Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device is provided that prevents the rotation of heater components. [Solution] In one device, the heater component comprises a first portion 202 having a first outer cross-section and a second portion 204 having a second outer cross-section. The device further comprises a support having a receiving portion that engages with the second portion of the heater component to hold the heater component. The receiving portion prevents rotation of the heater component relative to the support by having an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the heater component. Various configurations of the support are described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, a method for manufacturing a heater component for an aerosol supply device, a heater component, a support for a heater component, and an end member.

Background Art

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

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first part having a first outer cross-section, a second part having a second outer cross-section, and a heater component comprising: a receiving part engaged with the second part of the heater component so as to hold the heater component, a support comprising: An aerosol supply device comprising: The receiving part has an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the heater component, thereby preventing rotation of the heater component with respect to the support. An aerosol supply device is provided.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a heater component for an aerosol supply device, a first part having a first outer cross-section that is circular in shape, a second part having a second outer cross-section that is non-circular in shape, and A heater component comprising the above is provided.

[0005] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a support for a heater component of an aerosol supply device, wherein the support forms a receiving portion for receiving the heater component, and the receiving portion has an inner cross-section that is non-circular in shape.

[0006] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides an aerosol supply device comprising a heater component according to a second aspect and a support according to a third aspect engaged with the heater component.

[0007] A fifth aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a heater component for an aerosol supply device, The steps include: preparing a cylindrical heater component having a circular outer cross-section, A step of deforming a heater component so that the outer cross-section of a part of the heater component becomes non-circular. A method is provided that includes this.

[0008] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides a heater component for an aerosol supply device, wherein a portion of the heater component is keyed to prevent rotation of the heater component within a receiving portion of the aerosol supply device.

[0009] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure provides a support for a heater component of an aerosol supply device, the support comprising a receiving portion for receiving the heater component, the receiving portion being keyed to prevent rotation of the heater component within the receiving portion.

[0010] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, Heater components and A support configured to engage with the heater component and hold the heater component, An end member, wherein the end member forms a receiving portion, and the support is at least partially received within the receiving portion, and an aerosol supply device comprising, An aerosol supply device is provided, wherein the support is equipped with a first locking feature that prevents the support from rotating relative to the end member by engaging with a second locking feature of the end member.

[0011] According to a ninth aspect of this disclosure, a support for a heater component of an aerosol supply device, The support is configured to engage with the heater component and hold the heater component, The support is configured to be received within the receiving portion of the end member of the device, A support is provided, wherein the support comprises a first locking feature portion configured to engage with a second locking feature portion of the end member.

[0012] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, an end member for an aerosol supply device, The end member forms a receiving portion configured to receive a support for the heater component of the device, An end member is provided, the end member having a locking feature portion configured to engage with a corresponding locking feature portion of the support.

[0013] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a support is provided for a heater component of an aerosol supply device, wherein a portion of the support is keyed to prevent rotation of the support within an end member of the device.

[0014] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, an end member for an aerosol supply device is provided, the end member comprising a receiving portion for receiving a support for a heater component of the device, and the end member being keyed to prevent rotation of the support within the receiving portion.

[0015] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention given by way of example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a front view of an example of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 2] It is a front view of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 with the outer cover removed. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is an exploded view of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a heating assembly within an aerosol supply device, and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of the heating assembly of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of an exemplary susceptor for use within an aerosol supply device. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of a susceptor engaged with a support. [Figure 8A] It is a perspective view of an exemplary support. [Figure 8B] It is a top view of the support of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A] It is a graphical representation of a cross-section of a portion of an exemplary susceptor. [Figure 9B] It is a graphical representation of a cross-section of another portion of the exemplary susceptor of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] It is a graphical representation of a cross-section of a receiving portion of an exemplary support. [Figure 10A] It is a graphical representation of a cross-section of a portion of another exemplary susceptor. [Figure 10B] It is a graphical representation of a cross-section of a receiving portion of another exemplary support. [Figure 11] It is a graphical representation of another exemplary susceptor. [Figure 12]Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the susceptor. [Figure 13] This is a top view of another exemplary support. [Figure 14] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the end member engaged with the support (Figures 14A and 14B). [Figure 15] Figure 8A is a bottom view of the support structure. [Figure 16] Figure 14A is a top view of the end member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” includes materials that, when heated, typically provide volatile components in the form of an aerosol. The aerosol-generating material may include any tobacco-containing material, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, re-tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may further include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, or the like. The aerosol-generating material may further be, for example, a combination or mixture of several materials. The aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smoking material.”

[0018] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol without burning or igniting the aerosol-generating material. Such devices may be described as “aerosol-generating devices,” “aerosol-supplying devices,” “non-combustion heating devices,” “tobacco heating product devices,” or “tobacco heating devices,” or similar. Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices that typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette or similar that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part thereof. A heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a “fixed” component of the device.

[0019] An aerosol supply device can accept articles containing aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” means a component that contains or is contained in use the aerosol-generating material, and optionally contains or is contained in use other components, which are heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material. A user may insert an article into the aerosol supply device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol that the user will subsequently inhale. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device that is sized to accept the article.

[0020] A first aspect of this disclosure defines an aerosol supply device having a heater component. The heater component can receive an aerosol-generating material. For example, the heater component may be substantially tubular (i.e., hollow) and can receive an aerosol-generating material inside. In one example, the aerosol-generating material may be essentially tubular or cylindrical and may be known as a "cigarette stick," for example, the aerosolizable material may include a cigarette formed into a specific shape and then covered or wrapped with one or more other materials such as paper or foil.

[0021] A heater component can be heated by allowing a fluctuating magnetic field, generated by at least one inductor coil, to permeate the heater component. The heated heater component then heats the aerosol-generating material placed within it. Therefore, the heater component may be, for example, a susceptor.

[0022] To ensure that the aerosol-generating material is heated most efficiently, the inner surface of the heater component should be positioned in close proximity to or in contact with the outer surface of the article. However, it has been observed that after heating, the aerosol may condense, causing the article to adhere to the inside of the heater component. The user may be able to break the adhesion and remove the article from the heater component by rotating the article, but this may cause the heater component to rotate within the device. In some devices, a temperature sensor is attached to the heater component, and if the heater component rotates, the temperature sensor may become loose or its connection may be damaged.

[0023] To restrict the rotation of the heater component, at least a portion of the heater component may be "keyed," i.e., at least a portion of the heater component has an engaging feature and / or cross-sectional shape that interlocks with a support structure that holds the heater component in place. The support has a corresponding engaging feature and / or cross-sectional shape. This interlock prevents, or makes more difficult, the heater component from rotating relative to the support.

