RU2806236C2 - Aerosol-providing apparatus and system containing such apparatus (variants) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking devices.

SUBSTANCE: claimed is a group of inventions: an aerosol-providing apparatus and an aerosol-providing system. Aerosol-providing apparatus sets the longitudinal axis and comprises a first and a second coils. The first coil is configured to heat a first section of the heater configured to heat the aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol. The second coil is configured to heat a second section of the heater. The first coil adjoins the second coil in the direction along the longitudinal axis, and the length of the first coil along the longitudinal axis is less than the length of the second coil along the longitudinal axis. The first coil is closer to the nearest end of the apparatus, whereto the aerosol is pulled during use along the flow path of the apparatus, than the second coil.

EFFECT: hot inhalation is reduced or eliminated.

55 cl, 16 dwg

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The invention relates to a device for providing an aerosol.

State of the art

In smoking products such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. During their use, tobacco is burned to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to tobacco-burning products by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are heating devices that 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.

From document WO 2018/206616 A1, an aerosol generation system is known, comprising an aerosol generation device having first and second receiving zones for receiving an aerosol-generating article, which has first and second aerosol-generating substrates. This device is configured to inductively heat the first and second aerosol-forming substrates independently of each other. However, the first and second coils are designed to heat individual heating components rather than the same heating component.

Document WO2019/030170 A1 describes a device in which only one coil can simultaneously heat the same part of the heating element.

Document CN 207754554 U describes a device in which there is only one coil.

Disclosure of the Invention

The first object of the invention is an aerosol supply device having a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second coils, the first coil being configured to heat a first section of a heater configured to heat an aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol, and the second coil being configured to heat a second section of the heater; wherein the first coil is adjacent to the second coil in the direction along the longitudinal axis, and the length along the longitudinal axis of the first coil is less than the length along the longitudinal axis of the second coil; wherein the first coil is located closer to the proximal end of the device toward which the aerosol is drawn in use along the flow path of the device than the second coil.

A second aspect of the invention is an aerosol supply device having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first induction coil and a second induction coil, wherein the first induction coil is configured to generate a first alternating magnetic field for heating a first section of a current-receiving structure capable of heating an aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol, and the second induction coil is configured to generate a second alternating magnetic field to heat the second section of the current-receiving structure; wherein the first induction coil is adjacent to the second induction coil in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and the length along the longitudinal axis of the first induction coil is less than the length along the longitudinal axis of the second induction coil; wherein the first induction coil is located closer to the proximal end of the device toward which the aerosol is drawn in use along the flow path of the device than the second induction coil.

A third aspect of the invention is an aerosol supply device having a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second coils, the first coil being configured to heat a first section of a heater configured to heat an aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol, and the second coil being configured to heat a second section of the heater; wherein the first coil is adjacent to the second coil in the direction along the longitudinal axis, and the ratio of the length along the longitudinal axis of the second coil to the length along the longitudinal axis of the first coil is more than 1.1.

A fourth aspect of the invention is an aerosol supply device having a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second induction coils, wherein the first induction coil is configured to generate a first alternating magnetic field for heating a first section of a current-receiving structure capable of heating an aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol, and the second the induction coil is configured to generate a second alternating magnetic field for heating the second section of the current-receiving structure, wherein the first induction coil is adjacent to the second induction coil in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and the ratio of the length along the longitudinal axis of the second induction coil to the length along the longitudinal axis of the first induction coil is more than 1.1.

A fifth aspect of the invention is an aerosol supply device having a longitudinal axis and comprising a heater having first and second heating elements, wherein the first heating element is configured to heat a first section of an aerosol-forming material located in the aerosol supply device to produce an aerosol, and the second heating element is configured to heating a second section of aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol; wherein the first heating element is adjacent to the second heating element in a direction along the longitudinal axis, and the ratio of the length along the longitudinal axis of the second heating element to the length along the longitudinal axis of the first heating element is from about 1.1 to 1.5.

A sixth aspect of the invention is an aerosol supply device comprising a first induction coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field for heating a pantograph having a longitudinal axis and configured to heat an aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol; wherein the first induction coil is helical, has a first length along the longitudinal axis and contains a first number of turns extending around the pantograph, the ratio of the first number of turns to the first length being from about 0.2 mm ^-1 to 0.5 mm ^-1 .

A seventh aspect of the invention is an aerosol supply device comprising a first induction coil and a second induction coil, the first induction coil configured to generate a first alternating magnetic field for heating a first section of a current-receiving structure configured to heat an aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol, and the second induction coil configured to generate a second alternating magnetic field for heating the second section of the current-receiving structure; wherein the first induction coil has a first number of turns extending about an axis defined by the pantograph, the second induction coil has a second number of turns extending about said axis, and the ratio of the second number of turns to the first number of turns is from about 1.1 to 1.8.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

