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 马修·泰达南 卢克·詹姆斯·沃伦 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。该装置包括一个或多个发光二极管,即LED,并包括位于一个或多个LED上方的外部构件,其中外部构件限定从气溶胶供应装置的外部可见的多个孔。(An aerosol provision device is provided. The device includes one or more light emitting diodes, i.e., LEDs, and an outer member positioned over the one or more LEDs, wherein the outer member defines a plurality of apertures visible from an exterior of the aerosol provision device.)

1. An aerosol provision device comprising:

one or more light emitting diodes, i.e., LEDs; and

an outer member positioned over the one or more LEDs, wherein the outer member defines a plurality of apertures viewable from outside of the aerosol provision device.

2. The aerosol provision device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are slots.

3. The aerosol provision device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of apertures have a length of less than about 2 mm.

4. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of apertures have a width of less than about 0.5 mm.

5. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer member has a thickness of less than about 2 mm.

6. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer member is located at a distance of between about 1.5mm and about 5mm above the one or more LEDs.

7. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged towards the outer periphery of the outer member.

8. The aerosol provision device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of apertures are elongate and equally spaced around a periphery of the outer member.

9. The aerosol provision device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of apertures comprises 36 apertures.

10. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

an adhesive between the one or more LEDs and the outer member.

11. The aerosol provision device of claim 10, further comprising:

a light shaping member positioned between the one or more LEDs and the adhesive.

12. The aerosol provision device of claim 11, wherein the light shaping member comprises a plurality of opaque regions configured to block a portion of the light from the LED.

13. The aerosol provision device of claim 12, comprising four LEDs, wherein each of the four LEDs is located below the light-shaping member and between adjacent opaque regions such that light from the LED is divided into 4 quarters.

14. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the light-shaping member comprises polycarbonate.

15. The aerosol provision device of any of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a sealing member arranged between the light-shaping member and the plurality of LEDs.

16. An aerosol provision system comprising:

the aerosol provision device of any of claims 1 to 15; and

an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to aerosol provision devices.

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 producing products that release compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases a compound by heating the material, rather than burning the material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that 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:

one or more light emitting diodes (i.e., LEDs); and

an outer member positioned over the one or more LEDs, wherein the outer member defines a plurality of apertures visible from an exterior of the aerosol provision device.

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

Figure 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 an enlarged view of a portion of the heating assembly of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the device;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the housing of the device;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the device without the housing;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an LED disposed within the device;

FIG. 10 shows an outer member including a plurality of apertures; and

fig. 11 shows the components of the device arranged above the LEDs.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" includes materials that provide a volatile component, typically in the form of an aerosol, when heated. 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 mixture of materials, for example. The aerosol generating material may also be referred to as "smokable material".

A device is known which heats 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 combusting or igniting the aerosol-generating material. Such apparatus is sometimes described as an "aerosol-generating device", "aerosol provision device", "heating but non-combustion device", "tobacco heating product device" or "tobacco heating device" or the like. Similarly, there are also so-called e-vaping devices that typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of or provided as part of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like that is insertable into the device. A heater for heating and volatilising 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. As used herein, an "article" is a component that includes or contains the aerosol-generating material used, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components used. The user may insert the article into the aerosol provision device prior to heating the article to generate an aerosol for subsequent inhalation by the user. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or particular size, configured to be placed within a heating chamber of an apparatus sized to receive the article.

A first aspect of the present disclosure defines an aerosol provision device comprising one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and an outer member located over the one or more LEDs. The outer member comprises a plurality of apertures visible from the exterior of the aerosol provision device. Electromagnetic radiation (e.g., in the form of visible light) may pass through the plurality of holes and be seen by a user. At least a portion of the outer member may form an outer surface of the device.

