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 米切尔·托森 卢克·詹姆斯·沃伦 于 2020-03-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请公开了一种包括加热器部件的气溶胶供应装置。在一个装置中,加热器部件(132)包括具有第一外截面的第一部分(202)和具有第二外截面的第二部分(204)。该装置进一步包括支撑件(136),该支撑件包括与该加热器部件的第二部分接合以保持该加热器部件的容器(210)。该容器具有与该加热器部件的第二外截面相对应的内截面,由此防止该加热器部件相对于该支撑件旋转。描述了支撑件的各种配置。(An aerosol provision device comprising a heater component is disclosed. In one arrangement, a heater block (132) includes a first portion (202) having a first outer cross-section and a second portion (204) having a second outer cross-section. The apparatus further includes a support (136) including a receptacle (210) that engages with the second portion of the heater block to retain the heater block. The container has an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the heater block, thereby preventing rotation of the heater block relative to the support. Various configurations of the support are described.)

1. An aerosol provision device comprising:

a heater assembly comprising:

a first portion having a first outer cross-section; and

a second portion having a second outer cross-section; and

a support, comprising:

a receptacle engaged with the second portion of the heater block to retain the heater block, wherein the receptacle has an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the heater block, thereby preventing rotation of the heater block relative to the support.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein:

the first outer cross-section is circular in shape; and is

The second outer cross-section is non-circular in shape.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 or 2, wherein:

the second outer cross-section is at least partially defined by one or more engagement features formed on an outer surface of the second portion; and is

The inner cross-section is defined at least in part by one or more corresponding engagement features formed on an inner surface of the container.

4. The aerosol provision device of claim 3, wherein:

the heater block comprises a plurality of engagement features formed on an outer surface of the second portion, wherein the engagement features are equally spaced around the outer surface; and is

The support comprises a plurality of corresponding engagement features formed on an inner surface of the container, wherein the corresponding engagement features are equally spaced around the inner surface.

5. The aerosol provision device of claim 3 or 4, wherein:

the heater block defines a longitudinal axis and the one or more engagement features have a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of less than about 1 mm; and is

The container defines an axis and the one or more corresponding engagement features have a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of less than about 1 mm.

6. The aerosol provision device of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion extends over less than about 15% of the length of the heater component.

7. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the container defines an axis and the one or more engagement features have a length, measured in a direction parallel to the axis, of less than about 5 mm.

8. A heater block for an aerosol provision device, comprising:

a first portion having a first outer cross-section of a circular shape; and

a second portion having a second outer cross-section with a non-circular shape.

9. The heater block according to claim 8, wherein the second outer cross-section is at least partially defined by one or more engagement features formed on an outer surface of the second portion.

10. The heater block according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of engagement features formed on the outer surface of the second portion, wherein the engagement features are equally spaced around the outer surface.

11. The heater block as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the heater block defines a longitudinal axis and the one or more engagement features have a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of less than about 1 mm.

12. The heater component according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second portion extends over less than about 15% of the length of the heater component.

13. The heater component according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second portion extends along the heater component by less than about 5 mm.

14. A support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein the support defines a receptacle for receiving the heater component, wherein the receptacle has an internal cross-section of non-circular shape.

15. The support of claim 14, wherein the inner cross-section is defined at least in part by one or more engagement features formed on an inner surface of the container.

16. The support of claim 15, comprising a plurality of engagement features formed on an inner surface of the container, wherein the protrusions are equally spaced around the inner surface.

17. The support according to claim 15 or 16, wherein:

the container defines an axis and the one or more engagement features have a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of less than about 1 mm.

18. The support according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein:

the container defines an axis and the one or more engagement features have a length measured in a direction parallel to the axis of less than about 5 mm.

19. An aerosol provision device comprising:

a heater component according to any one of claims 8 to 13; and

a support according to any of claims 14 to 18, engaged with the heater block.

20. A method of manufacturing a heater component for an aerosol provision device, the method comprising:

providing a cylindrical heater component having a circular shaped outer cross-section; and

deforming the heater block such that an outer cross-section of a portion of the heater block is non-circular.

21. A heater component for an aerosol provision device, wherein a portion of the heater component is keyed to prevent rotation of the heater component within a container of the aerosol provision device.

22. The heater block according to claim 21, wherein the heater block is generally cylindrical.

23. A support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein the support comprises a receptacle to receive the heater component, wherein the receptacle is keyed to prevent rotation of the heater component within the receptacle.

24. An aerosol provision system comprising:

the aerosol provision device of claim 19; and

an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

25. An aerosol provision device comprising:

a heater component;

a support configured to engage the heater component to retain the heater component; and

an end member, wherein the end member defines a receptacle and the support is at least partially received within the receptacle;

wherein the support includes a first locking feature that engages a second locking feature of the end member, thereby preventing rotation of the support relative to the end member.

26. The aerosol provision device of claim 25, wherein:

the first locking feature comprises a recess formed in an outer surface of the support;

the second locking feature comprises a protrusion; and is

The protrusion is received within the recess.

27. The aerosol provision device of claim 26, wherein the heater component defines a longitudinal axis, and the protrusion extends from an inner wall of the end member into the container in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

28. The aerosol provision device of claim 26 or 27, wherein the heater component defines a longitudinal axis and the protrusion extends from the base of the end member into the container in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

29. The aerosol provision device of claim 25, wherein:

the first locking feature comprises a protrusion formed on an outer surface of the support;

the second locking feature comprises a recess; and is

The protrusion is received within the recess.

30. The aerosol provision device of claim 29, wherein the heater component defines a longitudinal axis and the projection extends from the support in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

31. The aerosol provision device of claim 29 or 30, wherein the heater component defines a longitudinal axis and the projection extends from an outer surface of the support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

32. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 25 to 31, wherein the heater component defines a longitudinal axis, and the first and second locking features each have a dimension of less than about 5mm measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

33. A support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein:

the support is configured for engaging the heater block to retain the heater block;

the support is configured to be received by a receptacle of an end member of the apparatus; and is

The support includes a first locking feature configured to engage a second locking feature of the end member.

