Patent Description:
Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds 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.

<CIT> describes an inductive heating arrangement for use with a device for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of said smokable material.

<CIT> describes a heat-not-burn device with high energy utilization rate, which comprises: an outer casing on which air inlet holes are arranged; an induction coil, an inner heat insulation layer and an induction inner casing are arranged in the outer casing.

<CIT> Al describes a capsule for an electronic vapour inhaler comprising a shell containing a flavour-release medium and one or more induction heatable elements disposed inside the shell.

<CIT> describes an electromagnetic induction heating-not-burning device based on a core-outlet type.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein the support defines an axis and is configured to engage an end of the heater component to hold the heater component substantially parallel to the axis at a predetermined distance from a coil, and wherein the support defines a channel to receive a wire of a temperature sensor, the channel defining an opening into a space between the heater component and the coil, wherein the channel is open along its length.

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

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

Further, optional, features are recited in each of the dependent claims.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" includes materials that provide volatilised components upon heating, typically in the form of an aerosol. Aerosol generating material includes any tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol generating material may also be known as "smokable material".

Apparatus is known that heats 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", an "aerosol provision device", a "heat-not-burn device", a "tobacco heating product device" or a "tobacco heating device" or similar. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporise an aerosol generating material in the form of a liquid, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of or be provided as part of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like which can be inserted into the apparatus. A heater for heating and volatilising the aerosol generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the apparatus.

An aerosol provision device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol provision device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.

A first aspect of the present disclosure defines a support for a heater component (such as a susceptor) of an aerosol provision device. As will be discussed in more detail herein, a susceptor is an electrically conducting object, which is heated via electromagnetic induction. An article comprising aerosol generating material can be received within the heater component. Once heated, the heater component transfers heat to the aerosol generating material, which releases the aerosol. In some cases, the device can monitor the temperature of the heater component in one or more locations, as it is being heated. This may be useful because the aerosol generating material may need to be heated to a specific temperature. For example, if the temperature of the heater component is too high, the aerosol generating material may overheat, which can impact the taste/flavour of the aerosol. If the temperature of the heater component is too low, the volume of aerosol generated may be too low. Accordingly, it may be useful to control and monitor the temperature of the heater component during heating.

To monitor the temperature of the heater component, one or more temperature sensors may be in contact with, or positioned near, the heater component. The temperature sensor may be a thermocouple, for example. One or more wires may connect the temperature sensor to other electronic circuitry within the aerosol provision device, and the wires must therefore be routed from the heater component, to another location within the device.

As mentioned, the heater component may be a susceptor, and the heater component may be heated by a coil (such as an inductor coil). An inductor coil is configured to generate a varying magnetic field. A susceptor is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field.

In an example aerosol provision device, the heater component may be surrounded by one or more components, such as an insulating member which can be arranged coaxially with the heater component. The insulating member can help insulate other components of the device from the heat generated by the heater component. The insulating member may also support one or more coils which are positioned around, and spaced apart from, the heater component.

In some conventional aerosol provision devices, the wires from the temperature sensors are routed through a surface of the insulating member. For example, one or more through holes may be formed through the insulating member, and the wires passed through the through hole. However, it has been found that the through hole can weaken the structural integrity of the insulating member. Thus, the insulating member is more prone to damage. In addition, depending upon the size and location of the through hole, the hole can also reduce the insulative effect provided by the insulating member. Thus, heat can escape from the space between the heater component and the insulating member.

The present invention relates to a support which defines a channel through which the wire of a temperature sensor can pass. The support is an element which holds the heater component in place within the device. The channel formed in the support defines an opening into a space between the heater component and coil/insulating member. This means that the wire does not need to be routed through the insulating member so that its structural integrity is not compromised. One or more wires may be routed through the channel.

The support, also known as a "cleanout tube", defines an axis and is configured to engage an end of the heater component to hold the heater component substantially parallel to the axis at a predetermined distance from a coil. The support therefore holds the heater component in place within the device, relative to the coil. The wire can therefore be routed along the heater component (generally in the direction of the axis), and through the channel so that it can extend out of the space between the heater component and the coil.

The channel may extend substantially parallel to the axis. In other words, the channel is formed through a portion of the support in a direction that is substantially parallel to the axis. The wire, once received in the channel, therefore extends in a direction substantially parallel to the axis. This construction can be easier to manufacture, and also minimises length of wire used because it defines the shortest route into the space between the heater component and the coil/insulating member. In other examples the channel may not be parallel to the axis.

The channel is open along its length. In other words, the channel may be open around its perimeter. In contrast, in examples that fall outside the scope of the claims, a channel that is closed around its perimeter would be a through hole formed through a portion of the support. A channel which is open along its length can be easily manufactured and may allow the device to be assembled quicker. For example, the wire can be slotted into the channel, rather than requiring the wire to be threaded through a hole.

The channel can have a depth which is measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The channel may therefore define a notch formed in a portion of the support. The channel may have a depth of less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>. Preferably, the channel has a depth of less than about <NUM>, such as about <NUM>. If the channel is too deep, then heat may more easily escape from the space between the heater component and coil. If the channel is too shallow, then the wire may need to be angled with respect to the axis and heater component, which may bend or break the wire. The above dimensions provide a good balance between these considerations.

The channel can have a width which is measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis and the depth. The channel may have a width of less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>. Preferably, the channel has a width of about <NUM>. If the channel is too wide, then heat may more easily escape from the space between the heater component and coil.

The support may comprise a first portion, and the channel may be formed through the first portion. The first portion may have a first cross section, and may be arranged generally perpendicular to the axis. The first portion may be substantially circular in cross section, although other cross-sectional shapes are possible. The first portion may have a perimeter which extends around the axis. The first portion may have a first depth, measured in a direction parallel to the axis. The channel therefore has a length equal to the first depth if the channel is formed parallel to the axis, or has a length greater than the first depth if the channel is not parallel to the axis.

In some examples, the channel is a notch at an outer perimeter of the first portion. In other examples that fall outside the scope of the claims however, the channel is closed around its perimeter such that a through hole is formed through the first portion. The inner diameter of the though hole can be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the wire, which thereby reduces heat loss from the heater component.

The insulating member may surround the heater component and abut at least part of the first portion of the support, such that the insulating member is positioned at a predetermined radial distance outward/away from the heater component. The first portion may therefore be arranged inside the insulating member. The first portion can therefore act as "plug" to at least partially seal/enclose the space between the insulating member and the heater component. The first portion can therefore reduce heat loss.

The support may comprise a second portion spaced apart from the first portion in a direction parallel to the axis, and a second channel may be formed through the second portion to receive the wire. The "channel" formed in the first portion may therefore be known as a "first channel". The second portion may have substantially the same shape and/or dimensions as the first portion. The wire therefore passes through the first channel formed in the first portion, and passes through the second channel formed in the second portion. The second portion provides a second "barrier" to help enclose/seal/insulate the space between the heater component and the induction coil/insulating member.

