Aerosol supply device

Abstract

To provide a novel aerosol provision device, and a method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device from water ingress.SOLUTION: An aerosol provision device has an axis and comprises, at a first end, an end member at least partially surrounded by an outer cover. The end member and the outer cover together define an end surface of the aerosol provision device, where the end member defines a recess which is positioned away from the end surface in the direction of the axis and is covered by the outer cover. A method comprises: positioning electrical components for protection in a portion of the aerosol provision device positioned at a distance from an end of the aerosol provision device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device and a method for protecting electrical components of the aerosol supply device from water ingress.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars produce tobacco smoke by burning the tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these products that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating rather than burning the material. This 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, there is provided an aerosol supply device having an end member with an axis and at least partially surrounded by an outer cover at a first end, wherein the end member and the outer cover cooperate to define an end face of the aerosol supply device, the end member defines a recess, the recess is disposed away from the end face in the direction of the axis, and the aerosol supply device is covered by the outer cover.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol supply device from water ingress, the method comprising: placing electrical components for protection at a portion of the device spaced from the end of the device; providing a gap between the surfaces and substantially abutting the surfaces elsewhere, the gap being disposed between the end of the device and the electrical components, the gap preventing water from flowing from the end of the device to the electrical components by capillary action.

[0005] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] As used herein, the term "aerosol - generating material" includes materials that, when heated, provide volatile components, typically in the form of an aerosol. The aerosol - generating material may include any tobacco - containing material, for example, one or more of tobacco itself, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol - generating material may also include other non - tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol - generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. The aerosol - generating material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol - generating material may also sometimes be known as a "smoking material".

[0008] 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 also described as "aerosol - generating devices", "aerosol - supplying devices", "non - combustion heating devices", "tobacco - heated product devices" or "tobacco - heating devices", or the like. Similarly, there are so - called e - cigarette devices that vaporize an aerosol - generating material, typically in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol - generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device and may be provided as part of these. The heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol - generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0009] An aerosol supply device can receive and heat an article comprising an aerosol - generating material. In this context, an "article" is a component that, when in use, contains or has an aerosol - generating material, is heated during use, and volatilizes 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, and subsequently the user can inhale it. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, configured to be placed, for example, within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0010] A first aspect of the present disclosure defines an aerosol supply device having an end member disposed towards one end of the device. The end member is at least partially covered by an outer cover that can surround the device. The edge of the end member and the outer cover cooperate to define at least a part of the end face of the device. It has been found that water or other liquids can enter the body of the device by capillary action. For example, water may flow into the device through a small gap between the end member and the outer cover. This water can enter the device between the inner surface of the cover and the side surface of the end member, which can cause damage or problems to the components of the device.

[0011] To reduce such capillary - action - induced water ingress, the end member is provided with recesses such as grooves or channels, which limit or reduce the inflow of water into the device. The recesses may be formed away from the end face of the device on the surface of the end member (such as the side surface of the end member) that can come into contact with water. Thus, the recesses are disposed inside the outer cover. The recesses block the capillary flow of water, and as a result, the likelihood of water flowing beyond the recesses is small. The recesses provide a large gap or distance between the end member and the inner surface of the outer cover, reducing the likelihood of water further entering the device by capillary action. Thus, the recesses function as a barrier to protect the device from water ingress. Components disposed further away from the end face than the recesses are protected from capillary - action - induced water ingress by the recesses.

[0012] The device defines an axis such as a longitudinal axis, and the recess may extend at least partially around the longitudinal axis (i.e., may extend at least partially around the side surface of the end member covered by the outer cover). In some devices, the recess provides a continuous recess that extends completely around the longitudinal axis. The outer cover may also extend completely around the longitudinal axis and thus may cover the continuous recess. In devices where the recess extends substantially around the longitudinal axis, the protection against water ingress is improved because the recess stops water ingress at all locations around the device.

[0013] The recess may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device around the end member. However, in other configurations, only some portions of the recess extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device around the end member. Other portions of the recess may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the substantially perpendicular portion of the recess around the end member.