[0024] In certain embodiments of this disclosure, the heater component comprises a first portion having a first outer cross-section and a second portion having a second outer cross-section. The support comprises a receiving portion that holds the heater component so as to engage with the second portion of the heater component. To prevent rotation, the receiving portion has an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the heater component. Thus, the second outer cross-section has a shape corresponding to the inner cross-section of the receiving portion. Thus, the second outer cross-section is keyed to the inner cross-section.

[0025] The second outer cross-section may be different from the first outer cross-section.

[0026] In certain examples, the shape of the first outer cross-section is circular, and the shape of the second outer cross-section is non-circular. The first part of the heater component has a first outer cross-section that is circular in shape to correspond to the cylindrical shape of the article inserted into the heater component. The non-circular shape, by corresponding to the inner cross-section of the receiving part, makes it more difficult to rotate the heater component.

[0027] In a particular example, the second portion is located at one end of the heater component. This end may be, for example, the distal end of the heater component. The first portion of the heater component may extend from the other end of the heater component (such as the proximal end) to the second portion. The first portion may be adjacent to the second portion.

[0028] The heater components may be supported within a support during device assembly, for example. The heater components may have a defined longitudinal axis, and the first and second outer cross-sections may be cut by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Rotation of the heater components in the azimuth or circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis may be prevented. The support may have an axis defined such that the support is configured to hold the heater components parallel to the axis.

[0029] To further restrict relative movement by providing a tight fit between the receiving portion and the heater component, the inner cross-section of the receiving portion may be substantially the same size as the second outer cross-section of the heater component.

[0030] The first outer cross-section and the second outer cross-section may be coaxial. For example, the geometric centers of the first and second outer cross-sections may be aligned along an axis such as the longitudinal axis of the heater component.

[0031] The first part may have a first inner cross-section that is circular in shape. In some examples, the second part also has a second inner cross-section that is circular in shape, while the second outer cross-section is non-circular. This may be desirable to ensure that the non-circular portion within the heater component does not interfere with the article.

[0032] The second outer cross-section may be at least partially defined by one or more engagement features formed on the outer surface of the second portion. Similarly, the inner cross-section may be at least partially defined by one or more corresponding engagement features formed on the inner surface of the receiving portion.

[0033] The engagement feature may be at least one of, for example, a ridge, a protrusion, a depression, a notch, a recess, and a groove. In a particular example, the engagement feature of the heater component is a depression formed on the outer surface of the second part, and the corresponding engagement feature of the support is a protrusion. The protrusion is configured to be received within the depression, thereby restricting the rotation of the heater component. In another example, the engagement feature of the heater component is a depression / groove formed on the outer surface of the second part, and the corresponding engagement feature of the support is a protrusion / ridge. In some examples, the heater component and the support each have a mixture of depressions and protrusions. Thus, the engagement feature gives shape to the second outer and inner cross-sections.

[0034] The heater component may have a plurality of engagement features formed on the outer surface of the second part, with the engagement features arranged at equal intervals around the outer surface. Similarly, the support may have a plurality of corresponding engagement features formed on the inner surface of the receiving part, with the corresponding engagement features arranged at equal intervals around the inner surface. Such arrangement results in a more evenly locked feature that is less prone to rotation by distributing the shear stress around the periphery rather than concentrating it at a single point. Thus, the second outer section defines the outer circumference, with the plurality of engagement features arranged at equal intervals around the circumference. Similarly, the inner section defines the inner circumference, with the plurality of engagement features arranged at equal intervals around the circumference.

[0035] In one example, the heater component comprises three or four engaging features, such as three or four recesses, and the recesses comprises three or four engaging features, such as three or four protrusions. The recesses are sized to receive the corresponding protrusions.

[0036] The heater component may have a defined longitudinal axis, and one or more engaging features may have dimensions of less than approximately 1 mm measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Similarly, the receiving portion may have a defined axis, and one or more corresponding engaging features may have dimensions of less than approximately 1 mm measured perpendicular to the axis. The perpendicular direction is measured radially toward the center of the heater component / recess.

[0037] This dimension may be the depth or height of the engagement feature. For example, the recess may have a depth of less than about 1 mm, and the protrusion may have a height of less than about 1 mm.

[0038] These dimensions have been found to provide a good balance between limiting rotation without deforming the heater components and the degree to which their structural integrity is affected.

[0039] In certain cases, the dimensions are less than approximately 0.75 mm, less than approximately 0.5 mm, or less than approximately 0.35 mm.

[0040] In another example, the dimensions are less than approximately 0.32 mm. This provides a good balance between structural integrity and, on the other hand, limiting the rotation of the heater components.

[0041] One or more engaging features of the heater component may have dimensions less than approximately 15% of the diameter of the first part of the heater component. More preferably, one or more engaging features of the heater component may have dimensions less than approximately 10% of the diameter of the first part, or less than approximately 6% of the diameter of the first part. For example, the first part may have a diameter between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm, or between approximately 5 mm and 6 mm, such as approximately 5.55 mm. The diameter is the outer diameter of the heater component.

[0042] One or more engagement features of the recess may have dimensions less than approximately 15% of the diameter of the recess. It is more preferable that one or more engagement features of the heater component have dimensions less than approximately 10% of the diameter of the recess, or less than approximately 6% of the diameter of the recess. For example, the recess may have a diameter between approximately 4 mm and approximately 8 mm, or between approximately 5 mm and 6 mm, such as approximately 5.55 mm.

[0043] The second portion (and therefore the engagement feature) may extend over less than approximately 15% of the length of the heater component. Thus, the engagement feature may have a certain length measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heater component. The length of the heater component is measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis. In certain examples, the engagement feature weakens the structural rigidity of the heater component. For example, if the engagement feature is a recess, the heater component may be more prone to bending or breaking. Limiting the extension of the second portion to less than 15% of the length of the heater component has been shown to provide a good balance between reducing the possibility of rotation of the heater component and, at the same time, providing a reasonably robust heater component.

[0044] In certain examples, the second portion extends over less than approximately 10% of the length of the heater component, or less than approximately 7% of that length. These lengths provide a balance between offering a key-locking feature to prevent rotation and ensuring the robustness of the heater component.

[0045] In a particular example, the heater component has a length dimension of approximately 40 mm to 50 mm (measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heater component). In another example, the heater component has a length dimension of approximately 40 mm to 45 mm. More specifically, the heater component may have a length dimension of approximately 44 mm to 45 mm.