In some examples the second portion may not comprise a channel. Instead, the wire may be routed around the second portion.

The support (or aerosol provision device) may further comprise a resilient member arranged between the first and second portions. The resilient member can therefore be retained in position along the axis by the first and second portions. In other words, the resilient member cannot move along the axis beyond the first and second portions. The resilient member may be an O-ring, for example. The resilient member therefore surrounds the support and helps enclose/seal/insulate the space between the heater component and induction coil/insulating member. In examples where the insulating member is present, the resilient member may abut the inner surface of the insulating member.

In some examples, the resilient member encloses/encircles the wire. In other words, the resilient member extends around the wire. Thus, in examples where the resilient member is an O-ring, the wire passes inside the "O". This arrangement can help keep the wires taught so that they are less likely to be damaged, and/or can hold the wires in the channel. Holding the wires in the channel can help stop the temperature sensor from being pulled away from the surface of the heater component.

In another example, the wire passes through an aperture/hole formed in the resilient member. This arrangement means that the resilient member (such as an O-ring) can function better to create a seal. For example, the inner surface of the O-ring can better conform to the support without the wire running between the O-ring and support. The resilient member may be an O-ring, and the wire extends through an aperture formed in the O-ring such that the (total) outer circumference of wire abuts the O-ring.

In some examples, the second portion may be omitted. In such an example, the resilient member be longitudinally spaced from the channel. In other words, the second portion is not necessarily needed to hold the resilient member in place. The O-ring may be held in place by friction; for example, the O-ring may grip the support as it encircles the support.

The support may comprise an end portion, where the end portion is configured to abut an end of an insulating member which surrounds the heater component. The end portion therefore holds the insulating member in place, and may help enclose/seal the space between the heater component and induction coil/insulating member.

The support may comprise at least two channels (each formed in the first portion). Each channel may receive a single wire. In other examples, two or more wires may be introduced into the, or each, channel. In a specific example there are four channels, each channel configured to receive a single wire. In one example, the device comprises two temperature sensors, each temperature sensor comprising two wires, and each wire is received in a separate channel.

Having a separate channel for each wire helps electrically insulate each wire from adjacent wires. A separate channel for each wire can also reduce heat loss from the heater component.

As mentioned, the second aspect of the present disclosure defines an aerosol provision device comprising a support as described above. The device further comprises a heater component engaged with the support at one end, and a coil extending around the heater component, where the coil is configured to heat the heater component (via a magnetic field, for example). The device further comprises a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater component, where the temperature sensor is positioned in a space between the coil and the heater component. The device further comprises a wire positioned in the channel of the support and connected to the temperature sensor.

The device may define a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of the support. The device may define a proximal end, and a distal end. In use, the proximal end of the device may be held closer to a user's mouth than the distal end. In use, aerosol may be drawn towards the proximal end of the device. In an example, the support engages the distal end of the heater component.

The device may further comprise an insulating member. The support may comprise a first portion, where the channel is formed through the first portion. The insulating member may surround the heater component and abut at least part of the first portion of the support, thereby to position the insulating member at a predetermined radial distance outward from the heater component. Thus, the insulating member surrounds the first portion of the support. In other words, the insulating member is arranged between the heater component and the coil, and is spaced apart from the axis by a first distance. A perimeter of the first portion is spaced apart from the axis by a second distance. The first distance may be substantially equal to the second distance. Thus, the first distance may be slightly greater than the second distance, so that the first portion may fit inside the hollow insulating member. The perimeter of the first portion may abut the inner surface of the insulating member. In examples where a resilient member is present, the outer edge of the resilient member may be spaced apart from the axis by a third distance, the third distance being substantially equal to the first distance. Thus, the resilient member may abut the inner surface of the insulating member.

In some examples, the device comprises a first coil and a second coil. The first coil may be used to heat a first portion of the heater component, and the second coil may be used to heat a second portion of the heater component. In an example, the device comprises a first temperature sensor arranged to sense a temperature of the first portion of the heater component, and a second temperature sensor arranged to sense a temperature of the second portion of the heater component. Each temperature sensor may be associated with two wires, and the support may define four channels, where each channel receives a wire.

Accordingly, the device may comprise a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater component, wherein the second temperature sensor is positioned in the space between the coil and the heater component and a second wire is connected to the second temperature sensor, wherein the support defines a second channel to receive the second wire.

In some examples the temperature sensor is in contact with the heater component. This allows for a more accurate reading of the heater component temperature.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to the positioning of a heater component in relation to first and second supports. The first and second supports engage opposite ends of the heater component and hold the heater component in place within the aerosol provision device. One or more coils are positioned away from the heater component by a predetermined distance. In some arrangements, the one or more coils extend around the heater component. The heater component may be known as a susceptor, in some examples.

The first and second supports (also known as heater component mounts, or susceptor mounts) ensure that the heater component is adequately positioned in relation to the one or more coils. By keeping the distance between the heater component and coil constant over time, the heater component can be heated effectively each time the device is used. Furthermore, because the first and second supports are not integral with the heater component, heat is transferred to the first and second supports at a slower rate. This can help insulate other components of the device from the heated heater component. In other examples, however, the first and second supports are integral with the heater component. For example, they may be moulded together. While this may increase the rate at which heat conducts away from the heater component, it can more robustly hold the heater component in place.

The first and second supports may be thermally insulating. As mentioned above, this reduces the rate of heat flow through the first and second supports, to other components of the device. In one particular example, the first and second supports have thermal conductivity of less than about <NUM>. It has been found that when the first and second supports have thermal conductivities below this value, an adequate insulating effect can be achieved. The first and second supports may have the same, or different thermal conductivities. In a further example, the first and second supports have a thermal conductivity of less than about <NUM>. 35W/mK, such as about <NUM>.

The first and second supports may comprise a plastics material. For example, they may be entirely, or partially made from one or more plastics materials. Preferably the portion of the support which engages the heater component comprises the plastics material. Plastics are good thermal insulators, are relatively inexpensive, are lightweight, and can easily be moulded into the required shape to engage the heater component. In one example the plastics material comprises polyether ether ketone (PEEK). PEEK is a particularly suitable material for the first and second supports because it has a thermal conductivity of about <NUM>. 32W/mK, a melting point of about <NUM> and is not electrically conductive, so will not generate heat as a result of the coils. In one example, the PEEK is Victrex® PEEK <NUM>.

In some examples, the first and second supports have a melting point of greater than about <NUM>. Preferably, the first and second supports have a melting point of greater than about <NUM>. In some examples, in use, the one or more coils are configured to heat the heater component to a temperature of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. Thus, by having first and second supports with a melting point temperature that is above the temperature of the heated heater component, the first and second supports are less likely to soften and lose their structural integrity due to melting.

