Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device (100) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material is described. The device comprises a housing (120) and a heating assembly (140). The heating assembly comprises a heating chamber (142) arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the aerosol-generating material, an inductor coil (144) surrounding at least a portion of the heating chamber, and a coil support (150) having at least a portion of the inductor coil positioned on the coil support (150). The coil support comprises a positioning mechanism (154) that engages the housing to position the heating assembly in a position within the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device and an article containing an aerosol generating material.

Background Art

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

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, comprising a housing and a heating assembly, wherein the heating assembly is arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the aerosol generating material, a heating chamber, an inductor coil surrounding at least a portion of the heating chamber, and a coil support, at least a portion of the inductor coil being positioned on the coil support, and the coil support being engaged with the housing and comprising a positioning mechanism for positioning the heating assembly in a position within the housing.

[0004] The positioning mechanism may project outwardly from the coil support. The housing may comprise a receiving mechanism arranged to engage with the positioning mechanism. The receiving mechanism on the housing may comprise at least one of a channel and a groove. The receiving mechanism may extend axially in a direction from a first end to a second end of the housing.

[0005] The positioning mechanism may include a projection or a tab. The positioning mechanism may include a first projection and a second projection. The first projection may be radially offset from the second projection.

[0006] The receiving mechanism may include a first receiving element arranged to engage with a first projection, and a second receiving element arranged to engage with a second projection.

[0007] The housing may include an axially extending aperture, and the first and second receiving elements may be on either side of the axially extending aperture. The housing may be a first housing, and the device may include a second housing assembled to the first housing. The second housing may cover the axially extending aperture. The device may include a second housing mount, which defines the receiving mechanism. The second housing mount may be attached to the first housing and arranged to attach the first housing to the second housing.

[0008] Each positioning mechanism may have a corresponding receiving mechanism within the housing for receiving and positioning the coil support within the housing.

[0009] The heating assembly may include end supports. The end supports may be positioned to at least partially support the heating element. The end supports may be positioned to at least partially support the coil support.

[0010] The device may include a connecting structure arranged to connect a coil support and an end support. The connecting structure may rotatably align the coil support and the end support. The connecting structure may be arranged to restrict axial separation between the coil support and the end support. The connecting structure may include at least one of a clip, a latch, a fastener, or a hook. The connecting structure may be attached to a mounting mechanism on the end support. The mounting mechanism may include a projection or a hook.

[0011] The end support may be located at least one of the second end of the coil support and the proximal end of the second end.

[0012] The positioning mechanism may be located at least one of the first end of the coil support and / or proximal to the first end. The positioning mechanism may comprise a first positioning mechanism, and the end support may comprise a second positioning mechanism. The first and second positioning mechanisms may be aligned axially. The first and second positioning mechanisms may be offset axially.

[0013] The receiving mechanism may be arranged to engage with a second positioning mechanism. The first positioning mechanism may restrict relative rotation between the housing and the coil support. The second positioning mechanism may restrict relative rotation between the housing and the end support. The receiving mechanism may allow axial movement of the coil support and end support within the housing during assembly.

[0014] The end support may include an engagement mechanism positioned to engage with the housing. The engagement mechanism may include a clip, latch, fastener, or hook.

[0015] The housing may include a retaining mechanism positioned to engage with the engagement mechanism. The retaining mechanism may include a projection or recess on which the engagement mechanism is mounted or within it. The engagement mechanism may restrict the axial movement of the end support relative to the housing. The housing may include a positioning mechanism that contacts the end support when the end support is fully inserted into the housing.

[0016] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material is provided, comprising a housing and a heating assembly, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heating chamber disposed to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the aerosol-generating material, an inductor coil surrounding at least a portion of the heating chamber, and a coil support on which at least a portion of the inductor coil is positioned, and the coil support comprises a positioning mechanism that engages with the housing to position the heating assembly in a position within the housing.

