Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol supply device.SOLUTION: An aerosol supply device includes: a battery 118; a battery support part 120 configured to engage with the battery 118 and support it; and an elastic component bonded to the battery support part 120 and arranged between the battery support part 120 and the battery 118. The device further includes a temperature sensor stored in the elastic component at least partially. The temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the battery 118. At least one of the temperature sensor and the elastic component abuts against the battery 118.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device. [Background technology]

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

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, Battery and a battery support configured to engage and hold a battery; a resilient component disposed between the battery support and the battery; a temperature sensor at least partially contained within the resilient component, the temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the battery; An aerosol delivery device is provided, wherein at least one of a temperature sensor and a resilient component abuts the battery.

[0004] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of an example aerosol delivery device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1 with the outer cover removed. [Diagram 3]2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of a heating assembly in an aerosol delivery device, and Figure 5B is an enlarged view of a portion of the heating assembly of Figure 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates a battery and battery support according to an example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the battery support of FIG. 6 and a resilient component bonded to the battery support. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view of the battery support of FIG. 7 before the elastic component is bonded to the battery support. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" includes materials that upon heating provide volatile components, typically in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol-forming materials include any tobacco-containing material, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-forming materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. Aerosol-forming materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. Aerosol-forming materials may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-forming materials may also be known as "smoking materials."

[0007] Typically, devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol that can be inhaled without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material. Such devices are sometimes described as "aerosol-generating devices", "aerosol delivery devices", "non-combustion heating devices", "tobacco heating product devices" or "tobacco heating devices", or the like. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in liquid form that may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, or provided as part of, a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device. A heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0008] The aerosol delivery device can receive and heat an article comprising an aerosol-generating material. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains an aerosol-generating material when in use, and that is heated when in use to volatilize the aerosol-generating material and optionally other components. A user can insert the article into the aerosol generating device and then heat it to generate an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user. The article can be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0009] A first aspect of the disclosure defines an aerosol delivery device comprising a battery, a battery support, and a temperature sensor arranged to measure a temperature of the battery. The battery support may be a substantially rigid structure that engages the battery and holds it in place in the aerosol delivery device. One or more other components of the device may be attached to the battery support.

[0010] In some aerosol delivery devices, it is often useful to measure the temperature of the battery to ensure that the battery does not overheat during use of the device, e.g., to ensure that the battery temperature does not rise above a predetermined temperature threshold, such as 35°C, 36°C, 40°C, 45°C, or 50°C. If the battery becomes too hot, it may affect the performance or life of the battery, or even make the battery unsafe. The battery may overheat due to insufficient cooling or due to a hot environment. This problem may be exacerbated in aerosol delivery devices that include a heater assembly (such as one or more inductor coils that heat a susceptor). The heater assembly may be in thermal proximity to the battery, so that the battery is further heated by the heater assembly. For example, when the susceptor is heated (to about 240°C to about 280°C), the temperature of the battery may increase. Therefore, it is important to monitor the temperature of the battery.

[0011] The heater assembly can be operated based on the measured temperature. For example, if the battery gets too hot during heating, the heater assembly can be switched off. If the battery was too hot before switching on the heater assembly, the device can prevent the heater assembly from being switched on.

[0012] In certain applications, it is desirable for the temperature sensor to be connected to or in contact with the battery. However, in portable devices such as aerosol delivery devices, it has been found that the relative position between the temperature sensor and the battery can change over time. This can result in the temperature sensor measuring an inaccurate / inaccurate battery temperature. For example, if the device is dropped or otherwise impacted, the temperature sensor may lose contact with the battery. For example, the temperature sensor may be welded or otherwise mechanically connected to the battery. If the device experiences an impact force, this connection may become detached, resulting in the temperature sensor becoming separated from the battery. Thus, the temperature measured by the sensor may be lower than the actual temperature of the battery. Thus, the battery may operate at a higher than safe temperature without the device realizing that the temperature sensor is measuring a lower temperature than it actually is. Therefore, it is desirable to ensure that the position of the temperature sensor relative to the battery remains constant over time so that the displayed temperature is more accurate to the true battery temperature.