Brief description of drawings

In fig. 1 shows the aerosol supply device, front view;

in fig. 2 – the same, but with the outer cover removed;

in fig. 3 – aerosol supply device shown in Fig. 1, sectional view;

in fig. 4 – aerosol supply device shown in Fig. 2, perspective view with spatial separation of parts;

in fig. 5A is an example of a heater in an aerosol supply device, a longitudinal section view;

in fig. 5B is part of the heater shown in FIG. 5A is an enlarged view;

in fig. 6 is the first example of the first and second induction coils wound around an insulating element;

in fig. 7 – the first example of the first induction coil;

in fig. 8 – the first example of the second induction coil;

in fig. 9 schematically shows the first and second induction coils, the current collector and the insulating element, a longitudinal section view;

in fig. 10 is a second example of the first and second induction coils wound around an insulating element;

in fig. 11 – second example of the first induction coil;

in fig. 12 – second example of the second induction coil;

in fig. 13 schematically shows a Litz wire, cross-sectional view;

in fig. 14 schematically shows an induction coil, top view;

in fig. 15 schematically shows in another view the first and second induction coils, the current collector and the insulating element, a longitudinal sectional view.

Carrying out the invention

As used herein, the expression "aerosol-forming material" refers to substances that release volatile components when heated, typically in the form of an aerosol. The aerosol-forming material includes any tobacco-containing substances and may, for example, include one or more of the following: tobacco, tobacco derivatives, ground tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-forming material may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol-forming material may be in solid, liquid, gel, or wax form. The aerosol-forming material may also be a combination or mixture of substances. The aerosol-forming material may also be known as "smoking material".

Devices are known that heat an aerosol-forming material to vaporize at least one component of the material, typically to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled without burning or igniting the aerosol-forming material. Such devices are sometimes referred to as “aerosol generating devices”, “aerosol providing devices”, “non-combustion heating devices”, “tobacco product heating devices” or “tobacco heating devices”, and the like. Likewise, there are also so-called electronic cigarettes, which typically vaporize an aerosol-forming material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like that can be inserted into the device. The heater for heating and evaporating the aerosol-forming material can be made in the form of a “permanent” part of the device.

The aerosol supply device may receive an article containing an aerosol-forming material to heat it. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains an aerosol-forming material used that is heated to vaporize it and, optionally, vaporize other components used. The user may insert the article into the aerosol delivery device to produce an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user. The product may be of a predetermined or specific size, that is, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device that is sized to receive the product.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the aerosol supply device includes first and second coils. The first coil has a first length, and the second coil has a second length, the first length being less than the second. The first coil is located toward the proximal end of the device that is closest to the user's mouth when the user takes a puff through the aerosol inhalation device. Thus, the proximal end is the end to which the aerosol passes when the user inhales.

The first and second coils are designed to heat a heater component such as a susceptor (possibly at different times). As will be described in more detail below, a current collector is an electrically conductive object that can be heated by an alternating magnetic field. The first coil may be a first induction coil configured to generate a first magnetic field. The second coil may be a second induction coil configured to generate a second magnetic field. The first coil may cause the first section of the heater component to heat, and the second coil may cause the second section of the heater component to heat. The article containing the aerosol-forming material may be inserted into the heater component or located adjacent to or in contact with the heater component. Once heated, the heater component transfers heat to the aerosol-forming material, which releases the aerosol. In one embodiment, a heater component defines a reservoir and an aerosol-forming material is inserted into the component.

As noted, both the first and second coils may be induction coils, and the heater component may be a current collector (also called a current collector structure). The first induction coil is configured to generate a first alternating magnetic field to heat the first section of the current-receiving structure. The second induction coil is configured to generate a second alternating magnetic field to heat the second section of the current-receiving structure.

The end of the pantograph closest to the proximal end of the device is surrounded by a first, shorter coil. After the aerosol-forming material is inserted into the device, the aerosol-forming material located near the proximal end is heated by the first, shorter coil.

It was found that by placing the shorter coil closer to the near end of the device, a phenomenon known as "hot puff" could be reduced or avoided. A “hot puff” means that the first puff through the device is too hot (i.e. the aerosol the user inhales is too hot). This could potentially cause discomfort or harm to the user. A hot puff occurs because the ratio of hot aerosol to cooler air is higher than desired.

By placing the shorter coil closer to the proximal end of the aerosol-forming material (which is heated first), a smaller volume of aerosol-forming material is heated. This reduces the volume of aerosol produced compared to the volume that would be produced if a larger volume of material were heated. This aerosol is mixed in the device with the surrounding cooler air and the temperature of the aerosol is reduced, thereby eliminating or reducing hot puffs. A longer coil heats a larger volume of aerosol-forming material to produce more aerosol, which mixes with the same or similar volume of surrounding cooler air. However, compared to the aerosol produced by the first coil, this aerosol mixture travels further through the device and further through the remaining aerosol generating material before being inhaled. Since the aerosol must travel further, it is further cooled to an acceptable level. A hot puff can be caused by water or water vapor in the aerosol. A shorter coil may release less water or water vapor. For example, in a 15% water content aerosol material that is about 42 mm long and weighs about 260 mg, the mass of water released by a coil having a first length of about 14 mm is about 13 mg.

In the device, the first part of the aerosol-forming material is heated by the first section of the pantograph, which is smaller than the second part of the aerosol-forming material, which is heated by the second section of the pantograph.

