Aerosol supply device

Abstract

We provide a novel aerosol supply device. [Solution] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device. One such device comprises a heater assembly. The heater assembly includes a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, and a heating element configured to heat a portion of the article received in the heating chamber. A base is provided at one end of the heating chamber. A spacer is also provided to separate the article from the base when at least a portion of the article is received in the heating chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, a heating assembly (also referred to as a "heater assembly") for receiving at least a portion of an article containing an aerosolizable material, and an aerosol supply system including the aerosol supply device and the article containing an aerosol-generating material.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to generate tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating materials without burning them. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol supply device comprising a heater assembly having a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, a heating element configured to heat the portion of the article received in the heating chamber, a base at one end of the heating chamber, and a spacer configured to space the article apart from the base when at least the portion of the article is received in the heating chamber.

[0004] The spacer may include a protrusion protruding into the heating chamber. The protrusion may be one of a plurality of protrusions.

[0005] The plurality of protrusions may be distributed around the heating chamber. The or each protrusion may comprise a tab. The or each protrusion may extend from the base. The or each protrusion may be spaced apart from the base.

[0006] The spacer may include a step. The spacer may constitute a shoulder in the heating chamber.

[0007] The heating element may be upright from the base. The heating element may protrude within the heating chamber. The heating element may be a blade.

[0008] This aerosol supply device may include a receptacle that defines a heating chamber. The base may constitute part of the receptacle.

[0009] This aerosol supply device may include a device housing, and the receptacle may be detachable from the device housing.

[0010] The receptacle may be fixedly attached to the device housing.

[0011] The receptacle may have a wall that rises upright from the base and defines the heating chamber. The wall may be tubular.

[0012] The receptacle may define an air passage that supplies airflow to the heating chamber.

[0013] The air passage may include an air outlet to the heating chamber. The air outlet may be defined at the base.

[0014] The air outlet may be asymmetrical with respect to the axis of the heating chamber.

[0015] The air outlet may be offset from the axis of the heating chamber.

[0016] The air passage may include an air outlet to the heating chamber. At least a portion of the air outlet may be located between the base and the article placement surface of the spacer.

[0017] The air outlet may be configured to introduce an airflow into the heating chamber radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

[0018] The air outlet may be configured to introduce an airflow into the heating chamber coaxially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

[0019] The wall may include an outer wall and an inner wall, and the air passage may be formed between the outer wall and the inner wall.

[0020] The base and the outer wall may be formed integrally. The base and the outer wall may constitute a cup. The cup may constitute a fluid barrier.

[0021] The air passage may be a closed channel.

[0022] The heating element may include a susceptor that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0023] The heater assembly may include an inductor coil extending around the susceptor, and the inductor coil may be configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0024] The heating element may surround the heating chamber.

[0025] The heating element may define a portion of the receptacle.

[0026] The aerosol supply device may include an opening at the proximal end of the heating chamber, the base may be at the distal end of the heating chamber, and the heating chamber may have a substantially uniform cross-section along substantially the length of the receptacle.

[0027] The base may include a well configured to collect the liquid that has condensed in the heating chamber.

[0028] According to one aspect, there is provided a heating assembly comprising: a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosolizable material, the receptacle comprising a base portion and a heating element extending from the base portion; and a protrusion that contacts the portion of the article such that the article is held at a distance above the base portion when the portion of the article is received in the heating chamber.

[0029] According to one aspect, there is provided an insert for an aerosol supply device, the insert comprising: a receptacle defining a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the receptacle being configured to be at least partially removably received in a device housing, the receptacle comprising a base at one end of the heating chamber and a spacer configured to space the article away from the base when at least the portion of the article is received in the heating chamber; and a heating element configured to heat the portion of the article received in the heating chamber.

[0030] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device comprising a heater assembly having: a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material; a heating element configured to heat the portion of the article received in the heating chamber; a wall defining at least a portion of the heating chamber; and a cavity formed in the wall.

[0031] This aerosol supply device may be provided with a base at one end of the heating chamber, the wall includes the base, and the cavity is located in the base.

[0032] This aerosol supply device may be provided with a peripheral wall defining the heating chamber, the wall includes the peripheral wall, and the cavity is located in the peripheral wall.

[0033] The cavity may be one of a plurality of cavities formed in the wall. The cavity or each of the cavities may be distributed around the heating element.

[0034] The aerosol supply device may comprise a device housing and a receptacle configured to be at least partially removably received into the device housing, the removable receptacle constituting a heating chamber.

[0035] The receptacle may include a wall.

[0036] The aerosol supply device may include a spacer configured to separate the article from the cavity when at least a portion of the article is received into the heating chamber.

[0037] According to one embodiment, an insert for an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising: a receptacle configured to be at least partly removably received in a device housing, defining a heating chamber configured to receive at least part of an article containing an aerosol generating material, the receptacle comprising a wall defining at least part of the heating chamber and a cavity formed in the wall; and a heating element configured to heat part of the article received in the heating chamber.

[0038] The heating element may be fluid-sealed in a receptacle.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a heating assembly is provided comprising a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article containing an aerosolizable material, and a heating element, wherein the heating chamber has a base and a recess in the base for collecting fluid expelled from the article received in the heating chamber.