It has been found that the plurality of holes allows light from the LED to be visible from a wide range of angles. In one example, the plurality of holes are slots. A slot is an opening/hole whose length is longer than its width. The slot may be, for example, a long narrow hole or slit. The grooves increase the viewing angle of the LED when compared to a circular or square aperture without having to increase the area of the aperture. The plurality of apertures may be elongate. The plurality of apertures may be rectangular in shape (e.g., rounded rectangle), elliptical, wavy, or serpentine in shape.

The outer member may be a disc. For example, the outer member may have a circular, square, or rectangular shape. The outer member may be substantially flat (and thus define a plane) or may define a curved surface.

In one example, the outer member comprises aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight and can be easily machined to include multiple holes.

In some examples, the aerosol provision device comprises a housing such as a hood/shell. The housing may define an opening, and the device may include a user input device disposed within the opening. The user input device may be configured to receive user input for controlling the device. The outer member may be positioned within the opening such that light from the one or more LEDs may pass through the plurality of holes and through the opening. The user may interact with the user input device to turn the device on and off, configure settings of the device, and/or select a particular heating mode.

The LED may be a quantum dot LED. In some examples, one or more LEDs may be replaced by other visible light emitting devices. More generally, the LEDs may be replaced by one or more light sources, visible light sources, semiconductor light sources, or visible light components.

The outer member may have a depth/thickness measured in a direction from the outer surface of the device towards the LED. For example, the thickness may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In one example, the outer member has a thickness of less than about 2mm, such as less than about 1mm or less than about 0.5 mm. Preferably, the outer member has a thickness greater than about 0.2mm and less than about 0.5mm, such as a thickness between about 0.22mm and about 0.3 mm. Thicknesses in this range provide a balance between increasing the viewing angle of the LED (by making the outer member thinner) and ensuring that the outer member is strong (by making the outer member thicker).

It has been found that when the outer member has a thickness of about 0.3mm (+ -0.03 mm), it is easier to manufacture (e.g. via chemical etching). In some instances, it may be difficult to chemically etch the plurality of holes when the thickness is greater than 0.3 mm.

In some examples, the outer member and the plurality of holes are made via chemical etching.

Preferably, the thickness of the outer member is greater than about 0.22 mm. It has been found that greater than this thickness prevents or reduces deformation of the outer member when the outer member is pressed.

Preferably, the outer member has a thickness of between about 0.22mm and about 0.3 mm. This provides a good balance between the above considerations.

The thickness of the outer member may be an average thickness. The plurality of holes have a depth equal to a thickness of the outer member. Thus, light rays perpendicular to the exterior member travel through the hole at a distance equal to the thickness of the exterior member.

The plurality of holes may have a length of less than about 2 mm. The length of the bore is measured in a direction along the outer surface of the outer member. The length is thus measured in a direction perpendicular to the thickness dimension of the outer member. As mentioned, the plurality of apertures may be slots having a length dimension longer than a width dimension. The plurality of holes preferably have a length of less than about 1mm, such as a length between about 0.9mm and about 1 mm. These lengths provide a large viewing angle without compromising the structural integrity of the outer member.

The plurality of apertures may be less than about 0.5mm wide. The width of the aperture is measured in a direction along the outer surface of the aerosol device (or along the outer surface of the outer member). Thus, the width is measured in a direction perpendicular to the thickness dimension of the outer member. As mentioned, the plurality of apertures may be slots having a length dimension longer than a width dimension. Thus, the width direction may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the length dimension. The plurality of apertures preferably have a width of less than about 0.5mm, such as a width of about 0.3 mm. The hole having the above size allows a large viewing angle while keeping the area size of the hole relatively small so that the hole does not accumulate dust and liquid.

In some examples, the width of the aperture is equal to or greater than the thickness of the outer member. It has been found that this ensures that the side walls of the holes remain relatively smooth. Further, in some examples, the outer member includes a coating of paint (such as soft touch paint). It has been found that when the width of the holes is greater than about 0.3mm, the coating is less likely to clog the holes. By reducing clogging, a more consistent and brighter light intensity is provided through the holes.

