阅读说明：本技术 气溶胶供应装置 (Aerosol supply device ) 是由 阿什利·约翰·赛义德 卢克·詹姆斯·沃伦 托马斯·亚历山大·约翰·伍德曼 于 2020-03-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种气溶胶供应装置。该装置具有一轴线,并且在第一端处包括至少部分地被外罩包围的端部构件。端部构件和外罩一起限定气溶胶供应装置的端表面,其中端部构件限定一凹部,该凹部定位成在轴线的方向上远离端表面并且被外罩覆盖。(An aerosol provision device is provided. The device has an axis and includes, at a first end, an end member at least partially surrounded by a housing. The end member and the housing together define an end surface of the aerosol provision device, wherein the end member defines a recess which is located away from the end surface in the direction of the axis and which is covered by the housing.)

1. An aerosol provision device having an axis and comprising at a first end an end member at least partially surrounded by a housing, the end member and the housing together defining an end surface of the aerosol provision device, wherein the end member defines a recess located away from the end surface in the direction of the axis and covered by the housing.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the recess extends completely around the axis to provide a continuous recess.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises an electrical component on another side of the recess remote from the end surface.

4. The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein the electrical component is a socket and the end member defines a through-hole for accessing the socket.

5. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the end member comprises a second recess extending about the axis, and the aerosol provision device further comprises a resilient member arranged in the second recess.

6. The aerosol provision device of claim 5, wherein the second recess is arranged further from the end surface than the recess.

7. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the end member comprises an attachment feature arranged further from the end surface than the recess, wherein the attachment feature engages the enclosure.

8. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the recess has a depth dimension of greater than about 0.5 mm.

9. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the recess has a depth dimension of less than about 4 mm.

10. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the recess has a width dimension of greater than about 0.5 mm.

11. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the recess has a width dimension of less than about 10 mm.

12. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the recess is located a distance of between about 1mm and about 15mm away from the end surface.

13. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, comprising at least one inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field for heating the susceptor.

14. A method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device from water ingress, the method comprising:

positioning the electrical component to be protected in a portion of the aerosol provision device spaced from an end of the aerosol provision device; and

providing an air gap between otherwise generally abutting surfaces, wherein the air gap is positioned between an end of the aerosol provision device and the electrical component, the air gap preventing water from flowing by capillary action from the end of the aerosol provision device to the electrical component.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing an air gap comprises: an air gap of greater than about 0.5mm is provided between the otherwise generally abutting surfaces.

16. An aerosol provision system comprising:

the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 13; and

an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device and a method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device against water ingress.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by making products that do not burn and release compounds. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating rather than burning the material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision device having an axis and comprising at a first end an end member at least partially surrounded by a housing, the end member and the housing together defining an end surface of the aerosol provision device, wherein the end member defines a recess located away from the end surface in the direction of the axis and covered by the housing.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device from water ingress, the method comprising:

positioning a protected electrical component in a portion of the device spaced from an end of the device; and

an air gap is provided between the otherwise generally abutting surfaces, wherein the air gap is positioned between the end of the device and the electrical component, the air gap preventing water from flowing from the end of the device to the electrical component by capillary action.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a front view of an example of an aerosol provision device;

figure 2 shows a front view of the aerosol provision device of figure 1 with the outer cover removed;

figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol provision device of figure 1;

figure 4 shows an exploded view of the aerosol provision device of figure 2;

figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a heating assembly within an aerosol provision device;

FIG. 5B shows a close-up view of a portion of the heating assembly of FIG. 5A;

figure 6 shows a perspective view of an end member for an aerosol provision device;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a front view of the end member of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a front view of another end member;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a front view of another end member; and

fig. 10 shows a flow diagram of a method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device from water ingress.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" includes materials that provide a volatile component upon heating, typically in aerosol form. The aerosol-generating material comprises any tobacco-containing material and may, for example, comprise one or more of tobacco, a tobacco derivative, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or a tobacco substitute. The aerosol-generating material may also comprise 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, a liquid, a gel, a wax, or the like. The aerosol-generating material may also be a combination or mixture of materials, for example. The aerosol generating material may also be referred to as "smokable material".