[0017] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising the above-described aerosol supply device and an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0018] According to some embodiments described herein, a method is provided for manufacturing an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising assembling a heating assembly comprising: a heating chamber disposed to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the aerosol-generating material; an inductor coil surrounding at least a portion of the heating chamber; and a coil support, wherein at least a portion of the inductor coil is positioned on the coil support, the method comprising engaging a positioning mechanism on the coil support with a receiving mechanism on the housing to position the coil support and the housing; and inserting the heating assembly axially into the housing.

[0019] The method may include attaching a coil support to an end support. The positioning mechanism may be a first positioning mechanism, and the method may include engaging a second positioning mechanism on the end support with a receiving mechanism on the housing to position the end support and the housing. The method may include engaging an engaging mechanism with the housing to prevent axial movement. The method may include inserting a heating assembly into the housing until the end support contacts a positioning mechanism on the housing.

[0020] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] A perspective view of an aerosol supply device in which the housing is shown partially cut away is shown. [Figure 2] An exploded perspective view of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 3a] A perspective view of the coil support of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 3b] A perspective view of the coil support of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 4] An exploded perspective view of a heating assembly including the coil support and the end support of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 5a] A side view of the heating assembly of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 5b] A cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of the heating assembly of FIG. 5b is shown. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the heating assembly of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the heating assembly and the housing of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 8] A top view of the heating assembly and the housing of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 9a]A cross-sectional view of the heating assembly and housing of the aerosol supply device of FIG. 1 is shown. [Figure 9b] A detailed view AA of the heating assembly and housing of FIG. 9a is shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" is a material that can generate an aerosol when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol generating material can be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain, for example, an active substance and / or a flavorant. The aerosol generating material may include any plant-based material such as a tobacco-containing material, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol generating material may also include other non-tobacco products that 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 be known as a "smokable material".

[0023] The aerosol generating material may include a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water is also 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 substantially does not include a plant-based material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material substantially does not include tobacco.

[0024] The aerosol-generating material may include or be an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a monolithic solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0025] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include, or may be, a sheet that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0026] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol-generating materials (or their components) that make up the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0027] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0028] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0029] In some embodiments, the non-combustion aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0030] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of one or more aerosol-generating materials that can be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0031] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0032] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables may be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0033] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material adjacent to the heat-generating power source.

[0034] In some embodiments, a non-combustion aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0035] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0036] An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that contains or is equipped with an aerosol-generating material at the time of use, and optionally other components at the time of use, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material. The user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol. The article may 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.

[0037] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article (not shown) containing an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0038] Device 100 comprises a body 104, which comprises a housing 120. In Figure 1, the housing 120 is shown partially cut off. The housing 120 surrounds and houses various components of device 100. An article aperture 115 is formed within one end of the body 104, and an article can be inserted through the article aperture 115 for heating by an aerosol generator 102 (see Figure 2). When in use, an article can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 102 and heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 102. The aerosol generator 102 comprises a heating assembly. The article and device 100 together form an aerosol supply system 101.

[0039] The housing 120 comprises a first housing 121 and a second housing 122. The first housing 121 is mounted on the second housing 122.

[0040] Device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 106, such as a button or switch that operates device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device by operating a switch.

[0041] The main body 104 has the end surface of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the article aperture 115 may be known as the proximal end (or mouthpiece end) 114 of the device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts an article into the aperture 115, operates the aerosol generator 102 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated in the device 100. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a channel toward the proximal end 114 of the device 100.

[0042] The other end of the device furthest from aperture 115 may be known as the distal end 116 of device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use. When the user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows toward the proximal end 114 of device 100. The terms proximal and distal applied to the features of device 100 are explained by referring to the relative positioning of such features toward each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis 112.