The outer member may be located at a distance of between about 1.5mm and about 5mm, or between about 2mm and about 3mm, such as between about 2mm and about 2.5mm, above the LED. That is, the outer surface of the outer member may be positioned at the distance from the outer surface of the LED. The outer surface of the LED is the surface closest to the outer member. This distance provides a good balance between increasing the viewing angle of the light (by arranging the LEDs closer to the external member) and ensuring that the light from the LEDs can diffuse through each hole (by arranging the LEDs further away from the external member).

In some examples, the plurality of holes are slots, and wherein an angle of less than about 45 ° is formed between a longest dimension of the slot and a radius of the outer member. The radius and the longest dimension coincide at one end of the slot. The longest dimension of the slot is its length dimension. Preferably, the angle is less than about 30 °. The slots are arranged such that the longest dimension extends generally outward from the center of the outer member, thereby increasing the viewing angle of the LED. For example, the outer member may be circular. In a particular example, the angle is about 0 ° such that the groove is radially aligned with, in other words parallel to, the radius of the outer member. Thus, each groove may extend from the same center on the outer member to the periphery.

The plurality of holes may be arranged toward an outer periphery of the outer member. In other words, the holes may be arranged closer to the outer edge of the outer member than to the center of the outer member. This may allow light from the LED to be seen when the user presses or touches the external member. For example, a user may interact with a user input device. The user input means may be located below or towards the centre of the outer member.

The plurality of holes may be equally spaced about the outer periphery of the outer member. The plurality of holes may include 36 holes. The holes may be spaced about 10 apart.

The device may also include an adhesive between the one or more LEDs and the external member. For example, the adhesive may be an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may adhere the external member to the device and may also function to diffusely reflect/soften light emitted from the LED. This may result in a more even distribution of light through the apertures, which may avoid some apertures appearing brighter than others. Thus, the adhesive may be translucent.

In one example, the adhesive is an adhesive assembly comprising two or more layers of adhesive. In one example, the adhesive assembly further includes one or more layers of a plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In a particular example, the adhesive assembly includes a layer of plastic material disposed between two layers of adhesive. The adhesive adheres to the plastic material. The layer of plastic material may alternatively or additionally diffusely reflect/soften light.

In a particular example, the plastic layer is less than about 0.05mm thick, such as about 0.03mm thick, and each of the two adhesive layers is less than about 0.05mm thick, such as less than about 0.04mm thick. In a particular example, the adhesive layer is about 0.1mm thick, such as about 0.105mm thick.

Adhesive layers may be provided on each side of the plastic layer, and each adhesive layer may have different bonding characteristics. E.g. on one sideThe adhesive layer may have a stronger bonding capability or be optimized to bond with a different material than the adhesive on the other side. Preferably, the adhesive assembly comprises a silicone adhesive layer on one side of the PET layer and an acrylic adhesive layer on the other side of the PET layer. The adhesive component is61532 and is available from the company deka. It has been found that this provides sufficient strength to prevent the outer member from becoming loose.

The device may also include a light shaping member positioned between the one or more LEDs and the adhesive (or adhesive assembly). The light shaping member may comprise one or more light pipes to direct light through the light shaping member to create a specific pattern or design. The light shaping member may comprise an opaque region configured to block a portion of the light from the LED. The light shaping member may comprise transparent or translucent regions to allow light to pass through. Alternatively, the light shaping member may comprise an opening to allow light to pass through. A light shaping member comprising opaque regions and transparent or translucent regions may be stronger than a light shaping member having an opening. The translucent areas may additionally diffuse/soften the light.

In some examples, the light shaping member is formed from two or more overmolded parts. For example, the opaque region and the transparent/translucent region may be formed by two overmolded components.

In one example, the light shaping member comprises an opaque area extending around the outer/peripheral/outer periphery of the light shaping member. This can prevent light from leaking from around the outside of the exterior member. The opaque region may be an outer annular portion.

In one example, the opaque region is colored black or dark gray.

In one example, the opaque regions are cross-shaped.