34. The support as claimed in claim 33, wherein:

the first locking feature comprises one of:

a recess formed in an outer surface of the support; and

a protrusion formed on an outer surface of the support.

35. The support member according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the support member defines an axis and the first locking feature has a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of less than about 5 mm.

36. An end member for an aerosol provision device, wherein:

the end member defining a receptacle configured to receive a support for a heater component of the device; and is

The end member includes a locking feature configured to engage a corresponding locking feature of the support.

37. An end member according to claim 36, wherein said locking feature comprises one of:

a recess formed in the container; and

a protrusion formed in the container.

38. The end member of claim 36 wherein:

the end member includes a base and an inner wall extending from the base; and is

The locking feature comprises a protrusion extending into the container from at least one of the inner wall and the base.

39. An end member according to claim 38, wherein said inner wall defines an axis and said projection extends from said inner wall into said container in a direction perpendicular to said axis.

40. An end member according to claim 39, wherein said protrusion extends from said inner wall into said container less than about 5 mm.

41. A support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein a portion of the support is keyed to prevent rotation of the support within an end member of the device.

42. An end member for an aerosol provision device, wherein the end member comprises a container to receive a support for a heater component of the device, wherein the container is at least partially keyed to prevent rotation of the support within the container.

43. An aerosol provision system comprising:

the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 32; and

an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, a method of manufacturing a heater component of an aerosol provision device, a heater component, a support for a heater component and an end piece.

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 products by producing products that release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating, but not 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 comprising:

a heater assembly comprising:

a first portion having a first outer cross-section; and

a second portion having a second outer cross-section; and

a support, comprising:

a container engaged with the second portion of the heater block to retain the heater block, wherein the container has an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the heater block, thereby preventing rotation of the heater block relative to the support.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a heater component for an aerosol provision device, the heater component comprising:

a first portion having a first outer cross-section of a circular shape; and

a second portion having a second outer cross-section of a non-circular shape.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein the support defines a receptacle for receiving the heater component, wherein the receptacle has an internal cross-section of non-circular shape.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising a heater component according to the second aspect and a support according to the third aspect, the support being engaged with the heater component.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a heater component for an aerosol provision device, the method comprising:

providing a cylindrical heater component having a circular shaped outer cross-section; and

deforming the heater block such that an outer cross-section of a portion of the heater block is non-circular.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heater component for an aerosol provision device, wherein a portion of the heater component is keyed to prevent rotation of the heater component within a container of the aerosol provision device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein the support comprises a receptacle for receiving the heater component, wherein the receptacle is keyed to prevent rotation of the heater component within the receptacle.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising:

a heater component;

a support configured for engaging the heater component to retain the heater component; and

an end member, wherein the end member defines a receptacle and the support is at least partially received within the receptacle;

wherein the support comprises a first locking feature that engages a second locking feature of the end member, thereby preventing rotation of the support relative to the end member.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein:

the support is configured for engaging the heater block to retain the heater block;

the support is configured to be received by a receptacle of an end member of the apparatus; and is

The support includes a first locking feature configured for engaging a second locking feature of the end member.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an end member for an aerosol provision device, wherein:

the end member defining a receptacle configured to receive a support for a heater component of the device; and is

The end member includes a locking feature configured for engaging a corresponding locking feature of the support.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein a portion of the support is keyed to prevent rotation of the support within an end member of the device.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an end member for an aerosol provision device, wherein the end member comprises a container which receives a support for a heater component of the device, wherein the end member is keyed to prevent rotation of the support within the container.

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 example susceptor for use in an aerosol provision device;

figure 7 shows a perspective view of a susceptor engaged with a support;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an example support;

FIG. 8B shows a top view of the support of FIG. 8A;

figure 9A shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of a portion of an example susceptor;

figure 9B shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of another portion of the example susceptor of figure 9A;

FIG. 9C shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of a container of an example support;

figure 10A shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of a portion of another example susceptor;

FIG. 10B shows a diagrammatical representation of a cross-section of a container of another example support;

figure 11 shows a diagrammatic representation of another example susceptor;

figure 12 shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of a portion of the susceptor of figure 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of another example support.

FIG. 14A shows a perspective view of an end member engaged with the support of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of the support of FIG. 8A; and

fig. 16 shows a top view of the end member of fig. 14A.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" includes materials that provide a volatile component when heated, typically in the form of an aerosol. 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, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax or the like. The aerosol-generating material may also be a combination or blend of materials, for example. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as "smokable materials".

Devices are known which heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material. Such apparatus is sometimes described as an "aerosol-generating device", "aerosol provision device", "hot combustion device", "tobacco heating product device" or "tobacco heating device" or similar device. Similarly, there are also so-called electronic cigarette devices which typically vaporise aerosol-generating material in liquid form which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may be provided in the form of or as part of a rod, cartridge or the like which may be inserted into the device. The heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the apparatus.

The aerosol provision device may receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component of the aerosol-generating material which, in use, comprises or contains the aerosol-generating material 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 the article is heated to generate an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or particular size configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the apparatus, the heating chamber being sized to receive the article.

A first aspect of the present disclosure defines an aerosol provision device having a heater component. The heater component may receive aerosol generating material. For example, the heater component may be substantially tubular (i.e. hollow) and may receive aerosol generating material therein. In one example, the aerosol-generating material is tubular or cylindrical in nature and may be referred to as a "tobacco stem," e.g., the aerosol-generating material may comprise tobacco formed into a particular shape, which is then coated or wrapped in one or more other materials (e.g., paper or foil).

The heater block may be heated by penetrating the heater block with a varying magnetic field generated by at least one inductor coil. The heated heater component in turn heats aerosol generating material located within the heater component. Thus, the heater component may be, for example, a susceptor.

