Heating unit for aerosol products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating unit for an aerosol product, the heating unit comprising: a furnace including an oven component, the furnace configured to be operated in at least a heating mode and a non-heating mode to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol product when received within the furnace; and an oven holder configured to be heated when the furnace is operated in the heating mode, the oven holder being further configured to form a fixed connection with the oven component when the furnace is operated in the heating mode and to release the fixed connection with the oven component when the furnace is operated in the non-heating mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating unit for an aerosol generating device, the heating unit including a furnace and an oven holder, the furnace being configured to be operated in at least a heating mode and a non-heating mode, and depending on the operating mode, a fixed connection is formed between the oven holder and oven components included in the furnace.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating device and system, respectively. [Background technology]

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

[0004] Several types of aerosol-generating devices based on different aerosolization technologies and aerosol-generating substrates are currently available on the market. A particular subset of aerosol-generating devices are heated tobacco products, also known as "heat-not-burn" products and / or systems (HNB). These HNB systems can generate inhalable aerosols from heating a tobacco-containing substrate, usually in solid or powdered form. Such HNB systems require an electronic device containing a heating unit to heat the tobacco-containing substrate instead of burning tobacco as is done in traditional cigarettes.

[0005] The heating unit typically includes a heating cavity or oven into which a tobacco-containing aerosol-producing product (or consumable) can be inserted. The tobacco in the consumable is then heated until an aerosol is formed. The oven generates high temperatures, approximately 250°C to 400°C, which contributes to the rapid formation of an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0006] Furnaces require suitable fixing and sealing means to ensure that they do not move or shift during use and that they remain tightly closed. Furthermore, means should be provided for cleaning and / or replacing the furnace during use to allow proper functioning during the life cycle of an aerosol generating device containing such a furnace. Furthermore, safety should be ensured to prevent user injury during use of the aerosol generating device and / or when cleaning and / or replacing the furnace.

[0007] Previous implementations of furnaces for HNB devices have failed to address these challenges, or at least failed to adequately address them. As an example, furnace fixation is traditionally achieved by means of a fixation pin that protrudes through a small orifice in the bottom of the furnace. The fixation pin is connected to the furnace with a sealing resin, i.e., adhesive. In this way, the furnace remains fixed throughout the lifecycle of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] Therefore, in such conventional embodiments, the furnace cannot be removed without destroying the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the furnace cannot be easily cleaned and / or replaced. Furthermore, the manufacturing and assembly process of such conventional furnaces requires tedious and extensive steps to provide the proper shape of the (bottom of) the furnace and to properly position the fixing pins. Thus, the manufacturing and assembly process of the conventional furnace is hindered. Automation of such conventional manufacturing may not be easily achieved. Rather, skilled labor is required, and as a result, the process is time-consuming and costly.

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

[0010] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to address one or more or all of the above-mentioned problems. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved heating unit having a furnace for aerosol product articles. The resulting furnace is provided with improved fastening means to facilitate cleaning and / or removal of the furnace. A further object is to ensure user safety by providing safe cleaning and / or removal of the furnace. Additionally, it is an object to overcome the cumbersome manufacturing processes associated with conventional heating units. Thus, a heating unit is provided that can be manufactured and assembled in a simpler manner. Furthermore, the manufacturing and assembly can be more easily automated than in existing implementations. Therefore, it is also an object to facilitate improved, cost-effective, and fast manufacturing of such heating units.

[0011] These objects, as well as others that will become apparent from the following description, are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] General Aspects A first embodiment of the present invention is directed to a heating unit for an aerosol product article, the heating unit comprising: a furnace including an oven component, the furnace configured to be operated in at least a heating mode to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol product article when received within the furnace, and a non-heating mode; and an oven holder configured to be heated when the furnace is operated in the heating mode, the oven holder being configured to form a fixed connection with the oven component when the furnace is operated in the heating mode, and further configured to release the fixed connection with the oven component when the furnace is operated in the non-heating mode.

[0013] An advantage of this embodiment is that a fixed connection between the oven holder and the oven components can be formed, which can be triggered by the operating mode of the furnace. This fixed connection can depend (only) on the laws of physics, for example, on the physical properties of the oven holder and the oven components. This allows for a reliable fixation. Furthermore, such a fixation can function independently of complex auxiliary equipment, such as electronics and / or sensors, which can be costly and prone to malfunction. This embodiment therefore increases safety, as fixation failure due to the failure of auxiliary equipment can be avoided.

[0014] The oven component may be part of and / or in close communication with the furnace, such that when the oven component is substantially fixed, the furnace is substantially fixed.

[0015] In the heating mode, the furnace may have a sufficiently high temperature to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The temperature may be high enough to cause an aerosol to form from the aerosol-forming substrate. Typically, the heating mode includes an operating mode when a user inhales such an aerosol, and thus when the device including the heating unit is powered on.

[0016] In a non-heating mode of the furnace, the furnace may have a sufficiently low temperature. Typically, in such a mode, substantially no aerosol is formed from the aerosol-forming substrate. By way of example, the temperature of the furnace may be such that a user will not be injured if they touch the furnace in the non-heating mode.

[0017] It will be appreciated that this embodiment facilitates safe removal of the furnace, for example, when the furnace has a low temperature in non-heating mode. This allows the furnace to be cleaned and / or replaced easily and in an improved manner. In particular, if unwanted particles, dust, and / or dirt accumulate around the furnace, they can be easily removed. Heating units are often exposed to or may be affected by environmental influences such as humidity, dust, and / or dirt, which makes the embodiments described herein valuable. Such unwanted particles, dust, and / or dirt may adversely affect the functioning of the heating unit.

[0018] Thus, compared to conventional heating units, the furnace is not fixed for substantially the entire life cycle of the heating unit. By providing a fixed connection depending on the operating mode, costs are reduced.