In use, the at least one coil may be configured to heat the heater component to a first temperature and the first and second supports have a melting point of a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is greater than the first temperature by at least about <NUM>. This ensures that the first and second supports remain structurally stable, and do not begin to weaken as the temperature of heater component increases. For example, in some arrangements, the first temperature is <NUM> and the second temperature is <NUM>. In another example, the first temperature is <NUM> and the second temperature is <NUM>. In some devices the coils may operate in two modes. In a first mode the heater is heated to a lower temperature than in a second mode.

In some examples, the aerosol provision device further comprises an insulating member extending around the heater component, wherein the insulating member is positioned away from the heater component to provide an air gap around the heater component. The insulating member may be positioned between the at least one coil and the heater component such that the at least one coil extends around the insulating member. In certain arrangements the coil may be in contact with the insulating member. However, in other examples a further air gap may be provided between the insulating member and the coil. Such an arrangement provides a device with improved insulation. The specific order of the air gap and the insulating member provides improved insulation from the heated heater component. The air gap helps insulate the insulating member from the heat. In addition, the first and second supports, the air gap and the insulating member help insulate other components of the device from the heat. For example, the supports, air gap and insulating member reduce any heating of the coil, electronics, and/or battery by the heater component.

As mentioned above, the insulating member is positioned away from the receptacle/heater component to provide an air gap. For example, the inner surface of the insulating member is spaced apart from the outer surface of the heater component. This means that an air gap surrounds the outer surface of the heater component, and the heater component is not in contact with the insulating member in this region. Any contact could provide a thermal bridge along which heat could flow.

In a particular arrangement the heater component is elongate and defines an axis, such as a longitudinal axis. The insulating member extends around the heater component and the axis in an azimuthal direction. The insulating member is therefore positioned radially outward from the heater component, for example the insulating member may be coaxial with the heater component. This radial direction is defined as being perpendicular to the axis of the heater component. Similarly, the coil extends around the insulating member and is positioned radially outwards from both the heater component and the insulating member. The coil may be coaxial with the insulating member and the heater component.

The insulating member is thermally insulating. For example, it may comprise a plastics material and may have low thermal conductivity such as a thermal conductivity of less than about <NUM>. In one example the plastics material is PEEK, and may therefore be made from the same material as the first and second supports.

The insulating member may abut at least one of the first support and the second support such that the insulating member is held substantially parallel to the axis. For example, the insulating member may extend between the first and second supports such that a first end of the insulating member abuts the first support and a second end of the insulating member abuts the second support. The first and second supports may therefore also support the insulating member as well as the heater component, which reduces the number of components in the device.

The first support may comprise a first resilient member and the resilient member may abut an inner surface of the insulating member. The insulating member may therefore extend around a portion of the first support which comprises the first resilient member. The resilient member may be an O-ring, for example. The resilient member may extend around an outer surface of the first support. When the resilient member abuts the inner surface of the insulating member it can help seal the space between the heater component and insulating member to better insulate the heater component from other components of the device. In some examples the resilient member may not abut the inner surface of the insulating member, but may nevertheless provide improved insulation when compared to an arrangement without a resilient member.

The first support may comprise a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion in a direction parallel to the axis, and wherein the resilient member is arranged between the first and second portions. The resilient member can therefore be retained in position along the axis by the first and second portions. In other words, the resilient member cannot move along the axis beyond the first and second portions.

The second support may comprise a second resilient member and the second resilient member may abut the inner surface of the insulating member, such that the first and second resilient members seal the air gap. The insulating member may therefore extend around a portion of the second support which comprises the second resilient member. The second resilient member may be an O-ring, for example. The second resilient member may extend around an outer surface of the second support. When the second resilient member abuts the inner surface of the insulating member it can help seal the space between the heater component and insulating member to better insulate the heater component from other components of the device. In some examples the second resilient member may not abut the inner surface of the insulating member, but may nevertheless provide improved insulation when compared to an arrangement without a second resilient member.

In some examples, the second support comprises a recess within which the second resilient member is received/located. By having a recess, rather than first and second portions like the first support, the main body of the second support can be made wider, thereby allowing the second support to function as an expansion chamber. A wider expansion chamber allows the hot aerosol to expand in volume, and thereby cool to a more comfortable temperature. For at least the same purpose, in some examples the second resilient member may have a width that is smaller than a width of the first resilient member.

Alternatively, the second support may comprise a third portion and a fourth portion spaced apart from the third portion in a direction parallel to the axis, and wherein the second resilient member is arranged between the third and fourth portions.

The resilient members may comprise silicone, such as silicone rubber. Silicone rubber is heat resistant and has good mechanical properties which remain unchanged in a wide range of temperatures. Silicone rubber is also safe for use in aerosol provision devices. In one example, the silicone rubber is Elastosil™ from Wacker Chemie AG.

The resilient members may be thermally insulating. For example, they may have a thermal conductivity of less than about <NUM>. This slows the transfer of heat between the supports and other components of the device.

The first and second resilient members may have a first thermal conductivity and the first and second supports may have a second thermal conductivity, and wherein the first thermal conductivity is less than the second thermal conductivity. Thus, each of the first and second resilient members may have a thermal conductivity that is less than the thermal conductivities of the first and second supports. This specific arrangement reduces the rate at which heat flows from the heater component, through the first and second supports, and through the first and second resilient members to the insulating member. This helps insulate the insulating member. In a particular example the first thermal conductivity is less than about <NUM>. 3W/mK and the second thermal conductivity is less than about <NUM>. For example, silicone rubber can have a thermal conductivity of between about <NUM>. 2W/mK and about <NUM>. 25W/mK and PEEK can have a thermal conductivity of about <NUM>. Although the first and second resilient members may have a thermal conductivity that is less than the thermal conductivity of the first and second supports, they may each have different thermal conductivities. Similarly, the first and second supports may each have different thermal conductivities.

It is desirable to reduce the surface area of the insulating member that is in contact with the first and second resilient members to reduce/slow the flow of heat. Similarly, it is desirable to reduce the surface area of the heater component that is in contact with the first and second supports to reduce/slow the flow of heat. In one example, less than <NUM>% of the surface area of the heater component is in contact with each support. Preferably, less than <NUM>% of the surface area of the heater component is in contact with each support. More preferably, less than <NUM>% of the surface area of the heater component is in contact with each support. In some examples, more than <NUM>% of the surface area of the heater component is in contact with each support. This can provide sufficient engagement to hold the heater component in place.

In some examples, instead of having either or both of the resilient members, the insulating member can be moulded to the first and/or second supports to help seal the space between the heater component and the insulating member. While this may increase the flow of heat, it can provide a better seal.

The first support may comprise an engagement region comprising two or more protrusions which extend along the heater component in a direction parallel to the axis. Each of the protrusions may be spaced apart around the outer surface of the heater component and be separated by a gap. The protrusions allow the first support to flex outwards as the heater component is inserted into, and engages with, the engagement region. This makes it easier for the device to be assembled, and reduces the likelihood of damaging the heater component.

The second support may also comprise a second engagement region comprising two or more protrusions which extend along the heater component in a direction parallel to the axis.