[0013] To solve this problem, the temperature sensor can be at least partially housed within an elastic component / material that holds the temperature sensor in thermal proximity to the battery. For example, the elastic component may be bonded to the battery support or disposed between the battery support and the battery. At least one of the elastic component and the temperature sensor is in contact with the battery so that the battery temperature can be measured. The elastic component can deform when force is applied to the device, and the flexibility of the elastic component means that the relative position between the temperature sensor and the battery is less likely to change substantially over time. For example, the temperature sensor is not connected to the battery (e.g., by welding), so there are no connections to break / disconnect. The elastic component holds the temperature sensor in place and absorbs any force applied to the device without being damaged itself. This means that the temperature sensor is more likely to indicate the true temperature of the battery for the life of the device, so that the device can operate more efficiently and safely.

[0014] The elasticity also allows the elastic component to conform to the outer shape of the battery, so that even when the elastic component deforms, the contact area between the battery and the elastic component remains substantially the same.

[0015] As mentioned, the temperature sensor is at least partially contained / embedded / concealed / encased within the elastic component. In some examples, the temperature sensor is fully contained within the elastic component, which abuts the battery. When the temperature sensor is fully contained within the elastic component, the temperature sensor is not in contact with the battery. Instead, heat from the battery can be thermally conducted through the elastic component. Thus, the temperature sensor may be less likely to be damaged since the elastic component absorbs any impact forces. Additionally, the temperature sensor may be less likely to be exposed to moisture or other environmental factors that may affect the performance of the temperature sensor.

[0016] In another example, a first portion of the temperature sensor may be housed within the elastic component and a second portion of the temperature sensor may abut the battery. Thus, the temperature sensor may be partially housed within the elastic component. When the temperature sensor is in contact with the battery, less heat is lost to the surroundings and therefore a more accurate indication of temperature may be obtained. In such an example, the elastic component is also in contact with the battery and heat may be conducted through the elastic component.

[0017] In some instances, the surface of the resilient component that contacts the battery is not bonded to the battery.

[0018] As mentioned briefly, in some instances, the resilient component may be thermally conductive. This may be particularly advantageous in configurations where the resilient component abuts / contacts the battery. A thermally conductive resilient member may increase the surface area over which the temperature of the battery is measured.

[0019] In certain examples, the elastic component has a thermal conductivity greater than about 5 W / mK. At thermal conductivity greater than this value, heat can flow efficiently towards the temperature sensor. In another example, the elastic component has a thermal conductivity greater than about 5 W / mK and less than about 10 W / mK. Preferably, the elastic component has a thermal conductivity of about 7 W / mK. In certain examples, materials with even higher thermal conductivities may be more expensive.

[0020] In some instances, the resilient components are electrically insulating to avoid shorting the battery.

[0021] In certain configurations, the battery support defines a receptacle, and the resilient component is received within the receptacle. For example, the battery support may include a cavity in which the resilient component (and temperature sensor) is held. The receptacle / cavity may provide a more secure attachment of the resilient component to the battery support. For example, side walls of the cavity may provide a larger contact area between the battery support and the resilient component. The receptacle / cavity may also provide better insulation from other nearby heat sources, such that the temperature sensor may indicate the temperature of the battery. The receptacle / cavity may also provide a better conformance of the battery to the battery support. With the temperature sensor and resilient component located within the receptacle, there are fewer obstructions between the battery support and the battery, such that the battery may be more securely held.

[0022] In some examples, the elastic component comprises silicone. Thus, the elastic component may comprise polysiloxane. Silicone is a good conductor of heat and is elastic in itself. In a particular example, the elastic component is Compatherm®, available from Nolato® AB, Sweden. Compatherm® has a thermal conductivity of about 7 W / mK and can be compressed to more than 50% of its original thickness, making it particularly suitable for this application.

[0023] In some examples, the resilient component includes a conductive epoxy.

[0024] In some instances, the elastic component is approximately 15 mm 2 ~about 25mm 2The resilient component contacts the battery over an area of ​​about 1 mm. It has been found that this contact area provides adequate support for the temperature sensor and provides a good thermal bridge between the temperature sensor and the battery to more accurately measure the temperature of the battery. The resilient component may have a substantially square or rectangular surface in contact with the battery. For example, the first length of the rectangle may be about 5 mm and the second length may be about 4 mm. Alternatively, the first length of the square may be about 4 mm and the second length may be about 4 mm. In other examples, the resilient component may have a circular, elliptical, or irregular shaped surface in contact with the battery.

[0025] As mentioned briefly, the device may also include a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating material. causing the heater assembly to begin heating the aerosol-generating material; determining whether the temperature of the battery exceeds a first threshold based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor; and causing the heater assembly to cease heating the aerosol generating material if the temperature of the battery is determined to exceed a first threshold. The device may include a controller, such as a processor, configured to:

[0026] Thus, the device can have a safety / performance feature that stops the heater assembly from operating if the battery gets too hot. The first threshold can be, for example, about 45°C to about 50°C.