[0019] Another advantage resulting from this embodiment is that the furnace is fixed when it is hot in heating mode, which improves safety as the furnace is automatically held in place when needed, and also improves heating as the furnace position does not substantially change in heating mode.

[0020] The heating unit may be used in an aerosol generating device that is held by a user, and thus the aerosol generating device may be a portable and / or handheld aerosol generating device that can be comfortably held by a user.

[0021] The heating unit may be configured to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user while the consumable, i.e., aerosol-producing, product is received (at least partially) within the furnace.

[0022] The heating unit may be, for example, a resistive heating type, including a heating element placed in contact with the wall of the furnace and transferring heat thereto by conduction. Resistive heating may also be called Joule heating, resistive heating, or ohmic heating. This means that during operation, an electrical circuit is established and an electric current passes through the heating element, e.g., a ceramic heating element. Passing an electric current through a conductor such as a heating element generates heat with a power equal to the product of the resistance of the ceramic heating element and the square of the current. Typically, two electrodes provide electrical contact to the heating element. The two electrodes ensure that a voltage drop is applied between the two electrodes to induce the current, thereby applying a voltage drop across the heating element. The temperature of the heating element may then increase due to the flow of current and the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0023] As an example, the heating element may be a thermistor, i.e., a resistor whose resistance is temperature dependent. Furthermore, the heating element may be made of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor, so that the resistance of the ceramic heating element increases at high temperatures. This may result in a self-regulating effect. In particular, at a certain temperature, the ceramic heating element may not heat up further because its resistance has increased to a degree that prevents further increases in current.

[0024] The heating unit may also be of an induction type, for example, including at least one induction coil arranged circumferentially around the furnace and configured to inductively heat a susceptor element in contact with the furnace and / or formed by the walls of the furnace. The susceptor element may also be capable of being placed on an aerosol product article inserted into the furnace. The heating unit may also be a microwave heating unit, including the furnace as a consumable-receiving cavity, a microwave radiation source, in particular a solid-state transistor-based microwave source, and an impedance matching unit for achieving impedance matching between a consumable article inserted into the furnace and a microwave field generated by the microwave source. Regardless of the heating type of the heating unit, secure connections and releases of secure connections are facilitated.

[0025] Advantageously, no means for measuring temperature are required to form and release the secure connection. Furthermore, no active means, such as a controller, control logic, and / or active locking mechanisms, retaining elements, etc., which are generally movable and / or active mechanical movement of parts, are required. It should be noted that forming a secure connection as described herein may not be understood as forming a secure connection with the aerosol product article (received within the furnace).

[0026] A furnace as referred to herein should be understood as a three-dimensional space that is heated in a heating mode, preferably by heating the walls of the furnace. Illustratively, an elongated heating element that protrudes or extends through or into the three-dimensional space of the furnace should not be considered a furnace.

[0027] According to a second embodiment, the oven holder is configured to be at least partially clamped within the oven component to form a fixed connection, and is further configured to be unclamped within the oven component to release the fixed connection.

[0028] By "at least partially clamped" within the oven component, it is meant that the oven holder can extend, expand, and / or protrude into the oven component such that a fixed connection, e.g., a fastening, attachment, and / or rigid connection, is formed between the oven holder and the oven component. The fixed connection is released when the heating unit is operating in a non-heating mode. In such a mode, the oven holder is not clamped within the oven component. The clamping and / or fixed connection can also ensure a tight seal of the heating furnace.

[0029] The phrase "not clamped within an oven component" means that the furnace can be removed without requiring excessive force by a user. In some cases, even when the oven holder is not clamped within an oven component, there can be at least partial contact between the oven holder and the oven component. However, this does not necessarily increase the force required by a user to remove the furnace.

[0030] This embodiment has the advantage that the manufacturing of the heating unit can be improved. The fixing can be established only by at least partially clamping the oven holder in the oven component. This does not require complicated connecting means. Rather, it can be established by cylindrical parts interacting with each other. Therefore, manufacturing can be speeded up and errors during manufacturing can be eliminated.

[0031] Temperature-dependent fixation, elastic deformation According to a third embodiment, the oven component comprises a first material and the oven holder comprises a second material, the thermal expansion of the second material being greater than the thermal expansion of the first material.

[0032] This embodiment facilitates differential thermal expansion of the oven component and the oven holder, which may result in the oven holder being at least partially clamped within the oven component or at least partially unclamped within the oven component, and accordingly, the clamping and unclamping of the heating component and furnace may depend on the temperatures of the oven component and the oven holder.

[0033] A larger thermal expansion means a larger expansion at a (specific) temperature and / or at a (specific) temperature range. This embodiment facilitates the oven holder to expand in a larger range than the oven component, so that the oven holder can be at least partially clamped within the oven component in heating mode.

[0034] It will be appreciated that the triggering and release of the locking connection occurs due to the underlying physics of the material according to the second embodiment, which has the advantage that locking can be achieved in a reliable, predictable, cost-effective and reproducible manner.

[0035] According to a fourth embodiment, the thermal expansion of the first material is within the elastic deformation range of the first material and / or the thermal expansion of the second material is within the elastic deformation range of the second material.

[0036] Deformation refers to a change in the size or shape of an object. Elastic deformation range, as used herein, can be understood as follows: Strain is the relative change in size, length, and / or shape of an object and can be expressed as a non-dimensional change in length. Strain is related to the force acting on an object. Force can be expressed by stress (force per surface area of ​​the object).

[0037] The relationship between stress (y-axis) and strain (x-axis) can be visualized by a stress-strain curve. This relationship, and therefore the shape of the curve, depends on the material properties of the object. The relationship between stress and strain is generally linear and reversible up to the yield point. The range of such a stress-strain curve can be called the elastic deformation range.

[0038] The elastic deformation range is different from the plastic deformation range, which is characterized by the permanent deformation that remains when the stress is reduced. The maximum strain for elastic deformation can be material dependent.