[0040] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising an aerosol supply device, heater assembly, or insert as described above, and an article containing an aerosol generating material, at least a portion of which is dimensionally defined to be received within the heater assembly.

[0041] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a heater assembly having a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, a heating element configured to heat a portion of the article received in the heating chamber, and a base at one end of the heating chamber.

[0042] This device may also be a tobacco heating device, also known as a non-combustion heating device.

[0043] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are shown only as examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an example of an aerosol supply device. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 3] This is a magnified front cross-sectional view of a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of the heater assembly, separated from the rest of the device. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged lateral cross-sectional view of a portion of the heater assembly shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective cross-sectional view of the heater assembly receptacle. [Figure 7] This is a close-up front cross-sectional view of a portion of another heater assembly. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged front cross-sectional view of a portion of another heater assembly into which consumables are inserted into the heating chamber. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0045] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating material” includes materials that, usually in the form of an aerosol, release volatile components upon heating. Aerosol generating materials include any tobacco-containing material, such as one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, extended tobacco, re-tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Other non-tobacco products may also be considered aerosol generating materials, and some products may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol generating materials may be in the form of solids, liquids, gels, waxes, etc. They may also be combinations or mixtures of materials. Aerosol generating materials are sometimes also known as “smoking materials.”

[0046] Devices are known that form an inhalable aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material and volatilizing at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, usually without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material. Such devices may be described as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol-providing devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating product devices," or "tobacco heating devices," etc. Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices that vaporize an aerosol-generating material (which may or may not contain nicotine) that is usually in liquid form. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as a part of such a device.

[0047] An aerosol supply device can receive and heat an article containing aerosol-generating material. In this context, “article” is a component that, when used, comprises or contains aerosol-generating material and is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material and optionally other components when used. After a user inserts an article into the aerosol supply device, the aerosol-generating device may be heated to generate an aerosol that the user will later inhale. The article may be of a predetermined size, or a specific size, configured to be placed, for example, within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0048] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol supply device 100 that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium / material. Generally, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 110 (also known as a consumable) containing an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other aspirable medium for the user of the device 100 to inhale.

[0049] The device 100 comprises a housing 102 (including an outer cover 108) that encloses and houses various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which an article 110 can be inserted and heated by a heater assembly 200 (see Figure 2). When in use, the article 110 may be inserted all or partly into the heater assembly 200 and heated by one or more components of the heater assembly 200.

[0050] Furthermore, device 100 may include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, which operates device 100 when pressed. For example, the user may turn on device 100 by operating the switch 112.

[0051] Device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 101.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a schematic front cross-sectional view of the device 100 of Figure 1. The device 100 comprises an outer cover 108, a first end member 106, and a second end member 116. The device 100 comprises an aerosol generation assembly 111 including a housing 109, a power supply 118, and a heater assembly 200. The device 100 further comprises at least one electronics module 122.

[0053] The outer cover 108 constitutes part of the device shell. A first end member 106 is located at one end of the device 100, and a second end member 116 is located at the opposite end of the device 100. The first and second end members 106, 116 close the outer cover 108. The first and second end members 106, 116 constitute part of the housing. The device 100 of the embodiment includes a lid (not shown) that can close the opening 104 by movement relative to the first end member 106 when the article 110 is not in place.

[0054] Furthermore, device 100 may include electrical components, such as a connector / port 120, that can receive a cable and charge the device's battery. For example, the connector may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, the connector may be used, either additionally or as an alternative, for data transfer between device 100 and another device, such as a computer device.

[0055] The device 100 comprises a housing 109, which is receptacled by an outer cover 108. The aerosol generation assembly 111 includes a heater assembly 200 into which all or part of an article 110 may be inserted during use, and the article 110 may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly 200. The aerosol generation assembly 111 and the power supply 118 are mounted in the housing 109. The housing 109 is a one-piece component.

[0056] An integrated component refers to a component of device 100 that cannot be separated into two or more components after the device 100 has been assembled. Integrated formation refers to two or more features that are formed as an integrated component during the manufacturing stage of the components.

[0057] The first and second end members 106 and 116 together 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. Alternatively, the edge of the outer cover 108 may define part of the end face. The first and second end members 116 close the open end of the outer cover 108. The second end member 116 is located at one end of the housing 109.

[0058] The end of the device 100 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 112 to start heating the aerosol-generating material, utilizing the aerosol generated by the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along the flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

[0059] The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 may be known as the distal end of the device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use. When the user utilizes the aerosol generated by the device, the aerosol flows toward the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal applied to the features of the device 100 will be explained by referring to the relative arrangement of such features in the proximal-distal direction along the axis 101.

[0060] The power supply 118 is a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Suitable battery examples include lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the aerosol generation assembly 111 and supplies power as needed, and heats the aerosol generation material under the control of the control device 121.

[0061] The power supply 118 and the aerosol generation assembly 111 are arranged as an axial component, with the power supply 118 at the distal end of the device 100 and the aerosol generation assembly 111 at the proximal end of the device 100. Other configurations are possible.