[0043] As used herein, an integrated component refers to a component of device 100 that cannot be separated into two or more components after the device 100 has been assembled. "Integratedly formed" refers to two or more features formed on an integrated component during the manufacturing stage of the component.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the heating assembly 140 and housing 120 aligned axially before assembly. The heating assembly 140 defines the longitudinal axis 112. The heating assembly 140 defines the heating chamber 142. The article is received into the heating chamber 142 and heated by the heating assembly 140. The aerosol generator 102 is received by the first housing 121. The heating chamber 142 is inserted axially into the first housing 121.

[0045] Device 100 comprises a first housing 121 and a second housing 122. The first housing 121 houses a heating assembly 140. The second housing 122 houses a power source and at least one electronics module. The first and second housings 121 and 122 are fixedly assembled.

[0046] The power source is housed within the second housing 122. The power source may be a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Suitable battery examples 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 102 to supply power and heat the aerosol generating material under the control of a controller as needed.

[0047] An electronic device module may include, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB may also have one or more electrical tracks for electrically connecting various electronic components of device 100 together. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB so that power can be distributed throughout device 100.

[0048] The heating assembly 140 comprises an induction heating system including a magnetic field generator with an inductor coil assembly. The heating assembly 140 comprises a heating element, also known as a susceptor.

[0049] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration through a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and consequently, penetration through the conductive material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and consequently, penetration through the magnetic material by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and consequently, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0050] The heating assembly 140, which forms part of the aerosol generator 102, is an induction heating assembly and comprises various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of an article by an induction heating process. Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a variable current, such as an alternating current, through the inductive element. The variable current in the inductive element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor that is suitably positioned relative to the inductive element, generating eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, and therefore the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by a change in the orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the fluctuating magnetic field. In induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, enabling rapid heating. Furthermore, it allows for greater flexibility in configuration and application because no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor.

[0051] The heating element may be hollow and thus define at least a portion of the receptacle in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, an article may be inserted into the heating element. The heating element is tubular with a circular cross-section. The heating element has a substantially constant diameter along its axial length. In embodiments, the heating element protrudes into the receptacle. Other configurations are also conceivable.

[0052] The heating element is formed from a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. In this example, the susceptor is made of carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials, such as ferromagnetic materials like iron, nickel, or cobalt, may also be used. The heating element may also be an elongated member that protrudes into the heating zone defined by the receptacle.

[0053] In other embodiments, the features acting as a heating element are not limited to induction heating. Therefore, the features acting as a heating element may be capable of heating by electrical resistance. Accordingly, the aerosol generator 102 may be equipped with electrical contacts for electrically connecting to a device for electrically operating the heating element by passing an electrical energy flow through it.

[0054] The heating assembly 140 comprises an inductor coil assembly 143 (shown in Figure 4) and an end support 160. The inductor coil assembly 143 includes an inductor coil 144. The inductor coil assembly 143 also comprises a coil support 150. Figures 3a and 3b show the coil support 150. Figure 4 shows the inductor coil assembly 143 and end support 160 aligned axially before assembly. The inductor coil may comprise a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils varies. In embodiments, a single inductor coil 144 is used. The coil support 150 is tubular. The coil support 150 includes a guide for the coil 144. The guide 151 includes a channel on the outside of the coil support 150.

[0055] Figures 3a and 3b show the coil support 150. The coil support 150 includes a first positioning mechanism 154. The first positioning mechanism 154 functions as a positioning mechanism, and in embodiments, in a heating assembly, the positioning mechanism is a single positioning mechanism. The first positioning mechanism includes a first positioning projection 154a and a second positioning projection 154b that project outward from the coil support 150. The positioning projections 154a and 154b extend tangentially from the tubular sidewall 152 of the coil support 150. The positioning projections 154a and 154b extend in opposite directions away from the coil support 150. The positioning projections 154a and 154b extend along a plane tangential to the tubular sidewall of the coil support 150. The positioning projections 154a and 154b extend away from the coil support 150 and are received by corresponding receiving mechanisms 124 within the housing 120 (see Figure 7). The positioning projections 154a and 154b are disposed at the proximal end 114 of the coil support 150. The positioning projections 154a and 154b are formed as integral components with the coil support 150. In embodiments, the positioning projections 154a and 154b include tabs, and / or the first positioning projection is radially offset from the second positioning projection. The positioning projections may be formed separately from the coil support. In embodiments, the first positioning mechanism may comprise a single positioning projection.