[0039] The fourth embodiment is advantageous because it allows multiple thermal expansion cycles of the first material (i.e., of the oven component) and the second material (i.e., of the oven holder) without plastic deformation of the oven component and the oven holder, thus ensuring reliable fastening and unfastening connections.

[0040] According to one example, the thermal expansion of the first material is outside the plastic deformation range of the first material and / or the thermal expansion of the second material is outside the plastic deformation range of the second material.

[0041] According to a fifth embodiment, in any one of the third or fourth embodiments, the first material has a viscosity of at most 15.0 μm / (mK), preferably at most 13.0 μm / (mK), more preferably at most 11.0 μm / (mK), most preferably at most 9.5 μm / (mK) and / or at least 6.0 μm / (mK), preferably at least 7.0 μm / (mK), more preferably at least 8.0 μm / (mK), most preferably at least 9.0 μm / (mK). and / or the second material has a thermal expansion coefficient of at least 15.0 μm / (mK), preferably at least 17.0 μm / (mK), more preferably at least 20.0 μm / (mK), and most preferably at least 23.0 μm / (mK) and / or at most 30.0 μm / (mK), preferably at most 27.0 μm / (mK), more preferably at most 25.0 μm / (mK), and most preferably at most 23.0 μm / (mK).

[0042] The relative expansion (also called strain) of a material divided by the change in temperature can be called the material's coefficient of thermal expansion, which describes how an object changes size with a change in temperature.

[0043] This embodiment has the advantage that the thermal expansion coefficient of the first material is lower than that of the second material, and therefore the second material, i.e. the oven holder, expands to a greater extent than the first material, i.e. the oven component.

[0044] The length (d1) of a component having an initial length (d0) may be determined according to the following formula: d1=d0·(ΔT·α+1) (1) In the above equation, the coefficient of thermal expansion is represented as α, and the component undergoes a change in temperature ΔT.

[0045] This embodiment allows for the selection of materials with specific thermal expansion coefficients and initial sizes of the oven holder and oven components, so that the temperatures of the components at which the secure connection is released can be predicted. Thus, the temperature for removing the oven holder (e.g., for cleaning) can be determined. This temperature can be predicted in advance, e.g., already before manufacturing. It may also be possible to calibrate such a temperature for removing the oven. For example, heating units may be provided with different temperatures for removing the oven. As will be appreciated, this also includes heating units with correspondingly different temperatures for forming the secure connection.

[0046] According to a sixth embodiment, in any one of the third to fifth embodiments, the first material is steel, such as stainless steel, and / or the second material is aluminum.

[0047] These materials are relatively inexpensive and easy to procure. In this embodiment, the materials are limited to steel and / or aluminum. However, in general, any combination of materials with different thermal expansion coefficients may be applicable. Importantly, the expansion should be elastic so that cracking of the material does not occur substantially.

[0048] Ceramics have a different coefficient of thermal expansion than metals, so in one example, the use of ceramics may be possible if the ceramic is not deemed to be too rigid.

[0049] According to the seventh embodiment, in any one of the third to sixth embodiments, when the heating furnace is operated in the heating mode, the first material and / or the second material has a temperature of at least 40°C, preferably at least 45°C, more preferably at least 50°C, even more preferably at least 55°C, and most preferably at least 60°C, and the ambient temperature is 25°C.

[0050] In this embodiment, the oven holder and oven components may form a fixed connection at temperatures of, for example, 40°C or 60°C. It will be appreciated that at such high temperatures, the user can no longer easily remove the furnace, thereby improving safety. It may still be possible to forcibly remove the furnace, e.g., by increasing force. However, this would damage the furnace and / or oven holder, which is undesirable. This embodiment also ensures that the fixed connection improves heating of the aerosol product, promoting heating efficiency and comfort for the user, as rapid aerosol generation can be expected.

[0051] It should be noted that the ambient temperature can also be as low as about 15° C. or 20° C. and as high as about 30° C. The specification of the ambient temperature should help understand that the temperature of the first and / or second material comes from the furnace and not from the environment.

[0052] According to an eighth embodiment, in any one of the third to seventh embodiments, when the heating furnace is operated in non-heating mode, the first material and / or the second material has a temperature of at most 60°C, preferably at most 55°C, more preferably at most 50°C, even more preferably at most 45°C, and most preferably at most 40°C, and the ambient temperature is 25°C.

[0053] In this embodiment, the fixed connection formed between the oven holder and the oven component can be released at a temperature of, for example, 60°C or 40°C. It is understood that at such low temperatures the oven can be easily removed by the user. This facilitates cleaning at safe temperatures without compromising user convenience.

[0054] With regard to ambient temperature, the same rationale applies as explained with regard to the previous embodiment.

[0055] It should be understood that the increase in size of a component due to thermal expansion may be subject to a (small) time delay. Typically, the material expands substantially simultaneously with the temperature of the material, so the (small) time delay can be neglected. However, material impurities may not be completely excluded. Thus, when the oven holder reaches a temperature of, for example, 60°C, a short period of time may be required for the expansion of the oven holder to be sufficient to at least partially clamp within the oven components (which also expand at such a temperature, for example, 60°C).

[0056] According to a ninth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, when the heating furnace is operated in a non-heating mode, a gap is formed between one or more surfaces of the oven component and one or more surfaces of the oven holder that form a fixed connection when the heating furnace is operated in a heating mode.

[0057] The oven components may have one or more surfaces as described herein. The oven holder may also have one or more surfaces as described herein. In the non-heating mode, a gap is formed between these surfaces. The gap has the advantage of allowing removal of the oven.

[0058] The surfaces form a fixed connection, which may be understood as the surface of the oven component contacting the surface of the oven holder. In one example, the surface of the oven component may be opposite the surface of the oven holder, facing the surface of the oven holder, or surrounding the surface of the oven holder.

