Heaters for aerosol supply devices

Abstract

A heater for an aerosol supply device, comprising a housing and a heater component located within the housing. The heater component comprises at least a first heating coil and a second heating coil, the first and second heating coils comprising a resistive material. The heater component further comprises an electrical input section and an electrical output section. The first end of the first heating coil and the first end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to the electrical input section, and the second end of the first heating coil and the second end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to the electrical output section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater for an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, and a method for generating an aerosol.

Background Art

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

[0003] An aerosol supply system covering the above-described device or product is known. A common system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, and then the aerosol is inhaled by the user. In many cases, in order to supply different aerosols for inhalation, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used. A resistance heating system is known to be used as a heater for generating an aerosol from a suitable medium. Separately, an induction heating system is known to be used as a heater.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, a heater for an aerosol supply device, comprising: a housing, and a heater configuration located within the housing, comprising at least a first heating coil and a second heating coil, the first heating coil and the second heating coil containing a resistive material, and the heater configuration further comprising an electrical input portion and an electrical output portion, and The first end of the first heating coil and the first end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to the electrical input section, A heater is provided in which the second end of the first heating coil and the second end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to an electrical output section.

[0005] In other embodiments, the heating structure may more generally comprise a first resistance heating element and a second resistance heating element, the first and second resistance heating elements arranged in parallel. Thus, a heater for an aerosol supply device may be provided, comprising a housing and a heater structure located within the housing, wherein the heater structure comprises at least a first resistance heating element and a second resistance heating element, the first and second resistance heating elements comprising a resistance material, and the heater structure further comprising an electrical input section and an electrical output section. The first end of the first resistance heating element and the first end of the second resistance heating element may be electrically connected to the electrical input section. The second end of the first resistance heating element and the second end of the second resistance heating element may be electrically connected to the electrical output section.

[0006] The first heating coil and the second heating coil may be arranged in parallel.

[0007] Two or more separate electrical paths may be formed between the electrical input section and the electrical output section.

[0008] The housing may have an internal cavity, and the heating element is located within the internal cavity.

[0009] The inner cavity may be at least partially filled, or substantially completely filled, by the first heating coil, the second heating coil, and the filling material.

[0010] The inner cavity may be at least partially filled, or substantially completely filled, by a first heating coil, a second heating coil, a filling material, and either (i) a portion of the first lead wires electrically connected to the electrical input section, and / or (ii) a portion of the second lead wires electrically connected to the electrical output section.

[0011] The filling material may be arranged to fix at least a portion of the heater components in a fixed position relative to the housing.

[0012] The filler material may include one or more of the following: (i) potting compounds, (ii) adhesives, (iii) thermosetting plastics, or (iv) epoxy resins.

[0013] The inner cavity may be at least partially filled with an insulating material. The insulating material may be a potting compound, an adhesive, a thermosetting plastic, or an epoxy resin. According to various embodiments, the potting compound may include an epoxy resin. For example, a two-component epoxy consisting of a polymer resin and a curing agent may be used, which, when mixed together, trigger a chemical reaction that crosslinks the chemical bonds in the polymer chain to create a tough and rigid compound. Other embodiments may include a potting compound made of polyurethane ("PU"), such as a thermosetting plastic. This may include a two-component compound consisting of a base resin having an isocyanate curing agent. Other embodiments may include a potting compound made of silicone. For example, silicone rubber may be used that contains a synthetic polysiloxane polymer that transitions from a liquid to a solid state using an additive catalyst (such as platinum).

[0014] The housing may contain metal or a metal alloy. For example, the housing may contain aluminum or stainless steel. Alternatively, the housing may contain ceramic.

[0015] The first heating coil may be combined with a second heating coil.

[0016] At least a portion of the first heating coil may surround at least a portion of the second heating coil.

[0017] The first heating coil may have a first electrical resistance R1, and the second heating coil may have a second electrical resistance R2, where R1 and R2 are substantially the same. For example, R1 and R2 may differ by only 10% or less, 9% or less, 8% or less, 7% or less, 6% or less, 5% or less, 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, or 1% or less.

[0018] The first heating coil may have substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along its length. For example, the first heating coil may have substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, 95% or more, 96% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, or 99% or more of its length.

[0019] The second heating coil may have substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along its length. For example, the second heating coil may have substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, 95% or more, 96% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, or 99% or more of its length.

[0020] The first heating coil may have a first electrical resistance R1, and the second heating coil may have a second electrical resistance R2, where R1 and R2 are substantially different. For example, R1 and R2 may differ by 10% or more, 20% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, or 100% or more.

[0021] The first heating coil may have substantially different electrical resistances and / or cross-sectional profiles at two or more locations along the length of the first heating coil.

[0022] The second heating coil may have substantially different electrical resistances and / or cross-sectional profiles at two or more positions along the length of the second heating coil.

[0023] The heater may include a resistive heater.

[0024] The first heating coil and the second heating coil may include resistive heating coils.

[0025] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device configured to heat an article containing an aerosol-generating material is provided, the device comprising the heater described above.

[0026] The aerosol supply device may further comprise a DC voltage supply arranged such that a DC current passes through the first heating coil and the second heating coil via an electrical input and then through an electrical output.