Preferably the engagement region(s) comprise three or four protrusions to provide greater support.

In some examples, the heater component comprises an inductively heatable portion and a non-inductively heated portion. The inductively heatable portion heats the article. One or more non-inductively heated portions can connect the heater component to the device, and so preferably are good heat insulators. The non-inductively heated portion can also provide rigidity for receiving an article. The one or more non-inductively heated portions may be arranged at ends of the heater component.

In a specific example, the heater component comprises an inductively heatable portion and a first non-inductively heated portion arranged at a first end of the heater component, and a second non-inductively heated portion arranged at a second end of the heater component. The first support can engage the first non-inductively heated portion and the second support can engage the second non-inductively heated portion. By engaging non-inductively heated portions, the heater component can be better supported and the first and second supports can be better insulated from the inductively heatable portion.

In another aspect, there is provided a first support for supporting a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein the first support defines an axis and is configured to engage a first end of the heater component to hold the heater component substantially parallel to the axis at a predetermined distance from at least one coil. The first support may have any or all of the features described above in relation to the aerosol provision device.

In another aspect, there is provided a second support for supporting a heater component of an aerosol provision device, wherein the second support is configured to engage a second end of the heater component to hold the heater component substantially parallel to an axis at a predetermined distance from at least one coil. The second support may have any or all of the features described above in relation to the aerosol provision device.

In some examples, the device may only comprise one of the first and second supports. For example, in one aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device, comprising a heater component configured to heat aerosol generating material, a support, wherein the support defines an axis and is configured to engage a first end of the heater component, and at least one coil configured to heat the heater component. The support holds the heater component substantially parallel to the axis at a predetermined distance from the at least one coil. In such an example, less than <NUM>% of the surface area of the heater component may be in contact with the support. Preferably, less than <NUM>% of the surface area of the heater component is in contact with the support. More preferably, less than <NUM>% of the surface area of the heater component is in contact with the support. In some examples, more than <NUM>% of the surface area of the heater component is in contact with the support. This can provide sufficient engagement to hold the heater component in place.

The heater component may be hollow and/or substantially tubular to allow the aerosol generating material to be received within the heater component, such that the heater component surrounds the aerosol generating material. The insulating member may be hollow and/or substantially tubular so that the heater component can be positioned within the insulating member.

The coil may be substantially helical. For example, the coil may be formed from wire, such as Litz wire, which is wound helically around the insulating member. In another example, the coil may not extend around the heater component, but instead may be arranged differently but nevertheless heat the heater component.

The coil may be positioned away from an outer surface of the heater component by a distance of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. Accordingly, the inner surface of the coil and the outer surface of the heater component may be spaced apart by this distance. The distance may be a radial distance. It has been found that distances within this range represent a good balance between the heater component being radially close to the coil to allow efficient heating of the heater component and being radially distant for improved insulation of the coil (and insulating member, if present).

In another example, the coil may be positioned away from the outer surface of the heater component by a distance of greater than about <NUM>.

In another example, the coil may be positioned away from an outer surface of the heater component by a distance of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In a further example, the coil may be positioned away from an outer surface of the heater component by a distance of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, for example preferably by about <NUM>. In another example, the coil may be positioned away from an outer surface of the heater component by a distance greater than about <NUM>. In a further example the coil may be positioned away from an outer surface of the heater component by a distance of less than about <NUM>, or by less than about <NUM>. It has been found that these distances provide a balance between the heater component being radially close to the coil to allow efficient heating and being radially distant for improved insulation of the coil and insulating member.

Reference to an "outer surface" of an entity means the surface positioned furthest away from the axis of the heater component, in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Similarly, reference to an "inner surface" of an entity means the surface positioned closest to the axis of the heater component, in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

The insulating member may have a thickness of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. For example, the insulating member may have a thickness of less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>, or may have a thickness of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or preferably has a thickness of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, such as about <NUM>. It has been found that these thicknesses represent a good balance between reducing heating of the insulating member and coil (by making the insulating member thinner to increase the air gap size), and increasing the robustness of the insulating member (by making it thicker).

The heater component may have a thickness between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. For example, the heater component may have a thickness of greater than about <NUM>, or greater than about <NUM>, or greater than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>, or less than about <NUM>. It has been found that these thicknesses provide a good balance between fast heating of the heater component (as it is made thinner), and ensuring that the heater component is robust (as it is made thicker).

In an example, the heater component has a thickness of about <NUM>. This provides a balance between fast and effective heating, and robustness. Such a heater component may be easier to manufacture and assemble as part of an aerosol provision device than other heater components with thinner dimensions.

Reference to the "thickness" of an entity means the average distance between the inner surface of the entity and the outer surface of the entity. Thickness may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the heater component.

In a particular arrangement of the aerosol provision device, the coil is positioned away from an outer surface of the heater component by a distance of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, the insulating member has a thickness of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, and the heater component has a thickness of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. Such an aerosol provision device allows quick heating of the heater component and effective insulative properties.

In another particular arrangement, the coil may be positioned away from an outer surface of the heater component by a distance of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, the insulating member has a thickness of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, and the heater component has a thickness of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. Such an aerosol provision device allows improved heating of the heater component and improved insulative properties.

In a further particular arrangement, the coil is positioned away from an outer surface of the heater component by a distance of about <NUM>, the insulating member has a thickness of about <NUM>, and the heater component has a thickness of about <NUM>. Such an aerosol provision device allows efficient heating of the heater component and good insulative properties.

The coil, the heater component and the insulating member may be coaxial. This arrangement ensures that the heater component is heated effectively, and ensures that the air gap and insulating member provide effective insulation.

The inner surface of the coil may be in contact with an outer surface of the insulating member. Thus, the insulating member can support the coil without the need for other components. In other examples however there may be a further air gap present between the inner surface of the coil and the outer surface of the insulating member. The distance between the inner surface of the coil and the outer surface of the insulating member may be less than about <NUM>, for example it may be about <NUM>.

The insulating member may have a melting point of greater than about <NUM>, such as greater than about <NUM>, or greater than about <NUM>. PEEK has a melting point of <NUM>. Insulating members with such melting points ensure that the insulating member remains rigid/solid when the heater component is heated.

Preferably, the device is a tobacco heating device, also known as a heat-not-burn device.

As briefly mentioned above, in some examples, the coil(s) is/are configured to, in use, cause heating of at least one electrically-conductive heating component/element (also known as a heater component/element), so that heat energy is conductible from the at least one electrically-conductive heating component to aerosol generating material to thereby cause heating of the aerosol generating material.

In some examples, the coil(s) is/are configured to generate, in use, a varying magnetic field for penetrating at least one heating component/element, to thereby cause induction heating and/or magnetic hysteresis heating of the at least one heating component. In such an arrangement, the or each heating component may be termed a "susceptor". A coil that is configured to generate, in use, a varying magnetic field for penetrating at least one electrically-conductive heating component, to thereby cause induction heating of the at least one electrically-conductive heating component, may be termed an "induction coil" or "inductor coil".