[0059] According to the tenth embodiment, in the preceding embodiments the gap is on average 0.001 mm, preferably at least 0.002 mm, more preferably at least 0.004 mm, even more preferably at least 0.006 mm, most preferably at least 0.01 mm, and / or at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, more preferably at most 0.1 mm, even more preferably at most 0.05 mm, most preferably at most 0.01 mm.

[0060] The gap should be large enough to facilitate relatively easy and convenient removal of the furnace by the user. A large gap can also be advantageous for the manufacturing process, as it allows for greater tolerance for manufacturing imprecision. In addition, a large gap provides improved installation space. In some examples, the gap may define a tapered or funnel shape, which can facilitate insertion of the furnace. On the other hand, the gap should not be too large, otherwise too much thermal expansion is required to form a fixed connection. This can be disadvantageous because the material may undergo plastic deformation. A large gap may also result in too high a temperature in the heating mode and the overall device not being compact. Therefore, a balance must be struck regarding the gap.

[0061] The gap may also be understood as clearance, providing a "slip fit" or "sliding fit" that allows for easier removal compared to a "press fit" or "interference fit." Note that the gap size also depends on the geometry, material selection, and threshold temperature for forming a secure connection.

[0062] If the surface of the oven holder and the surface of the oven component between which the gap is formed are substantially cylindrical, the gap may be substantially equal along the circumference.

[0063] When in heating mode, the gap may be filled by the oven holder at least 98%, preferably at least 99%, more preferably at least 99.5%, and most preferably the gap is filled completely so that pressure is created between the outer surface of the oven holder and the (inner) surface of the oven component, thereby at least partially clamping the oven holder within the oven component.

[0064] According to an eleventh embodiment, any one of the preceding embodiments further includes a tube housing the furnace, and when the furnace is operated in the heating mode, pressure is created between the furnace and the tube.

[0065] The tube has the advantage of being able to contain the furnace and protect it from the environment. In one example, the fixed connection in heating mode may involve the furnace being pressed against the tube to strengthen the fixation. This can be achieved by appropriate material selection for the tube.

[0066] Generally, sufficient fixation is already achieved by the oven holder being at least partially clamped within the oven component.

[0067] As an example, the tubes have a generally cylindrical shape. Additionally, the furnace may also have a generally cylindrical shape. In a non-heating mode, there may be a tube gap between the furnace and the tubes. The tube gap may be measured radially. Additionally, the tube gap may be constant along the circumferential direction. In other cases, the tube gap may not be constant along the circumferential direction, for example, the tube gap may not be symmetrical or substantially asymmetrical along the circumferential direction.

[0068] Bottom of the furnace, improved connection According to a twelfth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the furnace is substantially hollow and / or substantially symmetrical.

[0069] In this embodiment, the furnace has a simplified structure, which facilitates the manufacturing process. It is particularly appreciated that such a simplified structure may also allow the manufacturing process to be automated, thereby reducing production costs. In addition, this can reduce errors during manufacturing. Overall, a more reliable furnace may be provided.

[0070] As an example, the furnace may be manufactured by an extrusion process followed by optional cutting so that the furnace reaches the desired length.

[0071] According to a thirteenth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the oven holder extends into the oven component by a minimum of 5%, preferably a minimum of 10%, more preferably a minimum of 15%, and most preferably a minimum of 20%, and / or a maximum of 35%, preferably a maximum of 30%, more preferably a maximum of 25%, and most preferably a maximum of 20% of the length of the furnace.

[0072] By way of example, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the oven holder may have a minimum thickness of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, more preferably at least 0.5 mm, more preferably at least 1.0 mm, more preferably at least 2.0 mm, and most preferably at least 3.0 mm; and / or It extends into the oven component by a maximum of 15mm, preferably a maximum of 12mm, more preferably a maximum of 10mm, more preferably a maximum of 8mm, more preferably a maximum of 6mm, most preferably a maximum of 5mm.

[0073] In the above embodiment and example, the extension of the oven holder into the oven component should not be too small or too large.

[0074] A large extension increases the contact area between the surfaces of the oven holder and the oven component, thus improving the formation of a secure connection. However, to avoid wasting space, the extension should not be too large. A small amount promotes a compact device. Therefore, a balance must be struck regarding the extension.

[0075] In one example, the furnace may have a length of about 20 mm.

[0076] According to a fourteenth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the oven component is positioned at a rear end of the furnace opposite the front end of the furnace where the aerosol product can be received, and the oven holder optionally extends into the end of the oven component opposite the front end of the furnace.

[0077] By locating the oven components at the rear end of the furnace, the oven components are generally not visible to a user operating a device that includes the heating unit, which aids in user convenience.

[0078] The oven holder may also be located at such a rear end of the furnace and extend into the end of the oven component opposite the front end of the furnace, whereby the oven holder extends in the direction of removal of the furnace. This has the advantage that the oven component and the oven holder are substantially contained within the device and may not be subject to dust and / or dirt that could impair their function. In addition, undesirable particles may not substantially accumulate between the surfaces of the oven holder and the oven component that form a fixed connection.

[0079] According to a fifteenth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the oven component includes a slit at a rear end of the furnace facing away from the front end of the furnace through which the aerosol product article can be received.

[0080] The slits may be understood as recesses and / or cutouts. This increases the elasticity of the oven components and improves the formation of a secure connection. In a preferred example, the slits are arranged vertically as seen when the heating unit is standing on the ground. Vertical means that the slits are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the heating oven. The slits may have a length of about 0.05 mm to about 5 mm, depending on the desired elasticity. Advantageously, the slits are arranged at the bottom of the oven components to facilitate the manufacturing process.

[0081] It may also be possible to provide two slits, for example, on two diametric sides of the oven component, preferably on two diametrically opposite sides.

[0082] According to a sixteenth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the oven component is integrally formed with a cylinder included in the furnace for receiving the aerosol product article.