To ensure that the aerosol-generating material is heated most effectively, the inner surface of the heater component should be arranged in close proximity to or in contact with the outer surface of the article. However, it has been found that upon heating, the aerosol can condense and cause the article to adhere to the interior of the heater component. The user may rotate the article to break the adhesion and allow the article to be removed from the heater block, but this may cause the heater block to rotate within the device. In some devices, the temperature sensors are fixed to the heater block and if the heater block rotates, the temperature sensors may become loose or the connection may be damaged.

To limit rotation of the heater component, at least a portion of the heater component may be "keyed," i.e., at least a portion of the heater component has an engagement feature and/or cross-sectional shape that interlocks with a support structure that holds the heater component in place. The support has corresponding engagement features and/or cross-sectional shapes. Such interlocking stops or makes it more difficult for the heater block to rotate relative to the support.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the heater block includes a first portion having a first outer cross-section and a second portion having a second outer cross-section. The support member includes a receptacle that engages the second portion of the heater block to retain the heater block. To prevent rotation, the container has an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the heater block. Thus, the second outer cross-section has a shape corresponding to the inner cross-section of the container. The second outer cross section is thus keyed to the inner cross section.

The second outer cross-section may be different from the first outer cross-section.

In one particular example, the first outer cross-section is circular in shape and the second outer cross-section is non-circular in shape. The first portion of the heater block has a first outer cross-section that is circular such that it corresponds to the cylindrical shape of the article inserted into the heater block. The non-circular shape corresponds to the inner cross-section of the container, thereby making it more difficult to rotate the heater block.

In one particular example, the second portion is disposed at an end of the heater block. For example, the end may be a distal end of the heater block. The first portion of the heater block may extend from another end (e.g., a proximal end) of the heater block to the second portion. The first portion may be adjacent to the second portion.

For example, the heater component may be received within the container during assembly of the device. The heater block may define a longitudinal axis, and the first and second outer cross-sections may be taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Rotation in the azimuthal or circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis of the heater block may be prevented. The container may define an axis such that the support is configured for holding the heater block parallel to the axis.

The inner cross-section of the container may be of substantially the same size as the second outer cross-section of the heater block to provide a close fit between the container and heater block to further limit relative movement.

The first outer cross section and the second outer cross section may be coaxial. For example, the geometric centers of the first and second outer cross-sections are aligned along an axis (e.g., the longitudinal axis of the heater block).

The first portion may have a first inner cross-section of a circular shape. In some examples, the second portion also has a second inner cross-section that is circular in shape, while the second outer cross-section is non-circular. This may be desirable to ensure that the article is not blocked by non-circular portions within the heater block.

The second outer cross-section may be defined at least in part by one or more engagement features formed on an outer surface of the second portion. Similarly, the inner cross-section may be defined at least in part by one or more corresponding engagement features formed on an inner surface of the container.

The engagement features may be, for example, at least one of ridges, protrusions, indentations, notches, recesses, and channels. In a particular example, the engagement feature of the heater component is an indentation formed on an outer surface of the second portion and the corresponding engagement feature of the support is a protrusion. The protrusions are configured to be received within the notches, thereby restricting rotation of the heater block. In another example, the engagement feature of the heater component is an indentation/channel formed on the outer surface of the second portion and the corresponding engagement feature of the support is a protrusion/ridge. In some examples, the heater component and the support each have a mixture of indentations and protrusions. It is therefore these engagement features that give the second outer and inner cross-sections their shape.

The heater block may include a plurality of engagement features formed on an outer surface of the second portion, wherein the engagement features are equally spaced around the outer surface. Similarly, the support may comprise a plurality of corresponding engagement features formed on an inner surface of the container, wherein the corresponding engagement features are equally spaced around the inner surface. Such an arrangement provides a more uniform locking feature that is more difficult to rotate by distributing the shear stress around the perimeter rather than concentrating at one point. Thus, the second outer cross-section defines an outer perimeter, and the plurality of engagement features are equally spaced around the perimeter. Similarly, the inner cross-section defines an inner perimeter, and the plurality of engagement features are equally spaced about the perimeter.

In one example, the heater block includes three or four engagement features, such as three or four indentations, and the recess includes three or four engagement features, such as three or four protrusions. The indentations are sized to receive corresponding protrusions.

The heater block may define a longitudinal axis, and the one or more engagement features may have a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of less than about 1 mm. Similarly, the container may define an axis, and the one or more corresponding engagement features may have a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of less than about 1 mm. The vertical direction is measured in a radial direction towards the centre of the heater element/recess.

The dimension may be a depth or a height of the engagement feature. For example, the recesses may have a depth of less than about 1mm and the protrusions may have a height of less than about 1 mm.

It has been found that these dimensions provide a good balance between acting to limit rotation without deforming the heater block to the extent that its structural integrity is affected.

In a particular example, these dimensions are less than about 0.75mm, or less than about 0.5mm, or less than about 0.35 mm.

In another example, the dimension is less than about 0.32 mm. This provides a good balance between structural integrity while limiting rotation of the heater block.

The one or more engagement features of the heater block may have a dimension that is less than about 15% of the diameter of the first portion of the heater block. More preferably, the one or more engagement features of the heater block may have a dimension that is less than about 10% of the diameter of the first portion, or may have a dimension that is less than about 6% of the diameter of the first portion. For example, the first portion may have a diameter of between about 4mm and about 8mm, or between about 5mm and 6mm, such as about 5.55 mm. The diameter is the outer diameter of the heater block.

The one or more engagement features of the recess may have a dimension that is less than about 15% of the diameter of the recess. More preferably, the one or more engagement features of the heater block may have a dimension that is less than about 10% of the diameter of the recess, or may have a dimension that is less than about 6% of the diameter of the recess. For example, the recess may have a diameter of between about 4mm and about 8mm, or between about 5mm and 6mm, such as about 5.55 mm.

The second portion (and thus the engagement features) may extend over less than about 15% of the length of the heater component. Thus, the engagement features may have a length measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heater block. The length of the heater block is measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis. In some examples, the engagement features weaken the structural rigidity of the heater block. For example, if the engagement features are indentations, the heater component may be more prone to bending or breaking. It has been found that by limiting the extension of the second portion to less than 15% of the length of the heater element, a good balance is provided, i.e. the ability to rotate the heater element is reduced, while providing a suitably robust heater element.