The device may include the heating component(s), for example electrically-conductive heating component(s), and the heating component(s) may be suitably located or locatable relative to the coil(s) to enable such heating of the heating component(s). The heating component(s) may be in a fixed position relative to the coil(s). Alternatively, both the device and an article/consumable may comprise at least one respective heating component, for example at least one electrically-conductive heating component, and the coil(s) may be to cause heating of the heating component(s) of each of the device and the article when the article is in the heating zone.

In some examples, the coil(s) is/are helical. In some examples, the coil(s) encircles at least a part of a heating zone of the device that is configured to receive aerosol generating material. In some examples, the coil(s) is/are helical coil(s) that encircles at least a part of the heating zone. The heating zone may be a receptacle, shaped to receive the aerosol generating material.

In some examples, the device comprises an electrically-conductive heating component that at least partially surrounds the heating zone, and the coil(s) is/are helical coil(s) that encircles at least a part of the electrically-conductive heating component. In some examples, the electrically-conductive heating component is tubular. In some examples, the coil is an inductor coil.

<FIG> shows an example of an aerosol provision device <NUM> for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating medium/material. In broad outline, the device <NUM> may be used to heat a replaceable article <NUM> comprising the aerosol generating medium, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device <NUM>.

The device <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> (in the form of an outer cover) which surrounds and houses various components of the device <NUM>. The device <NUM> has an opening <NUM> in one end, through which the article <NUM> may be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. In use, the article <NUM> may be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly where it may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

The device <NUM> of this example comprises a first end member <NUM> which comprises a lid <NUM> which is moveable relative to the first end member <NUM> to close the opening <NUM> when no article <NUM> is in place. In <FIG>, the lid <NUM> is shown in an open configuration, however the cap <NUM> may move into a closed configuration. For example, a user may cause the lid <NUM> to slide in the direction of arrow "A".

The device <NUM> may also include a user-operable control element <NUM>, such as a button or switch, which operates the device <NUM> when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device <NUM> by operating the switch <NUM>.

The device <NUM> may also comprise an electrical component, such as a socket/port <NUM>, which can receive a cable to charge a battery of the device <NUM>. For example, the socket <NUM> may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

<FIG> depicts the device <NUM> of <FIG> with the outer cover <NUM> removed and without an article <NUM> present. The device <NUM> defines a longitudinal axis <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first end member <NUM> is arranged at one end of the device <NUM> and a second end member <NUM> is arranged at an opposite end of the device <NUM>. The first and second end members <NUM>, <NUM> together at least partially define end surfaces of the device <NUM>. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member <NUM> at least partially defines a bottom surface of the device <NUM>. Edges of the outer cover <NUM> may also define a portion of the end surfaces. In this example, the lid <NUM> also defines a portion of a top surface of the device <NUM>.

The end of the device closest to the opening <NUM> may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) of the device <NUM> because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article <NUM> into the opening <NUM>, operates the user control <NUM> to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device <NUM> along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device <NUM>.

The other end of the device furthest away from the opening <NUM> may be known as the distal end of the device <NUM> because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of the device <NUM>.

The device <NUM> further comprises a power source <NUM>. The power source <NUM> may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the heating assembly to supply electrical power when required and under control of a controller (not shown) to heat the aerosol generating material. In this example, the battery is connected to a central support <NUM> which holds the battery <NUM> in place.

The device further comprises at least one electronics module <NUM>. The electronics module <NUM> may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB <NUM> may support at least one controller, such as a processor, and memory. The PCB <NUM> may also comprise one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect together various electronic components of the device <NUM>. For example, the battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> so that power can be distributed throughout the device <NUM>. The socket <NUM> may also be electrically coupled to the battery via the electrical tracks.

In the example device <NUM>, the heating assembly is an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article <NUM> via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

The induction heating assembly of the example device <NUM> comprises a susceptor arrangement <NUM> (herein referred to as "a susceptor"), a first inductor coil <NUM> and a second inductor coil <NUM>. The first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are made from an electrically conducting material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are made from Litz wire/cable which is wound in a helical fashion to provide helical inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>. Litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires which are individually insulated and are twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wires are designed to reduce the skin effect losses in a conductor. In the example device <NUM>, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are made from copper Litz wire which has a rectangular cross section. In other examples the Litz wire can have other shape cross sections, such as circular.

The first inductor coil <NUM> is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor <NUM> and the second inductor coil <NUM> is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor <NUM>. In this example, the first inductor coil <NUM> is adjacent to the second inductor coil <NUM> in a direction along the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the device <NUM> (that is, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> to not overlap). The susceptor arrangement <NUM> may comprise a single susceptor, or two or more separate susceptors. Ends <NUM> of the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> can be connected to the PCB <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>, in some examples, may have at least one characteristic different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil <NUM> may have at least one characteristic different from the second inductor coil <NUM>. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil <NUM> may have a different value of inductance than the second inductor coil <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are of different lengths such that the first inductor coil <NUM> is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor <NUM> than the second inductor coil <NUM>. Thus, the first inductor coil <NUM> may comprise a different number of turns than the second inductor coil <NUM> (assuming that the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil <NUM> may be made from a different material to the second inductor coil <NUM>. In some examples, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially identical.

In this example, the first inductor coil <NUM> and the second inductor coil <NUM> are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, initially, the first inductor coil <NUM> may be operating to heat a first section of the article <NUM>, and at a later time, the second inductor coil <NUM> may be operating to heat a second section of the article <NUM>. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used in conjunction with a particular type of control circuit. In <FIG>, the first inductor coil <NUM> is a right-hand helix and the second inductor coil <NUM> is a left-hand helix. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil <NUM> may be a left-hand helix and the second inductor coil <NUM> may be a right-hand helix.

The susceptor <NUM> of this example is hollow and therefore defines a receptacle within which aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article <NUM> can be inserted into the susceptor <NUM>. In this example the susceptor <NUM> is tubular, with a circular cross section.

The device <NUM> of <FIG> further comprises an insulating member <NUM> which may be generally tubular and at least partially surround the susceptor <NUM>. The insulating member <NUM> may be constructed from any insulating material, such as plastic for example. In this particular example, the insulating member is constructed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The insulating member <NUM> may help insulate the various components of the device <NUM> from the heat generated in the susceptor <NUM>.

The insulating member <NUM> can also fully or partially support the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned around the insulating member <NUM> and are in contact with a radially outward surface of the insulating member <NUM>. In some examples the insulating member <NUM> does not abut the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, a small gap may be present between the outer surface of the insulating member <NUM> and the inner surface of the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>.

In a specific example, the susceptor <NUM>, the insulating member <NUM>, and the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are coaxial around a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a side view of device <NUM> in partial cross-section. The outer cover <NUM> is present in this example. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> is more clearly visible.