[0046] In one example, the second portion extends along the heater component by less than approximately 5 mm. Thus, the engaging feature may have a length of less than approximately 5 mm (measured along the longitudinal axis of the heater component). In a preferred example, the second portion extends along the heater component by less than approximately 3.5 mm.

[0047] In one example, the receiving portion defines an axis, and one or more engaging features have a length of less than approximately 5 mm, measured in a direction parallel to the axis. It is more preferable that one or more engaging features have a length of less than approximately 4 mm, or less than approximately 3.5 mm.

[0048] In a second embodiment, a heater component for an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a first portion having a first outer cross-section having a circular shape and a second portion having a second outer cross-section having a non-circular shape.

[0049] The second outer cross-section may have the same shape as the inner cross-section of the receiving portion of the aerosol supply device, thereby preventing rotation of the heater components within the receiving portion.

[0050] In a third embodiment, a support is provided for a heater component of an aerosol supply device, wherein the support forms a receiving portion for receiving the heater component, and the receiving portion has an inner cross-section that is non-circular in shape.

[0051] The inner cross-section may have the same shape as the outer cross-section of the heater component, thereby preventing rotation of the heater component within the support. The support can receive the end of the heater component.

[0052] In a fifth embodiment, a method is provided for manufacturing a heater component for an aerosol supply device, comprising the steps of (i) preparing a cylindrical heater component having a circular outer cross-section, and (ii) deforming the heater component such that the outer cross-section of a portion of the heater component is non-circular. The other portion of the heater component has a circular outer cross-section.

[0053] In one example, the portion of the heater component is the end of the heater component.

[0054] In certain cases, a recess may be formed in the heater component. A non-circular cross-section may be formed, for example, by a jig. Alternatively, a non-circular cross-section may be formed by notching the outer surface of the heater component. In another example, a non-circular cross-section may be formed by inserting the heater component into a receiving part with a force that deforms the heater component. For example, the receiving part may be a receiving part of a heater component support, and the receiving part comprises a plurality of protrusions. As the heater component is pushed into the receiving part, a recess may be formed by the protrusions.

[0055] The heater components may have a single-unit structure. A single-unit structure may mean that the heater components are easier to manufacture and less likely to break.

[0056] In the first example, the heater component is formed by first (in step (i)) rolling a sheet of material (such as metal) into a tubular shape and sealing / welding the heater component along the seam. In some examples, the ends of the sheet overlap when sealed. In other examples, the ends of the sheet do not overlap when sealed.

[0057] In the second example, the heater components are first formed by deep drawing. This technique can provide seamless heater components. However, the first example described above allows for the manufacture of heater components in a shorter time.

[0058] Other methods for forming seamless heater components include reducing the wall thickness of a relatively thick hollow tube to form a relatively thin hollow tube. The wall thickness can be reduced by deforming a relatively thick hollow tube. In one example, the wall can be deformed using a swaging technique. In another example, the wall can be deformed by hydroforming, which increases the inner circumference of the hollow tube. Pressure can be applied to the inner surface of the tube by a high-pressure fluid. In yet another example, the wall can be deformed by ironing. For example, the wall of the heater component tube can be pressed together between two surfaces.

[0059] In a sixth embodiment, the heater component is keyed to prevent rotation of the heater component within the receiving portion of the aerosol supply device. In some examples, the heater component is generally cylindrical. For example, the heater component may be cylindrical along a portion of its length and may include a non-cylindrical portion. The non-cylindrical portion may form an engaging feature that acts as a "key" to prevent rotation of the heater component. In certain examples, keying may mean that a component / part of an object is shaped to engage / lock with a component / part of another object having a corresponding shape.

[0060] In addition to or instead of the keying and engaging features of the heater component / support described above, the support may have further keying features to enable the support to lock / engage with the end member of the aerosol supply device. It has been found beneficial to limit or prevent relative rotation between the support and the end member of the device. For example, even when the heater component and support are keyed, a user may still be able to rotate the heater component with a force that causes the heater component and support to rotate together, i.e., the support to rotate relative to the end member. To avoid this, the support may have one or more locking features that engage with one or more corresponding locking features of the end member. These locking features prevent or limit the rotation of the support relative to the end member.

[0061] An end member is an element located at or on one end of an aerosol supply device. The end member forms a receiving portion configured to receive a support. The end member may include at least one mounting element that allows it to be connected to other components of the device, such as a battery support. The end member may include an end face that forms part of the outer surface of the aerosol supply device. For example, the end face may form the bottom surface of the device.

[0062] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure provides an aerosol supply device comprising a heater component, a support configured to engage with and hold the heater component, and an end member, wherein the end member forms a receiving portion, and the support is at least partially received within the receiving portion. The support includes a first locking feature which engages with a second locking feature of the end member to prevent rotation of the support relative to the end member. In one example, the receiving portion includes a second locking feature.

[0063] In some examples, the support comprises a plurality of first locking features that engage with a plurality of second locking features of a receiving portion. The locking features may be known as keying features or engaging features.

[0064] The end member may comprise a base and an inner wall extending from the base. The inner wall may extend entirely or partially around the base. Thus, the inner wall and the base may form a receiving portion on which the support is received. The inner wall may define an axis substantially perpendicular to the base.

[0065] In certain examples, the first locking feature may comprise a recess formed on the outer surface of the support, and the second locking feature may comprise a protrusion. Thus, the protrusion can be received within the recess. The protrusion may extend, for example, into the receiving portion. This arrangement provides an effective and robust locking mechanism for reducing / preventing rotation of the support. This particular locking mechanism further ensures that the device can be easily assembled. For example, the support can be inserted into the receiving portion so that the protrusion is received within the recess. The recess may be known as a notch, groove, recess, hole, or hole.

[0066] The heater component may have a defined longitudinal axis, and (when the heater component is engaged with the support and the support is engaged with the end member) the protrusion may extend from the inner wall of the end member into the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The "direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis" is the direction parallel to the base of the end member. The longitudinal axis may also be the longitudinal axis of the support.

[0067] The protrusion may or may not be adjacent to the base of the end member, in addition to the inner wall. Therefore, the protrusion may be a "projection" or "bump" extending only from the inner wall of the receiving portion.

[0068] The recess may extend into the support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heater component / support (i.e., radially inward).

[0069] The heater components may have a defined longitudinal axis, and the protrusions may extend from the base of the end member into the receiving portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may also be the longitudinal axis of the support.

[0070] The protrusion may or may not be adjacent to the inner wall of the end member, in addition to the base. Therefore, the protrusion may be a "projection" or "bump" extending only from the base of the receiving portion.