In a particular example, the second portion extends over less than about 10% of the length of the heater block or less than about 7% of the length. These lengths provide a balance between providing a keying feature to prevent rotation and robustness of the heater block.

In a particular example, the heater block has a length dimension (measured in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the heater block) of about 40mm to about 50 mm. In another example, the heater block has a length dimension of about 40mm to about 45 mm. More specifically, the heater block may have a length dimension of about 44mm to about 45 mm.

In one example, the second portion extends less than about 5mm along the heater block. The engagement features may thus have a length (measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the heater block) of less than about 5 mm. In a preferred example, the second portion extends less than about 3.5mm along the heater block.

In one example, the container defines an axis and the one or more engagement features have a length measured in a direction parallel to the axis of less than about 5 mm. More preferably, the one or more engagement features have a length of less than about 4mm, or less than about 3.5 mm.

In a second aspect, a heater block for an aerosol provision device is provided, comprising a first portion having a first outer cross-section of a circular shape and a second portion having a second outer cross-section of a non-circular shape.

The second outer cross-section may be of the same shape as the inner cross-section of the container of the aerosol provision device, thereby preventing the heater component from rotating within the container.

In a third aspect, there is provided a support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein the support defines a receptacle for receiving the heater component, wherein the receptacle has an internal cross-section of non-circular shape.

The inner cross-section may be of the same shape as the outer cross-section of the heater element, thereby preventing rotation of the heater element within the container. The receptacle may receive an end of the heater block.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a heater component for an aerosol provision device, the method comprising: (i) providing a cylindrical heater component having a circular-shaped outer cross-section, and (ii) deforming the heater component such that the outer cross-section of a portion of the heater component is non-circular. Another portion of the heater block has a circular outer cross-section.

In one example, the portion of the heater block is an end of the heater block.

In certain examples, indentations may be formed in the heater block. The non-circular cross-section may be formed, for example, by a clamp. Alternatively, the non-circular cross-section may be formed by scoring the outer surface of the heater block. In another example, the non-circular cross-section may be formed by inserting the heater element into a container with a force that causes the heater element to deform. For example, the container may be a container of the heater block support and the container includes a plurality of protrusions. The protrusion may form an indentation when the heater element is forced into the container.

The heater block may have a unitary construction. The unitary construction means that the heater element is easier to manufacture and less likely to break.

In a first example, the heater element is initially formed (in step (i)) by rolling a sheet (e.g. metal) into a tube and sealing/welding the heater element along the seam. In some examples, the ends of the sheets overlap when the sheets are sealed. In other examples, the ends of the sheets do not overlap when the sheets are sealed.

In a second example, the heater component is initially formed by a deep drawing technique. The technique can provide a seamless heater component. However, the first example described above can produce the heater element in a shorter period of time.

Other methods of forming seamless heater components include reducing the wall thickness of a relatively thick hollow tube to provide a relatively thin hollow tube. The wall thickness can be reduced by deforming a relatively thick hollow tube. In one example, the walls may be deformed using a swaging technique. In one example, the wall may be deformed via hydroforming, wherein the inner circumference of the hollow tube is increased. The high pressure fluid may exert pressure on the inner surface of the tube. In another example, the wall may be deformed by ironing. For example, the walls of the heater element tube may be pressed together between two surfaces.

In a sixth aspect, the heater component is keyed to prevent rotation of the heater component within a container of the aerosol provision device. In some examples, the heater block is substantially cylindrical. For example, the heater block may be cylindrical along a portion of its length and may include a non-cylindrical portion. The non-cylindrical portion may define an engagement feature that acts as a "key" to prevent rotation of the heater block. In some examples, keying may mean that a component/portion of a entity is shaped to engage/lock with a component/portion of another entity having a corresponding shape.

In addition to, or instead of, the keying and engagement features of the heater component/support described above, the support may include further keying features to enable it to lock/engage with an end member of the aerosol provision device. It has been found beneficial to limit or prevent relative rotation between the support and the end members of the device. For example, even when the heater block and the support are keyed, the user is still able to rotate the heater block with a force that causes the heater block and the support to rotate together, which means that the support rotates relative to the end member. To avoid this, the support may include one or more locking features that engage with one or more corresponding locking features of the endform. These locking features prevent or limit rotation of the support relative to the end member.

The end member is an element arranged at or towards the end of the aerosol provision device. The end member defines a receptacle configured to receive the support. The end member may include at least one attachment element that allows the end member to be connected to other components of the device, such as a battery support. The end member may comprise an end face defining a portion of an outer surface of the aerosol provision device. For example, the end face may form a bottom face of the device.

In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a heater component; a support configured to engage the heater component to retain the heater component; and an end member, wherein the end member defines a receptacle and the support is at least partially received within the receptacle. The support includes a first locking feature that engages a second locking feature of the end member, thereby preventing rotation of the support relative to the end member. In one example, the container includes the second locking feature.

In some examples, the support includes a plurality of first locking features that engage a plurality of second locking features of the container. The locking feature may also be referred to as a keying feature or an engagement feature.

The end member may include a base and an inner wall extending from the base. The inner wall may extend completely or partially around the base. The inner wall and base may thus define a receptacle in which the support is received. The inner wall may define an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the base.

In one particular example, the first locking feature may comprise a recess formed in an outer surface of the support and the second locking feature may comprise a protrusion. Thus, the protrusion may be received within the recess. For example, the protrusion may extend into the container. This arrangement provides an effective and robust locking mechanism to reduce/prevent rotation of the support. This particular locking mechanism also ensures that the device can be easily assembled. For example, the support may be introduced into the container such that the protrusion is received within the recess. The recess may be referred to as a notch, channel, indentation, hole, or aperture.

The heater block may define a longitudinal axis, and the protrusion may extend from an inner wall of the end member into the receptacle in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (when the heater block is engaged with the support and the support is engaged with the end member). "a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis" is a direction parallel to the base of the end member. The longitudinal axis may be the longitudinal axis of the support.