[0056] A connecting structure 155 is disposed at the distal end 116 of the coil support 150. The connecting structure 155 comprises connecting clips 155a and 155b. The connecting clips 155a and 155b extend axially away from the coil support 150 at the distal end 116. The connecting clips 155a and 155b face each other diametrically on the coil support 150. The connecting structure is positioned to connect to a corresponding mechanism on the end support 150. The connecting clips 155a and 155b extend axially from the side wall of the coil support 150. The connecting structure is formed as an integral component with the coil support 150. In an alternative embodiment, the connecting clips do not face each other diametrically on the coil support 150. The connecting structure may comprise a latch, hook, or fastener. The connecting structure may be formed separately from the coil support 150. The number of clips may vary, for example. In an embodiment, the connecting structure may comprise a single connecting clip.

[0057] Figure 4 shows the inductor coil assembly 143 and end support 160 aligned axially before assembly. The inductor coil assembly 143 comprises a coil 144 assembled on a coil support 150. The inductor coil assembly 143 is positioned to axially align with the end support 160 and engages with the end support 160. The end support 160 comprises a mounting mechanism 165. The mounting mechanism 165 comprises mounting projections 165a, 165b. The mounting projections 165a, 165b extend, for example, radially away from a portion of the end support 160 to enable attachment to a connecting structure 155. The mounting projections 165a, 165b are integrally formed with the end support 160. The mounting projections 165a, 165b are axially aligned with the connecting clips 155a, 155b. In the embodiment, the mounting mechanism may extend axially from a portion of the end support 160 to connect to the connecting structure 155. The mounting mechanism may include a projection or a hook. The mounting projection may be formed separately from that of the end support 160. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism may include a single mounting projection. In another embodiment, the mounting mechanism may include a corresponding single connecting component.

[0058] The end support 160 includes a second positioning mechanism 164. The second positioning mechanism 164 includes third and fourth positioning projections 164a, 164b. The positioning projections 164a, 164b project outward from the end support 160. The positioning projections 164a, 164b extend along a plane tangential to the tubular side wall of the coil support 150, on the same plane as the first and second positioning projections 154a, 154b. The third and fourth positioning projections 164a, 164b extend away from the end support 160 and are received by corresponding receiving mechanisms 124 within the housing 120 (see Figure 7). In embodiments, the second positioning mechanism may include a single positioning projection. In embodiments, the second positioning mechanism is omitted.

[0059] Figures 5a, 5b, and 6 show an assembled heating assembly 140 including a coil support 150, a coil 144, and an end support 160. The end support 160 provides support for a heating element (not shown) and an inductor coil assembly 143. A connecting component 155 engages with a mounting mechanism 165 to restrict axial separation between the inductor coil assembly 143 and the end support 160. Connecting clips 155a, 155b fit around mounting projections 165a, 165b. The connecting component 155 engages with the mounting mechanism 165 to restrict relative rotation between the inductor coil assembly 143 and the end support 160.

[0060] The end support 160 is attached to the distal end 116 of the coil support 150. The end support 160 includes an engagement mechanism 166. The engagement mechanism 166 extends axially from a portion of the end support 160. The engagement mechanism 166 includes a latch that extends axially, aligned with the side wall of the coil support 160. The latch 166 is positioned to engage with a corresponding retaining mechanism 126 in the housing 120 (see Figures 9a and 9b). The latch 166 is radially elastically deformable so that when the latch 166 is passed over the retaining mechanism 126 in the housing 120 (see Figure 7), the latch is temporarily deformed before returning to its original position and engaging with the retaining mechanism 126. The engagement mechanism 166 is formed integrally with the end support 160. In alternative embodiments, the engagement mechanism includes a clip, fastener, or hook. The engagement mechanism 166 may be formed separately from the end support 160.