[0027] In another example, the first threshold may be about 30° C. to about 40° C., such as about 35° C. to about 40° C. In one example, the first threshold is about 36° C. If the first threshold is too low, such as below about 30° C., the number of successive heating operations that can be performed is reduced. If the first threshold is too high, the outer cover / surface of the device may become too hot. A threshold in this range provides a good balance between these considerations.

[0028] The controller may measure the temperature of the battery multiple times during heating, which may be repeated periodically, for example, less than every 10 seconds, less than every 5 seconds, less than every 1 second, less than every 0.5 seconds, or less than every 0.1 seconds.

[0029] The controller is The heater assembly may be configured to begin heating the aerosol generating material only if the temperature of the battery is determined to be below a second threshold, where the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0030] Thus, as briefly mentioned above, if the battery is already too hot, it can be assumed that the battery temperature may soon rise above the first threshold, such that the heater assembly cannot begin heating the aerosol-generating material. The second threshold may be about 5° C. to about 10° C. lower than the first threshold.

[0031] In a particular example, the first threshold is 50°C and the second threshold is 45°C.

[0032] In a particular example, the temperature sensor is a thermistor.

[0033] The temperature sensor is preferably located at a midpoint along the length of the battery, which allows for a more accurate temperature measurement.

[0034] Above, a device is described in which a temperature sensor is used to determine the temperature of the battery. This solution offers advantages over devices in which the battery includes a temperature sensor. For example, the battery may include a Protection Circuit Module (PCM) that can automatically sense the temperature of the battery. A battery with a PCM can be larger or longer, resulting in a larger or longer device. Using an external temperature sensor allows the device to be made smaller.

[0035] In one configuration, the battery support is disposed between the heater assembly and the battery, and the battery support is thermally insulating (e.g., has a thermal conductivity of less than about 0.5 W / mK). Thus, the battery support can act as a heat shield, such that the temperature sensor can more accurately indicate the temperature of the battery.

[0036] In the above examples, the device includes a resilient component and a temperature sensor at least partially housed within the resilient component. In an alternative configuration, the resilient component may be a spring or other biasing component, in which case the resilient component biases the temperature sensor toward the battery. Thus, the temperature sensor is not housed within the resilient component in some examples.

[0037] In the above example, the temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature of the battery. In other examples, the temperature sensor may be positioned to measure other components of the device, such as an insulating member, an inductor coil, or an electrical connector, such as a USB connector. Thus, in other examples, an aerosol delivery device is provided that includes an inductor coil positioned to heat a susceptor, an elastic component bonded to the inductor coil, and a temperature sensor at least partially housed within the elastic component, where the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the inductor coil. In another example, an aerosol delivery device is provided that includes an insulating member surrounding a susceptor, an elastic component bonded to the insulating member, and a temperature sensor at least partially housed within the elastic component, where the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the insulating member. In another example, an aerosol delivery device is provided that includes an electrical component, an elastic component bonded to the electrical component, and a temperature sensor at least partially housed within the elastic component, where the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the electrical component. In these examples, the temperature sensor may or may not be in contact with the component that the temperature sensor is used to measure. The device and the elastic component may have any of the features described above or herein.

[0038] Preferably the device is a tobacco heating device, also known as a non-combustion heating device.

[0039] 1 shows an example of an aerosol delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium / material. Generally, device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 110 comprising an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 100.

[0040] The device 100 comprises a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) that surrounds and contains the various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which an item 110 can be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. In use, the item 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly where it can be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

[0041] The device 100 in this example includes a first end member 106 with a lid 108 movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when there is no article 110 in place. In Figure 1, the lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, but the lid 108 can be moved to a closed configuration. For example, a user can slide the lid 108 in the direction of arrow "A."

[0042] The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch that, when pressed, activates the device 100. For example, a user may activate the device 100 by operating the switch 112.

[0043] The device 100 may also include an electrical component, such as a socket / port 114 capable of accepting a cable to charge a battery in the device 100. For example, the socket 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

[0044] 2 shows the device 100 of FIG. 1 without the outer cover 102 and without the article 110. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.

