Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device (100) comprising a main housing (105) with a tubular element (117) surrounding a heating element (104). The tubular element (117) comprises a first aperture (108) through which a tool can be inserted during use to clean the heating element (104) and / or to assist in removing aerosol-generating articles adhering to the heating element (104).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generation system, and a method of manufacturing an aerosol supply device.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include so-called "non-combustion heating type" products that release compounds by heating a material without burning it, or tobacco heating devices or products. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems covering the above-described devices and products are known. A common system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In many cases, it is necessary to exchange or change the medium used in order to supply different aerosols for inhalation.

[0004] It is known to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium using a resistance heater.

[0005] Conventional aerosol supply devices include a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0006] It is known to provide an aerosol supply device that is charged by a charging unit, and power is supplied to the aerosol supply device by the charging unit to charge the aerosol supply device.

[0007] There is a desire to provide an improved aerosol supply device.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect, a main housing is provided that includes a tubular element surrounding a heating element, wherein the tubular element includes a first aperture, and a tool can be inserted through the first aperture during use to clean the heating element and / or to assist in removing aerosol-generating articles adhering to the heating element. An aerosol supply device is provided.

[0009] Known aerosol supply devices including a heating element have the problem that the heating element may become dirty during use and that aerosol-generating articles may adhere to the heater. The aerosol supply device according to various embodiments is particularly beneficial in that a tool, such as a cleaning tool, can be inserted through the first aperture to clean the heating element. Further, a tool can also be inserted through the first aperture to assist in removing aerosol-generating articles (or portions of aerosol-generating articles) that may adhere to the heating element. The first aperture may also be used as an inspection port for use in checking the alignment and condition of the heating element and may be used to calibrate the heating profile of the heating element.

[0010] Optionally, the aerosol supply device further includes a removable cap that is attached to the main housing during use.

[0011] Optionally, the heating element has a first profile, a first length L1, a first width W1, and a first surface area A1, and the first aperture has a second profile, a second length L2, a second width W2, and a second area A2.

[0012] Optionally, the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile.

[0013] Optionally, L1 / L2 is within the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.5.

[0014] Optionally, W1 / W2 is within the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.5.

[0015] Optionally, A1 / A2 is within the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.5.

[0016] Optionally, L2 is within the range of 1 to 30 mm, 3 to 20 mm, or 5 to 10 mm.

[0017] Optionally, W2 is within the range of 1 to 15 mm, 2 to 8 mm, or 3 to 5 mm.

[0018] Optionally, the first profile includes a polygonal profile.

[0019] Optionally, the first profile includes a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile. Other embodiments are contemplated where the first profile may include a non - polygonal profile or a higher - order polygonal profile.

[0020] Optionally, the second profile includes a polygonal profile.

[0021] Optionally, the second profile includes a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile. Other embodiments are contemplated where the second profile may include a non-polygonal profile or the second profile may include a higher order polygonal profile.

[0022] Optionally, the tubular element has a longitudinal axis and the first aperture is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0023] Optionally, the heating element includes a resistive heating element.

[0024] Optionally, the resistive heating element comprises a substrate and one or more conductive tracks provided on the substrate.

[0025] Optionally, the heating element comprises a first surface, an edge, and a second surface, and the first aperture is aligned with the first surface.

[0026] Optionally, the tubular element further comprises a second aperture through which a tool can be inserted in use to clean the heating element and / or to assist in the removal of aerosol-generating articles adhering to the heating element.

[0027] Optionally, the second aperture is aligned with the second surface.

[0028] Optionally, the second aperture is positioned on the opposite side of the first aperture.

[0029] Optionally, the tubular element has a frusto-circular cross-sectional profile comprising a first arcuate section having a curved outer surface and a second linear section having a flat outer surface.

[0030] Optionally, the first aperture is positioned within the second linear section.

[0031] Optionally, the second aperture is inclined at an angle of <30°, 30 - 60°, 60 - 90°, 90 - 120°, 120 - 150° or 150 - 180° with respect to the first aperture.

