Aerosol Delivery Device

Abstract

An aerosol-delivery device (100) is provided. The device comprises a heating assembly (221) arranged to receive at least a portion of an article (110) comprising an aerosol-generating material. The device also comprises a power source (160), a first housing (131) enclosing at least a portion of the heating assembly (221), and a second housing (141) enclosing at least a portion of the power source (160). A heat transfer facility (401) is provided in thermal contact between the first housing (131) and the second housing (141) for dissipating heat from the first housing (131) to the second housing (141).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device and an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and an article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

[0002] background

[0003] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by producing products that release compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating a material, but without combustion. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine.

[0004] overview

[0005] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-providing device comprising: a heating assembly arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material; a power source; a first housing enclosing at least a portion of the heating assembly; a second housing enclosing at least a portion of the power source; and a heat transfer facility in thermal contact between the first housing and the second housing for dissipating heat from the first housing to the second housing.

[0006] The heat transfer arrangement may comprise a conductive member.

[0007] The heat transfer arrangement may comprise at least two conductive members.

[0008] The or each conductive member may define a direct conductive path between the first housing and the second housing.

[0009] The or each conductive member may be in direct engagement with the first housing.

[0010] The first housing may be mounted with the or each conductive member.

[0011] The second housing may be mounted with the or each conductive member.

[0012] The heat transfer arrangement may comprise a greater material mass than the first housing.

[0013] The aerosol delivery device can include a chassis, which can be arranged to hold a power source.

[0014] The chassis may be arranged to act as a heat sink.

[0015] The chassis may comprise the or each conductive member. The chassis may be at least partially enclosed by a second housing.

[0016] The chassis may include an insulating member.

[0017] The insulating member and the conductive member may be integrally formed.

[0018] The insulating member may be made of polycarbonate (PC).

[0019] The aerosol delivery device can include an electrical module.

[0020] The electrical module may be mounted on the insulating member.

[0021] The insulating member can electrically insulate the electrical module from the conductive member.

[0022] The first housing may be at least partially tubular.

[0023] The heating assembly may be held between the first housing and the conductive member.

[0024] The heat conduction arrangement may include a heat dissipation layer between the second housing and the power supply.

[0025] The heat dissipation layer may be on the inside of the second housing.

[0026] The heat dissipation layer may be in thermal contact with the conductive member.

[0027] The heat dissipation layer can define a thermal conduction path between the conductive member and the second housing.

[0028] The heat dissipation layer may comprise a graphite liner.

[0029] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-delivery device comprising: a heating assembly arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material; a power source; a first housing enclosing at least a portion of the heating assembly; a second housing enclosing at least a portion of the power source; and a heat dissipation arrangement comprising a graphite liner between the power source and the second housing.

[0030] The heat dissipation layer may be on the inside of the second housing.

[0031] The heat dissipation layer may be in thermal contact with the conductive member.

[0032] The heat dissipation layer can define a thermal conduction path between the conductive member and the second housing.

[0033] The heat dissipation layer may comprise a graphite liner.

[0034] Any of the above described devices may be tobacco heating devices, also known as non-combustion heating devices.

[0035] According to some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol delivery device as described above; and an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, the article being dimensioned to be at least partially received within a receptacle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an aerosol delivery device. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective side view of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generator of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of the heat transfer facility of the aerosol delivery device of FIG. 1 with the battery in place. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heat transfer facility of FIG. 4 without the battery. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the heat dissipation fixture of FIG. 4, including a graphite liner. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the heat sink of FIG. 6 including the second housing and the battery.

[0037] Detailed Description

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized in any other manner, for example. Aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also include products other than tobacco, and some products may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-generating materials are also known as "smokable materials."

[0039] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. If necessary, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0040] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an "amorphous solid." An amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold a fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solid by weight, to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solid by weight.

[0041] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, optionally shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0042] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol delivery system (or its components) are not combusted or burned to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0043] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system.

[0044] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol-delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0047] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system can include a non-combustible aerosol delivery device and a consumable item for use with the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

[0048] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables, sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure, that include an aerosol-generating material and are configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol-delivery device.