[0014] The end member may comprise a bottom surface that forms a part of the end face of the device. The end member may also comprise at least one side surface that extends away from the bottom surface. The at least one side surface may be covered by the outer cover. The recess may be formed along the at least one side surface. The side surface may extend away from the bottom surface in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0015] As mentioned, the edge of the end member and the outer cover cooperate to define at least a part of the end face of the device. For example, the bottom surface of the end member and the bottom edge of the outer cover may define at least a part of the end face of the device. The bottom edge and the bottom surface may not be flush with each other. For example, the bottom edge of the outer cover may extend further along the longitudinal axis than the bottom surface of the end member (or vice versa).

[0016] The device may include electrical components that are disposed farther from the end face than the recess. For example, the electrical components may be disposed on the other side of the recess from the end face. Accordingly, the electrical components are disposed at a distance longer than the recess from the end face (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis). Accordingly, the recess can protect the electrical components from damage by water by preventing water from reaching the electrical components. The electrical components may be disposed within a portion of the end member. For example, the end member may define a receiving portion capable of receiving the components therein. In an example where the recess substantially extends around the end member, it is necessary to dispose only a portion of the recess between the electrical components and the end face to protect the electrical components.

[0017] The electrical components may be components of an interface such as a socket / port. In one particular example, the electrical component is a female USB connector.

[0018] In one example, the electrical component is a socket, and the end member defines a through-hole for accessing the socket. For example, an interface or plug such as a charging cable can engage with the socket through a through-hole formed in the side surface of the end member. The through-hole is disposed farther from the end face than the recess, and thus the recess prevents water from flowing into the socket and / or the remaining portion of the device. The outer cover may also define a through-hole corresponding to the through-hole of the end member. This through-hole may be formed in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0019] The end member may include a second recess extending around the longitudinal axis, and the device may include an elastic member disposed in the second recess. For example, the elastic member may be an O-ring that fits into the second recess. The elastic member and the second recess function as a seal to provide further protection against water ingress. The elastic member abuts against the inner surface of the outer cover and can thus function as a barrier. Accordingly, the second recess may also be covered by the outer cover.

[0020] The second recess may be disposed farther from the end face than the (first) recess. Thus, the second recess and the elastic member function as a second barrier to protect against water ingress. For example, the elastic member can abut against the outer cover to form a seal. Since water may be trapped within the second recess under the elastic member, it may be preferable to dispose the second recess even farther from the end face, and thus it may be desirable to reduce the amount of water reaching the second elastic member.

[0021] The second recess may be in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0022] The end member may include a mounting component disposed farther from the end face than the recess. The mounting component is configured to engage with the outer cover and thus hold the outer cover in a fixed position. By disposing the mounting component farther from the end face than the recess, the likelihood of water contacting the mounting component is reduced. Water can, for example, damage, corrode, or rust the mounting component, or render the mounting component ineffective, for example, by reducing the resistance to movement between the mounting component and the outer cover, such as by acting as a lubricant.

[0023] The mounting component may also be disposed farther from the end face than the second recess to further reduce the likelihood of contact with water.

[0024] The end member may define a further through hole through which the mounting component projects. This can help to reduce the overall external profile of the device since relatively large or bulky mounting components can be mainly disposed inside the end member.

[0025] The mounting component may be, for example, a spring or a magnet. The spring may project into a corresponding recess formed in the inner surface of the outer cover.

[0026] The end member may include one or more additional mounting components disposed around the end member.

[0027] The recess may have a depth dimension greater than about 0.3 mm, greater than about 0.5 mm, greater than about 1 mm, or greater than about 2 mm. The recess may have a depth dimension less than about 5 mm, less than about 4 mm, or less than about 3 mm. In one particular example, the recess may have a depth dimension of about 0.5 mm. The depth dimension is the distance measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. Recesses having a depth within this range have been found to be effective in reducing the capillary flow of water. Generally, the deeper the recess, the greater the effect of hindering capillary action. If the recess needs to be made deeper, the end member has to be made larger so that the depth can be increased, which increases the overall size of the device. These depths have been found to exhibit a good balance between size and effectiveness.

[0028] In some examples, the recess is formed in the wall (such as the side surface) of the end member. Preferably, the recess does not extend deeper than about 60% of the wall thickness into the wall. This ensures that the structural integrity of the wall is not impaired by forming the recess in the wall.

