating element mount.

17. The heater assembly or aerosol generator according to claim 16, wherein in at least one of the two stable orientations, rotation of the heating element relative to the heating element mount is not substantially resisted by an angle less than a first predetermined angle in the first direction.

18. The heater assembly or aerosol generator according to claim 16, further comprising a first biasing means for biasing the heating element toward a first stable orientation of the at least two stable orientations.

19. The heater assembly or aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the threshold torque is 0.0129 to 8.050 Newton meters.

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