[0062] The electronic device module 122 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) 123. The PCB 123 may support at least one control device 121, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB 123 may also include one or more electrical tracks that electrically connect various electronic components of the device 100. For example, battery terminals 119a and 119b may be electrically connected to the PCB 123 so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100. The connector 120 may also be electrically coupled to the battery 118 via the electrical tracks.

[0063] The aerosol generation assembly 111 is an induction heating assembly comprising various components for heating the aerosol generation material of article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductor (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an induction element (e.g., one or more inductor coils) and a device that passes a fluctuating current, such as alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current in the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned relative to the induction element, generating eddy currents inside the susceptor. Since the susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor by Joule heating. Furthermore, if the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by the magnetic hysteresis loss of the susceptor, i.e., the fluctuating orientation of the magnetic dipole of the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the fluctuating magnetic field. In induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, rapid heating is possible because heat is generated inside the susceptor. Furthermore, since no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, the degree of freedom in configuration and application is increased.

[0064] A temperature sensor in the form of a thermocouple 150 is in thermal communication with a susceptor and connected to an electronic device module 122. In the illustrated embodiment, a heat transfer plate 140 is placed between the thermocouple 150 and the susceptor to facilitate thermal communication between the thermocouple 150 and the susceptor. In other examples, the plate 140 can be omitted.

[0065] The thermocouple 150 monitors the susceptor temperature when the device 100 is in use and provides this information to the electronics module 122. This allows the electronics module 122 and the control unit 121 to monitor the susceptor temperature as needed when the device 100 is in use and adjust the susceptor temperature, for example, by adjusting the amount of power supplied by the power supply 118. Any suitable thermocouple can be used as the thermocouple 150, such as a platinum-rhodium thermocouple (i.e., type B).

[0066] Compared to other temperature sensing devices, the thermocouple 150 is more robust, durable, and power-efficient, and can facilitate accurate temperature measurement. Nevertheless, in other examples within the scope of this disclosure, any other suitable temperature sensor may be used as the temperature sensor, such as a resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, or an infrared sensor.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a magnified view of a portion of the aerosol generation assembly 111 in cross-section, including the heater assembly 200 and the inductor coil assembly 127.

[0068] The aerosol generation assembly 111 comprises an inductor coil assembly 127 and a heater assembly 200. The inductor coil assembly 127 extends around the heater assembly 200. The inductor coil assembly 127 includes a coil support 126. The inductor coil assembly 127 includes an inductor coil 124 wound around (i.e., surrounding) the heater assembly 200. The inductor coil 124 is disposed in a groove 128 defined in the support 126. The groove 128 is helical. The groove 128 may be omitted, and the coil 124 may be wound around the outer surface of the coil support 126. The inductor coil assembly 127 is fixedly mounted to the device housing 102. The coil support 126 may constitute part of the device housing 102.

[0069] The heater assembly 200 includes a heating element 210 that heats the article 110 when in use. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 3, the heating element is a susceptor structure 210 (hereinafter referred to as the “susceptor”). In this example, the susceptor 210 is a blade-shaped susceptor 210. The article 110 can be inserted onto or around the susceptor 210. The blade-shaped susceptor 210 has a constant rectangular cross-section along most of its axial length and may taper to a blade tip 212 at the free end. In other examples, the axial cross-section may change along the axial length of the susceptor 210 to the blade tip 212.

[0070] Although a blade-shaped susceptor 210 is illustrated, it should be understood that any other suitable shape or form of the susceptor 210 may be used within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the susceptor 210 may be pin-shaped (e.g., a constant circular cross section along the axial length tapering to a pin tip) or rod-shaped (e.g., a cylindrical rod or a square rod) (a constant or variable cross section along the axial length having neither a tip nor a tapered portion). In another example, the susceptor 210 may instead be a tubular member that receives the article 110 / aerosol-generating material. Such a susceptor is an external susceptor. In such an example, the susceptor may define a peripheral wall (e.g., an annular wall) that defines at least a portion of a heating chamber capable of receiving and heating the article 110. In such an example, the susceptor surrounds the article 110, rather than the article 110 surrounding the susceptor as in the blade-shaped embodiment described above. It will be understood that the cross-sectional profile of the outer susceptor can be formed with a variety of profile shapes.

[0071] In another example, multiple susceptors (e.g., two or more separate susceptors) may be provided as needed, and their configurations may be different or similar (e.g., pin-shaped, blade-shaped, rod-shaped, or tubular).

[0072] The susceptor 210 is made of a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. In this example, the susceptor is made of carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials (e.g., ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt) can also be used.

[0073] In other embodiments, the features that function as heating elements are not limited to induction heating. Therefore, the features that function as heating elements may be capable of heating by electrical resistance. For this reason, the heater assembly 200 may have electrical contacts that are electrically connected to the device and electrically operate the heating elements by passing electrical energy through them. In such embodiments, the inductor coil assembly 127 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0074] The inductor coil 124 is made of a conductive material. In this example, the inductor coil 124 is made of Litz wire / cable that is wound spirally to provide a helical inductor coil 124. The Litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and formed into a single wire by a single twist. The Litz wire is designed to minimize skin effect losses of the conductor. In the exemplary device 100, the inductor coil 124 is made of copper Litz wire having a circular cross-section. In other examples, the Litz wire may have a cross-section of another shape, such as rectangular. The inductor coil 124 can be controlled to operate induction heating using the electronic module 122 and switch 112 by connecting it to the PCB 123.