[0029] The recess may have a width dimension greater than about 0.5 mm, greater than about 0.8 mm, greater than about 0.9 mm, greater than about 1 mm, greater than about 2 mm, or greater than about 4 mm. The recess may have a width dimension less than about 10 mm, less than about 8 mm, less than about 6 mm, less than about 4 mm, less than about 2 mm, or less than about 1 mm. In one particular example, the recess may have a width dimension from about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm. In another particular example, the recess may have a width dimension of about 0.9 mm. The width dimension is the distance measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. A recess having a width within this range is effective in reducing the capillary flow of water into the device. This is because when the device is oriented vertically, capillary action is a function not only of the gap between the surfaces but also of gravity, and water can flow only up to a certain height by capillary action. Thus, a longer width dimension is more effective, but it also affects the size of the device, so there is a balance between the width dimension and the effectiveness. Deeper and narrower recesses can provide the same protection as shallower and wider recesses, so this also interacts with the depth dimension.

[0030] At least a portion of the recess may be disposed at a distance of about 0.5 mm to about 15 mm from the end face. In one example, at least a portion of the recess may be disposed at a distance of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm from the end face. In another example, at least a portion of the recess may be disposed at a distance of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm from the end face. In another example, at least a portion of the recess may be disposed at a distance of about 0.7 mm to about 1 mm from the end face. In another specific example, at least a portion of the recess may be disposed at a distance of about 0.8 mm from the end face. When the recess is disposed closer to the end face, the amount of water reaching the recess may be greater than when the recess is disposed farther away (because the amount of water is retained in the capillary formed between the end member and the cover). Therefore, it is more effective to dispose the recess farther away, but this increases the overall size of the device or imposes design constraint requirements on the position of the components to protect against water ingress. These distances provide an effective balance considering these factors.

[0031] The "portion of the recess" is the portion of the recess that is disposed closest to the end face. Thus, when the entire recess is disposed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the entire recess is disposed at an equal distance from the end face. However, when the portions of the recess are disposed at different distances from the end face (measured as a distance parallel to the longitudinal axis), the "portion of the recess" refers to the portion that is disposed closest to the end face.

[0032] In a second aspect of the present invention, a method for protecting the electrical components of an aerosol supply device from water ingress is provided. The method includes (i) disposing electrical components for protection on a portion of the device spaced from the end of the device (ii) providing a gap between the surfaces and otherwise generally abutting the surfaces, the gap being disposed between the end of the device and the electrical components, the gap preventing water from flowing from the end of the device to the electrical components by capillary action and includes.

[0033] The gap may be provided, for example, between the outer cover and the end member of the device. As described above, the outer cover generally abuts against the side surface of the end member. Water flows between these two abutting surfaces by capillary action until the water reaches the gap. Thus, the gap protects the electrical components from water.

[0034] The gap may be provided by forming recesses such as grooves or channels in one or both of the generally abutting surfaces. Providing the gap may include forming a recess on the surface of the end member of the device. The recess may be formed by molding the end member so as to include the recess. Alternatively, the recess may be formed by removing material from the end member after the end member is manufactured.

[0035] The step of providing the gap may include the step of providing a gap having the above dimensions with respect to the recess.

[0036] The step of arranging the electrical components to protect a part of the device includes the step of forming a through hole in the surface of the end member at a position farther from the end face than the gap, the step of arranging the electrical components adjacent to the through hole, and including.

[0037] After providing the gap by forming the recess, the method may further include the step of forming a second recess in the surface of the end member and the step of arranging an elastic member in the second recess.

[0038] The method includes the step of arranging the mounting component at a position farther from the end face than the recess, the step of attaching the outer cover to the end member by the mounting component so as to cover the recess, and further including.

[0039] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating medium / material. Briefly stated, the 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 the device 100.

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

[0041] The device 100 of this example comprises a first end member 106, and the first end member 106 comprises a lid 108 that is movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when the article 110 is not in place. In Figure 1, the lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, but the cap 108 can move to a closed configuration. For example, the 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, the user can activate the device 100 by operating the switch 112.

[0043] The device 100 may also comprise electrical components such as a socket / port 114 that can receive a cable for charging the battery of the device 100. For example, the socket 114 may be a charging port such as a USB charging port. In some examples, in addition to or instead of this, the socket 114 may be used to transfer data between the device 100 and another device such as a computing device.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the device 100 of FIG. 1 with the outer cover 102 removed and no article 110 present. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.