[0027] According to one aspect, a system is provided comprising the aerosol supply device described above and an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0028] According to one aspect, providing the aerosol supply device described above; at least partially inserting an aerosol-generating article into a receiving portion of a heating chamber of the aerosol supply device A method of generating an aerosol is provided, the method comprising:

[0029] The method may further comprise operating the aerosol supply device to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article.

[0030] According to one aspect, a method of manufacturing a heater for an aerosol supply device, the method comprising: providing a housing; A step of positioning a heater component within a housing, wherein the heater component comprises at least a first heating coil and a second heating coil, the first heating coil and the second heating coil include a resistive material, and the heater component further comprises an electrical input section and an electrical output section. Includes, The first end of the first heating coil and the first end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to the electrical input section, A method is provided in which the second end of the first heating coil and the second end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to an electrical output section.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the housing may include an inner cavity, and the method may further include the step of positioning the heater components within the inner cavity and then filling any remaining voids within the inner cavity at least partially with a filler material.

[0032] The heater may be a resistance heating type heater. The heating member may be a resistance heating member. The heating element may be a resistance heating element. The coil may be a resistance heating type heater coil.

[0033] The heater may be an induction heater. The heating element may be an induction heating element. The coil may be an induction coil.

[0034] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply device is provided that is configured to heat an article containing an aerosol-generating material, and the device comprises the heater described above. The aerosol supply device may also comprise a heating chamber provided with the heater.

[0035] The aerosol supply device may comprise a power supply, a controller, and a heating chamber that removably receives the aerosol product. The power supply may be aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The power supply may also be aligned along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

[0036] The aerosol supply device may be configured for wireless charging.

[0037] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising the above-described aerosol supply device and an article containing an aerosol generating material.

[0038] The aerosol supply system may include a charging unit having a cavity for removably receiving an aerosol supply device. The charging unit may include a movable lid that covers the aerosol supply device in a closed configuration. The charging unit may include a user display. The user display may be visible to the user when the movable lid is in the closed position, and may be partially or completely hidden or obscured by the lid when the lid is in the open position.

[0039] In another embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol is provided, comprising the steps of providing the aerosol supply device described above and inserting the aerosol product at least partially into a receiving portion of a heating chamber.

[0040] The method may further include the step of supplying energy to an aerosol supply device to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product.

[0041] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol supply system that includes an aerosol supply device located within a charging unit. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device and the aerosol products of the aerosol supply system. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view of another aerosol supply device. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater of the device shown in Figure 1 or Figure 4. [Figure 7] This is a schematic electrical diagram of the heating components of a heater for an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heater for an aerosol supply device according to various embodiments, in which two heating coils are provided and the two heating coils are provided in parallel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or components thereof) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0044] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of one or more aerosol-generating materials that can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0048] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0050] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0051] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other means. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or semi-solid (such as a gel), which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0052] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0053] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0054] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film, or may be in the form of an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a binder such as a gelling agent and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a delivered substance and / or fillers may also be present. The aerosol-generating film may not contain substantially any plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco-free.

[0055] The aerosol-generating film may have a thickness of approximately 0.015 mm to approximately 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of approximately 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, or 0.15 mm to approximately 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm.

[0056] The aerosol-generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may include a continuous sheet of material, or may be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of packaging material, may be gathered to form a gathered sheet, or may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The shredded sheet may include one or more strands or strips of the aerosol-generating material.

[0057] The aerosol-generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol-generating film may include one or more individual parts or regions of aerosol-generating material, such as dots, stripes, or lines, which can be supported on a support. In such embodiments, the support may be planar or non-planar.

[0058] The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder such as a gelling agent with a solvent such as water, an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more other components such as one or more substances to be delivered to form a slurry, and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least a portion of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film.

[0059] An aerosol supply device can accept articles containing aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that contains or is contained with aerosol-generating material at the time of use, and optionally other components at the time of use, which are heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material. The user can insert the article into or onto the aerosol supply device before it is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user then inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in or on a heater of a device sized to accept the article.

[0060] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to supply thermal energy to the aerosol-generating material in order to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of the following to the aerosol-generating material: vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0061] Consumables are articles comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may also comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat during use to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0062] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. The susceptor may be magnetic only or conductive only. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0063] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly that includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and interchangeable aerosol products. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller (i.e., a control electrical circuit). The power source may be an electrical power source such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, the aerosol product may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or entirely.

[0064] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply system 10 comprising an aerosol supply device 100 and a charging unit 101. The device is shown positioned within the cavity of the charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 is arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol product (see Figure 3) that can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 when in use. In the embodiment, the article forms part of the aerosol supply system 10.

[0065] The aerosol supply device 100 is an elongated structure extending along its longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device has a proximal end, which is closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when used by the user, and a distal end, which is furthest from the user when used, for inhaling the aerosol produced by the aerosol supply device 100. The proximal end may also be called the “mouthpiece end”. Thus, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a proximal direction that is directed toward the user when used. Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a distal direction that is directed away from the user when used. The terms proximal and distal applied to the features of the device 100 are explained by referring to the relative positioning of such features relative to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply device 100 has an opening at its distal end that leads into a heating chamber.

[0066] The aerosol supply device 100 may be removably inserted into the charging unit 101 for charging. The charging unit 101 includes a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 may be inserted into the cavity through an opening. The cavity may also include a longitudinal opening. A portion of the aerosol supply device 100 may have a first side. One or more user-operable control elements, such as a button 106, which can be used to operate the aerosol supply device 100, may be provided on the first side of the aerosol supply device 100. The first side of the aerosol supply device 100 may be received by a longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 101.