In a specific example, the apparatus comprises four LEDs, wherein each of the four LEDs is located below the light shaping member and between adjacent opaque regions such that light from the LEDs is divided into 4 quarters. The opaque regions are configured to prevent light from leaking from one quarter to an adjacent quarter.

The light shaping member may comprise a plastic material, for example polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is rigid and can be made optically transparent/translucent. In one example, the polycarbonate is lexan^TM(Lexan^TM)。

The device may comprise a sealing member arranged between the light shaping member and the plurality of LEDs. For example, the sealing member may be a gasket. The sealing member may prevent liquid and/or dust from entering the device.

In another aspect, a user interface for an aerosol provision device comprises:

one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs); and

an outer member positioned over the one or more LEDs, wherein the outer member defines a plurality of apertures visible from an exterior of the aerosol provision device.

The user interface may include any or all of the components described above with respect to the aerosol provision device.

Preferably, the device is a tobacco heating device, also known as a heating but non-combustion device.

Fig. 1 shows an example of an aerosol provision device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating medium/material. In general, 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 that is inhaled by a user of the device 100.

The device 100 includes a housing 102 (in the form of an enclosure) that surrounds and contains the various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 in 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 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 cover 108 may be moved into 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, which may comprise a button or switch, that when pressed operates the device 100. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the control element 112.

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

Fig. 2 shows 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, while the second end member 116 is disposed at an opposite end in 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 end (or mouth end) of the device 100, since in use it is closest to the user's mouth. 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 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. As the 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 (such as lithium ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The battery is electrically coupled with the heating assembly to provide power when required and to heat the aerosol generating material 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 central support 120 may also be referred to as a battery support, or battery carrier.

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

In the exemplary device 100, the heating assembly is an inductive heating assembly and includes various components that heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive object, such as 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 (such as an alternating current) through the inductive element. The varying current in the inductive element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field passes through a susceptor appropriately 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 this electrical resistance causes the susceptor to heat by joule heating. In the case of susceptors comprising ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by hysteresis losses in the susceptor (i.e. by the varying orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field). In induction heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, as compared to heating, for example, by conduction. Furthermore, there is no need for any physical contact between the induction heater and the susceptor, thereby increasing the 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 induction coil 124, and a second induction coil 126. The first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 are made of an electrically conductive material. In this example, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are made of litz wire/cable that is wound in a spiral fashion to provide the spiral induction coils 124, 126. 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 exemplary apparatus 100, the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 are made of copper litz wire having a rectangular cross section. In other examples, the litz wire may have a cross-section of other shapes, such as circular.

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

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

In this example, the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. This may be useful when the induction coil is active at different times. For example, initially, the first induction coil 124 may operate to heat a first section of the article 110, and subsequently, the second induction 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 inactive coils when used in conjunction with a particular type of control circuit. In fig. 2, the first inductive coil 124 is right-handed and the second inductive coil 126 is left-handed. However, in another embodiment, the induction coils 124, 126 may be wound in the same direction, or the first induction coil 124 may be left-handed and the second induction coil 126 may be right-handed.

The susceptor 132 of this example is hollow and thus defines a receptacle 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 and has 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 insulating member is composed of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating member 128 may help insulate various components of the apparatus 100 from heat generated in the susceptor 132.

The insulating member 128 may also fully or partially support the first and second induction coils 124, 126. For example, as shown in fig. 2, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are positioned around the insulating member 128 and are in contact with a radially outward surface of the insulating member 128. In some examples, the insulating member 128 does not abut the first and second induction coils 124, 126. For example, there may be a small gap between the outer surface of the insulating member 128 and the inner surfaces of the first and second induction coils 124, 126.

In a particular example, the susceptor 132, the insulating member 128, and the first and second induction 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 induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 is more clearly visible.