[0049] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as the non-combustible aerosol delivery device, can include a power source and a control device. The power source can be, for example, an electrical power source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes an energizable carbon substrate to deliver power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material proximate the heat-generating power source.

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system can include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0051] In some embodiments, consumables for use with non-combustible aerosol-delivery devices can include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage region, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating region, a housing, a packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0052] The aerosol-generating device can accept an article containing an aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that, when used, includes or contains the aerosol-generating material, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally includes other components when used. A user can insert the article into the aerosol-generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article can be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0053] 1 shows an aerosol-delivery device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Broadly speaking, device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable item 110 comprising an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 100.

[0054] The device 100 comprises a body 102. A housing arrangement 120 surrounds and houses the various components of the body 102. An article aperture 104 is formed at one end of the body 102, through which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator 200 (see FIG. 3). In use, the article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 200 and heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 200. The article 110 and the device 100 together form an aerosol delivery system 101.

[0055] Device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch, that, when pressed, causes operation of device 100. For example, a user can turn device 100 on by operating switch 150.

[0056] The aerosol generator 200 defines a longitudinal axis (A).

[0057] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of device 100. Device 100 comprises a first body assembly 130 and a second body assembly 140. First body assembly 130 comprises an aerosol generator 200. Referring to Figure 4, second body assembly 140 comprises a power supply 160 and at least one electronic module, such as an electrical connector 161. A chassis 170 supports power supply 160 and other components.

[0058] The first body assembly 130 includes a first housing 131. The second body assembly 140 includes a second housing 141. The first and second body assemblies 130, 140 are fixedly attached. The first and second body assemblies 130, 140 form the body 102.

[0059] The body 102 comprises the end face of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the article aperture 104 is known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 106 of the device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts the article 110 into the aperture 104, activates the aerosol generator 200 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated within the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

[0060] The other end of the device furthest from the aperture 104 is known as the distal end 108 of the device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth in use. When a user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows in a direction toward the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 are described with reference to the relative positions of such features with respect to one another in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0061] As used herein, a one-piece component refers to a component of a device that is not separable into two or more components after assembly of the device. "Integrally formed" refers to two or more features that are formed into a one-piece component during the manufacturing stage of the component.

[0062] 2 and 3, an air flow passage 180 extends through the body 102. The air flow passage 180 extends to an opening 190. The opening 190 acts as an air inlet. An outer cover 300 covers the opening 190. The outer cover 300 in an embodiment is vented to allow air to flow into the air flow passage 180.

[0063] The power supply 160 is provided within the second housing 141. The chassis 170 mounts the power supply 160. The chassis 170 includes a power supply mount 171. The chassis 170 partially encloses the power supply 160. The power supply 160 can 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 aerosol generator 200 to provide power when needed to heat the aerosol-generating material under the control of the controller.

[0064] Electronic module 161 may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and a memory. The PCB may also comprise one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting various electronic components of device 100. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout device 100.

[0065] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of aerosol generator 200. In one embodiment, aerosol generator 200 comprises an induction heating system including a magnetic field generator 210. Magnetic field generator 210 comprises an inductor coil assembly 211. Aerosol generator 200 comprises a heating element 220. The heating element is also known as a susceptor.

[0066] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by passing a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, such that penetrating the susceptor with a varying magnetic field results in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetrating it with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0067] The aerosol generator 200 is an induction heating assembly that includes various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 through an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object (such as a susceptor) through electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly can include an induction element, e.g., one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The changing current in the induction element generates a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the induction element, generating eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor through Joule heating. If the susceptor includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., the changing orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the changing magnetic field. Induction heating generates heat inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating compared to, for example, conduction heating, and does not require any physical contact between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for greater flexibility in design and application.

[0068] The inductor coil assembly 211 includes a first inductor coil 212 and a second inductor coil 213. In some embodiments, the number of inductor coils 212, 213 may vary. In some embodiments, a single inductor coil is used. The inductor coil assembly 211 also includes a coil support 214. The coil support 214 is tubular. The coil support 214 includes a guide 215 for the coils 212, 213. The guide 215 includes a channel on the outside of the coil support 214.