[0067] In one embodiment, the cavity of the charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile that allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 101 in only one orientation. According to one embodiment, the outer profile of the aerosol supply device 100 may include a curved portion and a straight portion. The cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided in the charging unit 101 may also include a similar curved portion and a straight portion. The straight portion of the cavity's cross-sectional profile may correspond to a longitudinal opening.

[0068] The charging unit 101 includes a sliding lid 103. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 for recharging, the sliding lid 103 may be closed to cover the opening into the aerosol supply device 100. In other embodiments, the charging unit 101 may have an alternative lid configuration, such as a hinged or pivoted lid, or may not have a lid at all.

[0069] The charging unit 101 may include a user interface such as a display 108, which can be installed in any convenient location, such as the position shown in Figure 1.

[0070] Figure 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 200, which defines the device body of the device 100. The device 100 defines a heating chamber 201. A receptacle 205 defines the heating chamber 201. An opening 203 is provided to provide access to the heating chamber 201. The receptacle 205 comprises a wall structure including a receptacle side wall 205a and a receptacle base 205b. The base 205b is at the distal end of the receptacle 205. The heating zone 201a is configured to receive at least a portion of an article for heating.

[0071] A heating element 301 is provided in part of the main housing 200, and the heating element 301 extends into or protrudes into the heating chamber 201. The heating element 301 may include a base portion 301a that can be located in a recess provided in part of the body of the device 100. The heating element 301 stands upright within the heating chamber 201. The heating element 301 stands upright from its distal end.

[0072] The heating element 301 comprises an elongated heating element in the form of a pin. The pin may include a ceramic material. In other embodiments, the heating element 301 comprises other elongated components such as a blade. The heating element 301 may be inserted at the distal end of the aerosol product 50 (see Figure 3) received in the heating chamber 201 to heat the aerosol product 50 internally during use.

[0073] The housing comprises a housing wall 200a. The housing wall 200a extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 and surrounds the heating chamber 201. The housing wall 200a may, at least partially, define the receiving chamber of the aerosol supply device 100 as a volume enclosed within the wall 200a. The housing base 200b is at the distal end of the housing wall 200a. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating member 301 stands upright from the housing base 200b. The heating member 301 protrudes through the receptacle base 205b. The receptacle base 205b has an aperture 206 from which the heating member 301 protrudes. In the embodiment, the heating member 301 is attached to the receptacle base 205b. The heating member 301 stands upright from the receptacle base 205b.

[0074] The aerosol supply device 100 further comprises a removal mechanism 204 which can be detachably held in the main housing 200 of the aerosol supply device 100. The removal mechanism 204 is omitted in the embodiment. In the embodiment, the housing wall 200a defines the receptacle 205 at least partially. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in the main housing 200, so that at least a portion of the removal mechanism 204 extends into the heating chamber 201. In this embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 may comprise a longitudinal portion such as a tubular peripheral wall portion 207a and a base wall portion 207b. The wall 207a may have a shape other than tubular and may be any shape which encloses (e.g., surrounds) and defines the heating chamber 201 inside.

[0075] In embodiments having a removal mechanism 204, the removal mechanism 204 defines the heating chamber 201. The removal mechanism 204 forms the receptacle 205. In embodiments where the removal mechanism 204 is omitted, other features of the device 100 define the heating chamber 201, such as the housing side wall 200a and the housing base 200b.

[0076] The base portion 207b has an aperture 206 from which the heating element 301 can protrude. In order to hold the removal mechanism 204 in the main housing 200, the removal mechanism 204 is pushed distally, i.e., toward the distal end of the main housing 200, to engage with the main housing 200 until the removal mechanism 204 can no longer move distally. In the following description, when the removal mechanism 204 is "held in" the main housing 200, it means that the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200 and cannot move distally any further.

[0077] The peripheral portion 207a and the base portion 207b may both define and enclose an article chamber for receiving the aerosol product 50, as shown in Figure 3. The article chamber has an inner surface configured to contact the aerosol product, the inner surface comprising a longitudinally extending portion provided by the tubular portion 207a and an end portion provided by the base portion 207b. In embodiments, the article chamber and the heating chamber are the same. When the aerosol product 50 is received into the heating chamber, the aerosol product 50 may contact both the longitudinally extending portion and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e., the peripheral portion 207a and the base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product 50, which is in the form of a longitudinally extending cylindrical rod, such that the longitudinal axis of the article is parallel to (optionally aligned in a line with) the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 when received into the article chamber.

[0078] The article chamber may also be called the receiving portion. When the removal mechanism 204 is held in the main housing 200, the article chamber of the removal mechanism 204 is positioned at least partially within the heating chamber 201 during use. The heating member 301 may be positioned to protrude into the article chamber through an aperture 206 provided in the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204. Thus, the removal mechanism 204 is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product during use.

[0079] In this embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 may include a first magnet or magnetizable material 208. The main housing 200 may include a second magnet or magnetizable material 209. During use, the removal mechanism 204 may be magnetically held to the main housing 200 by the interaction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209.