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

The device may also include a second printed circuit board 138 associated with the interior of 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 be opened 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 that extends 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 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 shows a cross-section of a portion of the apparatus 100 of fig. 1. Fig. 5B shows a close-up of an area 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 the 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 the susceptor 132 with its outer surface spaced from the inner surface of the induction 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 to 3.5mm, or about 3.25 mm.

Figure 5B also illustrates the case where the outer surface of the insulating member 128 is spaced from the inner surface of the induction 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 induction coils 124, 126 abut and contact the insulating member 128.

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

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

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

Fig. 6 shows a front view of the device 100. As briefly mentioned above, the device may comprise a control element. In some instances, a user may interact with the control elements to operate the device 100. In other instances, the control element serves as a means of indicating to a user the occurrence of one or more events.

The control element may include a plurality of components, such as one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and an outer member 202 positioned over (i.e., in front of) the one or more LEDs. The outer member 202 is the outermost component of the control element. The user may press the outer member 202 to interact with the device 100. As will be described in more detail below, the outer member 202 includes a plurality of holes 204 through which light from the LEDs can pass. In this example, the outer member 202 is circular, but in other examples, the outer member may have a different shape.

Fig. 7 shows a housing 102 (also referred to as a cover) of the device 100. The housing 102 defines an opening 206. An outer member (not shown in fig. 7) may be disposed within the opening 206. For example, the external member may be disposed flush with the outer surface of the housing 102, or may be raised above or lowered below the outer surface of the housing 102.

Fig. 8 shows the device 100 without the housing 102 in place. In this example, the outer member 202 is bonded to the light shaping member 210 via an adhesive layer 208. The adhesive in the adhesive layer 208 may partially or completely cover the inner surface of the outer member 202. The sealing member 212 extends around the light shaping member 210. The light shaping member 210 and the sealing member 212 will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 9 shows the apparatus 100 with the outer member 202, the light shaping member 210, and the sealing member 212 removed. The apparatus 100 includes four LEDs 214, but in other examples there may be other numbers of LEDs, such as one LED or multiple LEDs 214. The LED 214 is positioned below the outer member 202 such that light travels from the LED 214 through the plurality of holes 204 formed in the outer member 202. Thus, the light also passes through the light shaping member 210 and the adhesive layer 208. One or more other components may also be disposed between the LED 214 and the outer member 202.

The LED 214 is configured to output electromagnetic radiation (such as visible light) to provide an indication to a user. In a particular example, the LED 214 emits light to indicate that the device 100 is ready for use. The LED 214 may also emit light to indicate that the heater assembly is about to, or has completed, heating. The plurality of LEDs 214 may operate in unison or may operate independently. Light from each LED 214 may pass through all or a subset of the apertures 204 formed in the outer member 202.

In the example of fig. 9, a plurality of LEDs 214 are arranged around a user input device 216 configured to receive/detect input from a user. For example, the user may press or otherwise interact with the external member 202, which in turn is detected by the user input device 216. The user input device 216 may be a button or switch that is operated by a user when applying a force to the external member 202. In another example, the user input device 216 and the outer member 202 may be part of a capacitive sensor that detects when a user touches the outer member 202. In some examples, the user input device 216 is omitted such that the LED 214 is used only to indicate certain events to the user.

In one particular example, the outer member 202 is positioned a distance of about 2.3mm above the one or more LEDs 214. The distance is measured in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the outer member 202.

Fig. 10 shows a front view of the outer member 202. As mentioned, the outer member 202 defines a plurality of apertures 204. In this example, each aperture 204 is formed as a slot having a length 216 and a width 214. The length and width of each aperture 204 is measured in a plane defined by the outer surface of the outer member 202. The holes 204 also have a depth, wherein the depth of the holes corresponds to a thickness 228 (shown in fig. 11) of the outer member 202. In fig. 10, the thickness of the outer member 202 and the depth of each hole 204 are measured in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the outer member 202. In fig. 10, the thickness of the outer member 202 is measured in the direction into the page. In one example, the aperture 204 has a length 216 of about 1mm, a width of about 0.3mm, and a depth of about 0.3 mm.

