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> discloses a heating non-combustible type electronic cigarette set.

<CIT> discloses a housing for a battery or other portions of a vaping apparatus. The housing includes a pivot collar which is attached to the housing through a hinge.

<CIT> discloses a battery holder comprising an insulative housing defining a receiving space for receiving a battery and a pair of negative and positive conductive contacts fastened to opposite ends of the housing.

<CIT> discloses an inhaler component for producing a steam/air mixture and/or condensation aerosol.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device as claimed in claim <NUM>.

Further, optional, features are recited in each of claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

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 an aerosol provision device comprising battery support. The battery support comprises a main portion, a first end portion and a second end portion. The first and second end portions extend away from a first side of the main portion and receive a battery therebetween. A printed circuit board (PCB) engages a second side of the main portion, and is positioned between the main portion and a heater assembly. The heater assembly comprises at least one coil, and ends of the at least one coil are connected to the PCB. The battery support therefore not only supports the battery to hold it in place, but also acts as a support to which other components of the device can be attached and connected. Such a battery support provides stability to the device. In addition, the process of assembling the device can also be simplified; the various components can be attached to the battery support during assembly of the device. The device can therefore be assembled starting from the battery support.

In certain arrangements the battery support is rigid for stability. In an example, the battery support is made from a plastic material, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Any material used should be able to withstand the heat generated by the heater assembly. In a particular example the heater assembly comprises a susceptor which is heated to about <NUM>-<NUM>. The melting point of PEEK is around <NUM>.

In certain arrangements the battery support is electrically insulating to avoid shorting the battery.

As mentioned, the PCB is engaged with the second side of the main portion of the battery support. Engagement can be through a connection, such as bonding, snap-fit etc., or by being received on the second side.

The first side of the main portion may define a receptacle and may comprise a base portion and two opposing side walls. The two side walls may extend along a length of the base portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and extend away from the base portion in the first direction. The battery can be arranged in the receptacle between the first and second end portions and the two side walls. In such an arrangement, the side walls can protect the sides of the battery from impact, for example, and/or provide further rigidity. The length of the base portion is measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In some examples, at least part of the two side walls abut the battery. For example, edges of the side walls may abut the battery. By being in contact with the side walls, the battery is held more firmly in place to avoid or reduce lateral movement of the battery.

In a particular arrangement, the two side walls each comprise edges that are shaped to conform to an outer surface of the battery, and the edges abut the battery. For example, the edges may be curved to conform to a curved outer surface of the battery. This allows the battery to be supported more securely.

The base portion may delimit an opening between the first side of the main portion and the second side of the main portion, and the opening is positioned beneath the PCB. Thus, there is a hole/cut-out through the main portion. This can allow better thermal management. For example, the opening allows air to circulate beneath the PCB. In addition, the opening means that less material is used which reduces the mass of the device and reduces costs. Furthermore, the opening can make it easier to assemble and connect components to the PCB. For example, the PCB can be mounted onto the main portion, and the opening allows the underside of the PCB to be accessed while the PCB is being held in place. The opening also allows components to be mounted on both sides of the PCB.

The device may further comprise a first electrically conductive member in contact with a first battery terminal, and a second electrically conductive member in contact with a second battery terminal. The first and second electrically conductive members can extend through the opening, and be connected to the PCB. The electrically conductive members may be wires or conductive strips which connect the battery to the PCB and/or other components of the device. The first and second terminals can be positive or negative terminals or vice versa. The opening therefore makes it easier to connect the battery to the PCB because there is no need to route the conductive members around the battery carrier. This arrangement therefore also allows the device to be made more compact, and reduces the likelihood of shorting the battery by reducing the length of the conductive members.

The PCB may delimit a first through hole through which the first electrically conductive member extends. The PCB may further delimit a second through hole through which the second electrically conductive member extends. Thus, the PCB may delimit one or more through holes to receive one or more ends of the electrically conductive members. This can allow the battery to be connected to the other side of the PCB without requiring the electrically conductive members to be routed around the PCB and/or the battery carrier. Thus, the space within the device can be maximized. In addition, the through holes can also enable a more secure attachment to the PCB.

The device may further comprise an end member. The end member: (i) defines a receptacle, (ii) comprises a first attachment element, and (iii) comprises an end surface which defines part of an outer surface of the aerosol provision device. The second end portion of the battery support and at least part of the heater assembly are positioned within the receptacle. The battery support may also comprise a second attachment element engaged with the first attachment element, such that the end member is connected to one end of the battery support.