[0080] In the embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 is completely separable from the main housing 200. The removal mechanism 204 may be held in place by the magnetic attraction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. The removal mechanism 204 may be separated from the main housing 200 by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209. In the embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 is removably held in place by the main housing 200 by other means. For example, the removal mechanism 204 may be configured to be removably held in place by an interlocking fit with the main housing.

[0081] The removal mechanism 204 may comprise an internal element ( comprising a tubular portion 207a and a base portion 207b) and an outer cap portion 210, where, when held in the main housing 200, the outer cap portion 210 encloses (e.g., covers) at least a portion of the main housing, such as the wall 200a of the main housing 200. The tubular portion 207a, the base portion 207b, and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise a single (e.g., one) component (e.g., formed by molding). Alternatively, the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b may comprise a first component, and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise a second separate component. The first and second components may then be fixed to each other.

[0082] Figure 4 shows another aerosol generation system 40. System 40 comprises an integrated aerosol generation device 400 for generating aerosols from an aerosol generation material, and an aerosol product 50 containing an aerosol generation medium. Device 400 can be used to heat the aerosol product 50 containing the aerosol generation medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that can be inhaled by a user of device 400.

[0083] The device 400 comprises a housing 500 that surrounds and houses various components of the device 400. The housing 500 is elongated. The device 400 has an opening 504 at one end into which an article 50 can be inserted for heating by the device 400. The article 50 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 400 for heating by the device 400.

[0084] The device 400 may include a user-operable control element 506, such as a button or switch, that operates the device 400 when operated, for example, when pressed. For example, the user may activate the device 400 by pressing the switch 506.

[0085] The device 400 defines a longitudinal axis 509 along which the article 50 may extend when it is inserted into the device 400. The opening 504 is aligned on the longitudinal axis 509.

[0086] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system 40. Features described with reference to Figure 5 in the embodiments are applicable to the embodiments described above. The aerosol generation device comprises a power supply 410, a controller 420, and a heating chamber 401 in which the aerosol product 50 is removably received.

[0087] The integrated device in Figure 5 shows a power supply 410 aligned along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 401. In another embodiment of the integrated aerosol generation device, the power supply is aligned along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

[0088] The heating element 301 comprises an elongated heating element in the form of a pin. In embodiments, the heating element 301 comprises other elongated components such as blades. The heating element 301 is provided within a heating chamber. The heating element 301 of Figure 5 and the heating element 301 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 can be applied to each other as described in detail herein. The heating element 301 extends into or protrudes into the heating chamber 401.

[0089] The heating element 301 may be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol product 50, which is received in the heating chamber 401, in order to heat the aerosol product 50 internally during use.

[0090] The aerosol supply devices 100 and 400 include a heating component 300. The heating component 300 includes a heater. The heating element 301 functions as a heater. The heater includes a heating element 350 (see Figure 6), such as a resistance heating coil, which is arranged to operate to heat the heating element 301.

[0091] The heating component 300 is a resistance heating component. The heater is a resistance heating heater. Heating elements such as heating coils, described later, are resistance heating elements. In such a component, the heating assembly includes a resistance heating generator which includes components for heating the heating elements via a resistance heating process. In this case, a current is applied directly to the resistance heating element, and the resulting flow of current within the heating element acts as a heating component, heating the heating element by Joule heating. The resistance heating element includes a resistive material configured to generate heat when an appropriate current passes through the resistance heating element, and the heating component includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistive material. In the embodiment, the heating element forms at least a portion of the resistance heating member itself. In the embodiment, the resistance heating element transfers heat to the heating member, for example, by conduction. By providing a resistance heating component, a compact configuration is possible. Resistance heating provides an efficient configuration.

[0092] Figure 6 shows a heating element 301 for use in the aerosol supply device described above. The heating element 301 acts as a heater or forms at least part of a heater. The heating component 300 comprises the heating element 301. The heating element 301 comprises an elongated housing 302 and a heating element 350. The elongated housing 302 is an elongated member that defines a longitudinal axis.

[0093] The elongated housing 302 is formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum. Other suitable materials such as stainless steel or ceramic may be used. The elongated housing may include a coating on its outer surface. The elongated housing 302 is configured to transfer heat from the heating element 350 to the heating zone 201a.

[0094] The elongated housing 302 has a base end 303 and a free end 304. The base end 304 is attached to the device body. A mount 305 on the base end 303 attaches the heating element 301. It will be understood that different mounting configurations, such as fixing, molding, and joining including adhesive, may be used. The mount 305 may be a separate component or may be formed integrally with the elongated housing 302.

[0095] The groove 302a or the region with reduced cross-sectional diameter may be provided within the elongated housing 302, toward the base end 303 of the elongated housing 302. As will be described in more detail below, the heating coil 351 is located within the inner gap 308 of the heating member 301. The groove 302a or the region with reduced cross-sectional diameter may be located, for example, along the length of the elongated housing 302, at a longitudinal position intermediate between a first longitudinal position corresponding to the longitudinal position of the end of the heating coil 351 closest to the base end 303 and a second longitudinal position corresponding to the longitudinal position where the base end of the elongated housing 302 is attached to, abuts against, or otherwise secured to the mount 305.

[0096] It will be understood that the groove 302a or the region with a reduced cross-sectional diameter reduces, limits, or reduces the effect of heat conduction from the body of the heating member 301 to the base end of the heating member 301 attached to the mount 305. As a result, the flow of heat or thermal energy from the heating member 301 to the mount 305 is reduced. Therefore, the groove 302a or the region with a reduced cross-sectional diameter can be considered to function as a thermal barrier that reduces thermal bleed from the heating member 301 to the mount 305 or more generally to the mounting point.