[0032] According to another aspect, the aerosol supply device described above, and an aerosol generating article, an aerosol generating system is provided.

[0033] According to another aspect, positioning a tubular element around a heating element, the tubular element having a first inspection port, inspecting the heating element using an inspection device through the first inspection port, a method of manufacturing an aerosol supply device is provided.

[0034] The method of manufacturing an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments is particularly beneficial in that, during the manufacturing process, for example, it can be confirmed that the heating element is positioned in the correct orientation and / or the integrity of the conductive tracks provided on the heating element can be verified by inspecting the heating element through one or more inspection ports provided in the tubular element surrounding the heating element.

[0035] Optionally, the inspection device comprises an imaging device, and the inspection of the heating element includes acquiring one or more images of the heating element through the first inspection port.

[0036] Optionally, the heating element has a first profile, a first length L1, a first width W1, and a first surface area A1, and the first inspection port has a second profile, a second length L2, a second width W2, and a second area A2.

[0037] Optionally, the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile.

[0038] Optionally, L1 / L2 is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.5.

[0039] Optionally, W1 / W2 is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.5.

[0040] Optionally, A1 / A2 is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.5.

[0041] Optionally, L2 is in the range of 1 to 30 mm, 3 to 20 mm, or 5 to 10 mm.

[0042] Optionally, W2 is in the range of 1 to 15 mm, 2 to 8 mm, or 3 to 5 mm.

[0043] Optionally, the first profile includes a polygonal profile.

[0044] Optionally, the first profile includes a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile. Other embodiments are contemplated where the first profile may include a non-polygonal profile or the first profile may include a higher-order polygonal profile.

[0045] Optionally, the second profile includes a polygonal profile.

[0046] Optionally, the second profile includes a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile. Other embodiments are contemplated where the second profile may include a non-polygonal profile or the second profile may include a higher-order polygonal profile.

[0047] Optionally, the tubular element has a longitudinal axis and the first aperture is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0048] Optionally, the heating element includes a resistive heating element.

[0049] Optionally, the resistive heating element comprises a substrate and one or more conductive tracks provided on the substrate.

[0050] Optionally, the heating element has a first face, an edge, and a second face, and the first aperture is aligned with the first face.

[0051] Optionally, the tubular element further comprises a second inspection port.

[0052] Optionally, the method further includes inspecting the heating element through the second inspection port using an inspection device or a further inspection device.

[0053] Optionally, the inspection device or the further inspection device comprises an imaging device, and inspecting the heating element includes acquiring one or more images of the heating element through the second inspection port.

[0054] Optionally, the second inspection port is aligned with the second face.

[0055] Optionally, the second inspection port is positioned on the opposite side of the first inspection port.

[0056] Optionally, the tubular element has a truncated circular cross-sectional profile comprising a first arcuate section having a curved outer surface and a second linear section having a flat outer surface.

[0057] Optionally, the first inspection port is positioned within the second linear section.

[0058] Optionally, the second inspection port is inclined at an angle of <30°, 30 - 60°, 60 - 90°, 90 - 120°, 120 - 150°, or 150 - 180° with respect to the first inspection port.

[0059] Optionally, the method further comprises analyzing the output of the inspection device to evaluate one or more characteristics of the heating element and / or the orientation of the heating element.

[0060] Optionally, the method further comprises analyzing one or more images to evaluate one or more characteristics of the heating element and / or the orientation of the heating element.

[0061] Optionally, the first inspection port and / or the second inspection port comprises an optically transparent member.

[0062] Optionally, the first inspection port comprises an aperture within the tubular element.

[0063] Optionally, the second inspection port comprises an aperture within the tubular element.

[0064] Next, various embodiments will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0065]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0066] Certain examples and aspects and features of embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be carried out as in the past, and for the sake of brevity, these will not be discussed in detail or described. Accordingly, it will be understood that among the aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein, those not described in detail may be carried out according to the prior art for implementing such aspects and features.