[0083] This embodiment facilitates improved manufacturing processes. In one example, the oven component is substantially integral with the furnace. However, the oven component may also be a separate part but in communication with (e.g., thermal communication and / or direct contact with) the furnace. Importantly, the oven component is integrally formed with the cylinder such that the oven component can be easily inserted into a device that includes the cylinder, tube, and / or heating unit.

[0084] According to a seventeenth embodiment, in any one of the preceding embodiments, the oven component is not secured to the oven holder by an adhesive.

[0085] Adhesives have the disadvantage that they can be prone to breakage, for example, if the temperature becomes too high. Furthermore, the fixed connection is not always fixed, which makes it advantageous to dispense with adhesive.

[0086] According to a further embodiment of the heating unit, the cross-section of the portion of the oven holder that is at least partially clamped within the oven component when in the heating mode is at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 95% of the cross-section of the oven component when in the non-heating mode.

[0087] This facilitates that a fixed connection can be formed by thermal expansion.

[0088] A cross section of a portion of the oven holder and / or oven component may be viewed, for example, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the furnace, which may typically be oriented approximately parallel to the direction of insertion of the aerosol product article into the furnace.

[0089] According to a further embodiment of the heating unit, the oven holder extends from the oven component at an end of the furnace opposite the end at which the aerosol product article can be received.

[0090] This has the advantage that the oven holder can be more easily fixed to the rest of the device (eg, the frame).

[0091] Aerosol generating device An 18th embodiment of the present invention is directed to an aerosol generation device comprising a heating unit according to any one of the 1st to 17th embodiments and a power source configured to provide an electric current to the heating unit to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user.

[0092] The aerosol generating device may be a portable or handheld aerosol generating device that can be comfortably held by a user, for example, the aerosol generating device may be held between the fingers and / or in the palm of one hand.

[0093] The power source may be any suitable power source, for example a DC voltage source, such as a battery, for example a lithium iron phosphate battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The power source may be located within part of the aerosol generating device, or it may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may be rechargeable and may have a capacitor that allows it to store enough energy for one or more, preferably multiple, normal use cycles of the aerosol generating device.

[0094] According to a 19th embodiment, in the aerosol generating device according to the preceding embodiments, the oven holder is fixed to a part of the aerosol generating device, such as a frame or a housing, preferably within the aerosol generating device.

[0095] The oven holder can be fixed to a portion of the aerosol generating device that is not included in the furnace. As an example, the oven holder can be fixed by screws or the like. Thus, the oven holder can be fixed substantially throughout the entire life cycle of the device. Advantageously, the fixed connection to the oven component is temperature-dependent as described herein. Thus, once the fixed connection between the oven holder and the oven component is formed, all components are substantially fixed and do not move within the device, thereby improving heating of the aerosol product.

[0096] According to a twentieth embodiment, in the aerosol generating device according to the eighteenth or nineteenth embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a magnet configured to substantially maintain the position of the furnace when the furnace is operated in a non-heating mode, and the magnet is optionally positioned adjacent to the rear end of the furnace, opposite the front end of the furnace that can accept the aerosol product article.

[0097] The magnets can facilitate holding the oven components and / or furnace in place when the furnace is in a non-heating mode, while still allowing for convenient removal by the user when the furnace is in a heating mode.

[0098] By "substantially maintain" it is meant that the force exerted by the magnet is sufficient to prevent substantial movement, but still allow a user to remove the furnace without undue effort.

[0099] A twenty-first embodiment of the present invention is directed to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-production article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0100] It should be noted that the aerosol generating system and / or aerosol generating device as described herein may include all aspects and / or embodiments described herein, even if they are not explicitly described as belonging to an aerosol generating system and / or aerosol generating device, but rather are described with reference to a heating unit. It should also be understood that features and advantages described with reference to an aerosol generating system and / or aerosol generating device may be equally applicable to a heating unit.

[0101] Preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0102] [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a heating unit for an aerosol product according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a heating unit for aerosol product articles according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 of the present invention in a non-heating mode of the furnace. [Figure 2a]2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a heating unit for aerosol product articles according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 of the present invention in a furnace operating mode between a non-heating mode and a heating mode. [Figure 2b] 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a heating unit for aerosol product articles according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 of the present invention in furnace heating mode. [Figure 3] 2A-2C show cross-sectional side views of the thermal expansion of oven components and oven holder in furnace non-heating mode (left) and furnace heating mode (right) according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a first cross-sectional side view of an oven component including a slit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] 5 shows a second cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 rotated 180° compared to the first cross-sectional side view. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a stress-strain curve. [Figure 6] 1 shows an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0103] definition The terms "fixed", "fixed" and "fixedly connected" as used herein may be understood such that the relative positions of the parts that are fixed do not change substantially.

[0104] As used herein, the term "aerosol product" may also be referred to as a consumable product or a consumable item. Such aerosol product may include an aerosol-forming substrate, which may be heated to generate an aerosol and / or vapor that can be inhaled by a user.

[0105] Terms indicating orientation or positional relationship, such as "one end," "other end," "outside," "up," "upper," "inner," "lower," "lower," "horizontal," "coaxial," "center," "end," "portion," "length," and "outer end," are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings.

[0106] Terms such as "top", "upper", "lower", "below" and the like used in the present invention to indicate relative positions in space are used for ease of description to describe units, devices, parts, components and / or features shown in the drawings in comparison to the relationship of other units, devices, parts, components and / or features.

[0107] Terms of relative positions in space may be intended to include different orientations of units, devices, parts, components, and / or features other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the units, devices, parts, components, and / or features in the figures were turned over, a unit, device, part, component, and / or feature described as being "below" or "below" another unit, device, part, component, and / or feature would then be "above" the other unit, device, part, component, and / or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below.