[0097] Further embodiments are conceivable in which the elongated housing may be provided with two or more grooves or regions with reduced cross-sectional diameter to act as a thermal barrier (not shown). The groove 302a or region with reduced cross-sectional diameter comprises an annular recess, which is shown in Figure 6 as having a rectangular cross-sectional profile, but other embodiments are conceivable in which the annular recess may have a different cross-sectional profile, such as a V-notch or a W-notch. Further embodiments are conceivable in which one or more grooves or regions with reduced cross-sectional diameter may be provided on the inner surface of the elongated housing 302.

[0098] The elongated housing 302 comprises a housing body 306, which is tubular. The housing body 306 includes a bore 307, which defines an inner void 308 of the heating member 301. The inner void 308 extends longitudinally. In the embodiment, the inner void 308 is at least partially filled with, for example, a filler. In the embodiment, the inner void 308 is completely filled with, for example, one or more fillers and / or components. In the embodiment, the inner void 308 defines an air gap. An inner surface 309 is defined on the inside of the elongated housing 302. The base end 303 is provided with an open end 310 to the inner void 308.

[0099] The free end 304 of the elongated housing 302 extends toward the proximal end of the heating chamber. The free end 304 of the heating member 301 is closed. The inner gap 308 does not penetrate the free end 304. The tip 311 is provided on the free end 304. The tip 311 extends to the apex 312. Other shapes and configurations of the tip 311 may be provided; for example, the tip 311 may define a plane.

[0100] The heating element 350 extends within the heating member 301. The heating element 350 extends longitudinally within the elongated housing 302. The heating element 350 is received within the inner void 308. The heating element 350 extends between the base end 303 and the distal end 304. In the embodiment, the heating element extends partially along the length of the inner void 308. In the embodiment, the heating element 350 extends to or beyond the open end 310.

[0101] In the embodiment, the heating element 350 comprises a heating coil 351. The heating coil 351 comprises a resistive member defining the heating coil 351. In the embodiment, the heating coil 351 includes an electrical insulating coating, such as ceramic, to electrically insulate the heating coil 351 from the elongated housing 302. In the embodiment, the electrical insulating coating is thermally conductive to provide heat transfer from the heating element 350 to the elongated housing 302. In the embodiment, the electrical insulating coating is omitted. In the embodiment, a separate electrical insulating component is provided, such as at least one of an electrical insulating member and an electrical insulating filler. In the embodiment, the electrical insulating member and the electrical insulating filler are thermally conductive to provide heat transfer from the heating element 350 to the elongated housing 302.

[0102] The heating coil 351 is a resistance heating coil. The heating coil 351 is a helical coil. The heating coil 351 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile. It will be understood that other coil configurations are also possible. In an embodiment, the heating coil 351 has a circular cross-sectional profile. In an embodiment, the heating structure 300 comprises two or more heating coils. In an embodiment, the two or more heating coils are in a parallel array, or alternatively, in a series array.

[0103] The heating element 300 includes electrical connection paths. The electrical connection paths extend from each end of the heating element 350. The base electrical connection path 352 extends from the distal end of the heating element 350. The return electrical connection path 353 extends from the proximal end of the heating element 350. The return electrical connection path overlaps the longitudinal range of the heating element 350. The electrical connection paths 352, 352 are formed integrally with the heating element 350, for example, as a single wire. In embodiments, a connector connects the electrical connection paths 352, 353 to the heating element 350. The heating coil 351 is formed of a resistive material such as a nickel / chromium alloy such as nichrome 80 / 20 (80% nickel, 20% chromium), an iron / chromium / aluminum alloy, or a copper / nickel alloy.

[0104] Figure 7 shows schematic electrical diagrams of the heating element 600 according to various embodiments. The heating element 600 includes the same features as the heating element 300 described above with reference to Figure 6, except that the heating element 600 comprises two heating coils 610 and 620 arranged in parallel.

[0105] According to various embodiments, a heater for an aerosol supply device is provided. The aerosol supply device comprises a housing and a heater component located within the housing. The heater component may comprise at least a first heating coil 610 and a second heating coil 620. The first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 may include a resistive material. The heater component may further comprise an electrical input section and an electrical output section. The first end of the first heating coil 610 and the first end of the second heating coil 620 may be electrically connected to the electrical input section 630. The second end of the first heating coil 610 and the second end of the second heating coil 620 may be electrically connected to the electrical output section 640.

[0106] It will be understood that if two electric heating coils are connected in parallel and both heating coils have the same resistance R, the total resistance of the entire heating configuration will be 0.5R. As a result, with a fixed DC voltage supply, the total current supplied can be twice that of a single heating coil.

[0107] As a result, an increased current can be supplied to the heating component compared to a heating component with a single heating coil. This makes it possible to rapidly heat an article containing aerosol-generating material that is at least partially inserted into an aerosol supply device incorporating a heater.

[0108] Furthermore, by providing two (or more) resistance heating coils 610, 620 in parallel, it becomes possible to provide a variety of custom heating configurations. For example, the heating coils 610, 620 may be combined and may have different resistances. As a result, a heater may be provided that has a heating profile that varies along the length of the housing that houses the heater configuration.