[0045] 2, the first end member 106 is disposed at one end of the device 100 and the second end member 116 is disposed at an opposite end of the device 100. The first and second end members 106, 116 together at least partially define an end surface of the device 100. For example, a bottom surface of the second end member 116 at least partially defines a bottom surface of the device 100. An edge of the outer cover 102 may also define a portion of the end surface. In this example, the lid 108 also defines a portion of the top surface of the device 100.

[0046] The end of the device closest to opening 104 is sometimes known as the proximal end (or oral end) of device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. In use, a user inserts article 110 into opening 104, operates user control 112 to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated by the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of device 100.

[0047] The other end of the device, furthest from opening 104, is sometimes known as the distal end of device 100 because it is furthest from a user's mouth when in use. When a user inhales the aerosol generated by the device, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of device 100.

[0048] The device 100 further comprises a power source 118. The power source 118 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to provide power to heat the aerosol-generating material when required under the control of a controller (not shown). In this example, the battery is connected to a central support 120 that holds the battery 118 in place. The central support 120 may also be known as a battery support or battery carrier.

[0049] The device further comprises at least one electronics module 122. The electronics module 122 may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and a memory. The PCB 122 may also comprise one or more electrical traces to electrically connect various electronic components of the device 100 to one another. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB 122 so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100. The socket 114 may also be electrically coupled to the battery via electrical traces.

[0050] In the exemplary device 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly, which includes various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an induction element, for example one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The varying current in the induction element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and therefore the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor by Joule heating. If the susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e., by the orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material varying as a result of alignment with the varying magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, which allows for rapid heating, as compared to, for example, heating by conduction, and further, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, which allows for greater flexibility in design and application.

[0051] The induction heating assembly of the exemplary device 100 comprises a susceptor structure 132 (referred to herein as a "susceptor"), a first inductor coil 124, and a second inductor coil 126. The first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made from a conductive material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made from a helically wound Litz wire / cable to provide a helical inductor coil 124, 126. The Litz wire comprises multiple individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. The Litz wire is designed to reduce the skin effect losses of the conductor. In the exemplary device 100, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made from copper Litz wire with a rectangular cross section. In other examples, the Litz wire can have other shaped cross sections, such as circular.

[0052] The first inductor coil 124 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field to heat a first portion of the susceptor 132, and the second inductor coil 126 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field to heat a second portion of the susceptor 132. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 126 in a direction along a longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 (i.e., the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 do not overlap). The susceptor structure 132 may comprise a single susceptor or may comprise two or more separate susceptors. Ends 130 of the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 may be connected to the PCB 122.

[0053] It will be appreciated that in some examples, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 may have at least one characteristic that differs from one another. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may have at least one characteristic that differs from the second inductor coil 126. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 126. In FIG. 2, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are of different lengths, such that the first inductor coil 124 is wound on a smaller portion of the susceptor 132 than the second inductor coil 126. Thus, the first inductor coil 124 may comprise a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 126 (assuming that the spacing between the individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 124 may be made of a different material than the second inductor coil 126. In some examples, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 may be substantially identical.

[0054] In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are operating at different times. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may operate to heat a first portion of the article 110 first, and then the second inductor coil 126 may operate to heat a second portion of the article 110. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce current induced in the non-operating coil when used with certain types of control circuits. In FIG. 2, the first inductor coil 124 is a right-handed spiral and the second inductor coil 126 is a left-handed spiral. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil 124 may be a left-handed spiral and the second inductor coil 126 may be a right-handed spiral.

[0055] The susceptor 132 in this example is hollow and thus defines a receptacle therein for receiving aerosol-generating material. For example, the article 110 can be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example, the susceptor 120 is tubular with a circular cross-section.

[0056] 2 further comprises an insulating member 128 that may be generally tubular and at least partially surround the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 may be constructed from an insulating material such as, for example, plastic. In this particular example, the insulating material is constructed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The insulating material 128 may help insulate various components of the device 100 from heat generated in the susceptor 132.

[0057] The insulating member 128 can also fully or partially support the first and second inductor coils 124, 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are disposed about the insulating member 128 and are in contact with a radially outward surface of the insulating member 128. In some examples, the insulating member 128 does not abut the first and second inductor coils 124, 126. For example, there may be a small gap between the outer surface of the insulating member 128 and the inner surfaces of the first and second inductor coils 124, 126.

[0058] In a particular example, the susceptor 132 , the insulating member 128 , and the first and second inductor coils 124 , 126 are concentric about a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132 .

[0059] 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of device 100. In this example, outer cover 102 is present. The rectangular cross-sectional shapes of first and second inductor coils 124, 126 can be seen more clearly.