[0075] Furthermore, the number of inductor coils used may vary. For example, the aerosol generation assembly 111 shown in Figure 3 has an inductor coil assembly 127 with only one coil 124, but it is understood that the inductor coil assembly 127 may feature any number of suitable coils. The use of additional coils may provide the susceptor 210 with different heating zones with different heating characteristics (for example, providing different heating conditions to different areas along the axial length of the susceptor 210 and / or providing different heating conditions to the susceptor 210 at different times or in different usage examples). Additional coils may also be provided to generate heating in an additional susceptor (not shown) that can be installed in the aerosol generation assembly 111.

[0076] The heater assembly 200 comprises a receptacle 230 (shown in more detail in Figures 4A and 4B). The receptacle 230 defines a heating chamber 220 into which the article 110 is received during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 230 is an annular body that surrounds the susceptor 210 and provides an annular space between the susceptor 210 and the receptacle into which the article 110 can be received and heated during use.

[0077] The coil support portion 126 and the opening 104 define the device chamber 105 within the device housing 102 that receives the receptacle 230. The receptacle 230, through interaction with the device housing 102, secures the heater assembly 200 in place. The coil support portion 126 constitutes part of the device housing 102. In this embodiment, the device chamber 105 is defined by other features besides the coil support portion 126. The coil support portion 105 constitutes an inner wall, which is cup-shaped.

[0078] The receptacle 230 is detachably disposed within the chamber 105 so that it can be removed and replaced during use. This feature facilitates cleaning of the receptacle 230 (and other heater assembly components) in case of damage or failure, as well as replacement of the receptacle 230 (and other heater assembly components).

[0079] In the illustrated example, the receptacle 230 is entirely disposed inside the chamber 105. In other examples, when the receptacle 230 is received in the chamber 105, a portion of the receptacle 230 (e.g., a proximal lip or flange) may still extend outside the device chamber 105. Thus, in such examples, the receptacle 230 may be "partially removable" from the chamber 105. This disclosure covers all such examples.

[0080] Figures 4A and 4B show the heater assembly 200 in more detail. The heater assembly 200 constitutes an insert. In this configuration, the insert comprises a receptacle 230 and a heating element 210. In this embodiment, the insert comprises a receptacle 230. The receptacle 230 comprises a base 233 and a wall 231. The wall structure is upright from the base 233. An opening 239 is defined at the proximal end 233a of the receptacle 230. The base 233 is formed at the distal end 233b. The wall 231 includes an outer wall and inner walls 231a, 231b. The outer wall and inner walls 231a, 231b are concentric with respect to the longitudinal axis 201 of the heater assembly 200. The outer wall 231a constitutes the outer shell. The inner wall 231b constitutes the inner shell. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the heater assembly 200 is inserted into the device housing chamber 205, the longitudinal axis 201 of the heater assembly 200 is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 101 of the device 101.

[0081] The outer wall 231a extends axially from the open end 233a of the receptacle 230 to the opposite base end 233b. The outer wall 231a may define the base 233 itself, or it may be formed integrally with the base 233. Alternatively, the base 233 can be attached to the outer wall 231a as a separate component. The outer wall 231a and the base 233 constitute a cup. The cup constitutes a fluid barrier. The open end 233a is so named because it is the end of the heater assembly 200 that fits into the opening 104 of the device 100 when the receptacle is inserted into the device housing chamber 105. Therefore, as described above with respect to the device 100, the open end 233a can also be called the proximal end (or mouth end) of the heater assembly 200, while the base end 233b can be called the distal end of the heater assembly 200.

[0082] The base 233 defines an opening 238 inside from which the heating element 210 is received and protrudes (axially). The heating element 210 defines a heating element base 214 which constitutes a fixing flange 216. The heating element base 214 may be press-fitted into the opening 238. However, any other suitable method may be used to fix the heating element 210 in place on the receptacle 230, such as welding, insert molding, interference fit, screw fitting, etc. The heating element 210 forms a fluid seal with the receptacle 230. A seal can be provided to form a fluid seal between the heating element 210 and the receptacle 230. In embodiments, the opening 238 may instead be a blind cavity / recess, or may be completely omitted depending on the fixing method used to mount the heating element 210 in place on the receptacle 230.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the heating element 210 is fixedly attached to the receptacle 230 so as to be supported as part of the receptacle 230 itself. In this way, the heating element 210 is removable from the device housing chamber 105 as part of the receptacle 230.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the heating element 210 may be fixedly mounted to the device housing 102 within the device housing chamber 105 instead of the receptacle 230. In this way, the receptacle 230 is removed from the device housing chamber 105, while the heating element 210 remains fixed in place within the device housing chamber 105.