[0069] Heating element 220 is part of heating assembly 221. Heating element 220 in this example is hollow and thus defines at least a portion of receptacle 222 in which aerosol-generating material is received. For example, item 110 can be inserted into heating element 220. Heating element 220 is tubular with a circular cross-section. Heating element 220 has a generally constant diameter along its axial length.

[0070] The heating element 220 is formed from an electrically conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor in this example is formed from carbon steel. It will be appreciated that other suitable materials may be used, such as ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt.

[0071] In other embodiments, the features acting as the heating element 220 are not limited to being inductively heated. Thus, the features acting as the heating element can be heated by electrical resistance. Thus, the aerosol generator 200 can include electrical contacts for electrically connecting with a device for electrically activating the heating element by passing a flow of electrical energy through the heating element.

[0072] Receptacle 222 and article 110 are sized so that article 110 can be received by heating element 220 for most efficient heating. The article in this example comprises an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material is positioned within receptacle 222. Article 110 may also comprise other components, such as a filter, packaging material, and / or cooling structure.

[0073] A first end support 230 supports the heating element 220. The first end support 230 supports the heating element 220 at a first distal end. A second end support 231 supports the heating element 220. The second end support 231 supports the heating element 220 at a second proximal end. The first and second end supports 230, 231 act as receptacle supports.

[0074] An air flow path 180 extends from the heating element 220. The air flow path 180 extends from the heating element 220 and is defined by a flow path member 182. The heating element 220 and the flow path member 182 form part of an air flow path arrangement 181.

[0075] The flow path member 182 extends between the heating element 220 and the opening 190. The flow path member 182 is tubular. The flow path member 182 defines a bore. The flow path member extends axially along its length.

[0076] The flow path member 182 and the heating element 220 intersect at a junction. The flow path member 182 overlaps the heating element 220. The flow path member 182 includes a first section 184 having a first diameter and a second section 185 having a second diameter. The diameter of the first section 184 is larger than the diameter of the second section 185. A middle section 186 extends between the first section 184 and the second section 185. The middle section 186 forms a shoulder. The shoulder acts as a stop to limit insertion of the item 110.

[0077] The fluid seal at joint 183 is, in embodiments, formed by a mechanically fabricated joint, for example, by welding.

[0078] The first end support 230 supports the flow path member 182. The first end support 230 forms a collar. In embodiments in which the flow path member 182 is omitted, the first end support 230 directly engages the heating element 220. The first end support 230 extends away from the first end of the heating element 220 toward the distal end of the device 100.

[0079] The second end support 231 defines an insert chamber 234. The insert chamber 234 is configured to receive the item 110 therethrough.

[0080] Heating element 220 extends between first end support 230 and second end support 231. Barrier member 233 extends between first end support 230 and second end support 231. Barrier member 233, together with first end support 230 and second end support 231, encloses heating element 220. Barrier member 233 is a hollow tubular member.

[0081] In an embodiment, the barrier member 233 is formed from a non-metallic material to help limit interference with magnetic induction. In this particular example, the barrier member 233 is constructed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The first end support 230 and the second end support 231 are constructed from PEEK. Other suitable materials are possible. Components constructed from such materials help ensure that the barrier member 250 remains rigid / solid when the susceptor is heated.

[0082] The heating element 220 , the barrier member 233 , and the first and second end supports 230 and 231 are coaxial about the central longitudinal axis of the heating element 220 .

[0083] The first end support 230 is fluidly sealed with the air flow path arrangement 181. The second end support 231 is fluidly sealed with the air flow path arrangement 181. In an embodiment, the first end support 230 is fluidly sealed with the heating element 220. In an embodiment, the first end support is fluidly sealed with the flow path member 182. The second end support 231 is fluidly sealed with the heating element 220.

[0084] First end support 230 and second end support 231 support coil support 214. An insulating layer 250 is provided between barrier member 233 and coil support 214. A ferrite shield 255 extends around inductor coils 212, 213. The ferrite shield acts as an electromagnetic shield. Other suitable materials may be used. Ferrite shield 255 is attached to coil support 200. Since ferrite shield 255 abuts coil support 200, it may be attached directly to coil support 200, for example, by gluing.