Devices are known which heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled, without igniting or burning the aerosol-generating material. Such devices are sometimes described as "aerosol-generating devices", "aerosol provision devices", "heated non-combustion devices", "tobacco heating product devices" or "tobacco heating devices" or similar devices. Similarly, there are also so-called e-vaping devices, which typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in the form of a liquid, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of or may be provided as part of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like which can be inserted into the device. Heaters for heating and volatilizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

The aerosol provision device may receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component which comprises or contains an aerosol-generating material in use (which is heated to volatilise the aerosol-generating material) and optionally other components in use. The user may insert the article into the aerosol provision device before it is heated to generate an aerosol which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, a predetermined or particular size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device that is sized to accommodate the article.

A first aspect of the present disclosure defines an aerosol provision device having an end member disposed towards one end thereof. The end member is at least partially covered by a cover, which may enclose the device. The end members and the edges of the cover together define at least a portion of an end surface 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 housing. This water can enter the device between the inner surface of the cover and the side surfaces of the end members, which can cause damage or problems to the components of the device.

To reduce such ingress of water by capillary action, the end members are provided with recesses (e.g. grooves or channels) which restrict or reduce the flow of water into the device. The recess may be formed in a surface of the end member that may be in contact with water (e.g., a side surface of the end member) away from the end surface of the device. Thus, the recess is located below the cover. The recess interrupts the capillary flow of water so that water is less likely to flow out of the recess. The recess provides a larger gap or distance between the end member and the inner surface of the housing, which reduces the ability of water to flow further into the device under capillary action. Thus, the recess acts as a barrier and protects the device from ingress of water. The part located further from the end surface than the recess is protected by the recess from water entering by capillary action.

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 a side surface of the end member covered by the cover). In some arrangements, the recess extends completely around the longitudinal axis to provide a continuous recess. The cover may also extend completely around the longitudinal axis and thus cover the continuous recess. In a device in which the recess extends substantially around the longitudinal axis, improved protection against ingress of water is provided, as the recess blocks ingress of water at all points around the device.

The recess may extend around the end member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. However, in other arrangements, only some portions of the recess extend around the end member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. The other portion of the recess may extend around the end member in a direction that is angled relative to a substantially vertical portion of the recess.

The end member may include a bottom surface forming a portion of an end surface of the device. The end member may also include at least one side surface extending away from the bottom surface. At least one side surface may be covered by the cover. The recess may be formed along at least one side surface. The side surface may extend away from the bottom surface in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

As mentioned above, the end members and the edges of the cover together define at least a portion of the end surface of the device. For example, the bottom surface of the end member and the bottom edge of the housing may define at least a portion of an end surface of the device. The bottom edge and the bottom surface may not be flush with each other. For example, the bottom edge of the cover may extend further along the longitudinal axis than the bottom surface of the end members (or vice versa).

The device may include an electrical component located further from the end surface than the recess. For example, the electrical component may be located on the other side of the recess from the end surface. Thus, the electrical component is positioned away from the end surface (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis) by a distance that is greater than the distance of the recess away from the end surface. Thus, the recess can protect the electrical component from water damage by preventing water from reaching the electrical component. The electrical component may be positioned within a portion of the end member. For example, the end member may define a receptacle in which the component may be received. In examples where the recess extends substantially around the end member, only a portion of the recess needs to be positioned between the electrical component and the end surface to provide protection to the electrical component.

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

In one example, the electrical component is a socket and the endform defines a through-hole for accessing the socket. For example, an interface or plug (e.g., a charging cable) may pass through a through-hole formed in a side surface of the end member to engage the jack. The through-hole is arranged further away from the end surface than the recess, whereby the recess prevents water from flowing into the socket and/or the rest of the device. The housing may also define through-holes corresponding to the through-holes of the end members. The through-hole may be formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device.

The end member may include a second recess extending about the longitudinal axis, and the device may include a resilient member disposed in the second recess. For example, the resilient member may be an O-ring located within the second recess. The resilient member and the second recess provide further protection against water by acting as a seal. The elastic member may abut the inner surface of the casing, thus acting as a barrier. Thus, the second recess may also be covered by the cover.