[0109] According to various embodiments, a heating structure comprising multiple resistance heating elements arranged in parallel makes it possible to provide multiple flexible heating structures that can offer a number of novel heating configurations.

[0110] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the heating structure 600 includes a first heating coil 610 and a second heating coil 620. The first heating coil 610 and the second coil 620 act as resistance heaters; that is, the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 contain a resistance material. For example, the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 may include a nickel / chromium alloy such as nichrome 80 / 20 (80% nickel, 20% chromium), an iron / chromium / aluminum alloy, or a copper / nickel alloy.

[0111] It will be understood that the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 are located within a heating member 301 similar to the heating member 301 illustrated and described with reference to Figure 6.

[0112] The first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 may include an electrical insulating coating, such as ceramic, to electrically insulate each heating coil from the elongated housing 302 (as shown in Figure 6). The electrical insulating coating may be thermally conductive to facilitate heat transfer from the first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 to the elongated housing 302. The electrical insulating coating prevents electrical short circuits along the entire length of the first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 by, for example, electrically insulating the windings of adjacent coils. According to other embodiments, an electrical insulating coating may not be provided.

[0113] Embodiments are conceivable in which a separate electrical insulation structure is provided, comprising at least one of an electrical insulating member and an electrical insulating filler. The electrical insulating member and the electrical insulating filler may be thermally conductive to facilitate heat transfer from the first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 to the elongated housing 302.

[0114] The first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 may include a helical coil. The first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 may have a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. Other coil configurations are also conceivable, and it will be understood that, for example, the first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 may have a circular cross-sectional profile.

[0115] The first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 are configured such that when current is directly applied to the coils 610 and 620, the resulting current flow causes the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 to be heated by Joule heating.

[0116] The heating component 600 further includes an electrical input section 630 and an electrical output section 640. According to various embodiments, a DC current is supplied to the electrical input section 630 and then divided according to the relative resistance of the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620. The electrical input section 630 and / or the electrical output section 640 may be connected to a power source (not shown). For example, the power source may include a rechargeable DC battery.

[0117] According to various embodiments, the first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 may have a resistance in the range of 0.2 to 20 Ω. For example, the first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 may have a resistance in the range of 0.2 to 1 Ω, 1 to 5 Ω, 5 to 10 Ω, 10 to 15 Ω, or 15 to 20 Ω. Other embodiments are conceivable in which the first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 may have a resistance of less than 0.2 Ω or greater than 20 Ω.

[0118] The rechargeable DC battery may include a lithium-ion battery and may have a voltage of 4-5V. According to one embodiment, the DC battery may have a voltage of 4.2V when fully charged. According to various embodiments, the DC battery may be arranged to supply current to a first heating coil 610 and a second heating coil 620, and the current flowing through at least one or each of the heating coils 610, 620 is in the range of less than 0.1A, 0.1-0.2A, 0.2-0.3A, 0.3-0.4A, 0.4-0.5A, 0.5-0.6A, 0.6-0.7A, 0.7-0.8A, 0.8-0.9A, 0.9-1.0A, or greater than 1.0A.

[0119] The first end 611 of the first heating coil 610 and the first end 621 of the second heating coil 620 are electrically connected to the electrical input unit 630. The second end 612 of the first heating coil 610 and the second end 622 of the second heating coil 620 are electrically connected to the electrical output unit 640. According to various embodiments, the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 are arranged in a parallel configuration such that the current supplied to the electrical input unit 630 passes through both the first electric heating coil 610 and the second electric heating coil 620 in parallel (as opposed to in series).

[0120] Since the first electric heating coil 610 and the second electric heating coil 620 are provided in parallel, it will be understood that if the two heating coils have the same resistance R, the total resistance of the heating configuration 600 comprising the two heating coils 610 and 620 will be 0.5R. As a result, in the case of a fixed DC voltage supply, the total current supplied can be twice that of a single heating coil 610 or 620 provided.

[0121] Therefore, it will be understood that heating components 600, according to various embodiments, which include two heating coils 610, 620 in parallel, are able to supply an increased current compared to a single heating coil. As a result, articles (not shown) can be heated more quickly.

[0122] Furthermore, by providing two (or more) resistance heating coils in parallel, it becomes possible to provide a variety of custom heating configurations. For example, the heating coils may be combined and may have different resistances. As a result, a heater may be provided that has a heating profile that varies along the length of the housing that houses the heater configuration.

[0123] During use, the current supplied by, for example, a DC power supply may be arranged to flow between the electrical input section 630 and the electrical output section 640. The resulting current flow passes through both the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620, heating the resistive material of the first heating coil 610 and the resistive material of the second heating coil 620 by Joule heating, as described above.

[0124] The heat generated by the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 may be used to heat an aerosol product, such as an aerosol product illustrated and described with reference to Figure 3. According to various embodiments, when an electric current flows between the electrical input section 630 and the electrical output section 630, the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 heat the elongated housing 302 (see Figure 6). According to various embodiments, the elongated housing 302 shown in Figure 6 may include a pin heater into which the end of the aerosol product is inserted. The pin heater may include a ceramic material. Thus, when the elongated housing 302 is heated by the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620, the aerosol product is also heated and generates an aerosol.