The device <NUM> further comprises a support <NUM> which engages one end of the susceptor <NUM> to hold the susceptor <NUM> in place. The support <NUM> is connected to the second end member <NUM>.

The device may also comprise a second printed circuit board <NUM> associated within the control element <NUM>.

The device <NUM> further comprises a second lid/cap <NUM> and a spring <NUM>, arranged towards the distal end of the device <NUM>. The spring <NUM> allows the second lid <NUM> to be opened, to provide access to the susceptor <NUM>. A user may open the second lid <NUM> to clean the susceptor <NUM> and/or the support <NUM>.

The device <NUM> further comprises an expansion chamber <NUM> which extends away from a proximal end of the susceptor <NUM> towards the opening <NUM> of the device. Located at least partially within the expansion chamber <NUM> is a retention clip <NUM> to abut and hold the article <NUM> when received within the device <NUM>. The expansion chamber <NUM> is connected to the end member <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the device <NUM> of <FIG>, with the outer cover <NUM> omitted.

<FIG> depicts a cross section of a portion of the device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> depicts a close-up of a region of <FIG> show the article <NUM> received within the susceptor <NUM>, where the article <NUM> is dimensioned so that the outer surface of the article <NUM> abuts the inner surface of the susceptor <NUM>. This ensures that the heating is most efficient. The article <NUM> of this example comprises aerosol generating material 110a. The aerosol generating material 110a is positioned within the susceptor <NUM>. The article <NUM> may also comprise other components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/or a cooling structure.

<FIG> shows a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the hollow, tubular susceptor <NUM>. The inner and outer surfaces of the susceptor <NUM> extend around the axis <NUM> in an azimuthal direction. Surrounding the susceptor <NUM> may be the hollow, tubular insulating member <NUM>. An inner surface of the insulating member <NUM> is positioned away from the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM> to provide an air gap between the insulating member <NUM> and the susceptor <NUM>. The air gap provides insulation from the heat generated in the susceptor <NUM>. Surrounding the insulating member <NUM> are the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be appreciated that in some examples just one inductor coil may surround the insulating member <NUM>. The inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> are helically wrapped around the insulating member, and extend along the axis <NUM>. <FIG> shows that the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM> is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> by a distance <NUM>, measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the susceptor <NUM>. In one particular example, the distance <NUM> is about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM>-<NUM>, or about <NUM>. The outer surface of the susceptor <NUM> is the surface that is furthest away from the axis <NUM>. The inner surface of the susceptor <NUM> is the surface that is closest to the axis <NUM>. The inner surface of the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> is the surface that is closest to the axis <NUM>. The outer surface of the insulating member <NUM> is the surface that is furthest away from the axis <NUM>.

To achieve the relative spacing <NUM> between the susceptor <NUM> and the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM>, the susceptor <NUM> can be held in place by one or more components of the device <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the susceptor <NUM> is held in place at one end by a first support <NUM>, and at the other end by a second support <NUM> (which may also function as an expansion chamber). The insulating member <NUM> may also be held in place by the first and second supports <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> further shows that the outer surface of the insulating member <NUM> is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> by a distance <NUM>, measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the susceptor <NUM>. In one particular example, the distance <NUM> is about <NUM>. In another example, the distance <NUM> is substantially <NUM>, such that the inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> abut and touch the insulating member <NUM>.

In one example, the susceptor <NUM> has a wall thickness <NUM> of about <NUM> to <NUM>. In this example, the susceptor <NUM> has a thickness <NUM> of about <NUM>. The thickness of the susceptor <NUM> is the average distance between the inner surface of the susceptor <NUM> and the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM>, measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis <NUM>.

In one example, the susceptor <NUM> has a length of about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>. In this particular example, the susceptor <NUM> has a length of about <NUM> and can receive an article <NUM> comprising aerosol generating material, where the aerosol generating material 110a has a length of about <NUM>. The length of the aerosol generating material and susceptor <NUM> is measured in a direction parallel to the axis <NUM>.

In an example, the insulating member <NUM> has a thickness <NUM> of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. In this particular example, the insulating member has a thickness <NUM> of about <NUM>. The thickness <NUM> of the insulating member <NUM> is the average distance between the inner surface of the insulating member <NUM> and the outer surface of the insulating member <NUM>, measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a close up of the support <NUM>, which was briefly described above in relation to <FIG>. The support <NUM> defines an axis <NUM> which is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The axis <NUM> may be the longitudinal axis of the support <NUM>, for example.

The support <NUM> comprises an engagement region <NUM> at one end, which receives and engages a distal end of the susceptor <NUM>. The distal end of the susceptor <NUM> is the end of the susceptor <NUM> that is arranged furthest away from a user's mouth when the device <NUM> is in use. In other examples, the support <NUM> may arranged to engage the other end of the susceptor <NUM>. In this example the susceptor <NUM> and engagement region <NUM> form an interference fit, however other attachment means may be used. The support <NUM> holds the susceptor parallel to the axis <NUM> at a predetermined distance from the one or more inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> which surround the susceptor (most clearly seen in <FIG>).

As mentioned above, the device <NUM> comprises a hollow insulating member <NUM> which surrounds the susceptor <NUM> and at least a portion of the support <NUM>. An inner surface of the insulating member <NUM> is arranged at a predetermined distance from the axis <NUM>. A space <NUM> (such as an air gap) is provided between the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM> and the inner surface of the insulating member <NUM>. The air gap <NUM>, and insulating member <NUM> act to insulate components of the device <NUM> from the heat generated in the susceptor <NUM>.

The device <NUM> may comprise one or more temperature sensors, which can be used to measure the temperature of the susceptor <NUM>. A temperature sensor may be affixed to the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM>, or may be arranged in proximity to the susceptor <NUM>. Each sensor may comprise one or more wires connected to the temperature sensor. <FIG> depicts a first wire <NUM> connected to a first temperature sensor (not visible in <FIG>). The wire <NUM> connects the temperature sensor to other components within the device, such as the PCB <NUM>. A controller, arranged on the PCB <NUM>, for example, can determine the temperature of the susceptor <NUM> based on signals received from the temperature sensor(s). The device <NUM> can be configured to control the one or more induction coils <NUM>, <NUM> based on the detected temperature. For example, an inductor coil may be turned off when the temperature of the susceptor <NUM> has reached a pre-determined threshold.

As shown in <FIG>, the wire <NUM> is arranged parallel to the axis <NUM>. However, in some examples the wire <NUM> may not be parallel to the axis <NUM>. For example, the wire may wind or bend as it passes through the space <NUM>.

To connect the temperature sensor to other components within the device <NUM>, the support <NUM> defines a channel <NUM> through which the wire <NUM> is routed. The presence of the channel <NUM> means that the wire <NUM> does not need to pass through a surface of the insulating member <NUM>.