[0061] The inductor coil assembly 143 is attached to the end support 160 by a connecting component 155 and a mounting mechanism 165. The engagement of the connecting component 155 and the mounting mechanism 165 prevents relative axial movement and relative rotation between the inductor coil assembly 143 and the end support 160.

[0062] Figure 7 shows the heating assembly 140 aligned axially with the first housing 121 before it is assembled inside the first housing 121. In this embodiment, the housing 120 includes a second housing mount 123 on the first housing. The second housing mount 123 attaches the first housing 121 to the second housing 122. The first housing 121 includes an axially extending aperture 130. The second housing 122 covers the aperture 130. The aperture 130 enables electrical connections between components within the first and second housings 121 and 122.

[0063] The housing 120 includes a receiving mechanism 124. The receiving mechanism 124 extends axially along the length of the housing 120. The receiving mechanism 124 extends axially from the distal end 116 to the proximal end 114 of the housing 120. The receiving mechanism 124 includes a first groove 124a acting as a first receiving element and a second groove 124b acting as a second receiving element. The first and second grooves 124a and 124b are located on either side of the housing aperture 130. The grooves 124a and 124b are positioned within a second housing mount 123. The receiving mechanism 124 engages with a first positioning mechanism 154 on the coil support 150 and a second positioning mechanism 164 on the end support. Grooves 124a and 124b receive positioning protrusions 154a, 154b, 164a, and 164b. The positioning protrusions 154a, 154b, 164a, and 164b are aligned planarly with each other.

[0064] The receiving mechanism 124 on the housing 120 allows the coil support to be inserted into the housing 120 and mounted directly onto the housing 120. This eliminates the need for additional components or mounting mechanisms, such as intermediate mounting components onto which the coil support is mounted. This reduces the amount of material required to manufacture the device. Assembly of the device is also simplified by reducing the number of assembly steps. A compact device can be provided.

[0065] The first positioning projection 154a and the third positioning projection 164a are axially aligned with each other. The second positioning projection 154b and the fourth positioning projection 164b are axially aligned with each other. The first groove 124a receives both the first positioning projection 154a and the third positioning projection 164a. The second groove 124b receives both the second positioning projection 154b and the fourth positioning projection 164b. In the embodiment, the first and second receiving elements include channels. The first and second positioning mechanisms do not have to be planar aligned. The receiving mechanism may include multiple receiving mechanisms. The receiving mechanism may be on or within the first housing 121.

[0066] The positioning mechanism 127 is positioned on the inner surface of the housing 121. The positioning mechanism 127 restricts the insertion of the heating assembly 140 into the first housing 121. The positioning mechanism 127 includes projections on the inner surface of the first housing 121. The positioning mechanism 127 is positioned to contact a portion of the end support 160 and restrict axial insertion beyond the contact point between the positioning mechanism 127 and the portion of the end support. In embodiments, the positioning mechanism extends continuously around the inner surface of the coil support. The positioning mechanism may include projections, ribs, steps, or tabs projecting axially inward from the inner surface of the coil support 150.

[0067] Figure 8 shows a top view of the heating assembly within the first housing 121. The first positioning projection 154a is received by groove 124a, and the second positioning projection 154b is received by groove 124b. The second housing mount 123 includes grooves 154a, 154b. The first and third positioning projections 154a, 164a are axially aligned with each other so as to be axially received by groove 124a. The second and fourth positioning projections 154b, 164b are axially aligned with each other so as to be axially received by groove 124b. The heating assembly 140 is assembled within the first housing 121 by axially aligning the third and fourth positioning projections 164a, 164b with the corresponding grooves 124a, 124b and inserting them into grooves 124a, 124b.