In some examples, an angle 224 of less than about 45 ° is formed between the longest dimension 216 of each aperture 204 and a radius 226 of the outer member 202. The longest dimension 216 of each aperture 204 corresponds to the length 216 of the aperture 204. As shown, the radius 226 and the longest dimension 216 coincide at the end of the bore 204 disposed closest to the center 222 of the outer member 202. In this example, the angle 224 is about 20 °. Thus, the apertures 204 are arranged such that the longest dimension 216 extends generally outward from the center 222 of the outer member 202, thereby increasing the viewing angle of the LEDs 214.

Preferably, the aperture 204 is arranged towards the outer/peripheral/outer periphery 220 of the outer member 202. As shown in fig. 10, the aperture 204 is disposed closer to an outer periphery 220 of the outer member 202 than a center 222 of the outer member 202. This may allow the holes 204 (and thus the light) to be exposed even when the user presses the outer member 202. The user is more likely to press/grip the center 222 of the outer member 202 than the edges of the outer member 202.

Fig. 11 is an exploded view showing some of the components of the device 100. As described above, the apparatus 100 may include an adhesive layer 208 disposed between the LED 214 and the outer member 202. In the example shown, the adhesive layer is the same shape and size as the outer member 202 such that the adhesive covers the aperture 204. Thus, the light must pass through the adhesive layer 208 before passing through the aperture 204. Thus, the adhesive layer 208 may be transparent or translucent. The translucent adhesive layer 208 may help diffuse reflection of light from the LEDs to avoid "bright spots". A bright spot in which the intensity of light is higher than that of the surrounding area.

In some examples, the outer member 202 is attached to the light shaping member 210 via an adhesive layer 208. In the example shown, the light shaping member 210 includes one or more opaque regions 230 (multiple opaque regions may be bonded together) and one or more translucent or transparent regions 232 (multiple translucent or transparent regions may also be bonded together). The translucent or transparent regions 232 may be referred to as light pipes because they direct light through the light shaping member 210. Light from the LED 214 may pass through the semi-transparent or transparent region 232 but be blocked by the opaque region 230. Thus, the opaque regions 230 reduce the intensity of light passing through a subset of the apertures 204 (i.e., those disposed above the opaque regions 230). Opaque region 230 and translucent or transparent region 232 may be regions of a single integral component, but one or both regions may be treated to impart specific optical properties to the region. In another example, opaque region 230 and translucent or transparent region 232 are each separate components that are overmolded.

In this example, the light shaping member comprises an opaque area 238 extending around the periphery/perimeter/circumference of the light shaping member 210. This can prevent light from leaking around the outside of the outer member 202. For example, the opaque region may be an outer annular portion.

In this example, the apparatus 100 includes four LEDs 214, and each LED 214 is located between adjacent opaque regions 230 such that light from the LED is divided into 4 quadrants. In other words, the LED 214 may be disposed below the transparent or translucent region. By splitting the light into different regions, different indications may be provided to the user. For example, the number of illuminated quarters may specify certain events to the user.

In some examples, the areas between the plurality of opaque regions 230 are openings and, thus, do not include translucent or transparent material.

A sealing member 212, such as a gasket, is disposed between the light shaping member 210 and the LED 214. The outer diameter of the sealing member 212 is larger than the outer diameter of the outer member 202 and the outer diameter of the light shaping member 210. In the example shown, the sealing member 210 includes an annular recess 234 that can receive an annular protrusion formed on the inner surface of the light shaping member 210. The annular recess 234 helps to secure the light shaping member 210. In some examples, the annular protrusion is omitted. Additionally or alternatively, the annular recess 234 may also collect liquid or dust that may enter through the opening 206 of the housing. In some examples, the light shaping member 210 has a dome-shaped profile 236 to help direct liquid and dust into the annular recess 234.

In some examples, the sealing member 210 abuts an inner surface of the housing 102 to prevent liquids and dust from entering the device 100.

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.