In addition to the inner wall, the protrusion may or may not abut the base of the end member. Thus, the protrusion may be a "spike" or "ridge" extending only from the inner wall of the container.

The recess may extend into the support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heater component/support (i.e. radially inwards).

The heater block may define a longitudinal axis, and the protrusion may extend from the base of the end member into the container in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be the longitudinal axis of the support.

In addition to the base, the protrusion may or may not abut an inner sidewall of the end member. Thus, the protrusion may be a "spike" or "ridge" extending only from the base of the container.

In one particular example, the protrusion extends into the container from both the inner wall and the base. Thus, the protrusion may be connected to and supported by the base and the inner wall. In such a configuration, the protrusions may be more robust and less likely to break or bend when the user rotates the support.

In an alternative example, the first locking feature may comprise a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the support, and the second locking feature may comprise a recess, wherein the protrusion is received within the recess.

The heater component may define a longitudinal axis, and the protrusion may extend from the support in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. For example, the protrusion may extend from a bottom surface of the support. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusion may extend from the outer surface of the support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For example, the protrusion may extend from a side surface of the support (i.e., radially outward of the support).

In one example, the locking feature of the support may be a mix of recesses and protrusions, and the locking feature of the end member may be a mix of corresponding protrusions and recesses.

The heater block may define a longitudinal axis, and the first locking feature may have a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of less than about 5mm, and the second locking feature may have a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of less than about 5 mm. For example, the protrusions/depressions may have a height/depth of less than about 5 mm. It has been found that a locking feature having these dimensions provides a good balance between limiting rotation while reducing the material required to form the locking feature.

In one particular example, the dimension is between about 2mm and about 4mm, such as about 2 mm. These sized locking features provide the best balance between preventing rotation and reducing the material required to form the locking feature. Furthermore, these sized locking features do not require an increase in the size of the device to allow the locking features. The gauge of this dimension is strong enough to prevent rotation.

The heater component may define a longitudinal axis, and the first locking feature may have a width dimension measured in a direction around an outer periphery of the support of less than about 3mm, and the second locking feature may have a width dimension measured in a direction around an inner periphery of the receiver of less than about 3 mm. For example, the recesses may have a width/clearance of less than about 3mm and the protrusions may have a width of less than about 3 mm. It has been found that a locking feature having these dimensions provides a good balance between limiting rotation while reducing the material required to form the locking feature.

In a particular example, the width dimension is between about 1mm and about 2 mm. The gauge of this dimension is strong enough to prevent rotation while reducing the material and space required to provide the locking feature.

In a ninth aspect, there is provided a support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device. The support is configured for engaging the heater block to retain the heater block and is received in a receptacle of an end member of the device. The support includes a first locking feature configured to engage a second locking feature of the end member.

The support may include any or all of the features described above.

The first locking feature may comprise one of (i) a recess formed in an outer surface of the support and (ii) a protrusion formed on the outer surface of the support.

The support may define an axis, such as a longitudinal axis, and the first locking feature may have a dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of less than about 5 mm.

In a tenth aspect, an end member for an aerosol provision device is provided. The end member defines a receptacle configured to receive a support for a heater component of the device, and includes a locking feature configured to engage a corresponding locking feature of the support.

The locking feature of the end member may be referred to as a second locking feature and the corresponding locking feature may be referred to as a first locking feature. In some examples, the recess may include the locking feature.

The end member may include any or all of the features described above.

The locking feature may comprise one of a recess formed in the container and a protrusion formed in the container.

The protrusion may abut one or more surfaces in the container, such as a base or an inner wall.

The end member may include a base and an inner wall extending from the base, and the locking feature may include a protrusion extending from at least one of the inner wall and the base into the container.

The inner wall may define an axis, and the protrusion may extend from the inner wall into the container in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusion may extend from the base of the container into the container in a direction perpendicular to the base (i.e., parallel to the axis defined by the inner wall). The protrusion may extend less than about 5mm from the inner wall into the container. Thus, the protrusion may have a height dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to an axis defined by the inner wall. The inner wall may also be referred to as a sidewall.

In an eleventh aspect, a support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device is provided. A portion of the support may be keyed to prevent rotation of the support within the end member of the device. The keying may be provided by, for example, one or more locking features. Another portion of the support may also be keyed to prevent rotation of the support relative to the heater block.

In a twelfth aspect, an end member for an aerosol provision device is provided. The end member may comprise a receptacle for receiving a support for a heater component of the device. The end member may be keyed to prevent rotation of the support within the container. For example, the recesses of the end members may be keyed.

In some examples, the coil is configured to heat at least one electrically conductive heating component/element (also referred to as heater component/element) in use such that thermal energy can be conducted from the at least one electrically conductive heating component to the aerosol-generating material, thereby heating the aerosol-generating material.

In some examples, the coil is configured to generate a varying magnetic field for penetrating the at least one heating component/element, in use, thereby causing inductive heating and/or hysteresis heating of the at least one heating component. In such an arrangement, the or each heating element may be referred to as a "susceptor". A coil configured to generate, in use, a varying magnetic field to penetrate at least one electrically conductive heating component to cause inductive heating of the at least one electrically conductive heating component may be referred to as an "induction coil" or "inductor coil".

The device may comprise a heating member, for example an electrically conductive heating member, and the heating member may be suitably positioned or positionable relative to the coil to enable such heating of the heating member. The heating member may be in a fixed position relative to the coil. Alternatively, both the apparatus and the article may comprise at least one respective heating member, for example at least one electrically conductive heating member, and the coil may cause heating of the heating member of each of the apparatus and the article when the article is in the heating zone.

In some examples, the coil is helical. In some examples, the coil surrounds at least a portion of a heating region of the device configured to receive aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the coil is a helical coil that encircles at least a portion of the heating zone. The heating zone may be a container shaped to receive the aerosol-generating material.

In some examples, the apparatus includes an electrically conductive heating member at least partially surrounding the heating zone, and the coil is a helical coil surrounding at least a portion of the electrically conductive heating member. In some examples, the electrically conductive heating member is tubular. In some examples, the coil is an inductor coil.