[0067] According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustion type” aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating material (or its components) of the aerosol supply system is neither combusted nor burned in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0068] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustion type aerosol supply system such as a powered non-combustion type aerosol supply system.

[0069] In some embodiments, the non-combustion type aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not a requirement.

[0070] In some embodiments, the non-combustion type aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system also known as a non-combustion heating type system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0071] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials that can be heated, one or more of which may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0072] Typically, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustion aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustion aerosol supply device.

[0073] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that comprise an aerosol-generating material and are configured to be used with a non-combustion aerosol supply device. These consumables may sometimes be referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

[0074] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system, such as its non-combustion aerosol supply device, etc., may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source comprises a carbon-based substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat-generating power source.

[0075] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system may comprise an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0076] In some embodiments, the consumables for use with a non-combustion aerosol supply device may comprise an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol-forming material storage region, an aerosol-forming material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation region, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0077] The aerosol-forming material is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-forming material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain, for example, an active substance and / or a flavorant.

[0078] The aerosol-forming material may include a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-forming material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material does not substantially contain plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material does not substantially contain tobacco.

[0079] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more active substances and / or flavors, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0080] The aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol-forming material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-forming material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol-forming material.

[0081] A consumable is an article that comprises or consists of an aerosol - generating material, and part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may comprise one or more other components such as an aerosol - generating material storage region, an aerosol - generating material transfer component, an aerosol - generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator such as a heater that generates heat during use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0082] A non - combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol supply device and a replaceable aerosol - generating article. In some implementations, the non - combustible aerosol supply device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may comprise, for example, a power supply such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non - combustible aerosol supply device may also comprise an aerosol - generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol - generating article may partially or wholly comprise the aerosol - generating component.

[0083] To complete the picture, aerosol supply devices comprising induction elements are known. The aerosol supply device may comprise one or more inductors and a susceptor configured to be heated by the one or more inductors.

[0084] The susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, the intrusion of the conductive material with the fluctuating magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, the intrusion of the magnetic material with the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0085] Next, various embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0086] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol supply device 100 positioned within an elongated cavity of a charging unit 101 according to one illustrated embodiment. The charging unit 101 may include a power source (not shown). The power source may include, for example, a hermetically sealed battery, a pouch cell battery, or some combination thereof, such as a battery (disposable or rechargeable), a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable solid-state battery (SSB), or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB). The aerosol supply device 100 is shown in combination with the charging unit 101, but it will be understood that the aerosol supply device 100 may be powered by any other means. For example, the power source provided with the aerosol supply device 100 may be charged by plugging a power supply into the aerosol supply device 100, or the power source may be replaceable, for example, in the form of a replaceable battery.

[0087] The aerosol supply device 100 may remain within the charging unit 101 for a predetermined time to enable sufficient charging of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the charging unit 101 may be configured to fully charge the aerosol supply device 100 in a time of <10 minutes, 10 - 20 minutes, 20 - 30 minutes, 30 - 40 minutes, 40 - 50 minutes, 50 - 60 minutes, or >60 minutes.

[0088] The charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol supply device 100 may optionally have an indicator for providing a user with a visual or other representation of the charge level of the aerosol supply device 100. Additionally, there may be a separate indicator providing a visual representation of the charge level of the charging unit 101. The current charge level of the aerosol supply device 100 and / or the charging unit 101 may be determined by control means disposed within the aerosol supply device 100 and / or the charging unit 101.

[0089] The visual indicator may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). However, other embodiments are conceivable where the visual indicator may be replaced by an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker) or a tactile indicator.

[0090] The aerosol supply device 100 may comprise an outer housing that may have a tubular and / or cylindrical shape. However, other embodiments are envisioned where the aerosol supply device 100 may take other desired forms, for example, the aerosol supply device 100 may be box-shaped. According to one embodiment, the outer housing 108 of the aerosol supply device 100 may comprise an electrical insulator and may be formed, for example, of polyether ether ketone ("PEEK").