[0071] In certain examples, the protrusion extends into the support from both the inner wall and the base. Thus, the protrusion may be connected to and supported by the base and the inner wall. In such a configuration, the protrusion may be more robust and less likely to break or bend when the user rotates the support.

[0072] In the alternative example, the first locking feature may include a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the support, and the second locking feature may include a recess, with the protrusion being received within the recess.

[0073] The heater components may have a defined longitudinal axis, and the protrusions may extend from the support in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. For example, the protrusions may extend from the bottom surface of the support. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusions may extend from the outer surface of the support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, the protrusions may extend from the side surface of the support (i.e., radially outward from the support).

[0074] In one example, the locking feature of the support may be a mixture of recesses and protrusions, and the locking feature of the end member may be a mixture of corresponding protrusions and recesses.

[0075] The heater components may have a defined longitudinal axis, and the first locking feature may have dimensions of less than approximately 5 mm measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second locking feature may have dimensions of less than approximately 5 mm measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, the convex / recessed portion may have a height / depth of less than approximately 5 mm. Locking features with these dimensions have been shown to provide a good balance between restricting rotation and reducing the material required to form the locking feature.

[0076] In certain examples, the dimension in question is between approximately 2 mm and 4 mm, for example, approximately 2 mm. Locking features of these dimensions have been found to offer an optimal balance between preventing rotation and reducing the amount of material required to form the locking feature. Furthermore, locking features of these dimensions do not require an increase in the device size to implement the locking feature. This size is sufficiently robust to prevent rotation.

[0077] The heater components may have a defined longitudinal axis, the first locking feature may have a width dimension of less than approximately 3 mm measured around the outer circumference of the support, and the second locking feature may have a width dimension of less than approximately 3 mm measured around the inner circumference of the receiving portion. For example, the recess may have a width / gap of less than approximately 3 mm, and the convex portion may have a width of less than approximately 3 mm. Locking features having these dimensions have been shown to provide a good balance between restricting rotation and reducing the material required to form the locking features.

[0078] In certain cases, the width dimension is between approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. This size is robust enough to prevent rotation while reducing the material and space required to form the locking feature.

[0079] In a ninth embodiment, a support is provided for a heater component of an aerosol supply device. The support engages with the heater component to hold it and is configured to be received within a receiving portion of an end member of the device. The support includes a first locking feature configured to engage with a second locking feature of the end member.

[0080] The support may have any or all of the features described above.

[0081] The first locking feature may include either (i) a recess formed on the outer surface of the support or (ii) a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the support.

[0082] The support may define an axis, such as a longitudinal axis, and the first locking feature may have dimensions of less than approximately 5 mm measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0083] In a tenth embodiment, an end member for an aerosol supply device is provided. The end member forms a receiving portion configured to receive a support for a heater component of the device, and the end member comprises a locking feature portion configured to engage with a corresponding locking feature portion of the support.

[0084] The locking feature of the end member may be referred to as the second locking feature, and the corresponding locking feature may be referred to as the first locking feature. In some examples, the recess may be provided with a locking feature.

[0085] The end members may have any or all of the features described above.

[0086] The locking feature may include either a recess formed in the receiving portion or a protrusion formed in the receiving portion. The protrusion may be adjacent to one or more surfaces of the receiving portion, such as the base or inner wall.

[0087] The end member may comprise a base and an inner wall extending from the base, and the locking feature may comprise a protrusion extending into the receiving portion from at least one of the inner wall and the base.

[0088] The inner wall may define an axis, and the protrusion may extend from the inner wall into the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusion may extend from the base of the receiving portion into the receiving portion in a direction perpendicular to the base (i.e., parallel to the axis defined by the inner wall). The protrusion may extend from the inner wall into the receiving portion by less than about 5 mm. Thus, the protrusion may have a height dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis defined by the inner wall. The inner wall may be known as a side wall.

[0089] In an eleventh embodiment, a support for a heater component of an aerosol supply device is provided. A portion of the support may be keyed to prevent rotation of the support within the end member of the device. Keying may be achieved, for example, by one or more locking features. Another portion of the support may also be keyed to prevent rotation of the support relative to the heater component.

[0090] In a twelfth embodiment, an end member for an aerosol supply device is provided. The end member may include a receiving portion for receiving a support for a heater component of the device. The end member may be keyed to prevent rotation of the support within the receiving portion. For example, a recess in the end member may be keyed.

[0091] In some examples, a coil is configured to cause heating of an aerosol-generating material by causing heating of at least one conductive heating component / element (also known as a heater component / element) during use, thereby enabling the conduction of thermal energy from at least one conductive heating component to the aerosol-generating material.

[0092] In some examples, one or more coils are configured to cause induction heating and / or magnetic hysteresis heating of at least one heating component by generating a fluctuating magnetic field to penetrate at least one heating component / element during use. In such a configuration, this heating component or each heating component may be referred to as a “susceptor.” A coil configured to cause induction heating of at least one conductive heating component by generating a fluctuating magnetic field to penetrate at least one conductive heating component during use may be referred to as an “induction coil” or “inductor coil.”

[0093] The device may include one or more heating components, such as one or more conductive heating components, and the one or more heating components may be appropriately positioned or configurable relative to one or more coils to enable such heating of the one or more heating components. The one or more heating components may be in a fixed position relative to one or more coils. Alternatively, both the device and such articles may each have at least one heating component, such as at least one conductive heating component, and the one or more coils may cause heating of each of the one or more heating components of the device and the article when the article is in a heating zone.

[0094] In some examples, one or more coils are helical. In some examples, one or more coils surround at least a portion of the heating zone of a device configured to receive aerosol-generating material. In some examples, one or more coils are helical coils surrounding at least a portion of the heating zone. The heating zone may be a receiving section shaped to receive the aerosol-generating material.

[0095] In some examples, the device comprises a conductive heating element that at least partially surrounds the heating zone, and the coil is a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the conductive heating element. In some examples, the conductive heating element is tubular. In some examples, the coil is an inductor coil.

[0096] The device is preferably a tobacco heating device, also known as a non-combustion heating device.

[0097] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium / material. Schematically, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 110 containing an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0098] Device 100 comprises a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) that surrounds and houses various components of device 100. Device 100 has an opening 104 at one end into which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. During use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly in a position in which it can be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

[0099] The device 100 in this example includes a first end member 106 with a lid 108 that is movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when the article 110 is not in place. In Figure 1, the lid 108 is shown in the open position, but the cap 108 may be moved to a closed position. For example, the user may slide the lid 108 in the direction of arrow "A".