The battery support therefore comprises an attachment element configured to engage with a corresponding attachment element of the end member to allow the end member to be connected to the battery support. The end member provides protection to the end of the device, and can help support and secure the heater assembly.

In a particular arrangement, the main portion comprises the second attachment element. The attachment element may also be known as an attachment feature, component, or member.

In one example, the first and second attachment elements provide a snap-fit connection. For example, the second attachment element may comprise:.

Thus, the two surfaces abut when the first and second attachment elements are fitted together. The surfaces stop the end member moving relative to the battery support in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The channel stops the end member moving relative to the battery support in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The elongate portion resides in the channel, thereby providing an attachment mechanism having a low profile. The channel may be provided by two inclined side walls which are spaced apart. The inclined side walls force the elongate portion outwards, which then "snaps" back into position before the two surfaces engage.

In a particular arrangement the first attachment element is substantially "T" shaped, where the underside of the horizontal bar in the "T" provides the second surface, and the upright part of the "T" provides the elongate portion.

In some examples the battery support comprises a third attachment element and the end member comprises a fourth attachment element engaged with the third attachment element.

The device may further comprise an outer cover, and the end member may further comprise one or more side surfaces extending away from the end surface. The outer cover can surround the battery, the heater assembly, the battery support, and the one or more side surfaces of the end member.

The outer cover can therefore also be supported by the battery support. In example devices which comprise the attachment elements having the elongate portion and the channel, the outer cover helps secure the connection between the battery support and the end member. For example, the outer cover holds the elongate portion in the channel, and therefore holds the first and second surfaces in the engaged position.

In one example the outer cover abuts the one or more side surfaces of the end member. In a particular arrangement, the device may comprise a second end member arranged at the other end of the device, such that the outer cover is received between the two end members.

The second side of the main portion may comprise a first PCB retaining member and a second PCB retaining member, wherein the first and second PCB retaining members: (i) both extend away from the second side of the main portion in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction and (ii) are arranged on opposite sides of the main portion, and engage opposite sides of the PCB. The second direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The first and second PCB retaining members provide stability by stopping movement of the PCB relative to the battery support.

In some arrangements the PCB retaining members provide an interference fit.

The PCB may comprise a first notch to receive the first PCB retaining member, and a second notch to receive the second PCB retaining member. The notches can therefore restrict movement of the PCB in a direction parallel to the axis.

The PCB may delimit first and second coil through holes, wherein a first end of the coil extends through the first coil through hole, and a second end of the coil extends through the second coil through hole. The coil through holes allow a more secure and robust attachment of the coil to the PCB. For example, if the coil is soldered to the PCB, there is less stress exerted on the solder.

In one arrangement the main portion comprises first and second connectors extending away from one of the first end portion and the second end portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The device may further comprise a second PCB, wherein the second PCB delimits first and second connector through holes, and the first connector extends through the first connector through hole, and the second connector extends through the second connector through hole.

The second PCB can therefore be connected to the battery support via the first and second connectors. In one example the first and second connectors are configured to be heated until they melt once they have been received in the first and second connector holes. Melting ends of the first and second connectors means that the second PCB cannot be removed.

The second PCB may be connected to the first PCB. The second PCB can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the first PCB.

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, the at least one heating component, for example at least one electrically-conductive heating component, may be included in an article for insertion into a heating zone of the device, wherein the article also comprises the aerosol generating material and is removable from the heating zone after use. Alternatively, both the device and such an article 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.

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

<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. In some examples the socket <NUM> may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between the device <NUM> and another device, such as a computing device.

<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 central support <NUM> may also be known as a battery support, or battery carrier.

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 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 a 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>.

<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>, or about <NUM>.

In one example, the susceptor <NUM> has a length of about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>.

In one example, the insulating member <NUM> has a wall thickness <NUM> of about <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the battery support <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> in more detail. The battery support <NUM> comprises a main portion <NUM>, a first end portion <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM>. The main portion <NUM> defines a longitudinal axis <NUM>, which is parallel to the y-axis. The first end portion <NUM> is arranged at a first end of the main portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM> is arranged at a second end of the main portion <NUM>. The first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM> extend away from a first side of the main portion <NUM> in a first direction <NUM> substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The first side of the main portion <NUM> is therefore the side which faces outwards from the main portion <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>. The first direction is parallel to the x-axis.