[0085] Insulation layer 250 acts as inner insulation layer 250. Outer insulation layer 251 extends around the inductor coil assembly. Outer insulation layer 251 forms a tubular facility.

[0086] FIG. 4 shows the chassis 170 with the power source 160 (a battery in the illustrated embodiment) attached to the chassis 170. FIG. 5 shows the chassis 170 without the power source 160. As can be seen from both FIGS. 4 and 5, the chassis 170 comprises a chassis body 402. The chassis body 402 comprises a conductive member 406. The chassis body 402 comprises an insulating member 413. The conductive member 406 and the insulating member 413 together form the chassis body 402. The conductive member 406 and the insulating member 413 are integrally formed. The insulating member 413 is formed on the conductive member 406. In this arrangement, the conductive member 406 acts as a primary portion, and the insulating member 413 acts as a secondary portion on the conductive member 406. In an embodiment, the conductive member 406 acts as the secondary portion. In an embodiment, the chassis body 402 comprises multiple conductive members. In an embodiment, the chassis body 402 comprises a single insulating member. In an embodiment, the chassis body 402 comprises a single conductive member. In such an embodiment, the insulating member may be provided separately.

[0087] Insulating member 413 is molded around conductive member 406. Conductive member 406 is formed from an aluminum alloy. Other suitable materials, such as copper, magnesium, zinc, or brass alloys, may also be used. Insulating member 413 is formed from PC (polycarbonate), although it will be appreciated that any suitable electrically insulating material, such as a polymer, may be used.

[0088] The chassis body 402 includes a main section 403. The main section 403 extends in a longitudinal direction. The main section 403 includes a concave surface. The concave surface is positioned to receive a portion of the power supply 160. End portions 407, 408 protrude from the main section 403. The end portion 407 forms an end plate. A first end is at the proximal end and a second end is at the distal end. The end portions 407, 408 are formed by an insulating member 413.

[0089] Flanged sections 404 extend from main section 403. The flanged sections 404 may vary in number, and in embodiments there is a single flanged section 404. The flanged sections 404 define the conductive elements of conductive member 406.

[0090] The flanged section 404 includes a flat protrusion that extends from the power supply 160 toward the first housing 131. Portions of the conductive member 406 define the heat transfer arrangement 400.

[0091] The chassis 170 includes mounting facilities 411. The mounting facilities 411 include, for example, mounting holes and mounting protrusions. The mounting facilities 411 are configured to mount other components to the chassis 170. The mounting facilities 411 are arranged to mount an electrical module 161. Each mounting facility 411 can serve as an electronics module mount 172. The mounting facilities 411 are formed with insulating members 413 that act as electrical insulators. The power supply mounts are formed with insulating members 413. In some embodiments, the power supply mounts include adhesive fasteners. Providing these insulating members 413 helps prevent the electrical modules from shorting out on the chassis 170.

[0092] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the chassis 170 with the first housing 131 mounted thereon, with the power supply 160 and second housing 141 omitted for clarity, while FIG. 7 shows the perspective view of FIG. 6 with the power supply 160 and second housing 141 in place. A graphite liner 420, which acts as a heat dissipation layer, extends from the chassis 170. The graphite liner 420 and the conductive member 406 form a heat transfer facility 401. The graphite liner 420 is surrounded by the second housing 141. The power supply 160 is received on the chassis and surrounded by the graphite liner 420. The graphite liner 420 is received between the power supply 160 and the interior of the second housing 141. In an embodiment, the graphite liner 420 is omitted, and a heat transfer path is provided directly from the conductive member 420 to the second housing 141.

[0093] 6 and 7, the first housing 131 is attached directly to the conductive member 404, and more specifically, to the flanged sections 404 of the conductive member 406. In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 131 is attached to the inner surface of each flange section 404. A graphite liner 420 is attached to the outer surface of each flange section 404. Both the first housing 131 and the graphite liner 420 have tubular portions 132, 422, respectively, and flat portions 134, 425, respectively. The flat portions 134, 425 contact the flat flanged sections 404.

[0094] 7, the second housing 141 also has a tubular portion 142 and a flat portion 145. The flat portion 145 contacts the flat portion 425 of the graphite liner 420.