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

[0046] The end of the device closest to the opening 104 is closest to the user's mouth during use and is sometimes referred to as the proximal end (or mouth-side end) of the device 100. During use, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104, operates the user control unit 112 to start heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated by the device. Thereby, the aerosol flows through the device 100 along the flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

[0047] The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 is furthest from the user's mouth during use and is sometimes referred to as the distal end of the device 100. When the user inhales the aerosol generated by the device, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of the device 100.

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

[0049] The device further includes at least one electronic device module 122. The electronic device module 122 may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB 122 may also include one or more electrical traces for electrically connecting various electronic components of the device 100 to each other. For example, the 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 an electrical trace.

[0050] In the exemplary device 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and 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 a 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 generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor that is appropriately arranged relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and thus, due to the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance, the susceptor is heated by Joule heating. When the susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by the magnetic hysteresis loss of the susceptor, that is, by the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material varying as a result of aligning with the varying magnetic field. In induction heating, for example, compared to heating by conduction, heat is generated inside the susceptor, thereby enabling rapid heating. Further, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, which can greatly increase the degrees of freedom in structure and application.

[0051] The induction heating assembly of the exemplary device 100 includes a susceptor assembly 132 (referred to herein as the "susceptor"), a first inductor coil 124, and a second inductor coil 126. The first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made of a conductive material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made of a stranded wire / cable wound in a spiral to provide spiral inductor coils 124, 126. The stranded wire includes a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. The stranded wire is designed to reduce the skin - effect loss of the conductor. In the exemplary device 100, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made of a copper stranded wire having a rectangular cross - section. In other examples, the stranded wire can have a cross - section of other shapes, such as circular.

[0052] The first inductor coil 124 is configured to generate a first alternating magnetic field to heat a first portion of the susceptor 132, and the second inductor coil 126 is configured to generate a second alternating 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 the 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 two or more separate susceptors. The ends 130 of the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 can be connected to the PCB 122.

[0053] It will be understood that in some examples, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 may have at least one characteristic that is different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 124 may have at least one characteristic that is different from the second inductor coil 126. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 124 may have an inductance value that is different from the second inductor coil 126. In FIG. 2, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are of different lengths, and as a result, the first inductor coil 124 is wound around a portion of the susceptor 132 that is smaller than the second inductor coil 126. Thus, (assuming that the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same), the first inductor coil 124 may have a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 126. In yet another example, the first inductor coil 124 may be made of a material that is different from 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 differently. For example, initially, the first inductor coil 124 may operate to heat the first portion of the article 110, and then the second inductor coil 126 may operate to heat the second portion of the article 110. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the non-operating coil when used with a particular type of control circuit. In FIG. 2, the first inductor coil 124 is a right-handed helix and the second inductor coil 126 is a left-handed helix. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, the first inductor coil 124 may be a left-handed helix, or the second inductor coil 126 may be a right-handed helix.

[0055] The susceptor 132 of this example is hollow and thus defines a receiving portion for receiving the aerosol-generating material therein. 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] The device 100 of FIG. 2 further includes an insulating member 128 that is generally tubular and can at least partially surround the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 may be composed of an insulating material such as plastic, for example. In this particular example, the insulating material is composed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The insulating material 128 can help insulate the various components of the device 100 from the 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 arranged around the insulating member 128 and are in contact with the radially outward surface of the insulating member 128. In some examples, the insulating member 128 does not abut against 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 the central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132.

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

[0060] The device 100 further includes a support portion 136 that engages with one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in a fixed position. The support portion 136 is connected to the second end member 116.

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

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

[0063] Device 100 further includes an expansion chamber 144 that extends from the proximal end of susceptor 132 toward the opening 104 of the device. A retaining clip 146 is at least partially disposed within the expansion chamber 144 for contacting and holding an article 110 when the article 110 is received within the device 100. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to an end member 106.

[0064] Figure 4 is an exploded view of device 100 of FIG. 1 without the outer cover 102.

[0065] FIG. 5A shows a cross-section of a portion of device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of one region of FIG. 5A. FIGS. 5A and 5B show an article 110 received within susceptor 132, where the article 110 is sized such that the outer surface of the article 110 abuts the inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that this heating is most efficient. The article 110 of this example includes an aerosol-generating material 110a. The aerosol-generating material 110a is disposed within the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also include other components such as a filter, a coating material, and / or a cooling structure.