[0060] The device 100 further comprises a support 136 that engages one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 136 is connected to the second end member 116.

[0061] The device may also include a second printed circuit board 138 associated with the control element 112 .

[0062] The device 100 further includes a second lid / cap 140 and a spring 142 disposed toward the distal end of the device 100. The spring 142 allows the second lid 140 to be opened to access the susceptor 132. A user can open the second lid 140 to clean the susceptor 132 and / or the support 136.

[0063] The device 100 further comprises an expansion chamber 144 extending from the proximal end of the susceptor 132 towards the opening 104 of the device. A retention clip 146 is at least partially disposed within the expansion chamber 144 for abutting and retaining the article 110 when the article 110 is received within the device 100. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to the end member 106.

[0064] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the device 100 of FIG.

[0065] FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of a portion of the device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B shows an enlarged view of an area of ​​FIG. 5A. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show an article 110 received within a susceptor 132, where the article 110 is dimensioned such that an outer surface of the article 110 abuts an inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that this heating is most efficient. The article 110 in this example comprises an aerosol-generating material 110a. The aerosol-generating material 110a is disposed within the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also comprise other components, such as a filter, packaging material, and / or cooling structures.

[0066] 5B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 132 is spaced a distance 150 from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124, 126, measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance 150 is about 3 mm to 4 mm, about 3 mm to 3.5 mm, or about 3.25 mm.

[0067] 5B further shows that the outer surface of the insulating member 128 is spaced from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124, 126 by a distance 152 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance 152 is about 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance 152 is substantially 0 mm, such that the inductor coils 124, 126 abut and contact the insulating member 128.

[0068] In one example, the susceptor 132 has a wall thickness 154 of about 0.025 mm to 1 mm, or about 0.05 mm.

[0069] In one example, the susceptor 132 has a length of about 40 mm to 60 mm, about 40 mm to 45 mm, or about 44.5 mm.

[0070] In one example, the insulating member 128 has a wall thickness 156 of between about 0.25 mm and 2 mm, between 0.25 mm and 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm.

[0071] 2 and 4 in more detail. The battery support 120 comprises a main portion 202, a first end 204, and a second end 206. The main portion 202 defines a longitudinal axis 208 parallel to the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100. The first end 204 is disposed at a first end of the main portion 202, and the second end 206 is disposed at a second end of the main portion 202. The first and second ends 204, 206 extend from a first front side of the main portion 202 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 208.

[0072] As shown, the battery 118 is connected to the battery support 120. When the battery 118 is connected to the battery support 120, the battery 118 is held between the first end 204 and the second end 206. For example, an upper end of the battery 118 is received by the first end 204 and a lower end of the battery 118 is received by the second end 206.

[0073] Although not shown in FIG. 6, the PCB 122 may be engaged with a second, rear side of the main portion 202 .

[0074] As discussed above, the aerosol delivery device 100 includes a heater / heating assembly that includes at least one inductor coil 124, 126. Figure 4 illustrates the placement of the one or more inductor coils 124, 126 relative to the battery support 120. The heater assembly is disposed on the second side of the main portion 202, and the battery support 120 is disposed between the battery 118 and the heater assembly.

[0075] In the example of Figure 6, a first side of the main portion 202 comprises two opposing side walls 210a, 210b, and a base. Only the first side wall 210a is visible in Figure 6. The second side wall 210b and the base 212 are obscured by the battery 118, but are visible in Figure 7.

[0076] 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the battery support 120 without the battery 118. Here, the first side wall 210a and the second side wall 210b are visible. The base 212 extends between the two side walls 210a, 210b such that the two side walls 210a, 210b extend along the length of the base 212 in a direction parallel to the axis 208. The two side walls 210a, 210b also extend from the base 212. When the battery 118 is connected to the battery support 120, the battery 118 is received between the two side walls 210a, 210b.

[0077] In this particular example, the base 212 defines an opening between a first side of the main portion 202 and a second side of the main portion 202. Thus, there are holes / cutouts through the main portion 202 such that the base 212 is primarily a "void." This allows access to the underside of the PCB 122. The opening may include multiple through holes rather than a single through hole. For example, the base 212 may include one or more dividing structures that divide the opening into two or more through holes. In other examples, the base 212 is solid such that there are no openings through the main portion 202.

[0078] 7 further shows a resilient component 214 adhered to the battery support 120. When the battery 118 is connected to the battery support 120, the resilient component is disposed between the battery support 120 and the battery 118. A temperature sensor 216 is partially housed within the resilient component 214.