The second recess may be arranged further away from the end surface than the (first) recess. Thus, the second recess and the elastic member act as a second barrier to prevent water from entering. For example, the resilient member may abut the housing to form a seal. It may be preferred to arrange the second recess further away from the end surface, since water may be trapped in the second recess below the resilient member, and it may therefore be desirable to reduce the amount of water reaching the second resilient member.

The second recess may lie in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The end member may comprise an attachment part arranged further away from the end surface than the recess. The attachment member is configured to engage the housing and thereby hold the housing in place. By positioning the attachment member further away from the end surface than the recess, the likelihood of water coming into contact with the attachment member is reduced. For example, water may cause the attachment member to damage, corrode, rust, or otherwise become less effective, such as by reducing resistance to movement between the attachment element and the housing, such as by acting as a lubricant.

The attachment member may also be arranged further away from the end surface than the second recess to further reduce the likelihood of contact with water.

The end member may define another through hole through which the attachment part protrudes. This may help to reduce the overall profile of the device, as the attachment components, which may be relatively large or bulky, may be arranged primarily inside the end members.

For example, the attachment member may be a spring or a magnet. The spring may protrude into a corresponding recess formed on the inner surface of the housing.

The end member may comprise one or more further attachment components arranged around the end member.

The depth dimension of the recess may be greater than about 0.3mm, greater than about 0.5mm, greater than about 1mm, or greater than about 2 mm. The depth of the recess may be less than about 5mm, less than about 4mm, 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. It has been found that recesses having a depth in this range are effective in reducing capillary flow of water. Generally, the deeper the recess, the better its capillary action blocking effect. If the recess needs to be deeper, the end member must be made larger to allow for increased depths, which increases the overall size of the device, and these depths have been found to present a good balance between size and effectiveness.

In some examples, the recess is formed through a wall (e.g., a side surface) of the end member. Preferably, the recess extends through the wall no more than about 60% of the wall thickness. This ensures that the structural integrity of the wall is not compromised by the formation of recesses in the wall.

The width dimension of the recess may be greater than about 0.5mm, greater than about 0.8mm, greater than about 0.9mm, greater than about 1mm, greater than about 2mm, or greater than about 4 mm. The width dimension of the recess may be less than about 10mm, less than about 8mm, less than about 6mm, less than about 4mm, less than about 2mm, or less than about 1 mm. In one particular example, the recess may have a width dimension of between about 0.7mm and 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 in this range can effectively reduce capillary flow of water into the device. This is because the capillary action is not only dependent on the gap between the surfaces, but also on the force of gravity, water can only flow to a certain height by capillary action when the device is oriented vertically. There is therefore a balance between width dimension and effectiveness, with larger width dimensions being more effective, but this also affects the size of the device. This also interacts with the depth dimension, as deeper narrower recesses can provide similar protection for shallower wider recesses.

At least a portion of the recess may be positioned a distance of about 0.5mm to about 15mm away from the end surface. In one example, at least a portion of the recess may be positioned a distance of about 0.5mm to about 10mm away from the end surface. In another example, at least a portion of the recess may be positioned a distance of about 0.5mm to about 1.5mm away from the end surface. In another example, at least a portion of the recess may be positioned a distance of about 0.7mm to about 1mm away from the end surface. In another particular example, at least a portion of the recess may be positioned a distance of about 0.8mm away from the end surface. If the recess is positioned closer to the end surface, the amount of water reaching the recess may be higher than if the recess is positioned further away from the end surface (because a certain amount of water will remain in the capillary formed between the end member and the cap). Thus, it may be more efficient to locate the recess further away, but this increases the overall size of the device, or places design restrictions on the location of the means to prevent ingress of water. These distances provide an effective balance of these considerations.