Preferably, the device is a tobacco heating device, also referred to as a heated non-burning device.

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 to be inhaled 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, and the article 110 may be inserted through the opening 104 to be heated by the heating assembly. In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into a heating assembly, wherein the article 110 may be heated by one or more components of the heater component.

The device 100 of this example includes a first end member 106 that includes a cover 108 that is movable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when no article 110 is 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, such as a button or switch, which 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, such as a jack/port 114, which 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, such as a computing device.

Fig. 2 depicts the device 100 of fig. 1 with the outer cover 102 removed and no article 110 present. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 134.

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 face 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 face. 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 end (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, operating the user control 112 to begin heating the aerosol generating material and drawing in the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along the flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device furthest from the mouth 104 may be referred to as the distal end of the device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth in use. 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 supply electrical power to heat the aerosol generating material when required and under the control of a controller (not shown). In this example, the batteries are connected to a central support 120 that holds the batteries 118 in place.

The device further comprises at least one electronic module 122. The electronic module 122 may include, for example, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). PCB122 may support at least one controller (e.g., a processor) and memory. The PCB122 may also include one or more electrical traces (electrical tracks) to electrically connect the various electronic components of the apparatus 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 traces.

In the example apparatus 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and includes various components to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object (e.g., a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element (e.g. one or more inductor coils) and means for passing a varying 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 inside the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to eddy currents, so that the flow of eddy currents against the electrical resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by joule heating. In case the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material is changed due to the magnetic dipoles being aligned with a changing magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, as compared to heating, for example, by conduction. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the induction heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

The induction heating assembly of this example apparatus 100 includes a susceptor arrangement 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 and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made of Litz wire/cable 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 designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the example apparatus 100, the first and second inductor coils 124, 126 are made of copper stranded wire having a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, the strands may have other shapes in cross-section, such as circular.

The first inductor coil 124 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first portion of the susceptor 132 and the second inductor coil 126 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second portion 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 and second inductor coils 124, 126 do not overlap). The susceptor arrangement 132 may comprise a single susceptor or two or more separate susceptors. Ends 130 of first and second inductor coils 124, 126 may be connected to PCB 122.

It should be appreciated that in some examples, the first and second inductor coils 124, 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 a smaller portion of susceptor 132 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 respective 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 portion of the article 110, and at a later time, the second inductor coil 126 may operate to heat a second portion 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-handed helix and the second inductor coil 126 is a left-handed helix. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, 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 and thus defines a reservoir within which the aerosol-generating material is received. 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 further includes an insulating member 128, which insulating member 128 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 insulating member is composed of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating member 128 may help insulate the 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 insulating member 128 and are in contact with a radially outer surface of insulating 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 insulating member 128 and the inner surfaces of first inductor coil 124 and 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 the first and second inductor coils 124, 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 with 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 device 100 also includes an expansion chamber 144 extending away from the proximal end of the susceptor 132 toward 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 device 100 of fig. 1. Fig. 5B depicts a close-up view of the region of fig. 5A. Fig. 5A and 5B show 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 located 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 surface 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 a particular example, the distance 150 is about 3mm to 4mm, about 3 to 3.5mm, or about 3.25 mm.

Figure 5B further illustrates that the outer surface of the insulating 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 substantially 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 40-45mm, 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 a susceptor 132, which in this example is constructed from a single piece of material and thus has a unitary construction. The susceptor may be more generally referred to as a heater component. As mentioned above, the susceptor 132 is hollow and may receive aerosol generating material for heating. In this example, the susceptor 132 has a flared (proximal) end to make it easier to receive the aerosol-generating material within the susceptor. In other examples, the susceptor 132 does not have a flared end.

The susceptor 132 includes a first portion 202 and a second portion 204. The first portion 202 has a first length dimension and the second portion 204 has a second length dimension. These length dimensions are measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132. The susceptor 132 has an overall length dimension of between about 40mm and about 50 mm. The second portion 204 has a length of less than about 5 mm. In this particular example, the susceptor 132 has an overall length of about 44.5mm, and the second portion 204 has a length of about 3.5mm, such that the second portion extends about 7% to about 8% over the length of the susceptor 132.

The first portion 202 has a first outer cross-section with a circular shape and the second portion 204 has a second outer cross-section with a non-circular shape. The outer cross-sections are defined by the outer surface of the susceptor. The first outer cross-section may be taken in a plane disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 at any point along the first portion 202. Even if the first outer cross-section is taken from the flared end region, the cross-section will be circular. The second outer cross-section may be taken in a plane disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 at any point along the second portion 204.

In this example, the second portion 204 is disposed at an end (distal end) of the susceptor 132. In other examples, the second portion 204 may not be disposed at an end of the susceptor.

In use, a user inserts the article 110 into the susceptor 132. As shown in fig. 1, the article 110 has a cylindrical shape, and thus a circular cross-section. The article 110 is thus received within the susceptor 132 and the outer cross-section of the article 110 conforms to the inner cross-section of the first portion 202. In some examples, the shape of the inner cross-section of the second portion 204 is also a circular shape.

The second outer cross-section is defined by the outer surface of the susceptor 132 in the second portion 202. To provide the second outer cross-section with its non-circular shape, the second portion 202 includes one or more engagement features 206. The engagement features 206 may be, for example, protrusions and/or indentations. Other engagement features may also be used.

In this example, the engagement feature 206 is an indentation/channel/recess 206 extending along an outer surface of the susceptor 132 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 158. The notch 206 has a length measured along the longitudinal axis 158, wherein the length is defined by the length of the second portion 204, as described above.

The indentation 206 has a maximum depth dimension measured radially inward of the susceptor in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158. In this example, the notch 206 has a maximum depth of less than about 1 mm. In particular, the notch 206 has a depth of about 0.35 mm. The susceptor 132 has a diameter of between about 4mm and 8mm, or between about 5mm and 6 mm. In this particular example, the non-flared region of the susceptor 132 (and thus the first portion 202) has a diameter of about 5.55mm, such that the gap 206 has a depth of about 6% of the diameter of the susceptor 132. The gap 206 may have a width (measured in the azimuthal direction around the outer periphery of the susceptor 132) of about 0.1 mm.