[0095] The heat conduction arrangement 401 provides a thermal path from the first housing 131 to the second housing 141. The first housing 131 and the second housing 141 are in thermal contact between their components to dissipate heat from the first housing to the second housing 141. The thermal contact in the embodiment is an indirect thermal contact. According to the present disclosure, "direct thermal contact" refers to contact between two separate elements, where the contact does not include an additional element forming a thermal bridge between them.

[0096] Two elements are in direct physical contact such that heat can effectively pass between them. "Indirect thermal contact" is contact between two separate elements where there is another element between them, and the elements do not form direct physical contact, but heat can pass between the elements through the other element acting as a thermal bridge. A "direct thermal path" is a path that passes through multiple elements that are each in direct thermal contact, i.e., a path consisting of one or more direct thermal contacts. For example, if element A is in direct thermal contact with element B, and element B is in direct thermal contact with element C, a direct thermal path exists between elements A and B, even though elements A and C are themselves in indirect thermal contact.

[0097] The first housing 131 at least partially houses the heating assembly 221, and therefore, the temperature of the first housing 131 increases significantly when the device 100 is in use. By providing direct thermal contact between the flat portion 134 of the first housing 131 and the flange section 404 of the conductive member 406, and also between the flange section 404 and the flat portion 425 of the graphite liner 420, a direct thermal conduction path is formed between the first housing 131 and the graphite liner 420. The thermal path from the first housing 131 to the conductive member 410 and the graphite liner 420 is indicated by arrows in FIG. 6. The flat portions 134, 425 of the first housing 131 and the graphite liner 420, respectively, correspond to the flat shape of the flanged section 404 of the conductive member 401, thus increasing the surface area of ​​the respective contact patches and thereby increasing the level of heat transfer.

[0098] As a result of this direct thermal conduction path, heat present within first housing 131 is dissipated throughout the entire structure of device 100, via conductive member 401 and graphite liner 420, thus reducing the temperature of first housing 131 and allowing a user to hold the device comfortably without requiring large amounts of insulation around first housing 131, which would increase the size and weight of device 100. Additionally, because flanged section 404 is integrally formed with chassis 170, chassis 170 also draws heat away from first housing 131.

[0099] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features, and are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not intended to be exhaustive and / or exclusive.

[0100] The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims or equivalents thereof, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but that may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol delivery device comprising: a heating assembly positioned to receive at least a portion of the article containing the aerosol-generating material; Power supply and a first housing enclosing at least a portion of the heating assembly; a second housing enclosing at least a portion of the power source; a heat conduction facility in thermal contact between the first housing and the second housing for dissipating heat from the first housing to the second housing; An aerosol delivery device comprising:

2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the heat transfer facility comprises a conductive member.

3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 , wherein the conductive member defines a direct conductive path between the first housing and the second housing.

4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the conductive member is directly engaged with the first housing.

5. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3 , wherein the conductive member is attached to the first housing.

6. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 , wherein the heat transfer facility comprises a material mass greater than the first housing.

7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 , comprising a chassis positioned to hold the power source.

8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 7 , wherein the chassis comprises the conductive member.

9. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the chassis is positioned to act as a heat sink.

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the chassis comprises an insulating member.

11. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10 , wherein the insulating member and the conductive member are integrally formed.

12. The aerosol delivery device of claim 10 , further comprising an electrical module mounted on the insulating member.

13. The aerosol delivery device of claim 12 , wherein the insulating member electrically insulates the electrical module from the conductive member.

14. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 , wherein the heating assembly is held between the first housing and the conductive member.

15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 2 , wherein the heat conduction facility comprises a heat dissipation layer between the second housing and the power source.

16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15 , wherein the heat dissipation layer is in thermal contact with the conductive member.

17. 17. The aerosol delivery device of claim 16, wherein the heat dissipation layer defines a thermal conduction path between the conductive member and the second housing.

18. 16. The aerosol delivery device of claim 15, wherein the heat dissipation layer comprises a graphite liner.

19. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 ; an article containing an aerosol-generating material disposed so as to be at least partially received within the aerosol-delivery device; An aerosol delivery system comprising:

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