In this example the battery <NUM> is shown disconnected from the battery support <NUM>. The battery <NUM> can be connected to the battery support <NUM> by moving the battery <NUM> towards the battery support <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM>. When connected to the battery support <NUM>, the battery <NUM> is held between the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, a top end 118a of the battery <NUM> is received by the first end portion <NUM>, and a bottom end 118b of the battery <NUM> is received by the second end portion <NUM>. One or more end supports 212a, 212b may also be present to help secure the battery <NUM> in place. The end supports 212a, 212b may be integral with the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM> such that they form part of the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM>, or they may be separate and be connected to the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> further depicts the PCB <NUM> engaged with a second side of the main portion <NUM>. The second side of the main portion <NUM> is the side which faces outwards from the main portion <NUM> in a second direction <NUM>, which is opposite, and parallel to the first direction <NUM>. The second direction <NUM> is also parallel to the x-axis and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> may be adhered to the main portion <NUM> or may be connected via another means, such as friction fit, snap fit, etc. In this example, the PCB <NUM> defines a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the main portion <NUM>.

As described above, the aerosol provision device <NUM> comprises a heater/heating assembly comprising at least one inductor coil <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the arrangement of the one or more inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the battery support. The heater assembly is positioned on the second side of the main portion <NUM>, and the PCB <NUM> is positioned between the main portion <NUM> and the heater assembly. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, ends <NUM> of the one or more inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> can be connected to the PCB <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the first side of the main portion <NUM> comprises two opposing side walls 216a, 216b and a base portion <NUM>. In this particular example, the base portion <NUM> delimits an opening between the first side of the main portion <NUM> and the second side of the main portion <NUM>, where the opening is positioned beneath the PCB <NUM>. Thus, there is a hole/cut-out through the main portion <NUM> such that the base portion <NUM> is mainly a "void". This allows the underside of the PCB <NUM> to be accessed. The opening may comprise a plurality of through holes, rather than a single through hole. For example, the base portion may comprise one or more dividing structures 218a (shown in <FIG>) which segment the opening into two or more through holes. Such dividing structure may provide additional rigidity, for example. In other examples, the base portion <NUM> is solid, so that there is no opening through the main portion <NUM>.

The two side walls 216a, 216b extend along a length of the base portion <NUM> in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The two side walls 216a, 216b also extend away from the base portion <NUM> in the first direction <NUM>. Together the two side walls 216a, 216b and the base portion <NUM> define a receptacle <NUM>. As shown most clearly in <FIG>, once the battery <NUM> is connected to the battery support <NUM>, the battery <NUM> is arranged at least partially in the receptacle <NUM> between the first and second end portions <NUM>, <NUM> and between the two side walls 216a, 216b.

In some examples, at least part of the two side walls 216a, 216b abut the battery <NUM>. For example, outer edges 222a, 222b of the two side walls 216a, 216b abut the battery <NUM> when the battery is connected to the battery support <NUM>. In other examples, the battery <NUM> does not contact the edges 222a, 222b of the two side walls 216a, 216b.

In the example of <FIG>, the two side walls 216a, 216b each comprise edges 222a, 222b that are shaped to conform to an outer surface of the battery <NUM>. The battery in this example is cylindrical, and the edges 222a, 222b are curved to better secure the battery <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> may also have a shape which conforms to the outer surface of the battery <NUM>. For example, the receptacle <NUM> may have a "U" shape to receive the battery <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the battery <NUM> comprises a first electrically conductive member <NUM> in contact with a first battery terminal, and a second electrically conductive member <NUM> in contact with a second battery terminal. The first and second battery terminals can be positive or negative terminals, for example. The electrically conductive members <NUM>, <NUM> may be wires or conductive strips which connect the battery <NUM> to the PCB <NUM>. The electrically conductive members <NUM>, <NUM> generally extend away from the battery <NUM> and towards the PCB <NUM> in the second direction <NUM>.

When the battery <NUM> is connected to the battery support <NUM>, the first and second electrically conductive members <NUM>, <NUM> extend through the opening in the base portion <NUM> so that they can be connected to the PCB <NUM>.

The PCB <NUM> may delimit a through hole through which the first electrically conductive member <NUM> extends. The PCB <NUM> may further delimit a second through hole through which the second electrically conductive member <NUM> extends. Thus, the PCB <NUM> may comprise one or more through holes to receive ends of the electrically conductive members <NUM>, <NUM>.

A depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, an end member <NUM> is arranged at one end of the device <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the end member <NUM> in greater detail. As shown, the end member <NUM> defines a receptacle <NUM>. The end member <NUM> also comprises at least one attachment element 304a, 304b which allows the end member <NUM> to be connected to the battery support <NUM>. The end member <NUM> comprises an end surface <NUM> which defines part of an outer surface of the aerosol provision device <NUM>. For example, the end surface <NUM> may form a bottom surface of the device <NUM>.