[0085] In any of the alternative embodiments described above, the heating element 210 may also be separately detachable from the device housing 102 and / or the receptacle 230 itself. For example, instead of being fixedly mounted, the heating element 210 may be detachably fixed to the receptacle 230 or the device housing 102 / chamber 105. For example, a screw-in receiver, a bayonet-fit receiver, or a connector for the heating element 210 that is interlocking and detachable with a corresponding connector on the device housing 102 / chamber 105 may be used.

[0086] This may facilitate the cleaning and / or replacement of the heating element 210. This improvement in the replacement of the heating element 210 may be useful when the heating element 210 is damaged or malfunctioning and needs to be replaced, but it may also be useful for replacing different heating elements 210 for different use cases. For example, different shapes / types of heating elements 210 may be required for specific use cases or articles 110.

[0087] The inner wall 231b is separated from the outer wall 231a. An air passage 250 is defined along the receptacle 230 from the opening end 233a to the base end 233b. The air passage extends in the axial direction. The air passage has an air inlet 251 at the proximal end 233a. The air passage 250 has an air outlet 252 at the distal end 233b.

[0088] The inner wall 231b extends axially from the proximal end 233a toward the base end 233b. The inner wall 231b is separated from the base 233. The inner wall 231b stops axially before the base 233, forming an axial gap G between the inner wall 231b and the base 233. In the illustrated example, the axial gap G provides an annular gap around the heating element 210 between the base 233 and the inner wall 231b. The gap between the inner wall 231b and the base 233 defines the air outlet 251. In the embodiment, as described later, the inner wall 231b extends to the base 233, and an opening and / or notch is formed at the base end of the inner wall 231b to define the air outlet 251.

[0089] The inner wall 231b is characterized by a tapered surface 235 at its proximal end 233a. The tapered surface 235 is tapered at an angle from the proximal end 231b toward the longitudinal axis 201. The tapered surface 235 may help facilitate the insertion of the article 110 into the heater assembly 200 and the heating chamber 220. For example, it may facilitate the correct alignment of the article 110 when inserting it into the heating chamber 220 around the heating element 210.

[0090] The outer wall 231a and the inner wall 231b are separated radially. The outer wall and the inner wall 231a, 23b are connected by radially extending ribs 236. The ribs 236 fix the inner wall 231b in appropriate places within the outer wall 231a. Between the outer wall and the inner wall 231a, 231b, the ribs 236 are discretely arranged in the circumferential direction of the walls 231a, 231b. In the illustrated example, four such ribs 236 are equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the walls 231a, 231b. However, any suitable number and spacing of ribs 236 can be used.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the rib 236 extends axially for the length of the inner wall 231b. However, the rib 236 may extend for any suitable axial distance between the walls 231a and 231b that is sufficient to provide the support necessary to hold the walls 231a and 231b concentrically in their respective positions.

[0092] The combination of the outer wall 231a, the inner wall 231b, and the rib 236 defines a slot 234 at the proximal end 233a and forms a passage 237 extending axially within the receptacle 230. The passage 237 defines an air passage 250. The slot 234 defines an air inlet 251.

[0093] The number and size of the slots 234 and passages 237 can be changed as needed, depending on the size, spacing, and number of ribs 236. Furthermore, the slots 234 and passages 237 do not need to be defined at the proximal end 233a. For example, the ribs 236 can be located at any suitable axial position within the receptacle 230 (e.g., near the base 231b or midway along the axial length of the walls 231a, 231b). Alternatively, the slots 234 and passages 237 can be provided as a single (e.g., substantially annular) slot 234 / passage 237 extending axially between the inner and outer walls 231a, 231b.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, passage 237 is used as an airflow passage that allows airflow from outside the device 100 to communicate with the heating chamber 220 and the aerosol-generating material inside during use. The inflow of airflow from the proximal end 233a through slot 234 and passage 237 is advantageous because it is unlikely that the user will block airflow to such areas during use of the device 100.

[0095] The passage 237 exits into an annular space provided by the gap G, which allows air to flow from the passage 237 to the heating chamber 220 through the aerosol-generating material / article 110 received inside during use.

[0096] The presence of passages 237 between the inner and outer walls 231a and 231b may allow for improved control of the airflow through the passages 237 and the resistance to the airflow. For example, airflow modification mechanisms (e.g., airflow compressors) may be used in the passages 237 (e.g., between walls 231a and 231b and / or extending from ribs 236) to provide the user with a more consistent airflow and / or desirable airflow resistance communicating through the article 110 during use.

[0097] However, it should be understood that this disclosure does not necessarily mean that the passage 237 is an air passage. For example, the device 100 and / or heater assembly 200 may provide any preferred alternative or additional configuration of an air passage that supplies the airflow necessary for the use of the device 100. For example, one or more air passages may be provided on the side of the device, or they may be defined between the inner wall 231b and the article 110 itself. Alternatively or additionally, one or more air passages may be directed upward from the distal end of the device 100 through the base 233.