[0100] Device 100 may further include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, which operates Device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on Device 100 by operating the switch 112.

[0101] Device 100 may further include electrical components such as a socket / port 114 capable of receiving a cable for charging the device 100's battery. For example, the socket 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, the socket 114 may be additionally or alternatively used to transfer data between device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

[0102] Figure 2 shows the device 100 of Figure 1 with the outer cover 102 removed and the article 110 absent. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.

[0103] As shown in Figure 2, the first end member 106 is positioned at one end of the device 100, and the second end member 116 is positioned at the opposite end of the device 100. Both the first and second end members 106 and 116 define at least partially the end face of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member 116 defines at least partially the bottom surface of the device 100. The edge of the outer cover 102 may also define a portion of the end face. In this example, the lid 108 also defines a portion of the top surface of the device 100.

[0104] The end of the device closest to the opening 104 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) of the device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104 and operates the user control unit 112 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, thereby inhaling the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a channel toward the proximal end of the device 100.

[0105] The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 may be known as the distal end of device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use. As the user inhales the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of device 100.

[0106] Device 100 further comprises a power source 118. The power source 118 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to heat the aerosol-generating material by supplying power as needed and under the control of a controller (not shown). In this example, the battery is connected to a central support 120 that holds the battery 118 in place.

[0107] The device further comprises at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB 122 may further comprise one or more electrical connections for electrically connecting various electronic components of the device 100 together. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB 122 so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100. The socket 114 may also be electrically coupled to the battery via electrical connections.

[0108] In exemplary device 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly comprising various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, such as one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the inductive element to the inductive element. The fluctuating current in the inductive element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the inductive element, generating eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, and therefore, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis loss in the susceptor, i.e., by the fluctuation of the orientation of the magnetic dipoles of the magnetic material as a result of aligning with the fluctuating magnetic field. For example, compared to heating by conduction, induction heating allows for rapid heating because heat is generated inside the susceptor. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, which improves the flexibility of structure and application.

[0109] The induction heating assembly of exemplary device 100 comprises a susceptor structure 132 (hereinafter referred to as the “susceptor”), a first inductor coil 124, and a second inductor coil 126. The first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are fabricated from a conductive material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are fabricated from Litz wire / cable that is helically wound to form a helical inductor coil 124, 126. Litz wire consists of a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in a conductor. In exemplary device 100, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are fabricated from copper Litz wire having a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, Litz wire may have a cross-section of other shapes, such as circular.

[0110] The first inductor coil 124 is configured to generate a first fluctuating magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor 132, and the second inductor coil 126 is configured to generate a second fluctuating magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 132. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 126 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 (i.e., the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 do not overlap). The susceptor configuration 132 may consist of a single susceptor or two or more separate susceptors. The ends 130 of the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 may be connected to the PCB 122.

[0111] It will be understood that the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may, in some examples, have at least one characteristic that is different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may have at least one characteristic that is different from the second inductor coil 126. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 126. In Figure 2, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 differ in length such that the first inductor coil 124 is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor 132 than the second inductor coil 126. Thus, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 126 (assuming that the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 124 may be made from a different material than the second inductor coil 126. In some examples, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 may be substantially identical.

[0112] In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. This may be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may operate first to heat a first section of article 110, and then the second inductor coil 126 may operate to heat a second section of article 110. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps to reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used in combination with certain types of control circuits. In Figure 2, the first inductor coil 124 is a right-handed helix and the second inductor coil 126 is a left-handed helix. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 124 and 126 may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil 124 may be a left-handed helix and the second inductor coil 126 may be a right-handed helix.

[0113] In this example, the susceptor 132 is hollow and therefore forms a receiving portion into which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, article 110 can be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example, the susceptor 120 is tubular with a circular cross-section.

[0114] The device 100 in Figure 2 further comprises an insulating member 128 which is generally tubular and may at least partially surround the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 may be made of any insulating material, such as plastic. In this particular example, the insulating member is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating member 128 may also help to insulate various components of the device 100 from the heat generated in the susceptor 132.

[0115] The thermal insulation member 128 may further fully or partially support the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are positioned around the thermal insulation member 128 and in contact with the radially outward surface of the thermal insulation member 128. In some examples, the thermal insulation member 128 does not abut the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126. For example, a small gap may exist between the outer surface of the thermal insulation member 128 and the inner surfaces of the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126.

[0116] In a particular example, the susceptor 132, the heat insulating member 128, and the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are coaxial around the central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132.

[0117] Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of device 100. The outer cover 102 is shown in this example. The rectangular cross-sectional shapes of the first and second inductor coils 124 and 126 are more clearly visible.

[0118] The device 100 further comprises a support 136 that engages with one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 136 is connected to the second end member 116.

[0119] The device may further include a second printed circuit board 138 associated within the control element 112.

[0120] Device 100 further comprises a second lid / cap 140 and a spring 142 located on the distal end of device 100. The spring 142 allows the second lid 140 to open in order to provide access to the susceptor 132. The user may open the second lid 140 to clean the susceptor 132 and / or support 136.

[0121] The device 100 further comprises an expansion chamber 144 extending away from the proximal end of the susceptor 132 toward the opening 104 of the device. A retaining clip 146, which contacts and holds the article 110 when it is received into the device 100, is at least partially located within the expansion chamber 144. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to the end member 106.

[0122] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the device 100 of Figure 1, with the outer cover 102 omitted.

[0123] Figure 5A shows a cross-section of a portion of the device 100 in Figure 1. Figure 5B shows a magnified view of a region of Figure 5A. Figures 5A and 5B show an article 110 received within the susceptor 132, with dimensions such that the outer surface of the article 110 contacts the inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that heating is most efficient. The article 110 in this example includes an aerosol-generating material 110a, which is positioned within the susceptor 132. The article 110 may further comprise other components such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0124] Figure 5B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 132 is separated from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124 and 126 by a distance of 150, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In a particular example, the distance 150 is approximately 3mm to 4mm, approximately 3 to 3.5mm, or approximately 3.25mm.

[0125] Figure 5B further shows that the outer surface of the thermal insulation member 128 is separated from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124 and 126 by a distance of 152, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance 152 is approximately 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance 152 is substantially 0 mm, so that the inductor coils 124 and 126 are in contact with the thermal insulation member 128.

[0126] In one example, the susceptor 132 has a wall thickness 154 of approximately 0.025 mm to 1 mm, or approximately 0.05 mm.