The "part of the recess" is a part of the recess arranged closest to the end surface. Thus, if the entire recess is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the entire recess is positioned at an equal distance from the end surface. However, if portions of the recess are positioned at different distances from the end surface (measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis), then "a portion of the recess" refers to a portion that is arranged closest to the end surface.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device from water ingress is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

(i) positioning a protected electrical component in a portion of the device spaced from an end of the device; and

(ii) an air gap is provided between the otherwise generally abutting surfaces, wherein the air gap is positioned between the end of the device and the electrical component, the air gap preventing water from flowing from the end of the device to the electrical component by capillary action.

For example, an air gap may be provided between the housing and the end member of the device. As mentioned above, the cover typically abuts the side surfaces of the end members. Water flows between these two abutting surfaces by capillary action until it reaches the air gap. Thus, the air gap protects the electrical components from water.

The air gap may be provided by forming a recess (e.g. a groove or channel) in one or both of the generally abutting surfaces. Providing the air gap may include forming a recess on a surface of an end member of the device. The recess may be formed by molding the end member to include the recess. Alternatively, the recess may be formed by removing material from the end member after the end member is manufactured.

Providing an air gap may comprise providing the recess with an air gap having the dimensions described above.

Positioning the protected electrical component in a portion of the device may include:

forming a through hole in a surface of the end member at a position farther from the end surface than the air gap; and

the electrical component is positioned adjacent to the through-hole.

After providing the air gap by forming the recess, the method may further include: a second recess is formed on a surface of the end member, and an elastic member is disposed in the second recess.

The method may further comprise:

arranging the attachment member at a position farther from the end surface than the recess; and

the cover is attached to the end member by the attachment means so as to cover the recess.

Fig. 1 shows an example of an aerosol provision device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating medium/material. In general terms, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 110 comprising an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium for inhalation by a user of the device 100.

The device 100 includes a housing 102 (in the form of a shell) that surrounds and contains the various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which an article 110 may be inserted for heating by the heating assembly. In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into a heating assembly where it may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

The example device 100 includes a first end member 106, the first end member 106 including a cover 108, the cover 108 being movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when the article 110 is not in place. In fig. 1, the cover 108 is shown in an open configuration, however the cap 108 may be moved to a closed configuration. For example, the user may slide the cover 108 in the direction of arrow "a".

The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 112 (e.g., a button or switch) that, when pressed, operates the device 100. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 112.

The device 100 may also include electrical components (e.g., a socket/port 114) that may receive a cable to charge a battery of the device 100. For example, receptacle 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, socket 114 may additionally or alternatively be used to transfer data between device 100 and another device (e.g., a computing device).

Fig. 2 depicts the device 100 of fig. 1 with the outer cover 102 removed and the article 110 absent. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.

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 an opposite end of the device 100. Together, the first end member 106 and the second end member 116 at least partially define an end surface of the device 100. For example, a bottom surface of the second end member 116 at least partially defines a bottom surface of the device 100. The edges of the housing 102 may also define a portion of the end surface. In this example, the cover 108 also defines a portion of the top surface of the device 100.

The end of the device closest to the opening 104 may be referred to as the proximal (or mouth) end of the device 100, since it is closest to the user's mouth in use. In use, a user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104, operates the user control 112 to commence heating of the aerosol generating material, and draws in aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 may be referred to as the distal end of the device 100, since in use it is the end furthest from the mouth of the user. When a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows out of the distal end of the device 100.

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

The device also includes at least one electronics module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). PCB122 may support at least one controller, such as a processor and memory. PCB122 may also include one or more electrical traces to electrically connect the various electronic components of device 100 together. For example, the battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB122 so that power may be distributed throughout the device 100. The receptacle 114 may also be electrically coupled to a battery via electrical wiring.

In the exemplary device 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and includes various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object, such as a susceptor, by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, such as one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electrical current (e.g. an alternating current) through the inductive element. The varying current in the inductive element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor, which is suitably positioned relative to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to eddy currents, and thus the flow of eddy currents against the electrical resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by joule heating. In the case of susceptors comprising ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel or cobalt, hysteresis losses in the susceptor may also generate heat, i.e. the direction of the magnetic dipole in the magnetic material changes due to the magnetic dipole being aligned with a changing magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated within the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, as compared to heating, for example, by conduction. Furthermore, no physical contact between the induction heater and the susceptor is required, allowing for increased freedom of construction and application.