[0108] The embodiment shown in the figures The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention may also be used in other embodiments not explicitly disclosed below. As detailed below, the embodiments are mutually compatible, and individual features of one embodiment may also be applied to another embodiment.

[0109] Throughout the drawings and description, the same reference numbers refer to the same elements unless otherwise specified. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the relative sizes, proportions, and depictions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for purposes of clarity, illustration, and convenience. The drawings do not limit the scope of the claims, but are merely intended to aid in understanding the invention.

[0110] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a heating unit 10 for an aerosol product article 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The heating unit 10 includes a furnace 20 including an oven component 21. The furnace 20 is configured to operate at least in a heating mode to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol product article 1 upon receipt within the furnace 20. The furnace 20 is further configured to operate at least in a non-heating mode, which may be a mode in which the aerosol-generating device including the heating unit 10 is not in use, for example, when the aerosol-generating device is stored somewhere.

[0111] It can be seen that oven component 21 is integrally formed with a cylinder included in furnace 20 for receiving aerosol product article 1. In this example, oven component 21 is an integral part of furnace 20. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case according to the present disclosure. Oven component 21 is indicated in this figure by a curly bracket. This means that the length along the longitudinal axis L of furnace 20 encompassed by the curly bracket represents oven component 21.

[0112] The heating unit further includes an oven holder 30 configured to be heated when the furnace 20 is operated in a heating mode. The oven holder 30 is further configured to form a fixed connection with the oven component 21 when the furnace 20 is operated in the heating mode, and to release the fixed connection with the oven component 21 when the furnace 20 is operated in a non-heating mode.

[0113] The oven holder 30 may be configured to be at least partially clamped within the oven component 21 when the furnace 20 is operated in a heating mode. Additionally, the oven holder 30 may be configured not to be clamped within the oven component 21 when the furnace 20 is operated in a non-heating mode.

[0114] The oven component 21 comprises a first material (not separately shown, and reference number 21 may represent the first material), and the oven holder 30 comprises a second material (not separately shown, and reference number 30 may represent the second material). The thermal expansion of the second material, i.e., the oven holder 30, is greater than the thermal expansion of the first material, i.e., the oven component 21. It is understood that the furnace 20 may comprise or be made of the same first material as the oven component 21, particularly if the oven component 21 is integrally formed with the furnace 20, for reasons of simplified manufacturing. Additionally, the furnace 20 may be substantially hollow and / or substantially symmetrical, which further simplifies manufacturing.

[0115] In this particular example, the first material (oven component 21) is stainless steel, which has a thermal expansion coefficient of approximately 9.4 μm / (mK). The second material (oven holder 30) is an aluminum alloy, which has a thermal expansion coefficient of approximately 23 μm / (mK). However, any combination of thermal expansion coefficients of the first and second materials is possible, as long as the thermal expansion of the second material is greater than that of the first material.

[0116] The operating mode of the furnace 20 in this figure is a non-heating mode, or at least not a heating mode. This is indicated by the gap (see reference number 35 in the remaining figures) between the oven component 21 and the oven holder 30. Therefore, in this operating mode, the furnace 20 can be easily removed for cleaning and / or maintenance. The gap exists between surfaces that form a fixed connection when the furnace 20 is operated in a heating mode.

[0117] Because the furnace 20 is operated in a non-heating mode, the first material and / or the second material have a temperature of at most 60°C, preferably at most 55°C, more preferably at most 50°C, even more preferably at most 45°C, and most preferably at most 40°C. The ambient temperature is 25°C. The furnace 20 and the oven component 21 are in thermal contact with each other. Therefore, the temperature of the furnace 20 can be similar to that of the oven component 21. Their temperatures may even be the same. Therefore, a user will not be injured when removing the furnace 20 and touching it with their hands.

[0118] The oven holder 30 extends into the oven component 21 by preferably a minimum of 5% and a maximum of 35% of the length of the furnace 20. The length of the furnace 20 is measured along the longitudinal axis L of the furnace 20 as shown in this figure. The furnace may be about 20 mm long (which includes the length of the oven component 21). The preferred extension of the oven holder 30 into the oven component 21 is about 5 mm, which corresponds to 25% of the length of the furnace 20.

[0119] The figure also shows that oven component 21 is disposed at the rear end of furnace 20, opposite the front end of furnace 20 where aerosol product article 1 is received. Furthermore, oven holder 30 extends into the end of oven component 21 opposite the front end of furnace 20. The front end of furnace 20 is in the upper region of this figure, and its opposite end is in the lower region of this figure. Similarly, the front end of furnace 20 is in the upper region of this figure, and the rear end of furnace 20 is in the lower region of this figure.

[0120] The furnace 20, oven components 21, and / or oven holder 30 are not secured to one another by adhesive.

[0121] The oven holder 30 is preferably secured within the aerosol generating device to a portion of the aerosol generating device, such as a frame or housing, as shown in the figure by screws 80. It may be advantageous for the oven holder 30 to extend from the oven component 21 at the end of the furnace 20 opposite the end at which the aerosol product article 1 is received (i.e., in this figure, the oven holder 30 extends from the bottom end of the furnace 20). This may make it easier for the oven holder 30 to be secured to a portion of the aerosol generating device.

[0122] The aerosol generating device including the heating unit 10 may include a magnet (not shown in this figure) positioned adjacent to the rear end of the furnace 20 (the rear end of the furnace 20 is located in the lower region of this figure).

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the furnace 20, oven components 21, and / or oven holder 30 may have a circular cross section that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the furnace 20. Such longitudinal axis (shown in this drawing as dashed line L) is oriented generally parallel to the direction of insertion of the aerosol product article 1 into the furnace 20.

[0124] 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the heating unit 10 for the aerosol product article 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 in the non-heating mode of the furnace 20. In this figure, some features shown in FIG. 1 have been omitted for clarity and without limiting the scope of protection.