[0091] According to one embodiment, the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100 may comprise one or more orienting mechanisms and / or one or more magnets for fixing the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100 to the base of the charging unit 101.

[0092] The aerosol supply device 100 may be inserted into the cavity of the charging unit 101 in order to recharge the aerosol supply device 100 by receiving power from the charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may comprise an internal battery for supplying power to the aerosol supply device 100. The charging unit 101 may also be connected to an external power source.

[0093] The charging unit 101 may comprise a lid or cover 102 that can be slid by a user between an open position and a closed position. The lid or cover 102 is provided at an inlet of a cavity provided within the charging unit 101 and configured to receive the aerosol supply device 100.

[0094] The aerosol supply device 100 includes an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. According to one embodiment, the aerosol supply device 100 comprises a resistive heater for heating the aerosol generating article.

[0095] When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position, the opening to the cavity is exposed, thereby enabling the user to either remove the aerosol supply device 100 from the charging unit 101 (for using the aerosol supply device 100) or alternatively insert the aerosol supply device 100 into the charging unit 101 (for charging the aerosol supply device 100).

[0096] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol supply device 100 positioned or docked within the charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 105, and a heating element 104, such as a resistive heating element 104, projects within the main housing 105. The aerosol supply device 100 further comprises a removable cap 106 that can be magnetically attached to the main housing 105.

[0097] The removable cap 106 includes a receptacle 120 for receiving a consumable. In use, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the receptacle 120. The receptacle 120 includes a tubular housing having a base 121. The base 121 of the receptacle 120 has an aperture, and the resistive heating element 104 is arranged to project through the aperture. The aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 by inserting the aerosol-generating article through an opening in the removable cap 106 and then inserting the aerosol-generating article into the receptacle 120 and into the heating element 104. The heating element 104 has a blade-like profile, and in use, the aerosol-generating article can be pressed against the heating element 104, whereby the blade-like profile of the heating element 120 is inserted into the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The heating element 104 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating article internally.

[0098] At the end of a use session, if the aerosol-generating article has been consumed, the removable cap 106 may be removed from the main housing 105. It will be appreciated that the process of removing the removable cap 106 will have the effect that the base 121 of the receptacle 120 will contact the bottom surface of the aerosol-generating article. When the removable cap 106 is pulled out, the base 121 of the receptacle 120 will contact the distal end of the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article will be disengaged from the heating element 104 or otherwise removed.

[0099] However, over time, the heating element 104 may become dirty and may become covered with deposits of used aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating article. Therefore, it may be desirable to clean the heating element 104 periodically.

[0100] Cleaning the heating element of a conventional aerosol supply device can be difficult to solve, but according to various embodiments, one or more apertures may be provided within the main housing 105, and through the one or more apertures, tools such as cleaning tools can be passed through the one or more apertures to clean the heating element 104, thereby enabling the cleaning of the heating element 104. It will be appreciated that the cleaning is performed after the removable cap 106 is removed from the main housing 105.

[0101] One or more cleaning apertures provided within the main housing 105 according to various embodiments will be described in more detail below.

[0102] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view from above of the aerosol supply device 100 with the removable cap 106 removed to expose the main housing 105. The main housing 105 includes a tubular element 117. As shown, the heating element 104 extends within the tubular element 117. Although a tubular element 117 having a substantially circular profile is shown, it will be understood that the tubular element 117 may have any suitable profile. The tubular element 117 includes a first aperture 108, and a tool (not shown) can be inserted through the first aperture 108 during use. The tools may include cleaning tools and / or tools for assisting in removing a portion of the aerosol-generating article that may adhere to the heating element 104.