In this example, the channel <NUM> is formed in a first portion <NUM> of the support <NUM>. Thus, the channel <NUM> extends through the first portion <NUM>. In this example, the first portion is generally disk-shaped, and so has a cross section that is generally circular in shape (most clearly seen in <FIG>). The first portion <NUM> is arranged substantially perpendicular to the axis <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> has a thickness/depth <NUM>, measured in a direction parallel to the axis <NUM>. The channel <NUM> extends through the first portion <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the axis <NUM>, and the channel <NUM> therefore has a length equal to the depth <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> has an outer perimeter, which may abut the inner surface of the insulating member <NUM> to help seal the space <NUM> between the susceptor <NUM> and the insulating member <NUM>. In some examples, a gap may be present between the outer perimeter of the first portion <NUM> and the inner surface of the insulating member <NUM>. The insulating member <NUM> surrounds the first portion <NUM> and the inner surface of the insulating member <NUM> is positioned at a predetermined radial distance <NUM> away from the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM>.

In this example, the support <NUM> further comprises a second portion <NUM>, which is spaced apart from the first portion <NUM> along the axis <NUM>. In other examples the second portion may be omitted. The second portion <NUM> may be similar to the first portion <NUM>. For example, the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> may have a similar cross-sectional shape and/or size, and/or a similar depth. In this example, the second portion <NUM> comprises a second channel <NUM>, through which the wire <NUM> is routed.

The support <NUM> further comprises a resilient member <NUM>, such as an O-ring, which is spaced from the channel <NUM> along the axis <NUM>. In this example, where the support <NUM> comprises a second portion <NUM>, the resilient member <NUM> is arranged between first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> is therefore held in place by the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The wire <NUM> passes underneath the resilient member <NUM>, and is held against a surface of the support <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> therefore holds the wire <NUM> within the channels <NUM>, <NUM>, and helps keep the wire <NUM> taught. The resilient member <NUM> may abut the inner surface of the insulating member <NUM> to help seal the space <NUM> between the susceptor <NUM> and the insulating member <NUM>.

In some examples, the second portion may not comprise a channel, and may have a cross sectional area which is smaller than that of the first portion. The wire may therefore be routed around the second portion rather than through a channel formed in the second portion. The second portion in such an example may serve to hold the resilient member in place.

In some examples, the support <NUM> further comprises an end portion <NUM> which abuts the distal end of the insulating member <NUM>. The end portion <NUM> supports and holds the insulating member <NUM> in place, while also helping further seal the space <NUM> between the susceptor <NUM> and the insulating member <NUM>. In other examples, the insulating member <NUM> may be supported by other means.

The end portion <NUM> is arranged adjacent to the end insulating member <NUM>, and is wider than the insulating member <NUM>. This means that the insulating member <NUM> does not surround the end portion <NUM> because the end portion <NUM> has a cross section which is greater than that of the insulating member <NUM>.

In some examples, the support <NUM> is hollow. Debris and/or liquid from the heated aerosol generating material may pass from the susceptor <NUM> and into the hollow cavity of the support <NUM>. As mentioned in relation to <FIG>, the device <NUM> may comprise a second lid <NUM> which can be opened to allow a user to clean the susceptor <NUM> and/or the support <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the support <NUM> in the vicinity of the channel <NUM>. As shown, the channel <NUM> is formed through the first portion <NUM>, and the wire <NUM> passes through the channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> has a depth 302a measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis <NUM>. The channels also have a width 302b measured in a direction perpendicular to the depth 302a. In this example, the depth 302a is about <NUM> and the width 302b is about <NUM>. The wire <NUM> is also surrounded by the resilient member <NUM>, and passes through a second channel <NUM> formed in the second portion <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> each comprise four channels, through which four wires <NUM>, 308a, 308b, 308c are routed. The first wire <NUM> and the second wire 308a may be connected to a first temperature sensor, and the third wire 308b and the fourth wire 308c may be connected to a second temperature sensor, for example.

<FIG> shows diagrammatic representation of the support <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> in a top-down view. The hollow, cylindrical susceptor <NUM> is shown engaged with the engagement region <NUM> of the support <NUM>. In this example the outer perimeter of the resilient member <NUM> extends further away from the axis <NUM> than the outer perimeter of the first portion <NUM>, measured in a radial direction <NUM>. The resilient member <NUM> can therefore abut the inner surface of the insulating member, when present.

As shown in <FIG>, the channel <NUM> is open along its length (where the length is measured along the axis <NUM>, and into the page). The channel <NUM> therefore forms a notch at the outer perimeter of the first portion <NUM>. Each of the three other channels have the same form. In contrast, <FIG> depicts another support <NUM>, in which the channels <NUM> are closed along their length, and therefore form through holes in the first portion <NUM>, which falls outside the scope of the claims. The support <NUM> of <FIG> may be used in the device <NUM>, and may have any or all of the features of support <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts another support <NUM> according to an example. The support <NUM> may be used in the device <NUM>. The support <NUM> in this example differs from the support in <FIG> and <FIG> in that it does not comprise a second portion or a resilient member. Although the channel <NUM> is provided by a through hole, which falls outside the scope of the claims, the channel <NUM> could instead be a channel that is open along its length.

The support <NUM> of <FIG> comprises an engagement region <NUM> which receives and engages a distal end of the susceptor <NUM>. The support <NUM> defines an axis <NUM> which may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The axis <NUM> may be the longitudinal axis of the support <NUM>, for example. The support <NUM> holds the susceptor parallel to the axis <NUM>.

The device <NUM> comprises a hollow insulating member <NUM> which surrounds the susceptor <NUM>. A space <NUM> (such as an air gap) is provided between the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM> and the inner surface of the insulating member <NUM>.

The device <NUM> comprises temperature sensor <NUM> which is affixed to an outer surface of the susceptor <NUM>. A wire <NUM> is connected to the temperature sensor <NUM>. One or more other wires (not shown) may also be connected to the temperature sensor <NUM>. There may also be a second temperature sensor present within the device <NUM>.

The support <NUM> defines a channel <NUM>, in the form of a through hole, through which the wire <NUM> is routed. In this example, the channel <NUM> is formed through a first portion <NUM> of the support <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> has a depth, measured in a direction parallel to the axis <NUM>, and the channel <NUM> extends through the first portion <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the axis <NUM>. The through hole therefore has a length equal to the depth of the first portion <NUM>. As shown, the first portion <NUM> has an outer perimeter, which abuts the inner surface of the insulating member <NUM>.

The support <NUM> further comprises an end portion <NUM> which abuts the distal end of the insulating member <NUM>. The end portion <NUM> supports and holds the insulating member <NUM> in place, while also helping further seal the space <NUM> between the susceptor <NUM> and the insulating member <NUM>. In this example, the end portion <NUM> also defines a channel <NUM>, in the form of a through hole, which falls outside the scope of the claims, through which the wire <NUM> is routed. This allows the wire <NUM> to be connected to other components of the device <NUM>.

In the examples of <FIG> the first portion, the second portion, the susceptor and the insulating member each have a substantially circular shape cross section. In other examples, the cross sections of any or all of these components may take any other shape, such as square, rectangular or elliptical.