When the end member <NUM> is connected to the battery support <NUM>, the second end portion <NUM> of the battery support <NUM> and at least part of the heater assembly are received within the receptacle <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the support <NUM> which engages one end of the susceptor <NUM> is received within the receptacle <NUM>. <FIG> most clearly depicts the support <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM> positioned within the receptacle <NUM> once the device is assembled.

As mentioned, the end member <NUM> comprises at least one attachment element 304a, 304b. Similarly, the battery support <NUM> also comprises at least one attachment element. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the battery support <NUM> comprises a second attachment element 304c which engages with the first attachment element 304a of the end member <NUM>. This allows the end member <NUM> to be connected to the bottom end of the battery support <NUM>.

In the example depicted, the main portion <NUM> comprises the second attachment element 304c, however the attachment element may be arranged anywhere on the battery support <NUM>.

In this example, the first and second attachment elements 304a, 304c provide a snap-fit connection. For example, the second attachment element 304c comprises a channel <NUM> extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may be provided by two side walls 232a, 232b. The second attachment element 304c further comprises a first surface <NUM> arranged at one end of the channel. The first surface <NUM> defines a plane arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> is defined by one or both of the upper surfaces of the two side walls 232a, 232b
The first attachment element 304a comprises an elongate portion <NUM> extending away from the end surface <NUM>, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The first attachment element 304a further comprises a second surface <NUM> arranged towards one end of the elongate portion <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> defines a plane arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The second surface <NUM> is defined by one or both of the lower surfaces of an upper portion <NUM> of the first attachment element 304a. Thus, in this example, the first attachment element 304a is "T" shaped, where the underside of the horizontal bar in the "T" provides the second surface <NUM>, and the upright part of the "T" provides the elongate portion <NUM>.

When the end member <NUM> is moved towards the battery support <NUM>, in a third direction <NUM> (parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>), the first attachment element 304a engages the second attachment element 304c. Here the elongate portion <NUM> is received within the channel <NUM> and the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> engage. For example, the upper portion <NUM> of the first attachment element 304a contacts an inclined surface of the side walls 232a, 232b which causes the first attachment element 304a to bend outwards. As the upper portion <NUM> of the first attachment element 304a is moved beyond the upper surfaces of the two side walls 232a, 232b, the first attachment element 304a moves inwards again so that the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> abut each other. The channel <NUM> has a width greater than or equal to the width of the elongate portion <NUM>, so the elongate portion <NUM> resides within the channel <NUM>. Due to the opposing first surface <NUM> and second surface <NUM>, the end member <NUM> cannot be separated from the battery support <NUM> without bending the first attachment element 304a outwards and lifting the upper portion <NUM> over the side walls 232a, 232b. <FIG> depicts the end member <NUM> connected to the battery support <NUM>.

<FIG> further depicts a third, optional, attachment element 304b that is substantially the same as the first attachment element 304a. The third attachment element 304b can engage with a fourth attachment element located on an opposite side of the battery support <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> depict one particular type of snap-fit attachment elements, however other snap-fit attachment elements may alternatively be used.

As described in relation to <FIG>, the device <NUM> may further comprise an outer cover <NUM> which surrounds and houses various components of the device <NUM>. The outer cover can surround the battery <NUM>, the heater assembly, the battery support <NUM>, and one or more side surfaces <NUM> of the end member <NUM>. <FIG> depicts an end member <NUM> with a continuous side surface <NUM> which extends around the end member <NUM> and the longitudinal axis <NUM> (when the end member <NUM> is attached to the battery support <NUM>). In other examples the end member <NUM> may have a square or rectangular footprint, such that there are four side surfaces which extend around the end member <NUM>. The one or more side surfaces <NUM> extend away from the end surface <NUM> in the third direction <NUM>. The end member <NUM>, and/or the battery support <NUM> may comprise one or more attachment elements to hold the outer cover <NUM> in place.

In the present example, the outer cover <NUM> abuts the one or more side surfaces <NUM> of the end member <NUM>, which can help retain the elongate portion <NUM> in the channel <NUM>.

As previously mentioned the device <NUM> may comprise a further end member <NUM> arranged at the other end of the device <NUM>, such that the outer cover <NUM> is received between the two end members <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an example of another battery support <NUM>. The battery support <NUM> may comprise any or all of the features of the battery support <NUM>, which are not described again for brevity. The battery support <NUM> can be used in the device <NUM> in place of battery support <NUM>. Features of the battery support <NUM> described below can also be incorporated into the battery support <NUM>.