The induction heating assembly of the example apparatus 100 includes a susceptor apparatus 132 (referred to herein as a "susceptor"), a first inductor coil 124, and a second inductor coil 126. First inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 126 are made of an electrically conductive material. In this example, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made of litz wire/cable that is wound in a helical manner to provide the helical inductor coils 124, 126. A litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is intended to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the exemplary apparatus 100, the first inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126 are made of copper stranded wire having a rectangular cross section. In other examples, the strands may have other shaped cross-sections, such as circular.

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

It should be understood that in some examples, first inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 126 may have at least one characteristic that is different from one another. For example, first inductor coil 124 may have at least one characteristic that is different from second inductor coil 126. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 124 may have a different inductance value than the second inductor coil 126. In fig. 2, first inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 126 have different lengths such that first inductor coil 124 is wound on susceptor 132 in smaller segments than second inductor coil 126. Thus, first inductor coil 124 may include a different number of turns than second inductor coil 126 (assuming substantially the same spacing between the individual turns). In yet another example, first inductor coil 124 may be made of a different material than second inductor coil 126. In some examples, first inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 126 may be substantially identical.

In this example, first inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. This may be useful when the inductor coils are activated at different times. For example, initially, the first inductor coil 124 may operate to heat a first section of the article 110, and at a later time, the second inductor coil 126 may operate to heat a second section of the article 110. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps to reduce the current induced in the nulling coils when used in conjunction with a particular type of control circuit. In fig. 2, the first inductor coil 124 is a right-hand spiral and the second inductor coil 126 is a left-hand spiral. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil 124 may be a left-hand spiral and the second inductor coil 126 may be a right-hand spiral.

The susceptor 132 of this example is hollow, thus defining a receptacle for receiving aerosol-generating material. For example, the article 110 may be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example, the susceptor 120 is tubular with a circular cross-section.

The apparatus 100 of fig. 2 also includes an insulating member 128, which may be generally tubular and at least partially surrounds the susceptor 132. The insulating member 128 may be constructed of any insulating material, such as plastic. In this particular example, the insulation member is constructed of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating member 128 may help insulate various components of the apparatus 100 from heat generated in the susceptor 132.

Insulating member 128 may also fully or partially support first inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 126. For example, as shown in fig. 2, first inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 126 are positioned around isolation member 128 and are in contact with a radially outward surface of isolation member 128. In some examples, insulating member 128 does not abut first inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 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 inductor coil 124 and the second inductor coil 126.

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

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the device 100 in partial cross-section. In this example there is a housing 102. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of first inductor coil 124 and second inductor coil 126 is more clearly visible.

The apparatus 100 also includes a support 136 that engages an end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 136 is connected to the second end member 116.

The apparatus may also include a second printed circuit board 138 associated within the control element 112.

The device 100 further comprises a second cap 140 and a spring 142 arranged towards the distal end of the device 100. The spring 142 allows the second cover 140 to open to provide access to the susceptor 132. The user may open the second cover 140 to clean the susceptor 132 and/or the support 136.

The apparatus 100 further comprises an expansion chamber 144 extending away from the proximal end of the susceptor 132 towards the opening 104 of the device. The retaining clip 146 is at least partially positioned within the expansion chamber 144 to abut and retain the article 110 when the article 110 is received within the device 100. Expansion chamber 144 is connected to end member 106.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the device 100 of fig. 1, with the housing 102 omitted.

Fig. 5A depicts a cross-section of a portion of the apparatus 100 of fig. 1. Fig. 5B depicts a close-up of the area of fig. 5A. Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate the article 110 received within the susceptor 132, wherein the article 110 is sized such that an outer surface of the article 110 abuts an inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that heating is most efficient. The article 110 of this example comprises an aerosol-generating material 110 a. The aerosol-generating material 110a is positioned within the susceptor 132. The article 110 may also include other components, such as filters, packaging materials, and/or cooling structures.