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

[0067] FIG. 5B further shows that the outer surface of the insulating member 128 is spaced apart by a distance 152 as measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 from the inner surfaces of the inductor coils 124, 126. 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, susceptor 132 has a wall thickness 154 of about 0.025 mm to 1 mm or about 0.05 mm.

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

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

[0071] FIG. 6 shows end member 116 and its arrangement relative to the longitudinal axis 134 of device 100. Briefly, end member 116 is disposed toward one end of device 100 and is at least partially surrounded by outer cover 102 (not shown in FIG. 6).

[0072] End member 116 includes a bottom / underside 202 (which forms part of the end face of device 100) and at least one side face 204. In this example, bottom face 202 is disposed generally perpendicular to axis 134. However, bottom face 202 may be disposed at other angles relative to axis 134. The end member of this example includes a continuous side face 204 that extends around axis 134 in an azimuthal direction (indicated by arrow 206). In other examples, the end member may include two or more side faces that extend at least partially together around axis 134. When attached to device 100, outer cover 102 may at least partially surround side face 204 and be generally in contact with side face 204. The lower edge of outer cover 102 may be flush with bottom face 202 and thus also forms part of the end face of device 100.

[0073] End member 116 includes a recess 208 disposed away from bottom face 202 in a direction parallel to axis 134. Recess 208 is formed along side face 204 and forms a continuous recess that extends completely around end member 116 in azimuthal direction 206.

[0074] As described above, the recess 208 functions to prevent / reduce further water inflow into the device. For example, water may enter the narrow gap between the side surface 202 and the outer cover 102 and flow along the side surface 204 in a direction generally parallel to the axis 102. This water flow may be at least partially due to capillary action. When the water reaches the recess 208, the capillary action weakens due to the increased gap between the surfaces, and the water flow stops. Thus, the recess 208 functions as a barrier to stop the capillary flow of water. Therefore, it is less likely for water to flow beyond the position of the recess 208. The components of the device disposed above the recess 208 are less likely to come into contact with water.

[0075] The recess 208 has a depth dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis 134 (i.e., the direction indicated by the arrow 210). The recess also has a width dimension measured in a direction parallel to the axis 134. In this particular example, the width dimension is 0.9 mm and the depth dimension is 0.5 mm. Recesses having these dimensions have been found to be suitable for reducing water ingress.

[0076] The end member 116 may further house one or more electrical components such as the socket / port 114. For example, the end member 116 can define a cavity / receiving portion 218 in which the components can be disposed. As most clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the socket 114 can be disposed within the receiving portion 218. The socket 114 in this example is a female USB charging port. Thus, a through hole 212 may be formed in the side surface 204 of the end member 116 to access the socket 114. The socket 114 may be disposed inside the receiving portion 118 adjacent to the through hole 212. As shown in FIG. 6, the socket 114 (and the through hole 212) is disposed farther from the end face of the device 100 than the recess 208. Thus, the recess 208 reduces / stops water from coming into contact with the socket 116.

[0077] The end member 116 may further include a second recess 214 that can receive an elastic member 216 such as an O-ring therein. In this example, the second recess 214 extends around the end member 116 in the azimuth direction 206 and is perpendicular to the axis 134. However, in other examples, the second recess 214 may be arranged at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the axis 134. The second recess 214 is provided to hold the elastic member 216 in place. The elastic member 216 can abut against the inner surface of the outer cover 102 to provide a seal. Thus, the elastic member 216 functions as a second protection means against water ingress if water comes past the first recess 208. Therefore, the second recess 214 may be arranged farther from the end face than the first recess 208.

[0078] The second recess 214 is shown as being arranged farther from the end face than the through-hole 212 (and the socket 114), but in some examples, the second recess 214 may be arranged closer to the end face than the through-hole 212 (and the socket 114).

[0079] The end member 116 may further include one or more mounting components 220 configured to engage with the outer cover 102 to hold the outer cover 102 in place. In this example, the mounting components 220 project outwardly from the side surface 204 and are received within corresponding recesses formed in the inner surface of the outer cover 102. It will be understood that other types of mounting components may be used. The mounting components 220 project through holes formed in the end member 116. Thus, the mounting components 220 are disposed entirely within the receiving portion 218 and extend through the side surface 204. This can help reduce the size of the device 100 since the mounting components are mainly disposed within the receiving portion 218 of the end member 116.