[0079] In this example, a portion of the temperature sensor 216 is exposed, while another portion of the temperature sensor 216 is embedded within the resilient component 214. The exposed portion 216 may abut the battery 118. Alternatively, the resilient component 214 may abut the battery. In another example, the entire temperature sensor 216 may be embedded within the resilient component 214. One or more wires connecting the temperature sensor 216 to other components of the device 100, such as the PCB 122, may also be embedded within the resilient component 214.

[0080] The temperature sensor 216 in this example is a thermistor, although other temperature sensors may be used instead. When the battery 118 is connected to the battery support 120, the temperature sensor 216 and / or the resilient component 214 contacts the battery 118. This allows the temperature of the battery 118 to be measured. The controller can receive the signal from the temperature sensor 216 and measure or infer the temperature of the battery 118. Based on the measured temperature, the controller can take appropriate action. For example, if the temperature is too high, the heater assembly can be switched off.

[0081] As shown, the resilient component 214 is bonded to the inner surface of the first sidewall 210a. The sidewall 210a has a curved contour that matches the curved outer surface of the battery 118. In other examples, the resilient component 214 may be bonded to another portion of the battery support. For example, the resilient component 214 may be bonded to the second sidewall 210b, the base 212, or one of the first end 204 and the second end 206.

[0082] The elastic component 214 is preferably a silicone, such as silicone rubber. Silicone has high thermal conductivity and can be deformed when force is applied. The elasticity of silicone allows the elastic component 214 to be compressed without permanently changing the position of the temperature sensor 216 relative to the battery 118.

[0083] In this particular example, the battery support 120 defines a receptacle / cavity 218 into which the resilient component 214 resides. The receptacle 218 holds the resilient component 214 so that the temperature sensor 216 can be better positioned relative to the battery 118. Once dispensed into the resilient component 214, it may fill the receptacle 218 and may be allowed to "set" or harden over time. FIG. 8 illustrates the battery support 120 and the resilient component 218 before the resilient component 214 is introduced into the receptacle 218.

[0084] In some examples, the elastic component is glued to the battery support. This allows the temperature sensor to be held in place. The elastic component 214 is preferably self-adhesive so that it adheres to the battery support 210 by itself without additional adhesive. This can result in a bond that is less likely to separate. Silicone is a material that first adheres before curing. In some examples, the elastic component 214 is not glued to the battery 118. Thus, the elastic component 214 may be dispensed and cured in the receiver 218 before the battery 118 is attached to the battery support 120. This allows the battery 218 to be easily removed and the battery 118 to be moved relative to the elastic component 214.

[0085] The above embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are possible. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or in any combination of any other of the embodiments. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Battery and a battery support configured to engage and hold the battery; an elastic component disposed between the battery support and the battery; a temperature sensor at least partially contained within the resilient component, the temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the battery; The elastic component is bonded to the battery support; the elastic component is disposed between the battery and the battery support when the battery is connected to the battery support; The aerosol delivery device, wherein the elastic component abuts the battery.

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the elastic component is thermally conductive.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature sensor is entirely contained within the elastic component, the elastic component abutting the battery.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein a first portion of the temperature sensor is housed within the elastic component and a second portion of the temperature sensor abuts the battery.

5. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the battery support defines a receiving portion, and the elastic component is received within the receiving portion.

6. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elastic component comprises silicone.

7. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic component has a thermal conductivity greater than about 5 W / mK.

8. The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elastic component has a thermal conductivity greater than about 5 W / mK and less than about 10 W / mK.

9. The elastic component is about 15 mm ２ ~Approx. 25mm ２ The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol delivery device contacts the battery over an area of ​​about 100 nm to about 100 nm.

10. a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating material; and A controller, causing the heater assembly to begin heating the aerosol forming material; determining whether a temperature of the battery exceeds a first threshold based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor; causing the heater assembly to cease heating the aerosol forming material when it is determined that the temperature of the battery exceeds the first threshold. The controller configured as follows: The aerosol delivery device of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10, wherein the first threshold temperature is from about 30°C to about 40°C.

12. the controller is configured to cause the heater assembly to begin heating the aerosol forming material only if the temperature of the battery is determined to be below a second threshold; The aerosol delivery device of claim 10 or 11, wherein the second threshold value is less than the first threshold value.

13. 13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12, wherein the second threshold is about 5° C. to about 10° C. lower than the first threshold.

14. An aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; an article comprising an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

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