[0125] Referring to Figure 5, the power supply 410 may be connected between the electrical input section 630 and the electrical output section 640. The power supply 410 may include, for example, a DC voltage supply section arranged such that a DC current flows through the electrical input section 630, through the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 (in parallel), and then through the electrical output section 640.

[0126] Therefore, a first separate electrical path is formed between the electrical input section 630, the first heating coil 610, and the electrical output section 640, and a second separate electrical path is formed between the electrical input section 630, the second heating coil 620, and the electrical output section 640.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the first heater coil 610 and the second heater coil 620 may be combined with each other, that is, connected in parallel to the electrical input section 630 and the electrical output section 640 to form a parallel electrical circuit.

[0128] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first heating coil 610 may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the second heating coil 620, that is, at least a portion of the first heating coil 610 and at least a portion of the second heating coil 620 may overlap in the longitudinal direction of the elongated housing 302 of the heating member 301 (see Figure 6).

[0129] The embodiments illustrated and described with reference to Figure 7 include first and second heating coils 610 and 620, but it will be understood that other embodiments are conceivable in which the heating structure may include three or more heating coils. For example, other embodiments are conceivable in which the heating structure 600 may include three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or more than ten heating coils. In other embodiments, the first end of each coil may be electrically connected to the electrical input section 630, and the second end of the coil may be electrically connected to the electrical output section 640. Thus, multiple separate electrical paths in parallel may be formed.

[0130] Other embodiments are conceivable in which the heating structure 600 may more generally comprise a plurality of resistive heating elements arranged in parallel (compared to series). The resistive heating elements may comprise heating coils, or alternatively, the resistive heating elements may be arranged differently from the coils, while still providing a resistive heater.

[0131] According to various embodiments, multiple heating coils may be provided, and by combining two or more of the heating coils with each other, multiple parallel traces may be formed, each forming part of the same parallel electrical circuit.

[0132] The first heating coil 610 may have a first electrical resistance R1, and the second heating coil 620 may have a second electrical resistance R2. In some embodiments, R1 and R2 may be substantially the same. For example, R1 and R2 may differ by only 10% or less, 9% or less, 8% or less, 7% or less, 6% or less, 5% or less, 4% or less, 3% or less, 2% or less, or 1% or less. In other embodiments, R1 and R2 may be substantially different. For example, R1 and R2 may differ by 10% or more, 20% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, or 100% or more.

[0133] The first heating coil 610 may have substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along its length. For example, the first heating coil 610 may have substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, 95% or more, 96% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, or 99% or more of its length. Alternatively, the electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile may differ substantially at two or more locations along the length of the first heating coil 610.

[0134] The second heating coil 620 may have substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along its length. For example, the second heating coil 620 may have substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, 95% or more, 96% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, or 99% or more of its length. Alternatively, the electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile may be substantially different at two or more locations along the length of the second heating coil 620.

[0135] Figure 8 shows a heating member 301 comprising a heating component 600 according to various embodiments. The reference numerals correspond to the features having the same reference numerals as described above with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0136] As described above with reference to Figure 6, the elongated housing 302 comprises a housing body 306. The housing body 306 is tubular. The housing body 306 comprises a bore 307. The bore 307 defines an inner void 308 of the heating member 301. The inner void 308 extends in the longitudinal direction. The first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 are arranged in the inner void 308 of the heating member 301.

[0137] Within the heating element 301, a first heating coil 610 and a second heating coil 620 are arranged to extend. The first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 extend longitudinally within an elongated housing 302. The first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 extend between the base end 303 and the distal end 304 of the elongated housing 302. In some embodiments, the first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 extend partially along the length of the inner gap 308. In some embodiments, the first heating coil 610 and / or the second heating coil 620 extend to or beyond the open end 310. According to various embodiments, the first heating coil 610 is combined with the second heating coil 620, and the two heating coils 610, 620 are connected in parallel. Other coils (not shown) may also be provided and connected in parallel.

[0138] The inner void 308 of the elongated housing 302 may be at least partially filled, or substantially completely filled, by the first heating coil 610, the second heating coil 620, and a filling material (not shown).

[0139] The inner void 308 may be at least partially filled, or substantially completely filled, by the first heating coil 610, the second heating coil 620, the filling material, and a portion of the first electrical connection path 631 electrically connected to the electrical input section 630 and / or a portion of the second electrical path 641 electrically connected to the electrical output section 640. Both the first and second electrical paths 631 and 641 may be connected to a DC power supply (not shown).

[0140] The filler material may comprise one or more of (i) potting compounds, (ii) adhesives, (iii) thermosetting plastics, or (iv) epoxy resins. The filler material may also be an electrically insulating material. The filler material can be used to fix at least a portion of the heater component 600 in a fixed position relative to the heater housing 302. In embodiments, the filler material may act to fix both the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620 in a fixed position relative to the elongated housing 302. The filler material may be thermally conductive to facilitate heat transfer from the first and second heating coils 610, 620 to heat the heating member 301.

[0141] The inner cavity 308 may be at least partially filled with an insulating material. The insulating material may be a potting compound, an adhesive, a thermosetting plastic, or an epoxy resin. According to various embodiments, the potting compound may include an epoxy resin. For example, a two-component epoxy consisting of a polymer resin and a curing agent may be used, which, when mixed together, trigger a chemical reaction that crosslinks the chemical bonds in the polymer chain to create a tough and rigid compound. Other embodiments may include a potting compound containing polyurethane ("PU"), such as a thermosetting plastic. This may include a two-component compound consisting of a base resin having an isocyanate curing agent. Other embodiments may include a potting compound containing silicone. For example, silicone rubber may be used that contains a synthetic polysiloxane polymer that transitions from a liquid to a solid state using an additive catalyst (such as platinum).