[0103] The first aperture 108 provides a convenient means of accessing the heating element 104, thereby facilitating the cleaning or other maintenance of the heating element 104. The first aperture 108 enables improved access to the heating element 104, thereby facilitating improved cleaning. This can result in an improvement in the operation of the aerosol supply device 100 and / or an improvement in the lifespan of the heating element 104 and thus the aerosol supply device 100. Further, the first aperture 108 can facilitate the removal of an aerosol-generating article or a portion of an aerosol-generating article from the heating element 104. This can enable the user to more easily remove the aerosol-generating article and / or otherwise remove the aerosol-generating article adhering to the heating element 104.

[0104] The heating element 104 may comprise a substrate 109, the substrate 109 having one or more conductive tracks 111 provided thereon, and the substrate 109 may extend within the body of the tubular element 117. The heating element 104 may have a pointed tip 107. In some embodiments, as shown, the heating element 104 may comprise a first face 112, an edge 114, and a second face (not visible in FIG. 3 but on the opposite side of the heating element 104 to the first face 113). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the first aperture 108 is aligned with the first face 112 (i.e., the first aperture 108 may face the first face 112). Since the first face 112 may be an area requiring cleaning, aligning the first aperture 108 with this first face 112 can enable easy inspection, access, and cleaning of the first face 112. The aperture 108 may extend, for example, in a plane parallel to the plane in which the first face 112 of the heating element 104 extends so as to be aligned with the first face 112 of the heating element 104.

[0105] The first aperture 108 may be positioned at any suitable location within the tubular element 117 so as to provide access within the tubular element 117. In some embodiments, as shown, the tubular element 117 may have a frustoconical cross-section comprising a first arcuate section 116 having a curved outer surface 118 and a second linear section 120 having a flat outer surface 110. The first aperture 108 may be positioned within the second linear section 120, i.e., within the flat outer surface 110.

[0106] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the aerosol supply device 100 with the removable cap 106 removed. In some embodiments, as shown, the first aperture 108 may be elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the tubular element 105. This may provide access to a substantial length of the heating element 104 through the first aperture 108.

[0107] The first aperture 108 may have a shape, i.e., a profile, that substantially corresponds to the shape of the heating element 104. The heating element 104 may have a pointed tip, but otherwise, the heating element 104 may be considered to have a substantially rectangular shape. As shown, the first aperture 108 may have a corresponding rectangular shape. This may enable access to at least the first face 112 of the heating element 104.

[0108] Although the entire heating element 104 cannot be seen in FIG. 4, the heating element has a first profile having a first length L1, a first width W1, and a first surface area A1. The first aperture 108 has a second profile having a second length L2, a second width W2, and a second area A2. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the first aperture 108 has a substantially rectangular profile. Although the profile of the heating element 104 is not the same as the profile of the first aperture 108, it will be understood that the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile. As a result of the corresponding profiles of the first aperture 108 and the heating element 104, suitable access to the heating element 104 within the tubular element 117 can be achieved.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio of the first length L1 to the second length L2, i.e., L1 / L2, is about 1.2 to 1.3. However, any first aperture 108 and heating element 104 in which the second length L2 and the first length L1 are similar may be used. For example, the ratio L1 / L2 may be in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.5. It will be understood that any of the above ratios can provide suitable access to the heating element 104 within the tubular element 117.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio of the first width W1 to the second width W2, i.e., W1 / W2, is about 1.2 to 1.3. However, any first aperture 108 and heating element 104 in which the second width W2 and the first width W1 are similar may be used. For example, the ratio W1 / W2 may be in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.5. It will be understood that any of the above ratios can provide suitable access to the heating element 104 within the tubular element 117.

[0111] Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the ratio of the first region A1 to the second region A2, i.e., A1 / A2, is about 0.8 to 1.2. However, any first aperture 108 and heating element 104 in which the first region A1 and the second region A1 are similar may be used. For example, the ratio A1 / A2 may be in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.5. It will be appreciated that any of the above ratios can provide suitable access to the heating element 104 within the tubular element 117.