[0125] Since the embodiments are shown in a non-heated mode, the first material and / or the second material have a temperature of at most 60°C, or at most 40°C, as described herein.

[0126] A gap 35 is formed between one or more surfaces 22 of oven component 21 and one or more surfaces 31 of oven holder 30 that form a fixed connection when furnace 20 is operated in a heating mode. Gap 35 in this illustration is about 0.001 mm to about 0.1 mm as described herein.

[0127] The temperature of the first material and / or the second material may be sufficiently low so that there is substantially no thermal expansion compared to ambient temperature.

[0128] FIG. 2a shows a cross-sectional side view of the heating unit 10 for the aerosol product article 1 according to the FIG. 1 embodiment of the present invention in an operating mode of the furnace 20 between a non-heating mode and a heating mode.

[0129] A slight thermal expansion can be seen in this view compared to the device shown in FIG. 2. The expansion can be particularly directed radially (e.g., left and right in the view). Both the oven component 21 and the oven holder 31 have undergone slight thermal expansion. It can also be seen that the furnace 20 has undergone slight thermal expansion. Nevertheless, gaps remain between one or more surfaces 22 of the oven component 21 and one or more surfaces 31 of the oven holder 30, which form a fixed connection when the furnace 20 is operated in heating mode.

[0130] FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional side view of the heating unit 10 for the aerosol product article 1 according to the FIG. 1 embodiment of the present invention in the heating mode of the furnace 20. FIG.

[0131] The furnace 20 is operated in a heating mode so that the first material and / or the second material have a temperature of at least 40°C or at least 60°C.

[0132] 2a, further thermal expansion can be seen in this view. The thermal expansion of the oven holder 30 and the oven component 21 is such that there is substantially no gap anymore. The oven holder 30 can therefore be at least partially clamped within the oven component 21, thereby forming a fixed connection between the oven holder 30 and the oven component 21. It should also be noted that pressure is applied between the oven holder 30 and the oven component 21. This pressure is so great that the furnace 20 cannot be easily removed, i.e., without excessive force and / or without damaging the furnace 20 and / or the oven holder 30.

[0133] This secure connection is established solely by the underlying physical properties of the materials, and therefore does not require sophisticated, expensive and / or failure-prone fastening equipment.

[0134] Similar to FIG. 2a, the furnace 20 also undergoes further thermal expansion.

[0135] The thermal expansion of the first material (oven component 21) and the second material (oven holder 30) is within the respective elastic deformation ranges of the respective materials, in particular no plastic deformation occurs.

[0136] Because the oven holder 30 can be at least partially clamped within the furnace 20 (when the furnace 20 is in a heating mode), the furnace 20 is substantially sealed. For example, aerosols cannot exit the heating unit 10 in an undesirable manner. Thus, this embodiment provides improved sealing, while the bottom of the furnace 20 can be manufactured in a simpler manner compared to conventional implementations.

[0137] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of the thermal expansion of oven component 21 and oven holder 30 in the non-heating mode of furnace 20 (left) and in the heating mode of furnace 20 (right) according to the FIG. 1 embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] The oven component 21 and oven holder 30 are preferably cylindrical in shape, so the following examples refer to diameters.

[0139] The diameter of the oven component 21 in the non-heating mode of the furnace 20 may be referred to as do_21. This may also be referred to as the initial diameter of the oven component 21. The first material, i.e., the material of the oven component 21, is hereinafter referred to as α 21 It has a coefficient of thermal expansion expressed as , which is about 9.4 μm / (mK).

[0140] The diameter of the oven holder 30 in the non-heating mode of the furnace 20 may be referred to as do_30. This may also be referred to as the initial diameter of the oven holder 30. The second material, i.e., the material of the oven holder 30, is hereinafter referred to as α 30 It has a coefficient of thermal expansion expressed as ≈23 μm / (mK).

[0141] Assuming that the oven component 21 and the oven holder 30 undergo a temperature change of approximately 50°C (e.g., a temperature difference from non-heating mode to heating mode), the corresponding diameter d1_21 of the oven component 21 in the heating mode of the furnace 20 and the corresponding diameter d1_30 of the oven holder 30 in the heating mode of the furnace 20 are as follows:

number

[0142] Evaluating equations (2) and (3) above for the requirement that d1_21 equals d1_30, which is desired to achieve a secure connection for a threshold temperature of 50° C., yields the following table, which shows different initial diameters d0_21 of oven component 21 along with expanded diameters d1_21 at a threshold temperature of 50° C. and (as another example) a temperature of 70° C. Additionally, the corresponding required initial diameters d0_30 of oven holder 30 for the threshold temperature of 50° C. and (as another example) 70° C. are shown.

[0143] Table 1: Diameter of oven component 21 in non-heating mode (d0_21), diameter of oven component 21 in heating modes of 50°C and 70°C (d1_21), corresponding diameter of oven holder 30 in non-heating mode (d0_30)

[0144] [Table 1]

[0145] Preferably, the diameter of the oven component 21 in the non-heating mode (d0_21) ranges from about 5 mm to 10 mm, more preferably from about 6 mm to 9 mm, and most preferably from about 7 mm to 8.5 mm.

[0146] It can be seen that when a higher threshold temperature (e.g., 70°C) is desired, the initial diameter d0_30 of the oven holder 30 is relatively small compared to the initial diameter d0_21 of the oven component 21, as opposed to when a lower threshold temperature (e.g., 50°C) is desired.

[0147] The above table merely serves the purpose of illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. It may also be possible to select the thermal expansion coefficient depending on the desired initial diameter.

[0148] FIG. 4 shows a first cross-sectional side view of an oven component 21 including a slit 25 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] The slit 25 is located at the rear end of the furnace 20 facing away from the front end of the furnace 20, which can receive the aerosol product article 1 (not shown here). In this view, the rear end of the furnace 20 is located in the lower region of the view.