[0142] As described above, the heating component 600 may include a first electrical connection path 631 and a second electrical connection path 641. The first electrical connection path 631 connects the electrical input section 630 to both the first end 611 of the first heating coil 610 and the first end 621 of the second heating coil 620. The second (return) electrical connection path 641 may extend from the second end 612 of the first heating coil 610 and the second end 622 of the second heating coil 620 and connect to the electrical output section 640.

[0143] The second (return) electrical connection path 641 may overlap the longitudinal range of the heating element 301. The second electrical connection path 641 may be terminated at the electrical output section 640. The first and second electrical connection paths 631, 641 may be integrally formed with the heating element 301 as wires or other connectors. In the embodiment, the connector may connect the first and second electrical connection paths 631, 641 to the first heating coil 610 and the second heating coil 620.

[0144] In the embodiments described above, the heating element is a resistance heating element. Other types of heating elements, such as induction heating elements, are used in the embodiments. The device configuration is generally as described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0145] An induction heating system comprises various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of an article by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating system may comprise an induction element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current within the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the induction element. Compared to heating by conduction, for example, induction heating generates heat inside the susceptor, enabling rapid heating. Furthermore, it does not require any physical contact between the induction element and the susceptor, increasing the freedom of construction and application.

[0146] In induction heating, heat is generated within the susceptor (heating element), while in resistance heating, heat is generated within the coil (heating element).

[0147] In the embodiment, the heating element of the aerosol supply system is not part of the aerosol supply device but part of the aerosol product. The heating element may be a resistive heating element, for example, in the form of a resistive coil as described above, provided as part of the aerosol product. Electrical connections may allow current to flow through the resistive heating element.

[0148] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A heater for an aerosol supply device, Housing and A heater component located within the housing, comprising at least a first heating coil and a second heating coil, wherein the first heating coil and the second heating coil include a resistive material, and the heater component further comprises an electrical input section and an electrical output section. Equipped with, The first end of the first heating coil and the first end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to the electrical input section, A heater in which the second end of the first heating coil and the second end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to the electrical output unit.

2. The heater according to claim 1, wherein the first heating coil and the second heating coil are arranged in parallel.

3. The heater according to claim 2, wherein two or more separate electrical paths are formed between the electrical input section and the electrical output section.

4. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing comprises an inner cavity and the heater component is located within the inner cavity.

5. The heater according to claim 4, wherein the inner cavity is at least partially filled or substantially completely filled by the first heating coil, the second heating coil, and the filling material.

6. The heater according to claim 4, wherein the inner cavity is at least partially filled or substantially completely filled by the first heating coil, the second heating coil, the filling material, and (i) a portion of the first lead wires electrically connected to the electrical input section, and / or (ii) a portion of the second lead wires electrically connected to the electrical output section.

7. The heater according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the filling material is arranged to fix at least a portion of the heater component to the housing in a fixed position.

8. The heater according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the filling material comprises one or more of (i) a potting compound, (ii) an adhesive, (iii) a thermosetting plastic, or (iv) an epoxy resin.

9. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing comprises metal or a metal alloy.

10. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first heating coil is combined with the second heating coil.

11. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least a portion of the first heating coil surrounds at least a portion of the second heating coil.

12. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first heating coil has a first electrical resistance R1 and the second heating coil has a second electrical resistance R2, and R1 and R2 are substantially the same.

13. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first heating coil has substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along the length of the first heating coil.

14. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second heating coil has substantially constant electrical resistance and / or cross-sectional profile along the length of the second heating coil.

15. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first heating coil has a first electrical resistance R1 and the second heating coil has a second electrical resistance R2, and R1 and R2 are substantially different.

16. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or 15, wherein the first heating coil has substantially different electrical resistances and / or cross-sectional profiles at two or more positions along the length of the first heating coil.

17. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 11, 15, or 16, wherein the second heating coil has substantially different electrical resistances and / or cross-sectional profiles at two or more positions along the length of the second heating coil.

18. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the heater includes a resistance heating type heater.

19. The heater according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first heating coil and the second heating coil include a resistance heating coil.

20. An aerosol supply device configured to heat an article containing an aerosol-generating material, comprising a heater according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A system comprising the aerosol supply device according to claim 20 and an article containing an aerosol generating material.

22. The steps of providing the aerosol supply device described in claim 20, The steps include: inserting the aerosol product at least partially into the receiving portion of the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device; A method for generating an aerosol containing [a specific substance].

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising the step of operating the aerosol supply device to generate an aerosol from the aerosol product.

24. A method for manufacturing a heater for an aerosol supply device, The steps of providing housing, A step of positioning a heater component within the housing, wherein the heater component comprises at least a first heating coil and a second heating coil, the first heating coil and the second heating coil include a resistive material, and the heater component further comprises an electrical input section and an electrical output section. Includes, The first end of the first heating coil and the first end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to the electrical input section, A method in which the second end of the first heating coil and the second end of the second heating coil are electrically connected to the electrical output unit.

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