[0112] The heating element 104 can have any suitable shape capable of heating the medium disposed within the tubular element 105. For example, as shown, the first profile of the heating element 104 includes a polygonal profile. In the illustrated example, the heating element 105 includes a substantially rectangular portion 122 adjacent to a triangular portion 124, and together they define a pentagonal polygonal shape. The triangular portion 124 of the heating element 104 defines a sharp tip 107 (see FIG. 3) that can be used to penetrate the consumable article when the consumable article is inserted into the device 100.

[0113] Alternatively, the heating element 104 may comprise any other suitable profile. For example, the first profile of the heating element 104 may include a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile. The second profile (i.e., the profile of the first aperture 108) may also include a polygonal profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the second profile of the first aperture 108 includes a rectangular profile.

[0114] Similar to the first profile, the second profile (i.e., the profile of the first aperture 108) may include any other suitable profile, such as a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile. The first profile of the heating element 104 and the second profile of the aperture 108 may have corresponding shapes. For example, if the first profile of the heating element 104 has a rectangular shape, the second profile of the first aperture 108 may have a rectangular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the second profile of the first aperture 108 substantially coincides with at least a part of the first profile of the heating element 104, for example, its rectangular portion 122. By having corresponding profiles, sufficient access to the heating element 104 through the first aperture 108 can be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the first aperture 108 has a rectangular profile and may have a length L2 within the range of 1 to 30 mm, 3 to 20 mm, or 5 to 10 mm. The width W2 of the first aperture 108 may be within the range of 1 to 15 mm, 2 to 8 mm, or 3 to 5 mm. In an exemplary instance where the length L2 is, for example, 20 mm and the width W2 is, for example, 4 mm, the first aperture 108 may have an area of about 80 mm 2 2.

[0115] By having appropriate profiles and / or relative sizes of the first aperture 108 and the heating element 104, it can be beneficially ensured that tools such as cleaning tools can reach the appropriate part of the heating element 104 to perform cleaning on the heating element 104 or remove consumable articles adhered to the heating element 104. This ensures that proper cleaning and maintenance of the heating element 104 can be carried out, which can help ensure the proper operation of the heating element 104 and the aerosol supply device 100.

[0116] Figures 3 and 4 show one embodiment in which a single first aperture 108 is provided within a tubular element 105, but it will be understood that the tubular element 105 may comprise at least one further aperture, i.e. at least a second aperture.

[0117] In some embodiments, the tubular element 105 comprises a second or further aperture and, during use, a tool can also be inserted through the second or further aperture in order to clean the heating element 104 and / or to remove aerosol-generating articles adhering to the heating element 104. Although not shown, it will be understood that the second or further aperture can be located at any suitable position on the tubular element 105. For example, in some embodiments, the second or further aperture may be aligned with a second face of the heating element 104. The second face may be the face of the heating element 104 opposite to the side on which the face 112 is present. The presence of the second or further aperture aligned with this second face can beneficially facilitate the cleaning of the second face of the heating element 104.

[0118] The second or further aperture may be positioned on the opposite side of the first aperture 108. According to a further embodiment, a different number of apertures may be provided as required. The number of apertures may depend on the shape of the heating element 104 and / or the potential number of faces of the heating element 105 that may require cleaning.

[0119] According to various embodiments, the heating element 105 may comprise a planar blade-shaped heating element having two opposing flat faces, and it will be understood that the aerosol supply device comprises either one or two apertures 108 providing access for cleaning to one or both sides of the heating element 105.

[0120] Other embodiments are contemplated where a second or additional aperture may be positioned at an angle relative to the first aperture 108. The second aperture may be inclined at an angle of <30°, 30 - 60°, 60 - 90°, 90 - 120°, 120 - 150° or 150 - 180° relative to the first aperture. By placing a second or additional aperture in this location, it may be beneficially possible to insert a tool, such as a cleaning tool, into the tubular element 105 in a direction different from the direction in which it is inserted through the first aperture 108. This may enable cleaning of additional portions of the heating element 104 that might otherwise not be reachable from the first aperture 108. For example, this may provide access to the edge 114 (see FIG. 3) of the heating element 104.