[0080] In this example, all of the mounting components 220 are arranged farther away from the end face than the first and second recesses 208, 214. This minimizes the possibility of the mounting components 220 coming into contact with water. In other examples, some or all of the mounting components 220 may be arranged between the first recess 208 and the second recess 214.

[0081] The end member 116 may further include one or more connecting members 222 that engage with the central support portion 120 (most clearly shown in FIG. 1). Other means for connecting the end member 116 to the central support portion 120 may be used.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a view of the end member 116 of FIG. 6 as seen in the direction of arrow 210.

[0083] In this example, the recess 208 includes at least a first portion 208a, a second portion 208b, and a third portion 208c. The first portion 208a and the third portion 208c extend around the end member 116 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis 134 of the device 100. The second portion 208b extends around the end member 116 in a direction inclined with respect to the first and third portions 208c.

[0084] In this example, a part of the third portion 208c and the second portion 208b of the recess 208 are arranged between the electrical component 114 and the end face. However, since water cannot easily cross the recess 208 by capillary action and the electrical component 114 is arranged on the other side of the recess 208 from the end face, this still provides adequate protection from water ingress.

[0085] The recess 208 has a depth dimension 306 measured inwardly from the side surface 204 in a direction perpendicular to the axis 134. The recess 208 also has a width dimension 302 measured in a direction parallel to the axis 134. In this example, the width of the recess 208 is substantially constant along the recess 208, but in other examples, the width of the recess 208 may vary at different locations around the recess. For example, the width may need to be wider in locations where water ingress is more likely and / or where the effect of capillary flow is more significant. Similarly, the depth 306 of the recess 208 may vary at different locations around the recess 208.

[0086] FIG. 7 also shows that the recess 208 is disposed at a distance 304 from the end face of the device 100. Since this distance varies at different locations around the recess 208, the distance 304 is the distance from the end face to a portion of the recess that is disposed closest to the end face. In this example, the third portion 208c is disposed at a distance 304 of about 0.8 mm from the end face.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a view of another end member 416. Similar to the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the end member 416 includes a bottom / underside 402 (which forms a part of the end face of the device) and at least one side surface. However, in this example, the end member 416 has a rectangular footprint and thus includes four side surfaces including a first side surface 404a, a second side surface 404b, a third side surface 404c, and a fourth side surface (which is hidden).

[0088] The end member 416 includes a recess 408 that forms a continuous recess that extends completely around the end member 416. Different from the examples of FIGS. 6 and 7, the recess 408 in this example extends around the end member 416 over its entire length in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 434 of the device.

[0089] The end member 416 further includes a second recess 414 in which an elastic member 422 such as an O-ring is received.

[0090] The end member 416 further includes one or more mounting components 420 configured to engage with the outer cover and hold the outer cover in a fixed position. In this example, the mounting component 420 is a magnet. One mounting component 420 is disposed between the first recess 408 and the second recess 414, and another mounting component 420 is disposed farther away from the end face than the first and second recesses 408, 414. Other arrangements are possible.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a view of another end member 516. Similar to the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the end member 416 includes a bottom / underside 502 (forming part of the end face of the device) and at least one side face 504. In this example, the end member 516 does not include any connecting members that engage with a central support. Other means of connecting the end member 516 to the device may be used. For example, components of the device may be attached / adhered to the end member 516.

[0092] The end member 516 may include any of the features described in the examples of FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. However, unlike the examples of FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the end member 516 includes a recess 508 that does not completely extend around the end member 516. Instead, the recess 508 is discontinuous. In another example (not shown), the recess may be discontinuous but may completely extend around the end member to form a spiral / helical recess. In another example, at least two separate recesses may partially overlap in a direction perpendicular to the axis but be offset along the longitudinal axis and each partially extend around the end member to form a combined pattern.

[0093] Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a method 600 for protecting the electrical components of an aerosol supply device from water ingress. The method includes, at block 602, placing electrical components for protection on a portion of the device spaced from an end of the device. The method further includes, at block 604, providing a gap between surfaces and generally abutting the surfaces elsewhere, the gap being disposed between the end of the device and the electrical components and the gap preventing water from flowing from the end of the device to the electrical components by capillary action.