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

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

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

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

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

Fig. 6 depicts the end member 116 and its arrangement relative to the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100. As mentioned briefly, the end member 116 is disposed toward one end of the device 100 and is at least partially surrounded by the housing 102 (not shown in fig. 6).

End member 116 includes a bottom/lower surface 202 (which forms a portion of an end surface of device 100) and at least one side surface 204. In this example, the bottom surface 202 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis 134. However, the bottom surface 202 may be disposed at other angles relative to the axis 134. In this example, the end member includes a continuous side surface 204 extending in an azimuthal direction (indicated by arrow 206) about the axis 134. In other examples, the end member may include two or more side surfaces that together extend at least partially about the axis 134. Once attached to device 100, shell 102 may at least partially surround and generally abut side surface 204. The lower edge of the housing 102 may be flush with the bottom surface 202, thus also forming part of the end surface of the device 100.

The end member 116 includes a recess 208 located away from the bottom surface 202 in a direction parallel to the axis 134. Recess 208 is formed along side surface 204 and extends completely around end member 116 in azimuthal direction 206 to form a continuous recess.

As mentioned above, the recess 208 serves to prevent/reduce further water flow into the device. For example, water may enter a small gap between side surface 202 and nacelle 102 and flow along side surface 204 in a direction substantially parallel to axis 134. This flow of water may be due, at least in part, to capillary action. When the water reaches the recess 208, the water flow is interrupted because the capillary action is weakened by the larger gap between the surfaces. Thus, the recess 208 acts as a barrier to capillary flow of water. Therefore, water is less likely to flow through the location of the recess 208. Components of the device that are positioned beyond the recess 208 are less likely to come into contact with water.

The recess 208 has a depth dimension that is measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis 134 (i.e., in the direction indicated by 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 0.9mm and the depth dimension is 0.5 mm. Recesses having these dimensions have been found to be suitable for reducing the ingress of water.

The end member 116 may also house one or more electrical components, such as the socket/port 114. For example, the end member 116 may define a cavity/receptacle 218, and the component may be positioned in the cavity/receptacle 218. As best shown in fig. 3 and 4, the socket 114 may be disposed within the receptacle 218. In this example, receptacle 114 is a female USB charging port. Accordingly, to provide access to socket 114, through-holes 212 may be formed in side surface 204 of end member 116. The socket 114 may be disposed within the receiving portion 118 adjacent the through hole 212. As shown in fig. 6, the socket 114 (and through-hole 212) are positioned farther from the end surface of the device 100 than the recess 208. Thus, the recess 208 reduces/prevents water from contacting the socket 114.

The end member 116 may also include a second recess 214, and a resilient member 216, such as an O-ring, may be received in the second recess 214. In this example, second recess 214 extends around end member 116 in azimuthal direction 206 and is perpendicular to axis 134. However, in other examples, the second recess 214 may be disposed at an angle other than 90 degrees from the axis 134. A second recess 214 is provided to hold the resilient member 216 in place. The resilient member 216 may abut an inner surface of the housing 102 to provide a seal. Thus, if water travels beyond the first recess 208, the resilient member 216 acts as a second protection against water ingress. Thus, the second recess 214 may be located farther from the end surface than the first recess 208.

Although the second recess 214 is shown to be located farther from the end surface than the through-hole 212 (and socket 114), in some examples, the second recess 214 may be located closer to the end surface than the through-hole 212 (and socket 114).

End member 116 may also include one or more attachment features 220 configured to engage housing 102 and hold housing 102 in place. In this example, the attachment members 220 project outwardly from the side surfaces 204 and are received within corresponding recesses formed on the inner surface of the housing 102. It should be understood that other types of attachment members may be used. The attachment features 220 protrude through holes formed in the end member 116. Thus, the attachment member 220 is generally located within the receptacle 218 and extends through the side surface 204. This may help to reduce the size of the device 100, as the attachment components are primarily located within the receptacle 218 of the end member 116.

In this example, the attachment members 220 are both located farther from the end surface than the first and second recesses 208, 214. This minimizes the possibility that the attachment member 220 comes into contact with water. In other examples, some or all of the attachment members 220 may be positioned between the first and second recesses 208, 214.