[0098] The configuration of the outer and inner walls 231a and 231b of the receptacle 230 can facilitate an improvement in the amount of thermal insulation provided between the heating element 210 and the device housing 102 (compared to, for example, a single-walled receptacle 230). Also, as mentioned above, if the passage 237 is used as an airflow passage, this can further facilitate an improvement in the amount of thermal insulation provided between the heating element 210 and the device housing 102 (for example, because the (relatively cool external) airflow can absorb excess heat from the inner and outer walls 231a and 231b). The amount of thermal insulation provided by the heater assembly 200 can be an important consideration for the device 100, as it is necessary to ensure that the device 100 does not become too hot in the user's hand or that its temperature does not cause problems for other device components. By providing a gap in the receptacle 230, it is possible to improve the amount of thermal insulation required for the device housing and to miniaturize the device housing.

[0099] As described above, the receptacle 230 is detachably disposed within the chamber 105 so that it can be removed and replaced when in use. In an embodiment, the receptacle 230 is fixedly attached to the device housing 102. The receptacle 230 may constitute part of the device housing 102. For example, the receptacle and the coil support may be integrally formed. The receptacle may be used in place of the coil support. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 230 is configured to interact with the chamber 105 such that the rotation of the receptacle 230 relative to the device housing 102 allows for engagement and disengagement in accordance with the rotation of the receptacle 230.

[0100] The receptacle 230 and the device housing 102 are equipped with a complementary locking mechanism configured to engage and disengage in accordance with the rotation of the receptacle 230 relative to the device housing 102.

[0101] In the context of this disclosure, “engagement” is understood to mean an engagement that securely holds the receptacle 230 in place within the device housing 102 for use of the device 100, and “disengagement” is understood to mean a release that makes the receptacle 230 removable from the device housing 102 (e.g., without requiring the removal of other components of the device housing 102 or the destruction of any parts of the device housing 102). A tool (not shown) in combination with the receptacle 230 can be used to assist in the insertion and removal of the receptacle 230 from the device chamber 105.

[0102] The receptacle 230 defines a heating chamber 220 that extends between the opening 239 and the base 233. Thus, the heating chamber 220 extends between the proximal end 233a and the distal end 233b. The inner surface 253 of the wall 231 defines the heating chamber 220. In this configuration, the inner wall 231b substantially defines the inner surface 253. The base 233 has an inner surface 254 and an outer surface 255. The inner surface 253 of the wall 231 and the inner surface 254 of the base 233 define the surface of the heating chamber 220. The base defines the floor of the heating chamber 220. The heating chamber 220 has a substantially uniform cross-section along substantially the length of the receptacle 230 from the opening to the base 233.

[0103] The receptacle has a spacer structure 260. The spacer structure 260 separates the end of the article 110 from the base 233 when the article 110 is received in the heating chamber 220. When the article 110 is received in the heating chamber 220, a portion of the article 110 protrudes from the heating chamber 220. In the embodiment, the entire article 110 is received by the heating chamber 220.

[0104] The spacer structure 260 comprises an array of projections 261. This embodiment, as shown in Figure 4B, has three projections 261, although only one is shown in the figure. It will be understood that the number of projections may vary, and there may be one or more. The (one or more) projections 261 act as spacers. The projections 261 are upright from the base 233. The projections 261 have a certain height in the heating chamber 220. Each projection 261 has a uniform height. The projections 261 act as stoppers that limit the insertion range of the article 110 into the heating chamber 220. The projections 261 extend in the heating chamber 220. The projections 261 define the article placement surface 262. The article placement surface 262 is adjacent to the end of the article 110.

[0105] The heating element 210 is upright from the base 233. The projections 261 are distributed around the heating element 210 in the heating chamber 220. In this embodiment, the projections 261 are spaced apart from the heating element 210. In this embodiment, one or more projections 261 may extend from the heating element 210. The spacer structure 260 may surround the heating element 210.

[0106] The projection 261 is a platform. The projection 261 defines a gap 265 between the base 233 and the plane of the article placement surface 262. The air outlet 252 communicates with the gap 265. When the article 110 is inserted into the heating chamber 220, the end of the article 110 contacts the spacer structure 260. Therefore, the spacer structure 260 can form a gap 265 between the base 233 and the end of the article 110 in order to limit the area into which the article 110 is inserted. The gap facilitates improved airflow to the end of the article 110. By providing a gap, the spacer structure 260 results in improved airflow distribution across the end of the article 110.

[0107] The spacer structure 260 may take on different forms. For example, the projection 261 may be one or more rods, ribs, tabs, lips, and hooks. The spacer structure 260 may constitute a shoulder in the heating chamber 220. One such spacer structure 260 is shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0108] Figure 5 shows a partial lateral cross-sectional view of another heater assembly 200. Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the receptacle 230 of another heater assembly 200. The heater assemblies 200 in Figures 5 and 6 have substantially the same configuration as the heater assembly described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The heater assembly 200 comprises a receptacle 230 and a heating element 210. The heating element 210 shown in Figure 5 is a pin heating element, but it should be understood that the configuration of the heating element may differ. The receptacle 230 comprises an outer wall and inner walls 231a, 231b.