[0127] In one example, the susceptor 132 has a length of approximately 40mm to 60mm, approximately 40 to 45mm, or approximately 44.5mm.

[0128] In one example, the heat insulating member 128 has a thickness 156 of approximately 0.25 mm to 2 mm, 0.25 mm to 1 mm, or approximately 0.5 mm.

[0129] Figure 6 illustrates a susceptor 132 constructed from a single material and thus having a single-piece structure in this example. The susceptor may be more commonly known as a heater component. As described above, the susceptor 132 is hollow and capable of receiving aerosol-generating material for heating. In this example, the susceptor 132 has a flared end (proximal end) to facilitate the acceptance of the aerosol-generating material into the susceptor. In other examples, the susceptor 132 does not have a flared end.

[0130] The susceptor 132 comprises a first portion 202 and a second portion 204. The first portion 202 has a first length dimension, and the second portion 204 has a second length dimension. These length dimensions are measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. The susceptor 132 has an overall length between approximately 40 mm and approximately 50 mm. The second portion 204 has a length of less than approximately 5 mm. In this particular example, the susceptor 132 has an overall length of approximately 44.5 mm, and the second portion 204 has a length of approximately 3.5 mm, such that the second portion extends over approximately 7% to approximately 8% of the length of the susceptor 132.

[0131] The first portion 202 has a first outer cross-section that is circular in shape, and the second portion 204 has a second outer cross-section that is non-circular in shape. The outer cross-sections are defined by the outer surfaces of the susceptor. The first outer cross-section may be cut by a plane positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 at any point along the first portion 202. Even if the first outer cross-section is cut in the flared end region, the shape of the cross-section is circular. The second outer cross-section may be cut by a plane positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 at any point along the second portion 204.

[0132] In this example, the second portion 204 is located at one end (distal end) of the susceptor 132. In other examples, the second portion 204 does not have to be located at the end of the susceptor.

[0133] During use, the user inserts the article 110 into the susceptor 132. As shown in Figure 1, the article 110 has a cylindrical shape and therefore a circular cross-section. Thus, the article 110 is received within the susceptor 132, and the outer cross-section of the article 110 matches the inner cross-section of the first part 202. In some examples, the inner cross-section of the second part 204 is also circular in shape.

[0134] The second outer cross-section is defined by the outer surface of the susceptor 132 in the second portion 202. To give the second outer cross-section a non-circular shape, the second portion 202 includes one or more engagement features 206. The engagement features 206 may be, for example, convex and / or recessed. Other engagement features may be used.

[0135] In this example, the engagement feature 206 is a recess / groove / notch 206 extending along the outer surface of the susceptor 132 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 158. The recess 206 has a length measured along the longitudinal axis 158, which is defined by the length of the second portion 204, as described above.

[0136] The recess 206 has a maximum depth dimension measured radially inward of the susceptor in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158. In this example, the recess 206 has a maximum depth of less than about 1 mm. In particular, the recess 206 has a depth of about 0.35 mm. The susceptor 132 has a diameter between about 4 mm and 8 mm, or between about 5 mm and 6 mm. In this particular example, the non-flaring region of the susceptor 132 (and therefore the first portion 202) has a diameter of about 5.55 mm, such that the recess 206 has a depth of about 6% of the diameter of the susceptor 132. The recess 206 may have a width of about 0.1 mm (measured in the azimuth direction around the outer circumference of the susceptor 132).

[0137] The susceptor 132 in this example has four recesses arranged at equal intervals around its periphery. The grooves formed by the recesses 206 give the second portion 204 a non-circular cross-section.

[0138] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a susceptor 132 engaged with a susceptor support 136. The support 136 includes an engaging portion 208 that engages with at least a second portion 204 of the susceptor 132 to hold it in a fixed position at a predetermined distance from one or more inductor coils 124, 126. In this example, the support engages with the distal end of the susceptor 132, but the support may instead engage with the proximal end of the susceptor 132, or with the susceptor 132 at any other point along its length.

[0139] Figure 8A shows a perspective view of the support 136. Figure 8B shows a top view of the support 136. The support 136 may be made from an insulating material such as plastic. In this example, the support 136 is made from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The support 136 can be made, for example, by injection molding.

[0140] The support 136 defines an axis 214, such as the longitudinal axis 214. The support 136 engages with the susceptor 132 and holds the susceptor 132 parallel to the axis 214. In the engaged position, the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 and the longitudinal axis 214 of the support 136 are parallel, or may be coaxial.

[0141] The support 136 forms a receiving portion 210 for receiving and holding the susceptor 132. The support may be formed, for example, by an engaging portion 208. In this example, the engaging portion 208 comprises a plurality of longitudinally extended portions that abut against the outer surface of the susceptor 132 when it is received within the receiving portion 210.

[0142] The receiving portion 210 has an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the susceptor 132, thereby preventing the susceptor 132 from rotating relative to the support 136. Therefore, the inner cross-section has a non-circular shape.

[0143] The inner cross-section is defined by the inner surface of the receiving portion 210. The inner cross-section may be cut perpendicular to the axis 214. To give the inner cross-section a non-circular shape, the receiving portion 210 includes one or more engagement features 212. The engagement features 212 may be, for example, convex and / or recessed. Other engagement features may be used. Thus, the engagement features 206 of the susceptor 132 engage / interlock with the engagement features 212 of the receiving portion 210. This engagement prevents rotation of the susceptor 132 within the receiving portion. Thus, the susceptor 132 and the support 136 are keyed to prevent relative rotation.

[0144] In this example, the engagement feature portion 212 of the support 136 is a protrusion / ridge 212 that extends along the inner surface of the receiving portion 210 in a direction parallel to the axis 214. The protrusion 212 has a length measured along the axis 214. The protrusion 212 has dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the recess 206 of the susceptor 132.

[0145] The protrusion 212 has a maximum height dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis 214 (i.e., radially inward toward the center of the recess 210). In this example, the protrusion 212 has a maximum height of less than approximately 1 mm. In this example, the protrusion 212 has a height of approximately 0.35 mm. The protrusion 212 may have a width of approximately 0.1 mm (measured in the azimuth direction around the inner circumference of the recess 210).

[0146] The support 136 in this example includes four protrusions 212 arranged at equal intervals around the inner circumference of the receiving portion 210. The protrusions 212 give the receiving portion 210 a non-circular cross-section. The protrusions may be formed integrally with the support 136, or they may be separate and attached to the inner surface of the receiving portion 210.