The battery support <NUM> comprises a main portion <NUM>, a first end portion <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM>. The main portion <NUM> defines a longitudinal axis <NUM>, which is parallel to the y-axis. The first side of the main portion <NUM> comprises two opposing side walls 416a, 416b and a base portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> comprises an opening and one or more dividing structures 218a which segment the opening into two through holes.

Unlike the example battery support <NUM> described in <FIG>, the battery support <NUM> of <FIG> further comprises a first PCB retaining member 422a and a second PCB retaining member 422b. The first and second PCB retaining members 422a, 422b both extend away from the second side of the main portion <NUM> in the second direction <NUM> and are arranged on opposite sides of the main portion <NUM>. The first and second PCB retaining members 422a, 422b are configured to engage opposite sides of the PCB <NUM>. For example, the PCB <NUM> may be received between the first and second PCB retaining members 422a, 422b to secure the PCB <NUM> in place. The PCB <NUM> may be held in place via friction fit, for example.

<FIG> depicts a portion of the device <NUM>, which includes the battery support <NUM> of <FIG>. In this example, the end member <NUM> is connected to the battery support <NUM> via the attachment elements. In this example the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> have a circular cross section, rather than the rectangular cross section depicted in <FIG>.

The PCB <NUM> comprises a first notch (obscured from view) to receive the first PCB retaining member 422a, and a second notch 424b to receive the second PCB retaining member 422b. The notches engage the retaining members 422a, 422b to better secure the PCB <NUM>.

<FIG> more clearly depicts the ends <NUM> of the first and second inductor coils <NUM>, <NUM> being connected to the PCB <NUM>. The PCB can also delimit first and second inductor coil through holes 426a, 426b, where a first end 130a of the first inductor coil <NUM> extends through the first inductor coil through hole 426a, and a second end 130b of the first inductor coil <NUM> extends through the second inductor coil through hole 426b. The PCB can also delimit third and fourth inductor coil through holes, and a first end of the second inductor coil <NUM> may extend through the third inductor coil through hole, and a second end of the second inductor coil <NUM> may extend through the fourth inductor coil through hole.

Returning to <FIG>, the main portion <NUM> may further comprise a first connector <NUM> and a second connector (obscured from view). The first and second connectors <NUM> extend away from either, or both of the first end portion <NUM> and the second end portion <NUM>, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first and second connectors <NUM> extend away from the second end portion <NUM>. The device <NUM> further comprises a second PCB <NUM>. The second PCB <NUM> may be associated with and be connected to the socket/port <NUM> for example. The second PCB <NUM> delimits first and second connector through holes, and the first connector <NUM> extends through the first connector through hole, and the second connector extends through the second connector through hole. The second PCB <NUM> can therefore be connected to the battery support <NUM> via the first and second connectors <NUM>. In the example shown, the second PCB <NUM> is connected to the first PCB <NUM> via an electrically conductive track/wire. The second PCB <NUM> is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first PCB <NUM>.

In one example, the second PCB <NUM> is held in place via friction fit as the first and second connectors <NUM> are inserted into the first and second connector through holes. In another example, the cross-sectional area of the ends of the first and second connectors <NUM> can be increased once the first and second connectors <NUM> have been inserted into the first and second connector through holes. This holds the second PCB <NUM> in place. The cross-sectional area can be increased by heating and melting the ends of the first and second connectors <NUM> for example. Alternatively, the ends of the first and second connectors <NUM> can be bent.

<FIG> depicts similar first and second connectors 428a, 428b. As in <FIG>, each connector 428a, 428b has a first wide portion and a second narrower portion. The second PCB <NUM> can receive the first and second connectors 428a, 428b until the PCB <NUM> abuts the wider portion.

Claim 1:
An aerosol provision device (<NUM>), comprising:
a battery support (<NUM>; <NUM>), comprising:
a main portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) defining a longitudinal axis (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a first end portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) at a first end of the main portion along the longitudinal axis; and
a second end portion (<NUM>; <NUM>) at a second end of the main portion along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second end portions extend away from a first side of the main portion in a first direction (<NUM>) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
a battery (<NUM>) supported between the first and second end portions;
a heater assembly, comprising a coil (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a first printed circuit board (<NUM>) engaged with a second side of the main portion and positioned between the main portion and the heater assembly, wherein ends (<NUM>) of the coil are connected to the first printed circuit board; characterised by
a second printed circuit board (<NUM>) on the battery support, the second printed circuit board being connected to the first printed circuit board and arranged substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board.