[0109] The cross-section in Figure 5 omits the air passage 237 and air outlet 252 because they pass through the rib 236. In this embodiment, the inner wall 231b is provided with legs 270 extending axially from the distal end. The legs 270 are spaced circumferentially with respect to the inner wall 231b. Although four legs 270 are shown, the number of legs may differ. The legs 270 protrude from the main body 271 of the inner wall 231b, separating the inner wall main body 271 from the base 233. The distal end 272 of the legs 270 is in contact with the base 233. In this embodiment, the legs 270 are spaced away from the base 233. An inwardly extending flange 273 protrudes from each leg 270. The inwardly extending flange 273 is a projection. The inwardly extending flange 273 protrudes from the distal end of each leg 270, although the flange 273 may be spaced apart from the distal end 272 of each leg 270. The flange 273 acts as a placement tab. The flange 273 constitutes a spacer structure 260. The spacer structure 260 may take different forms. For example, the projection 273 may be one or more rods, ribs, tabs, lips, and hooks. Each flange has a height. The flange 273 defines the height of the gap 265 formed between the end of the article 110 and the floor of the heating chamber 220. Each flange 273 defines the article placement surface 274.

[0110] The air outlet 252 is defined between adjacent legs 270. The air outlet 252 is provided radially. In this embodiment, the projections or each projection adjacent to the base 233 position the inner wall 231b axially, and the height of the flange 273 acting as a projection defines the distance between the article placement surface 274 and the base 233. In this embodiment, the flange is spaced away from the base.

[0111] The flange 273 constitutes the outer spacer. The flange 273 acts as a shoulder. The receptacle 230 also includes an inner spacer 275. The inner spacer 275 includes an inner shoulder 276 that rises upright from the floor of the heating chamber 220. The shoulder 276 includes a raised collar that extends around the heating element 210. The shoulder 276 defines the article placement surface 277. The shoulder 276 is axially offset from the inner surface 254 of the base 233. In each embodiment, the spacer structure axially offsets the end of the article from the floor of the heating chamber 220.

[0112] The spacer structure facilitates the separation of the article from the floor of the heating chamber 220. This configuration allows for improved airflow through the receptacle 230 by creating a gap. The configuration, which separates the end of the article 110 from the base 233, promotes radial airflow into the heating chamber 220. The air passage is maintained only within the receptacle 230. This thus facilitates condensation management within the device. The receptacle 230 is detachably disposed within the chamber 105 so that it can be removed and replaced during use, but in embodiments, it is fixedly mounted in the device housing 102. In embodiments, the receptacle 230 constitutes part of the device housing 102. For example, the receptacle and the coil support may be integrally formed. The receptacle may be used instead of the coil support.

[0113] In the embodiments described above, the air outlet was explained in terms of a radial flow configuration by the heating chamber. In the embodiments, it will be understood that the air outlet can provide an axial flow configuration by the heating chamber. Such a configuration is shown in Figure 7. The heater assembly 200 in Figure 7 has substantially the same configuration as the heater assembly described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0114] Referring to the embodiment in Figure 7, the receptacle 230 includes a base 233 into which a portion of the air passage 250 extends inward. In this configuration, the receptacle 230 has a single-wall structure, and the air passage 250 extends through the base 233 between the outer surface 255 and the inner surface 254. In the embodiment, a double-wall structure is possible in which the air passage 250 extends from the wall 231 into the base 233.

[0115] The tabs 280, which act as projections, protrude from the side wall 231. The tabs 280 project radially inward. The number of tabs may vary, or there may be one. The tabs or the exact extent of each tab may vary. The tabs 280 are spaced apart from the base 233.

[0116] The air outlet 252 communicates with the floor portion of the base 233. Although the figure shows one air outlet port, in embodiments there are many air outlet ports that make up the air outlet 252. The axis of the air outlet is defined by the center of the overall flow from the base 233. The air outlet 252 is asymmetric with respect to the axis 201 of the heating chamber 220. By providing the gap 265, a substantially uniform airflow is provided from the end of the article 110 through the article 110, despite the asymmetric configuration of the air outlet 252. It will be understood that the various airflow paths described in each embodiment can be used with the various spacer structures described herein.

[0117] Now, with reference to Figure 8, another embodiment will be described below. The embodiment in Figure 8 has substantially the same configuration as the heater assembly described above, in particular the embodiments in Figures 5 and 6, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0118] The heater assembly 200 comprises a receptacle 230 and a heating element 210. The heating element 210 shown in Figure 8 is a blade heating element, but it should be understood that the configuration of the heating element may differ. The receptacle 230 comprises an outer wall and inner walls 231a and 231b. The heating element 210 is upright in the heating chamber 230. The heating element 220 extends from the base 233. The base 233 and the outer wall 231a constitute a cup.

[0119] The base 233 includes a well 290, which is configured to condense liquid in the heating chamber 230. The well 290 includes a cavity 291, which extends from the base 233. The number of cavities 291 may vary. Each cavity 291, or each cavity 291, extends in an arch shape with respect to the axis of the heating chamber 220. The cavity 291 is a blind recess. The cavity extends from the floor of the heating chamber 220. The well 290 may be formed in the wall 231 of the receptacle 230. The cavity 291 defines a recess that is away from the airflow into and through the heating chamber 220. Thus, condensates can be separated from the airflow by condensing them in the cavity 291, for example. In this way, a free air passage without condensates is ensured.