[0147] Figure 9A shows a drawing of a cross-section of the second portion 204 of the susceptor 132, cut through line BB as shown in Figure 6. The engaging feature portion 206 is a recess, giving the susceptor 132 a non-circular outer cross-section. Figure 9B shows a drawing of the first portion 202 of the susceptor 132, cut through line AA as shown in Figure 6. The first portion 202 has a circular outer cross-section. Figure 9C shows a drawing of a cross-section of the engaging portion 208 of the support 136. The engaging feature portion 212 is a convex portion, giving the receiving portion 210 a non-circular inner cross-section.

[0148] Figure 10A illustrates a drawing of a cross-section through a second portion of another exemplary susceptor. In this example, the engagement feature 206 is a protrusion that gives the susceptor 132 a non-circular outer cross-section. The protrusion may be formed integrally with the susceptor or it may be separate and attached to the outer surface of the susceptor. Figure 10B illustrates a drawing of a cross-section of the engagement portion of another exemplary support. The engagement feature 212 is a recess that gives the receiving portion a non-circular inner cross-section. In Figures 10A and 10B, the susceptor and the receiving portion each have three engagement features.

[0149] Figure 11 is a drawing representation of another exemplary susceptor 332 that may be used in device 100. Similar to the susceptors in Figures 6 to 10, the susceptor 332 is keyed to prevent rotation of the susceptor 332. The susceptor 332 comprises a first portion 302 and a second portion 304. The first portion 302 has a first outer cross-section that is circular in shape, and the second portion 304 has a second outer cross-section that is non-circular in shape. In the example in Figure 11, the end portions of the susceptor 332 are keyed.

[0150] To give the second outer cross-section a non-circular shape, the second portion 302 comprises one or more engagement features 306. In this example, the engagement features 306 are protrusions 306 extending from the end of the susceptor 132 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the susceptor 332. The protrusions may be formed integrally with the susceptor 332, or they may be separate and attached to the end of the susceptor 332. In this example, there are four engagement features 306.

[0151] Figure 12 illustrates a drawing of a cross-section of the susceptor 332 through the second portion 304, which is cut through the line CC shown in Figure 11. In this example, the engagement feature portion 206 is a longitudinal convex portion, which gives the susceptor 132 a non-circular outer cross-section.

[0152] Figure 13 shows a top view of another exemplary support 336 that is keyed to prevent rotation of the susceptor 332. The support 226 comprises one or more engagement features 312 configured to engage with the engagement feature 306 of the susceptor 332. In this example, the engagement feature 312 is a recess, concave, or slot configured to receive the convex portion 306 of the susceptor 332.

[0153] In any of the examples described above, the first portion of the susceptor may have an inner and / or outer cross section whose size (with respect to area and diameter) varies along its length.

[0154] The features described above with respect to Figures 6 to 13 help prevent the susceptor from rotating within the aerosol supply device. As stated, the susceptor is keyed to the support to prevent it from rotating. In addition to or instead of keying the susceptor / support, the support can also be keyed to the end member. This prevents the susceptor and support from rotating within the device relative to the end member. For example, a user may rotate an item, which may cause the susceptor to rotate with a force that rotates both the susceptor and the support. Thus, the susceptor and support may rotate relative to the end member. To avoid this, the support may have one or more locking features that engage with one or more corresponding locking features on the end member. These locking features prevent or limit the rotation of the support relative to the end member. Thus, the support can be keyed to the end member.

[0155] In some cases, the engagement features of the susceptor may be formed when the susceptor is inserted into the support. For example, a protrusion or ridge formed on the support may deform the susceptor around the protrusion or ridge, thereby forming the corresponding engagement features on the susceptor. This may make manufacturing easier, for example, because it eliminates the need to align the susceptor with the support during assembly. This may be most useful when the susceptor has relatively low radial strength. Other types of engagement features, such as an asymmetrical cross-section, may also be formed on the susceptor in this manner.

[0156] Figure 14A shows the end member 116, as described in relation to Figure 2, engaged with the support 136. Figure 14B shows a close-up view of the locking feature that works to prevent the support 136 from rotating relative to the end member 116.

[0157] An end member 116 may be positioned at one end of the device 100. As shown in the figure, the end member 116 forms a receiving portion 402. The receiving portion 402 is formed by one or more inner walls 408, also known as side walls, and a base 410. The inner walls 408 extend away from the base 410 and define an axis 414. The axis 414 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 and / or the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 and / or the longitudinal axis 214 of the support 136. Thus, the inner walls 408 are perpendicular to the base 410. In other examples, the axis 414 may be angled with respect to any of these axes. The base 410 defines a flat surface in this example, but may be curved in other examples.

[0158] The end member 116 includes an end face 416 that defines a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the end face 416 may form the bottom surface of the device 100.

[0159] Optionally, the end member 116 may further include at least one mounting element 412 that enables the end member 116 to be connected to the battery support 120.

[0160] As shown in Figure 14A, the end of the support 136 is received within the receiving portion 402. The receiving portion 402 may have one or more feature portions that contact the support 136. To prevent the support 136 from becoming rotatable within the receiving portion 402, the support 136 is provided with a first locking feature portion 404, and the end member 116 is provided with a second locking feature portion 406. Figure 14B more clearly shows the engagement of the first and second locking feature portions 404, 406. In this example, the second locking feature portion 406 is a component of the receiving portion 402, but in other examples, the second locking feature portion 406 may be located at any position on the end member 116 as long as it engages with the first locking feature portion 404 of the support 136.

[0161] In the examples in Figures 14A and 14B, the first locking feature 404 is a recess 404 formed on the outer surface of the support 136, and the second locking feature 406 is a protrusion 406 extending into the receiving portion 402. The protrusion 406 has dimensions such that it is received within the recess 404. When engaged, the first and second locking features 404 and 406 prevent the support 136 from rotating in the azimuth direction about the axis 214 of the support 136.

[0162] In the alternative example, the first locking feature portion 404 may be a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the support 136, and the second locking feature portion 406 may be a recess.

[0163] Figure 15 shows the lower surface of the support 136. The first locking feature 404 in the form of a recess is more clearly shown. The longitudinal axis 214 of the support 136 is shown in orientation to enter the plane of the paper. The longitudinal axis 214 is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132.

[0164] In this example, the recess 404 extends from the outer surface of the support 136 into the support 136 in direction 418. Direction 418 may be, for example, the radial direction. Direction 418 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 214, 414. Thus, the recess 404 has a depth dimension 420 which may be between approximately 2 mm and approximately 5 mm. In this particular example, the depth dimension 420 is approximately 2 mm.