[0121] In the above-described embodiments, the heating element 104 is in the form of a resistive heating element, but it will be understood that the heating element 104 may be any other suitable element that may require cleaning or to which a consumable article may adhere. For example, the heating element 104 may include a component of an inductive heating element, such as a susceptor. In such embodiments, the aerosol supply device 100 may comprise suitable components for generating heat for the inductive heating element, as is well known in the art.

[0122] In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device 100 forms part of an aerosol generation system that further comprises an aerosol generation article (not shown) that may be inserted into the aerosol supply device. For example, the aerosol generation article may be inserted into the tubular element 117 so as to be in contact with the heating element 104.

[0123] The above-described first aperture 108, and in fact the above-described further aperture(s), may additionally or alternatively form an inspection port. In this case, in some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an aerosol supply device is disclosed that includes inspecting the heating element 104 using an inspection device (not shown). The inspection device may comprise any device that can be used to inspect the heating element. For example, the inspection device may comprise a laser that irradiates the heating element and a detector arranged to detect the radiation reflected from the heating element. The output of the inspection device may be analyzed to evaluate one or more characteristics of the heating element 104 and / or the orientation of the heating element 104. The inspection port may also suitably facilitate improved calibration of the heating element and the associated heating profile. In some embodiments, the inspection device may comprise an imaging device and may include obtaining one or more images of the heating element 104 through the aperture or inspection port 108. The imaging device may comprise a camera in some embodiments. It will be appreciated that the inspection port 108 need not comprise a complete aperture through the tubular element 105. Thus, in some embodiments, the first aperture 108 may be replaced with an inspection port 108 that may be transparent to radiation of at least a particular wavelength. In some embodiments, the inspection port 108 may include an optically transparent member.

[0124] In some embodiments, the method may further include analyzing one or more images to evaluate one or more characteristics of the heating element 104 and / or the orientation of the heating element 104.

[0125] In some embodiments, the tubular element 117 may comprise a plurality of apertures or inspection ports 108. In such embodiments, the manufacturing method may include obtaining one or more images of the heating element 104 through each of the inspection ports 108. This can beneficially facilitate imaging of different portions of the heating element 104, such as the sides or faces. This method can beneficially enable improved determination as to whether the heating element 104 is inserted in the correct orientation and whether the conductive tracks provided on the heating element 104 are correctly formed.

[0126] Furthermore, it is contemplated that the heating element 104 may be tested as part of a quality control procedure, and that the heating element 104 may be observed through one or more inspection ports 108 during this procedure.

[0127] In some embodiments, analysis of one or more images may be performed, and improvement measures may be taken with respect to the heating element 104 depending on the results of the image analysis. For example, movement or replacement of the heating element 104 may be performed.

[0128] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the present invention may preferably include, consist of, or consist essentially of a suitable combination of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A main housing comprising a tubular element surrounding a heating element, wherein the tubular element comprises a first aperture, and a tool can be inserted through the first aperture during use to clean the heating element and / or to assist in removing aerosol-generating articles adhering to the heating element. An aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, further comprising a removable cap that is attached to the main housing during use.

3. The heating element has a first profile, a first length L1, a first width W1, and a first surface area A1, and the first aperture has a second profile, a second length L2, a second width W2, and a second area A2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein L1 / L2 is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.

5.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, 4, or 5, wherein W1 / W2 is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.

5.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein A1 / A2 is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.

5.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein L2 is in the range of 1 to 30 mm, 3 to 20 mm, or 5 to 10 mm.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein W2 is in the range of 1 to 15 mm, 2 to 8 mm, or 3 to 5 mm.

10. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the first profile includes a polygonal profile.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein the first profile includes a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile.

12. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the second profile includes a polygonal profile.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein the second profile includes a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile.

14. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the tubular element has a longitudinal axis, and the first aperture is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

15. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heating element includes a resistive heating element.

16. The aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein the resistive heating element includes a substrate and one or more conductive tracks provided on the substrate.

17. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the heating element includes a first surface, an edge, and a second surface, and the first aperture is aligned with the first surface.

18. The aerosol supply device according to claim 17, wherein the tubular element further includes a second aperture, and a tool can be inserted through the second aperture during use to clean the heating element and / or assist in removing aerosol-generating articles adhering to the heating element.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18, wherein the second aperture is aligned with the second surface.

20. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the second aperture is positioned on the opposite side of the first aperture.

21. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the tubular element has a frusto-circular cross-sectional profile including a first arcuate section having a curved outer surface and a second straight section having a flat outer surface.

22. The aerosol supply device according to claim 21, wherein the first aperture is positioned within the second straight section.

23. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18, wherein the second aperture is inclined with respect to the first aperture at an angle of <30°, 30 to 60°, 60 to 90°, 90 to 120°, 120 to 150° or 150 to 180°.

24. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, an aerosol generating article, and an aerosol generating system comprising the same.

25. Positioning a tubular element around a heating element, the tubular element having a first inspection port; inspecting the heating element using an inspection device through the first inspection port; A method of manufacturing an aerosol supply device, comprising:

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the inspection device comprises an imaging device, and the inspection of the heating element comprises obtaining one or more images of the heating element through the first inspection port.

27. The heating element has a first profile, a first length L1, a first width W1, and a first surface area A1, and the first inspection port has a second profile, a second length L2, a second width W2, and a second area A2. The method according to claim 25 or 26.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the first profile substantially corresponds to the second profile.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, wherein L1 / L2 is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.

5.

30. The method according to claim 27, 28, or 29, wherein W1 / W2 is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.

5.

31. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein A1 / A2 is in the range of 0.5 to 0.6, 0.6 to 0.7, 0.7 to 0.8, 0.8 to 0.9, 0.9 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.1, 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, or 1.4 to 1.

5.

32. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein L2 is in the range of 1 to 30 mm, 3 to 20 mm, or 5 to 10 mm.

33. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein W2 is in the range of 1 to 15 mm, 2 to 8 mm, or 3 to 5 mm.

34. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the first profile includes a polygonal profile.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the first profile includes a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile.

36. The method according to any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein the second profile includes a polygonal profile.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the second profile includes a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal profile.

38. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the tubular element has a longitudinal axis, and the first aperture is elongated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

39. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 38, wherein the heating element includes a resistive heating element.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the resistive heating element includes a substrate and one or more conductive tracks provided on the substrate.

41. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 40, wherein the heating element includes a first surface, an edge, and a second surface, and the first aperture is aligned with the first surface.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the tubular element further includes a second inspection port.

43. The method according to claim 42, further including the step of inspecting the heating element through the second inspection port using the inspection device or a further inspection device.

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein the inspection device or the further inspection device includes an imaging device, and the step of inspecting the heating element includes obtaining one or more images of the heating element through the second inspection port.

45. The method according to claim 42, 43, or 44, wherein the second inspection port is aligned with the second surface.

46. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the second inspection port is positioned on the opposite side of the first inspection port.

47. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 46, wherein the tubular element has a truncated circular cross-sectional profile comprising a first arcuate section having a curved outer surface and a second straight section having a flat outer surface.

48. The method according to claim 47, wherein the first inspection port is positioned within the second straight section.

49. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 48, wherein the second inspection port is inclined at an angle of <30°, 30 - 60°, 60 - 90°, 90 - 120°, 120 - 150°, or 150 - 180° with respect to the first inspection port.

50. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 49, further comprising analyzing the output of the inspection device to evaluate one or more characteristics of the heating element and / or the orientation of the heating element.

51. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 50, further comprising analyzing the one or more images to evaluate one or more characteristics of the heating element and / or the orientation of the heating element.

52. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 51, wherein the first inspection port includes an optically transparent member.

53. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 52, wherein the first inspection port includes an aperture within the tubular element.

54. The method according to any one of claims 42 to 53, wherein the second inspection port includes an aperture within the tubular element.

Images