[0150] Figure 4a shows a second cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of Figure 4, rotated 180° compared to the first cross-sectional side view, the 180° rotation being indicated by the respective arrows on the left side in this view.

[0151] Oven component 21 can be seen to include a second slit 25', which is optional and is therefore indicated by a dotted line.

[0152] When the oven component 21 includes two slits 25, 25', they are provided on the diametric side of the oven component 21. These two slits 25, 25' can be made with a thin wire having a diameter of 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm, for example, 0.1 mm. It may also be possible to make one slit 25 (on only one side) using a water jet. A water jet may also be understood as a water jet cutter, which may be an industrial tool capable of cutting materials using a high-pressure jet of water or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance. It should be noted that even one slit 25 already sufficiently improves the elasticity of the oven component 21.

[0153] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a stress-strain curve. The relationship between stress (y-axis) and strain (x-axis) for an exemplary material is thus shown. The shape of the curve depends on the properties of the material. An elastic deformation range 40 is shown in this diagram. It is understood that the thermal expansions described herein lie within said elastic deformation range 40. This elastic (and linear) relationship for a material may also be known as Young's modulus.

[0154] 6 shows an aerosol-generating device 100 and an aerosol-generating system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 200 includes the aerosol-generating device 100 and an aerosol-product article 1 that includes an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0155] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a heating unit 10 according to any one of the previously described embodiments. Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a power source 101 configured to provide an electric current to the heating unit 10, preferably to the furnace 20, in order to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user. The power source 101 may be any suitable power source 101, for example a DC voltage source.

[0156] In all of the above-described embodiments, the heating unit 10 is a portable or handheld heating unit 10. The same applies to the aerosol generating device 100, the aerosol generating system 200, and the aerosol product article 1.

[0157] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. It is therefore intended to cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that may fall within the true scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1. Aerosol products 10 Heating unit 20 Furnace 21 Oven Components 22 Oven component surfaces 25, 25' slit 30 Oven holder 31 Oven holder surface 35 Gap 40 Elastic deformation range 80 screws 100 Aerosol generating device 101 Power supply 200 Aerosol Generation System L longitudinal axis of the furnace

Claims

1. A heating unit (10) for an aerosol product (1), said heating unit (10) comprising: a furnace (20) including an oven component (21), the furnace (20) configured to be operated in at least a heating mode for heating an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol product article (1) when received within the furnace (20) and a non-heating mode; an oven holder (30) configured to be heated when the heating furnace (20) is operated in the heating mode; The heating unit (10) is further configured such that the oven holder (30) forms a fixed connection with the oven component (21) when the heating furnace (20) is operated in the heating mode, and releases the fixed connection with the oven component (21) when the heating furnace (20) is operated in the non-heating mode.

2. 2. The heating unit (10) of claim 1, wherein the oven holder (30) is configured to be at least partially clamped within the oven component (21) to form the fixed connection, and is further configured not to be clamped within the oven component (21) to release the fixed connection.

3. 3. The heating unit (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the oven component (21) comprises a first material and the oven holder (30) comprises a second material, the second material having a thermal expansion greater than the thermal expansion of the first material.

4. 4. The heating unit (10) of claim 3, wherein the thermal expansion of the first material is within an elastic deformation range of the first material and / or the thermal expansion of the second material is within an elastic deformation range of the second material.

5. the first material has a coefficient of thermal expansion of at most 15.0 μm / (mK), preferably at most 13.0 μm / (mK), more preferably at most 11.0 μm / (mK), most preferably at most 9.5 μm / (mK) and / or at least 6.0 μm / (mK), preferably at least 7.0 μm / (mK), more preferably at least 8.0 μm / (mK), most preferably at least 9.0 μm / (mK); and / or the second material has a coefficient of thermal expansion of at least 15.0 μm / (mK), preferably at least 17.0 μm / (mK), more preferably at least 20.0 μm / (mK), most preferably at least 23.0 μm / (mK) and / or at most 30.0 μm / (mK), preferably at most 27.0 μm / (mK), more preferably at most 25.0 μm / (mK), most preferably at most 23.0 μm / (mK).

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

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

8. The heating unit (10) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the heating furnace (20) is operated in the non-heating mode, a gap (35) is formed between one or more surfaces (22) of the oven component (21) and one or more surfaces (31) of the oven holder (30) that form the fixed connection when the heating furnace (20) is operated in the heating mode.

9. 9. The heating unit (10) of claim 8, wherein the gap (35) is, on average, at least 0.001 mm, preferably at least 0.002 mm, more preferably at least 0.004 mm, even more preferably at least 0.006 mm, and most preferably at least 0.01 mm, and / or at most 0.5 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm, more preferably at most 0.1 mm, even more preferably at most 0.05 mm, and most preferably at most 0.01 mm.

10. 10. The heating unit (10) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the oven holder (30) extends into the oven component (21) by a minimum of 5%, preferably a minimum of 10%, more preferably a minimum of 15%, most preferably a minimum of 20% and / or a maximum of 35%, preferably a maximum of 30%, more preferably a maximum of 25%, most preferably a maximum of 20% of the length of the heating furnace (20).

11. The oven component (21) is located at the rear end of the furnace (20), opposite the front end of the furnace (20) where the aerosol product article (1) can be received; The heating unit (10) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the oven holder (30) optionally extends into an end of the oven component (21) opposite the front end of the heating furnace (20).

12. The heating unit (10) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the oven component (21) comprises a slit (25) at a rear end of the furnace (20) facing away from a front end of the furnace (20) through which an aerosol product article (1) can be received.

13. The heating unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the oven component (21) is integrally formed with a cylinder included in the heating furnace (20) for receiving the aerosol product item (1).

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

15. An aerosol generating device (100), comprising: A heating unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and a power source (101) configured to provide an electric current to the heating unit (10) to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by a user.

Images