[0094] The above embodiments should be understood as examples for the description of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are conceivable. Any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of any other one of the embodiments, or in any combination of any other one of the embodiments. It should also be understood that 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. [Consistent Clauses] [Clause 1] An aerosol supply device comprising, at a first end, an end member having an axis and at least partially surrounded by an outer cover, wherein the end member and the outer cover cooperate to define an end face of the aerosol supply device, and the end member defines a recess that is disposed away from the end face in the direction of the axis and is covered by the outer cover. [Clause 2] The aerosol supply device according to clause 1, wherein the recess provides a continuous recess that extends completely around the axis. [Clause 3] The aerosol supply device according to clause 1 or 2, further comprising electrical components disposed on the other side of the recess from the end face. [Clause 4] The aerosol supply device according to clause 3, wherein the electrical components are sockets and the end member defines through holes for accessing the sockets. [Clause 5] The aerosol supply device according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the end member comprises a second recess extending around the axis, and the aerosol supply device further comprises an elastic member disposed in the second recess. [Clause 6] The aerosol supply device according to clause 5, wherein the second recess is disposed farther from the end face than the recess. [Clause 7] The aerosol supply device according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the end member comprises mounting components disposed farther from the end face than the recess, and the mounting components engage with the outer cover. [Clause 8] The aerosol supply device according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the recess has a depth dimension greater than about 0.5 mm. [Clause 9] The aerosol supply device according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the recess has a depth dimension less than about 4 mm. [Clause 10] The aerosol supply device according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the recess has a width dimension greater than about 0.5 mm. [Clause 11] The aerosol supply device according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the recess has a width dimension less than about 10 mm. [Clause 12] The aerosol supply device according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein at least a portion of the recess is disposed at a distance of about 1 mm to about 15 mm from the end face. [Clause 13] The aerosol supply device according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, comprising at least one inductor coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field for heating a susceptor. [Clause 14] A method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol supply device from water ingress, comprising: placing the electrical components for protection on a part of the aerosol supply device spaced from an end of the aerosol supply device; providing a gap between surfaces and generally abutting the surfaces elsewhere, the gap being disposed between the end of the aerosol supply device and the electrical components, the gap preventing water from flowing from the end of the aerosol supply device to the electrical components by capillary action; A method including the above. [Clause 15] The method according to clause 14, wherein the step of providing a gap includes providing a gap greater than about 0.5 mm between surfaces and generally abutting the surfaces elsewhere. [Clause 16] An aerosol supply system comprising the aerosol supply device according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, and an article comprising an aerosol-generating material. ​

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device comprising an end member having a longitudinal axis and at least partially surrounded by an outer cover at a first end, wherein: the end member and the outer cover cooperate to define an end face of the aerosol supply device; the end member defines a recess, the recess is disposed away from the end face in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and is covered by the outer cover, and the recess is configured to block capillary flow of water, thereby reducing water ingress. An aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the recess provides a continuous recess that extends completely around the longitudinal axis.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising electrical components disposed on the other side of the recess from the end face.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the electrical component is a socket, and the end member defines a through hole for accessing the socket.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the end member comprises a second recess extending around the longitudinal axis, and the aerosol supply device further comprises an elastic member disposed in the second recess.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the second recess is disposed farther from the end face than the recess.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the end member comprises a mounting component disposed farther from the end face than the recess, and the mounting component engages with the outer cover.

8. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the recess has a depth dimension greater than about 0.5 mm.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the recess has a depth dimension less than about 4 mm.

10. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the recess has a width dimension greater than about 0.5 mm.

11. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the recess has a width dimension less than about 10 mm.

12. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least a part of the concave portion is disposed at a distance of about 1 mm to about 15 mm from the end face.

13. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least one inductor coil configured to generate a variable magnetic field for heating the susceptor.

14. A method for protecting the electrical components of an aerosol supply device from water ingress, placing the electrical components for protection on a part of the aerosol supply device spaced from an end of the aerosol supply device; providing a gap between the surface of the outer cover and the end member of the aerosol supply device, and generally abutting the surfaces elsewhere, the gap being disposed between the end of the aerosol supply device and the electrical components, the gap preventing water from flowing from the end of the aerosol supply device to the electrical components by capillary action; A method comprising.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of providing the gap comprises providing a gap greater than about 0.5 mm between the surfaces and generally abutting the surfaces elsewhere.

16. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, an article comprising an aerosol generating material An aerosol supply system comprising.

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