[0068] The heating assembly is axially inserted into the first housing 121, and as a result, the first and second positioning protrusions 154a, 154b are also inserted into the grooves 124a, 124b. The heating assembly 140 is inserted into the proximal end 114 of the first housing 121. The grooves 124a, 124b allow relative axial movement between the heating assembly 140 and the first housing 121. The grooves 124a, 124b and the positioning protrusions 154a, 154b, 164a, 164b prevent relative rotation between the heating assembly 140 and the first housing 121.

[0069] Figures 9a and 9b show a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly 140 within the first housing 121, and detailed views of the engagement mechanism 166 and the positioning mechanism 127, respectively. When the heating assembly 140 is inserted into the first housing 121, the shape of the retaining mechanism 126 causes the latch 166, an elastically deformable engagement mechanism, to deform radially inward as it passes through the retaining mechanism. As the engagement mechanism 166 moves axially past the retaining mechanism 126, the latch 166 springs back to its original position and engages with the retaining mechanism 126. The latch 166 engages with the retaining mechanism 126 to prevent the removal of the heating assembly 140 from the first housing 121 after insertion, i.e., from the proximal end 114 of the first housing 121. The positioning mechanism 127 prevents the heating assembly 140 from being inserted too far into the first housing 121. After the latch 166 engages with the retaining mechanism 126, the positioning mechanism 127 on the first housing 121 contacts a portion of the end support 160 to prevent further axial insertion of the heating assembly 140. The positioning mechanism 127 prevents the end support 160 from contacting and damaging any components within the distal end 116 of the first housing 121. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining mechanism includes a recess into which the engaging mechanism engages. The attachment of the coil support 150 to the engaging mechanism 166 and the end support 160 allows for fewer assembly steps and therefore a more efficient assembly process. The heating assembly 140 is inserted directly into the housing 120 and directly attached to the retaining mechanism 126 and the receiving mechanism 124. The number of steps in the assembly process is reduced, and no intermediate mounting mechanism is required between the heating assembly 140 and the housing 120. This helps to provide cost and material benefits during the manufacturing process.

[0070] The device is assembled according to the following steps.

[0071] 1. The inductor coil assembly 143, which includes the coil support 150, is aligned axially with the end support 160, and the connecting component 155 is engaged with the mounting mechanism 165. The connecting component 155 is located on the distal end 116 of the coil support 150 and is attached to the mounting mechanism 165 on the end support 160. The connecting component 155 and the mounting mechanism 165 align the coil support 150 and the end support 160 axially, and restrict the relative axial and rotational movement between the coil support 150 and the end support 160. In addition, by aligning the coil support 150 and the end support 160, the first positioning mechanism 154 on the coil support 150 is axially aligned with the second positioning mechanism 164 on the end support 160.

[0072] 2. Align the heating assembly 140 axially with the housing 120 and engage the second positioning mechanism 164 with the receiving mechanism 124 on the housing 120.

[0073] 3. Insert the heating assembly 140 axially into the housing 120. With the second positioning mechanism 164 engaged with the receiving mechanism 124, the first positioning mechanism 154 is engaged with the receiving mechanism 124. The engagement of the first and second positioning mechanisms 154 and 164 prevents relative rotation between the heating assembly 140 and the housing 120 during assembly and use. The first positioning mechanism 154 prevents relative rotation between the coil support 150 and the housing 120. The second positioning mechanism 164 prevents relative rotation between the end support 160 and the housing 120. The second positioning mechanism 164 engages with the receiving mechanism 124 before the first positioning mechanism 154 engages with the receiving mechanism 124. The engagement of the second positioning mechanism 164 aligns the heating assembly 140 so that the first positioning mechanism 154 is axially aligned with the receiving mechanism 124.

[0074] 4. The engagement mechanism 166 is engaged with the holding mechanism 126, bringing the end support 160 into contact with the positioning mechanism 127. The engagement between the engagement mechanism 166 and the holding mechanism 126 prevents axial separation of the housing 120 and the heating assembly 140. The interaction between the end support 160 and the positioning mechanism 127 prevents further insertion of the heating assembly 140 into the housing 120.