End members 116 may also include one or more connecting members 222 that engage central support 120 (best shown in fig. 1). Other ways of connecting end members 116 to central support 120 may be used.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the end member 116 of fig. 6, viewed in the direction of arrow 210.

In this example, the recess 208 includes at least a first portion 208a, a second portion 208b, and a third portion 208 c. First portion 208a and third portion 208c extend around end member 116 in a direction substantially perpendicular to axis 134 of device 100. Second portion 208b extends around end member 116 in a direction that is angled relative to first and third portions 208 c.

In this example, a third portion 208c and a portion of the second portion 208b of the recess 208 are positioned between the electrical component 114 and the end surface. However, this still provides sufficient protection against water ingress, as water cannot readily pass through the recess 208 by capillary action, and the electrical component 114 is located on the other side of the recess 208 from the end surface.

The recess 208 has a depth dimension 306, the depth dimension 306 being measured inwardly from the side surface 204 in a direction perpendicular to the axis 134. The recess 208 also has a width dimension 302, the width dimension 302 being 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, however, in other examples, the width of the recess 208 may vary at different points around the recess. For example, where water ingress is more likely and/or the effects of capillary flow are more pronounced, the width may need to be wider. Similarly, the depth 306 of the recess 208 may vary at different points around the recess 208.

Fig. 7 also depicts that the recess 208 is positioned a distance 304 away from the end surface of the device 100. Because the distance varies at different points around the recess 208, the distance 304 is the distance from the end surface to a portion of the recess disposed closest to the end surface. In this example, the third portion 208c is positioned a distance 304 of about 0.8mm away from the end surface.

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of another end member 416. As with the example shown in fig. 6 and 7, end member 416 includes a bottom/lower surface 402 (which forms a portion of an end surface of the device) and at least one side surface. However, in this example, end member 416 has a rectangular footprint and thus includes four side surfaces, including first side surface 404a, second side surface 404b, third side surface 404c, and fourth side surface (hidden from view).

End member 416 includes a recess 408, and recess 408 extends completely around end member 416 to form a continuous recess. Unlike the example in fig. 6 and 7, in this example, the recess 408 extends its entire length around the end member 416 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 434 of the device.

The end member 416 also includes a second recess 414, with a resilient member 422 (e.g., an O-ring) received in the second recess 414.

End member 416 also includes one or more attachment features 420 configured to engage and hold the cover in place. In this example, the attachment member 420 is a magnet. One attachment member 420 is positioned between the first recess 408 and the second recess 414, and the other attachment member 420 is positioned farther from the end surface than the first recess 408 and the second recess 414. Other arrangements are also possible.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of another end member 516. As with the example shown in fig. 6 and 7, end member 416 includes a bottom/lower surface 502 (which forms a portion of an end surface of the device) and at least one side surface 504. In this example, end member 516 does not include any connecting members that engage the central support. Other ways of connecting end member 516 to the device may be used. For example, components in the device may be attached/adhered to end member 516.

End member 516 may include any of the features described in the examples of fig. 6, 7, and 8. However, unlike the examples of fig. 6, 7, and 8, end member 516 includes a recess 508 that does not extend completely around end member 516. Rather, the recess 508 is discontinuous. In another example (not shown), the recess may be discontinuous, but may extend completely around the end member to form a helical/spiral-like recess. In another example, at least two separate recesses may each extend partially around the end member, with the recesses partially overlapping in a direction perpendicular to the axis but offset along the longitudinal axis, e.g., forming a crisscrossing pattern.

Fig. 10 depicts a flow diagram of a method 600 for protecting electrical components of an aerosol provision device from water ingress. The method includes, in block 602, positioning a protected electrical component in a portion of the device spaced apart from an end of the device. The method also includes, in block 604, providing an air gap between the otherwise generally abutting surfaces, wherein the air gap is positioned between the end of the device and the electrical component, the air gap preventing water from flowing from the end of the device to the electrical component by capillary action.

The above-described embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.