The susceptor 132 of this example includes 4 equally spaced indentations around the periphery of the susceptor 132. The channels formed by the notches 206 give the second portion 204 its non-circular cross-section.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the susceptor 132 engaged with the susceptor support 136. The support 136 includes an engagement portion 208 that engages at least the second portion 204 of the susceptor 132 to maintain it at a predetermined distance from the one or more inductor coils 124, 126. In this example, the support engages the distal end of the susceptor 132, however, the support may alternatively engage the proximal end of the susceptor 132 or may engage the susceptor 132 at any other point along its length.

Fig. 8A depicts a perspective view of the support 136. Fig. 8B depicts a top view of the support 136. The support 136 may be made of an insulating material such as plastic. In this example, the support 136 is made of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The support 136 may be made, for example, by injection molding.

The support 136 defines an axis 214, such as a longitudinal axis 214. The support 136 engages the susceptor 132 and holds the susceptor 132 parallel to the axis 214. In the engaged position, the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 214 of the support 136 and may be coaxial.

The support 136 defines a receptacle 210 to receive and hold the susceptor 132. The support may be provided, for example, by the engagement portion 208. In this example, the engagement portion 208 includes longitudinal extensions that abut the outer surface of the susceptor 132 when received within the container 210.

The reservoir 210 has an inner cross-section corresponding to the second outer cross-section of the susceptor 132, thereby preventing the susceptor 132 from rotating relative to the support 136. Thus, the shape of the inner cross-section is non-circular.

The inner cross-section is defined by the inner surface of the container 210. The inner cross-section may be taken in a direction perpendicular to the axis 214. To provide the inner cross-section with its non-circular shape, the container 210 includes one or more engagement features 212. The engagement features 212 may be, for example, protrusions and/or indentations. Other engagement features may also be used. The engagement features 206 of the susceptor 132 thus engage/interlock with the engagement features 212 of the container 210. This engagement prevents the susceptor 132 from rotating within the container. Thus, the susceptor 132 and the support 136 are keyed to prevent relative rotation.

In this example, the engagement feature 212 of the support 136 is a protrusion/ridge 212 extending along the inner surface of the container 210 in a direction parallel to the axis 214. The protrusion 212 has a length measured along an axis 214. The size of the protrusion 212 corresponds to the size of the indentation 206 of the susceptor 132.

The protrusion 212 has a maximum height dimension measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis 214 (i.e., radially inward, toward the center of the recess 210). In this example, the protrusion 212 has a maximum height of less than about 1 mm. In this example, the protrusion 212 has a height of about 0.35 mm. The protrusion 212 may have a width (measured in the azimuthal direction around the inner periphery of the recess 210) of about 0.1 mm.

The support 136 of this example includes 4 protrusions 212 that are equally spaced around the inner periphery of the container 210. The protrusion 212 provides the container 210 with a non-circular cross-section. These protrusions may be integrally formed with the support 136, or may be separate and attached to the inner surface of the container 210.

Figure 9A depicts a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of the second portion 204 of the susceptor 132 taken along the line B-B depicted in figure 6. The engagement feature 206 is a notch and gives the susceptor 132 a non-circular outer cross-section. Figure 9B depicts a diagrammatic representation of the first portion 202 of the susceptor 132 taken along the line a-a depicted in figure 6. The first portion 202 has a circular outer cross-section. Fig. 9C depicts a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of the engagement portion 208 of the support 136. These engagement features 212 are protrusions and give the container 210 a non-circular inner cross-section.

Figure 10A depicts a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section through a second portion of another example susceptor. In this example, the engagement features 206 are protrusions and impart a non-circular outer cross-section to the susceptor 132. The protrusions may be integrally formed with the susceptor, or may be separate and attached to the outer surface of the susceptor. FIG. 10B depicts a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section of an engagement portion of another example support. The engagement features 212 are indentations and give the container a non-circular inner cross-section. In fig. 10A and 10B, the susceptor and the reservoir each have three engagement features.

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic representation of another example susceptor 332 that may be used in the apparatus 100. Similar to the susceptor in fig. 6-10, susceptor 332 is keyed to prevent susceptor 332 from rotating. The susceptor 332 includes a first portion 302 and a second portion 304. The first portion 302 has a first outer cross-section with a circular shape and the second portion 304 has a second outer cross-section with a non-circular shape. In the example of fig. 11, the end of the susceptor 332 is keyed.

To provide the second outer cross-section with its non-circular shape, the second portion 302 includes one or more engagement features 306. In this example, the engagement features 306 are protrusions 306 extending from an end of the susceptor 132 in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the susceptor 332. The protrusions may be integrally formed with the susceptor 332, or may be separate and fixed to an end of the susceptor 332. There are four engagement features 306 in this example.

Figure 12 depicts a diagrammatic representation of a cross-section through the second portion 304 of the susceptor 332 taken along the line C-C depicted in figure 11. In this example, the engagement feature 206 is a longitudinal protrusion and gives the susceptor 132 a non-circular outer cross-section.

Fig. 13 depicts a top view of another example support 336 keyed to prevent rotation of susceptor 332. The support 226 includes one or more engagement features 312 configured to engage with the engagement features 306 of the susceptor 332. In this example, the engagement features 312 are indentations, recesses, or grooves configured to receive the protrusions 306 of the susceptor 332.

In any of the above examples, the first portion of the susceptor may have an inner and/or outer cross-section that varies in size (in area and diameter) along its length.

The features described above in connection with figures 6-13 help to prevent the susceptor from rotating within the aerosol provision device. As mentioned above, the susceptor is keyed to the support to prevent the susceptor from rotating. In addition to or instead of susceptor/support keying, the support may also be keyed with an end member. This prevents the susceptor and support from rotating relative to the end member within the device. For example, a user may rotate an article that causes the susceptor to rotate with a force that causes the susceptor and the support to rotate together. Thus, the susceptor and the support may rotate relative to the end member. To avoid this, the support may include one or more locking features that engage with one or more corresponding locking features of the endform. These locking features prevent or limit rotation of the support relative to the end member. Thus, the support may be keyed with the end member.