[0075] The alignment of the heating assembly 140 within the first housing 121 by the first and second positioning mechanisms 154, 164 and the receiving mechanism aligns the engagement mechanism 166 with the holding mechanism 126 and aligns a portion of the end support 160 with the positioning mechanism 127.

[0076] Relative rotation between the heating assembly 140 and the first housing 121 is limited by the positioning of the first and second positioning mechanisms 154, 164 within the receiving mechanism 124. Relative rotation and axial separation between the coil support 150 and the end support 160 are limited by the attachment of the coil support 150 to the end support 160 by the connecting component 155 and the mounting mechanism 165. The heating assembly 140 slides axially within the first housing 121, and therefore axial movement between the heating assembly 140 and the housing 121 is not limited during assembly. Once assembled, the engagement mechanism 166 engages with the holding mechanism 126 to limit axial separation between the heating assembly 140 and the housing 121. The heating assembly 140 is held in a fixed position within the housing 121 so that no axial separation or rotation can occur between the components of the heating assembly 140 and between the heating assembly 140 and the housing 121.

[0077] Direct mounting of the heating assembly 140 enables a more efficient assembly method for the device. No intermediate mounting components are required between the housing 120 and the heating assembly 140. This saves materials and costs during manufacturing. In addition, the absence of intermediate mounting components reduces the number of assembly steps.

[0078] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising a housing and a heating assembly, wherein the heating assembly is A heating chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, An inductor coil surrounding at least a portion of the heating chamber, A coil support comprising a coil support on which at least a portion of the inductor coil is positioned, Equipped with, The coil support includes a positioning mechanism that engages with the housing to position the heating assembly within the housing. Aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism protrudes outward from the coil support.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a receiving mechanism arranged to engage with the positioning mechanism.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the receiving mechanism extends axially from the first end to the second end of the housing.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a first projection and a second projection.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the first projection is radially offset from the second projection with respect to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

7. The housing comprises a receiving mechanism arranged to engage with the positioning mechanism, The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the receiving mechanism comprises a first receiving element disposed to engage with the first projection and a second receiving element disposed to engage with the second projection.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein the housing comprises an aperture extending in the axial direction, and the first and second receiving elements are located on both sides of the aperture extending in the axial direction.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the heating assembly comprises an end support.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a first positioning mechanism, and the end support comprises a second positioning mechanism.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein the housing comprises a receiving mechanism disposed to engage with the positioning mechanism, and the receiving mechanism is disposed to engage with the second positioning mechanism.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein the end support comprises an engagement mechanism arranged to engage with the housing and restrict axial movement.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein the housing includes a positioning mechanism that contacts the end support when the end support is fully inserted into the housing.

14. An aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising a housing and a heating assembly, wherein the heating assembly is A heating chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, An inductor coil surrounding at least a portion of the heating chamber, A coil support comprising a coil support on which at least a portion of the inductor coil is positioned, Equipped with, The coil support includes a positioning mechanism that engages with the housing to position the heating assembly within the housing. Aerosol supply device.

15. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 14, and an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

16. A method for manufacturing an aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material, A heating chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, An inductor coil surrounding at least a portion of the heating chamber, A coil support comprising a coil support on which at least a portion of the inductor coil is positioned, The step includes assembling a heating assembly comprising: The method described above is The steps include engaging the positioning mechanism on the coil support with the receiving mechanism on the housing to position the coil support and the housing, The steps include inserting the heating assembly axially into the housing, Methods that include...

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of attaching the coil support to the end support.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the positioning mechanism is a first positioning mechanism, and the method includes the step of engaging a second positioning mechanism on the end support with the receiving mechanism on the housing to position the end support and the housing.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of engaging the engagement mechanism of the end support with the housing to prevent axial movement of the end support relative to the housing.

20. The method according to claim 17, comprising the step of inserting the heating assembly into the housing until the end support contacts a positioning mechanism on the housing.

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