<FIG> depicts part of the device <NUM>. The inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> and insulating member <NUM> have been omitted for clarity. In this example, the first support <NUM> defines an axis <NUM> which is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the susceptor <NUM>, and it may also be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The axis <NUM> may be the longitudinal axis of the support <NUM>, for example.

<FIG> shows a close up of the first support <NUM>, the second support <NUM> and the susceptor <NUM>. The first support <NUM> comprises a first engagement region <NUM> at one end, which receives and engages a distal end of the susceptor <NUM>. The distal end of the susceptor <NUM> is the end of the susceptor <NUM> that is arranged furthest away from a user's mouth when the device <NUM> is in use. In this example the susceptor <NUM> and the first engagement region <NUM> form an interference fit or a friction fit, however other attachment means may be used.

The first engagement region <NUM> may comprise two or more protrusions <NUM> or prongs which extend from an end of the first support <NUM> along the susceptor <NUM> in the direction of the axis <NUM>. Each of the protrusions <NUM> are spaced around the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM> and are separated by a gap. These protrusions <NUM> flex outwards as the susceptor <NUM> is inserted into the first engagement region <NUM>.

Similarly, the second support <NUM> comprises a second engagement region <NUM> at one end, which receives and engages a proximal end of the susceptor <NUM>. The proximal end of the susceptor <NUM> is the end of the susceptor <NUM> that is arranged closest to a user's mouth when the device <NUM> is in use. In this example the susceptor <NUM> and second engagement region <NUM> form an interference fit or friction fit, however other attachment means may be used.

The second engagement region <NUM> may also comprise two or more protrusions <NUM> or prongs which extend from an end of the second support <NUM> along the susceptor <NUM> in the direction of the axis <NUM>. Each of the protrusions <NUM> are spaced around the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM> and are separated by a gap. The protrusions <NUM> allow the second support <NUM> to flex as the susceptor <NUM> is inserted into the engagement region <NUM>.

Together, the first and second supports <NUM>, <NUM> hold the susceptor <NUM> parallel to the axis <NUM> at a predetermined distance <NUM> from the one or more inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> which surround the susceptor (most clearly seen in <FIG>).

The first and second supports <NUM>, <NUM> may be made from the same, or different material. In this example, the first and second supports <NUM>, <NUM> are both made from a plastics material, such as PEEK which a thermal conductivity of about <NUM>. 32W/mK and a melting point of about <NUM>. With a low thermal conductivity, the rate at which heat flows from the susceptor <NUM> through the first and second supports <NUM>, <NUM> is reduced. Other materials with low thermal conductivities may be used instead. Preferably the first and second supports <NUM>, <NUM> are made from plastics materials because these can be lightweight.

In some examples the susceptor <NUM> is heated by the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> to a temperature of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. With the first and second supports <NUM>, <NUM> having a melting point which is greater than the temperature of the heated susceptor <NUM> by at least <NUM>, the first and second supports <NUM>, <NUM> are less likely to soften and weaken due to the heat.

<FIG> shows the arrangement of <FIG> with an insulating member <NUM> surrounding the susceptor <NUM>. The insulating member <NUM> is depicted as being transparent so that the susceptor <NUM> is visible within the hollow insulating member <NUM>. The insulating member <NUM> may or may not be transparent.

The insulating member <NUM> is positioned away from the susceptor <NUM> to provide an air gap <NUM> between the outer surface of the susceptor <NUM> and the inner surface of the insulating member <NUM>. The air gap <NUM> provides insulation.

The insulating member <NUM> may be held in place by one or more components of the device <NUM>. In the present example, however, the insulating member <NUM> abuts the first support <NUM> towards one end of the insulating member. For example, the first support <NUM> may comprise an end portion <NUM> which has a cross section that is larger than a cross section of the insulating member <NUM>. A first end of the insulating member <NUM> therefore abuts the end portion <NUM> of the first support <NUM>. By abutting at least one of the first and second supports <NUM>, <NUM> the insulating member <NUM> can be held substantially parallel to the axis <NUM>.

In some examples the insulating member <NUM> also abuts the second support <NUM> towards an end of the insulating member <NUM>. For example, the second support <NUM> may also comprise an end portion <NUM> which has a cross section that is larger than a cross section of the insulating member <NUM>. A second end of the insulating member <NUM> may therefore abut the end portion <NUM> of the second support <NUM>. <FIG> shows a small gap between the end portion <NUM> of the second support <NUM> and the second end of the insulating member <NUM>. The small gap can allow for manufacturing tolerances and may not be present in certain examples.

<FIG> show the first support <NUM> with a first resilient member <NUM> extending around a portion of the support <NUM>. In this example the first resilient member <NUM> is an O-ring. <FIG> shows that the first resilient member <NUM> is dimensioned such that it abuts an inner surface of the insulating member <NUM> when the insulating member <NUM> is in place. The first resilient member <NUM> can therefore help seal the space <NUM> between the susceptor <NUM> and insulating member <NUM> to better insulate the device <NUM>. The first resilient member <NUM> may be compressed when the insulating member <NUM> surrounds the susceptor <NUM>.

In some examples, the first support <NUM> comprises a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>, where the first resilient member <NUM> is arranged between the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> stop the first resilient member <NUM> from sliding along the first support <NUM>, which could reduce the sealing effect.

<FIG> also show the second support <NUM> with a second resilient member <NUM> extending around a portion of the support <NUM>. In this example the second resilient member <NUM> is an O-ring. In some examples the second resilient member <NUM> is dimensioned such that it abuts an inner surface of the insulating member <NUM> when the insulating member <NUM> is in place. When both the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> abut the insulating member <NUM>, the device <NUM> may be better insulated when compared to an arrangement in which one, or none of the resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> abut the insulating member <NUM>.

In some examples, the second support <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> within which the second resilient member is located. In some examples, the second resilient member <NUM> has a width that is smaller than a width of the first resilient member <NUM>. The widths of the resilient members are measured in a direction perpendicular to the axis <NUM>.

In the present example, the first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> are made from a material which has a thermal conductivity of less than about <NUM>. 5W/mK, such as less than about <NUM>. The first and second resilient members <NUM>, <NUM> may be made from silicone rubber, for example.

Claim 1:
A support (<NUM>) for a heater component (<NUM>) of an aerosol provision device (<NUM>), wherein the support (<NUM>) defines an axis (<NUM>) and is configured to engage an end of the heater component (<NUM>) to hold the heater component (<NUM>) substantially parallel to the axis (<NUM>) at a predetermined distance (<NUM>) from a coil (<NUM>), and wherein the support (<NUM>) defines a channel (<NUM>; <NUM>) to receive a wire (<NUM>; <NUM>) of a temperature sensor, the channel (<NUM>; <NUM>) defining an opening into a space between the heater component (<NUM>) and the coil (<NUM>), and
wherein the channel (<NUM>; <NUM>) is open along its length.