[0165] The recess 404 further has a width dimension 422 measured in the direction around the outer circumference of the support 136. The outer circumference is the edge furthest from the axis 214. Therefore, the direction around the outer circumference may be the azimuth direction around the axis 214. In some examples, the width dimension 422 may be between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. In the example in Figure 15, the width dimension 422 is between about 1.3 mm and about 1.5 mm.

[0166] Figure 16 shows a top view of the end member 116. The second locking feature 406 is in the form of a protrusion. The axis 414 defined by the inner wall 414 is shown in the orientation entering the plane of the paper. The axis 414 is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support 214.

[0167] In this example, the protrusion 406 extends from the inner wall 408 of the end member 116 into the receiving portion 402 in the longitudinal axes 158 and 214 and in a direction 424 perpendicular to axis 414. Direction 424 may be, for example, the radial direction. Therefore, the protrusion 406 has a height dimension 426 which may be between approximately 2 mm and approximately 5 mm. In this particular example, the height dimension 426 is approximately 2 mm.

[0168] In addition to extending from the inner wall 408, the projection 406 further extends from the base 410 into the receiving portion 402 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axes 158, 214 and axis 414. Thus, the projection 406 is supported by the inner wall 408 and the base 410 for improved stability. In other examples (not shown), the projection may be supported by the base or the inner wall. For example, the projection may extend upward from the base in a direction parallel to axis 414, or outward from the inner wall in a direction perpendicular to axis 414.

[0169] The protrusion further has a width dimension 428 measured in the direction around the inner circumference / inner surface of the receiving portion / inner wall 410, 408. The direction around the inner circumference may be the azimuth direction around the axes 214, 158. In some examples, the width dimension 428 may be between approximately 1 mm and approximately 3 mm. In the example in Figure 16, the width dimension 428 is between approximately 1.3 mm and approximately 1.5 mm.

[0170] In Figure 15, the recess is open around its periphery. In another example (not shown), the recess may be in the form of a closed hole around its periphery.

[0171] In one example where the recess is in the form of a hole, the protrusion may extend from the base of the end member (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support) and be received within the hole. For example, one or more “projections” may extend from the base and be received in one or more holes on the underside of the support.

[0172] Alternatively, the support may have a projection extending from its underside (parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support) that is received in a corresponding hole / recess formed in the base of the end member. For example, one or more “projections” may extend from the support and be received in one or more holes in the base of the end member. In a further example, the projection may extend from the side of the support (rather than from the underside of the support).

[0173] In alternative examples, the first and second locking features may be substantially the same as the engaging features found in the susceptor and support. For example, the first locking feature of the support may be a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the support, and the second locking feature may be a recess formed on the inner wall of the end member, the recess receiving the protrusion.

[0174] The embodiments described above should be understood as examples for the purpose of explaining the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are conceivable. It should be understood that any feature described in any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other described features, and further, in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of any other embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may be adopted, as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first portion having a first outer cross-section, A second portion having a second outer cross-section and A heater component comprising, A receiving portion that engages with the second portion of the heater component to hold the heater component. A support comprising an aerosol supply device comprising, The receiving portion has an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the heater component, thereby preventing the heater component from rotating relative to the support. The second portion extends over less than 15% of the length of the heater component. Aerosol supply device.

2. The shape of the first outer cross-section is circular, The shape of the second outer cross-section is non-circular. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1.

3. The second outer cross section is at least partially defined by one or more engagement features formed on the outer surface of the second portion. The inner cross-section is at least partially defined by one or more corresponding engagement features formed on the inner surface of the receiving portion. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The heater component comprises a plurality of engagement features arranged at equal intervals around the outer surface of the second portion, The support comprises a plurality of corresponding engagement features arranged at equal intervals around the inner surface of the receiving portion. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3.

5. The heater component defines a longitudinal axis, and one or more engagement features have a dimension of less than approximately 1 mm measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The receiving portion defines an axis, and one or more corresponding engagement feature portions have dimensions of less than approximately 1 mm measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion extends over less than approximately 10% of the length of the heater component.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the receiving portion defines an axis, and one or more engaging feature portions have a length of less than approximately 5 mm measured in a direction parallel to the axis.

8. A heater component for an aerosol supply device, A first part having a first outer cross-section that is circular in shape, A second part having a second outer cross-section that is non-circular in shape and Equipped with, The second portion extends over less than 15% of the length of the heater component. Heater components.

9. The heater component according to claim 8, wherein the second outer cross section is at least partially defined by one or more engagement features formed on the outer surface of the second portion.

10. The heater component according to claim 9, further comprising a plurality of engagement features arranged at equal intervals around the outer surface of the second portion.

11. The heater component according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the heater component defines a longitudinal axis, and one or more engagement features have a dimension of less than 1 mm measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

12. The heater component according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second portion extends over less than approximately 15% of the length of the heater component.

13. The heater component according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the second portion extends along the heater component by less than approximately 5 mm.

14. A support for a heater component according to claim 8 or 9, A receiving portion is formed to receive the heater component, The receiving portion has an inner cross-section that is not circular in shape. support.

15. The support according to claim 14, wherein the inner cross-section is at least partially defined by one or more engaging features formed on the inner surface of the receiving portion.

16. The support according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of engagement features arranged at equal intervals around the inner surface of the receiving portion.

17. The receiving portion defines an axis, and one or more engaging feature portions have a dimension of less than approximately 1 mm measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The support according to claim 15 or 16.

18. The receiving portion defines an axis, and one or more engaging feature portions have a length of less than approximately 5 mm measured in a direction parallel to the axis. The support according to claim 14 or 15.

19. A heater component according to claim 8 or 9, A support according to claim 14 or 15, which is engaged with the heater component, An aerosol supply device comprising the above features.

20. A heater component for an aerosol supply device, wherein a portion of the heater component is keyed to prevent rotation of the heater component within the receiving portion of the aerosol supply device. The heater component is (i) One or more engaging features configured to interlock with a support that holds the heater component in place, and extending over less than 15% of the length of the heater component, (ii) A cross-sectional shape configured to interlock with a support that holds the heater component in place, and extending over less than 15% of the length of the heater component, A heater component having the following features.

21. The heater component according to claim 20, wherein the heater component is generally cylindrical in shape.

22. A support for a heater component according to claim 20 or 21, The support body includes a receiving portion for receiving the heater component, The receiving portion is keyed to prevent the heater component from rotating within the receiving portion. support.

23. The aerosol supply device according to claim 19, Articles containing aerosol-generating materials, an aerosol supply system equipped with the following features.

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