[0120] By allowing the condensate in the heating chamber to condense in the cavity 291, it is possible to easily isolate the condensate from the air passage and provide a space from which the condensate can evaporate and be expelled from the heating chamber 220.

[0121] The embodiments described above are to be understood as exemplary examples of the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention are also conceivable. Any feature described in any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other described features, and may be used in combination with one or more features of any other or any combination thereof of the embodiments. Furthermore, without departing from the scope of the present invention, equivalents and improvements not described above as set forth in the appended claims may also be adopted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 100...Aerosol supply device, 200...Heater assembly, 210...Heating element, 220...Heating chamber, 233...Base, 261...Protrusion (spacer).

Claims

1. A heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, A heating element configured to heat a portion of the article received in the heating chamber, The base of one end of the heating chamber, When at least a portion of the article is received in the heating chamber, a spacer is configured to separate the article from the base. An aerosol supply device comprising a heater assembly having [a certain characteristic].

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer includes a projection that protrudes into the heating chamber.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the projection is one of a plurality of projections.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions are dispersed around the heating chamber.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the projection or each projection extends from the base.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the projection or each projection is spaced apart from the base.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spacer constitutes a shoulder portion in the heating chamber.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heating element is erected upright from the base.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating element protrudes from the heating chamber.

10. The heating chamber is defined by a receptacle, The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base constitutes a part of the receptacle.

11. Equipped with a device housing, The aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein the receptacle is removable from the device housing.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the receptacle comprises a wall that rises upright from the base and defines the heating chamber.

13. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the receptacle defines an air passage for supplying an airflow to the heating chamber.

14. The aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein the air passage includes an air outlet to the heating chamber, and the air outlet is defined at the base.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 14, wherein the air outlet is asymmetrical with respect to the axis of the heating chamber.

16. The aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein the air passage includes an air outlet to the heating chamber, and at least a portion of the air outlet is disposed between the base and the article placement surface of the spacer.

17. The aerosol supply device according to claim 16, wherein the air outlet is configured to introduce an airflow into the heating chamber in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

18. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the wall includes an outer wall and an inner wall, and the air passage is formed between the outer wall and the inner wall.

19. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the air passage is a closed channel.

20. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the heating element comprises a susceptor that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field.

21. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the heater assembly comprises an inductor coil extending around the susceptor, and the inductor coil is configured to generate the fluctuating magnetic field.

22. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the heating chamber includes an opening at its proximal end, the base is located at the distal end of the heating chamber, and the heating chamber has a substantially uniform cross-section substantially along the length of the receptacle.

23. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the base includes a well configured to collect the liquid condensed in the heating chamber.

24. A receptacle that accepts at least a portion of an article containing an aerosolizable material, The base and, The heating element extending from the base and A receptacle equipped with, When the portion of the article is received in the heating chamber, a projection contacts the portion of the article such that the article is held at a certain distance above the base. A heater assembly equipped with [a specific feature].

25. An insert for an aerosol supply device, A receptacle comprising a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, wherein at least a portion of the receptacle is detachably received into a device housing, the receptacle defines a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of the article containing an aerosol-generating material, The base of one end of the heating chamber, When at least a portion of the article is received in the heating chamber, a spacer is configured to separate the article from the base. A receptacle equipped with, A heating element configured to heat a portion of the article received in the heating chamber, An insert equipped with...

26. A heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, A heating element configured to heat a portion of the article received in the heating chamber, A wall defining at least a portion of the heating chamber, The cavity formed in the wall and An aerosol supply device comprising a heater assembly having [a certain characteristic].

27. The aerosol supply device according to claim 26, wherein the heating chamber has a base at one end, the wall includes the base, and the cavity is located at the base.

28. The aerosol supply device according to claim 26, comprising a peripheral wall defining the heating chamber, wherein the wall includes the peripheral wall and the cavity is located in the peripheral wall.

29. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the cavity is one of a plurality of cavities formed in the wall.

30. The device comprises a device housing and a receptacle configured such that at least a portion of it is removably received into the device housing. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the removable receptacle constitutes the heating chamber.

31. The aerosol supply device according to claim 30, wherein the receptacle includes the wall.

32. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 26 to 31, further comprising a spacer configured to separate the article from the cavity when at least a portion of the article is received in the heating chamber.

33. An insert for an aerosol supply device, A receptacle comprising a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, wherein at least a portion of the receptacle is detachably received into a device housing, the receptacle defines a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of the article containing an aerosol-generating material, A wall defining at least a portion of the heating chamber, The cavity formed in the wall and A receptacle equipped with, A heating element configured to heat a portion of the article received in the heating chamber, An insert equipped with...

34. A heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article containing an aerosolizable material, Heating elements and A heater assembly comprising, A heater assembly comprising a heating chamber having a base and a recess in the base for collecting fluid received in the heating chamber.

35. an aerosol supply device, heater assembly, or insert according to any one of claims 1 to 34, Article comprising an aerosol-generating material and dimensionally defined so that at least a portion of it is received within the heater assembly. an aerosol supply system equipped with the following features.

Images