In some examples, the engagement feature of the susceptor may be formed when the susceptor is inserted into the support. For example, a protrusion or ridge formed in the support may deform the susceptor around the protrusion or ridge, thereby creating a corresponding engagement feature in the susceptor. This may make manufacturing easier, for example because it is not necessary to align the susceptor with the support during assembly. This may be most useful when the susceptor has a relatively low radial strength. Other types of engagement features, such as asymmetric cross-sections, may also be formed in the susceptor in this manner.

Fig. 14A depicts the end member 116 described with respect to fig. 2 engaged with the support 136. Fig. 14B depicts a close-up view of a locking feature for preventing rotation of the support 136 relative to the end member 116.

The end member 116 may be disposed at one end of the device 100. As shown, the end member 116 defines a receptacle 402. The container 402 is defined by one or more interior walls 408 (also referred to as sidewalls) and a base 410. The inner wall 408 extends away from the base 410 and defines an axis 414. The axis 414 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 134 of the apparatus 100, and/or the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 and/or the longitudinal axis 214 of the support 136. The inner wall 408 is thus perpendicular to the base 410. In other examples, axis 414 may be angled relative to either of these axes. In this example, the base 410 defines a flat surface, but in other examples, the base 410 may be curved.

The end member 116 includes an end face 416 that defines a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol provision device 100. For example, the end face 416 may form a bottom surface of the device 100.

Optionally, end member 116 may also include at least one attachment element 412 that allows end member 116 to be connected to battery support 120.

As shown in fig. 14A, one end of the support 136 is received within the receptacle 402. The container 402 may include one or more features that abut the support 136. To prevent support 136 from being able to rotate within container 402, support 136 includes a first locking feature 404 and end member 116 includes a second locking feature 406. Fig. 14B more clearly illustrates the engagement of the first and second locking features 404, 406. In this example, the second locking feature 406 is a component of the container 402, however in other examples, the second locking feature 406 may be located anywhere on the end member 116 as long as it engages the first locking feature 404 of the support 136.

In the example of fig. 14A and 14B, the first locking feature 404 is a recess 404 formed in an outer surface of the support 136 and the second locking feature 406 is a protrusion 406 extending into the receptacle 402. The protrusion 406 is sized to be received within the recess 404. When engaged, the first and second locking features 404, 406 prevent the support 136 from being able to rotate in an azimuthal direction about the axis 214 of the support 136.

In an alternative example, the first locking feature 404 may be a protrusion formed on an outer surface of the support 136 and the second locking feature 406 may be a recess.

Fig. 15 depicts the underside of the support 136. The first locking feature 404 in the form of a recess is more clearly shown. The longitudinal axis 214 of the support 136 is shown pointing inward toward the page (page). The longitudinal axis 214 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132.

In this example, the recess 404 extends from an outer surface of the support 136 into the support 136 in a direction 418. For example, direction 418 may be a radial direction. The direction 418 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 214, 414. The recess 404 thus has a depth dimension 420, which may be between about 2mm and about 5 mm. In this particular example, the depth dimension 420 is about 2 mm.

The recess 404 also has a width dimension 422 measured in a direction around the outer periphery of the support 136. The outer perimeter is the edge furthest from the axis 214. Thus, the direction around the outer periphery may be an azimuthal direction about the axis 214. In some examples, the width dimension 422 may be between about 1mm and about 3 mm. In the example of fig. 15, the width dimension 422 is between about 1.3mm and about 1.5 mm.

Fig. 16 shows a top view of end member 116. The second locking feature 406 is in the form of a protrusion. An axis 414 defined by the inner wall 414 is shown pointing inwardly into the page. The axis 414 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 158 of the susceptor 132 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support 214.

In this example, the protrusion 406 extends from the inner wall 408 of the end member 116 into the receptacle 402 in a direction 424 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 158, 214 and the axis 414. For example, direction 424 may be a radial direction. Accordingly, the protrusion 406 has a height dimension 426, which may be between about 2mm and about 5 mm. In this particular example, the height dimension 426 is about 2 mm.

In addition to extending from the inner wall 408, the protrusion 406 also extends from the base 410 into the container 402 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axes 158, 214 and the axis 414. Thus, the protrusion 406 is supported by the inner wall 408 and the base 410 to improve stability. In other examples (not shown), the protrusion may be supported by the base or the inner wall. For example, the protrusion may extend upward from the base in a direction parallel to the axis 414, or may extend outward from the inner wall in a direction perpendicular to the axis 414.

The protrusion also has a width dimension 428 measured in a direction around the inner perimeter/surface of the container/inner wall 410, 408. The direction around the inner perimeter may be an azimuthal direction about the axes 214, 158. In some examples, width dimension 428 may be between about 1mm and about 3 mm. In the example of fig. 16, the width dimension 428 is between about 1.3mm and about 1.5 mm.

In fig. 15, the recess is open around its periphery. In another example (not shown), the recess may be in the form of an aperture that is closed around its periphery.

In examples where the recess is in the form of an aperture, the protrusion may extend from the base of the end member (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support) and be received within the aperture. For example, one or more "prongs" may extend from the base and be received in one or more apertures in the underside of the support.

Alternatively, the support may comprise a protrusion extending from the underside of the support (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support) and received in a corresponding aperture/recess formed in the base of the end member. For example, one or more "prongs" may extend from the support and be received in one or more apertures in the base of the end member. In another example, the protrusions may extend from a side surface of the support (rather than the underside of the support).

In an alternative example, the first and second locking features may be substantially identical to the engagement features on the susceptor and the support. For example, the first locking feature of the support may be a protrusion formed on an outer surface of the support, and the second locking feature may be an indentation formed on an inner wall of the end member, and the channel receives the protrusion.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Other 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.