The first and second lengths are measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. In another example, the first and second lengths are measured in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis, such as the axis of an insertion into a device or the longitudinal axis of a pantograph. In general, the longitudinal axis of the device and the longitudinal axis of the pantograph are parallel. In other words, the current-receiving structure is located parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

The first and second lengths may be selected such that the aerosol formed by the first portion of the aerosol-forming material leaves the device at a first temperature, and the aerosol formed by the second portion of the aerosol-forming material leaves the device at a second temperature, the first and second temperatures being substantially the same.

In certain devices, the first and second coils are activated independently of each other. Thus, while the first coil is active, the second coil may be inactive. In some examples, the first and second coils operate simultaneously for a specified period of time. In some examples, the device includes a controller that can control the device in two or more heating modes. For example, in a first mode, the first and second coils may operate for a certain period of time and/or heat the aerosol-forming material to a certain temperature. In the second mode, the first and second coils may operate for different times and/or heat the aerosol-forming material aerosol to different temperatures.

In one example, the current collector structure includes an aerosol supply device. In other examples, the current-receiving structure includes an article containing an aerosol-forming material.

The device may also include a mouthpiece or opening located at a proximal end of the device, with the first coil located closer to the mouthpiece than the second coil. The mouthpiece may be removably attached to an opening of the device, or the opening of the device may itself be a mouthpiece. In a specific example, an article containing an aerosol-forming material is inserted into the device and protrudes from the opening of the device while it is heated. Thus, the aerosol exits the hole, but remains inside the product. In such a case, the hole can still be called a mouthpiece, regardless of whether it comes into contact with the user's mouth during use.

In certain designs, the outer perimeter of the first coil is located from the pantograph at substantially the same distance as the outer perimeter of the second coil. In other words, the coils do not overlap each other. This arrangement simplifies the process of assembling the device. For example, two coils can be wound around an insulating element. The expression "outer perimeter" or "outer surface" of a coil means the edge or surface furthest from the current collector structure, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and/or current collector structure. Likewise, the expression "inner perimeter/surface" of a coil means the edge/surface closest to the current collector structure, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and/or current collector structure. Accordingly, the first and second coils may have substantially the same outer diameter.

In one example, the inner diameter of the first and/or second coil is approximately 10-14 mm and the outer diameter is approximately 12-16 mm. In a specific example, the inner diameter of the first and second coils is approximately
12-13 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 14-15 mm. Preferably, the inner diameter of the first and second coils is about 12 mm, and the outer diameter is about 14.6 mm. The inside diameter of a helical coil is any straight line segment that passes through the center of the coil (as viewed in cross section) and whose ends lie on the inside perimeter of the coil. The outer diameter of a helical coil is any straight line segment that passes through the center of the coil (as viewed in cross section) and whose ends lie on the outer perimeter of the coil. These dimensions can provide efficient heating of the current collector structure while maintaining compact external dimensions.

In some examples, the first and second coils are substantially continuous. In other words, they are directly adjacent to each other and in contact with each other. This arrangement can simplify the process of assembling the device. In some examples, they are directly adjacent to each other, but are not in contact with each other.

In some examples, the center of the second coil is offset along the longitudinal axis of the device or pantograph so that it is outside the first coil.

In some examples, the first and second coils being adjacent to each other in the longitudinal axis direction may indicate that the first and second coils are not axially aligned. For example, they can be offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The first and second coils may be helical. For example, they can be wound in a spiral.

The first coil may contain a first wire wound (helically) with a first pitch, and the second coil may contain a second wire wound (spiralically) with a second pitch. Pitch is the length of the turn (measured along the longitudinal axis of the device/pantograph/coil) in one full revolution.

The first and second coils may have different pitches. This allows the heating effect of the current collector structure to be tailored to a specific purpose. For example, a shorter step may produce a stronger magnetic field. Conversely, a longer pitch may cause a weaker magnetic field.

For example, the second step may be longer than the first. This can reduce the temperature of the generated aerosol in that area. In particular, the second step may be longer than the first step by less than about 0.5 mm, or less than about 0.2 mm, or, more preferably, by about 0.1 mm.

In one embodiment, both the first and second pitch are about 2 to 4 mm, or about 2 to 3 mm, or preferably about 2.5 to 3 mm. For example, the first pitch may be approximately 2.8 mm and the second pitch may be approximately 2.9 mm. These specific steps have been found to provide optimal heating of the aerosol-forming material.

Alternatively, the first and second coils may have substantially the same pitch. This can make making coils easier. In one example, the pitch is about 2 to 4 mm, or about 3 to 4 mm, or about 3 to 3.5 mm, or more than 2 mm or 3 mm, but less than about 4 mm or 3.5 mm.

The first length (of the first coil) may be from about 14 to 23 mm, such as from about 14 to 21 mm, and the second length (of the second coil) may be from about 23 to 30 mm, or from about 25 to 30 mm. More specifically, the first length may be 19 mm (±2 mm) and the second length may be approximately 25 mm (±2 mm). This length has been found to be particularly suitable for effectively heating the pantograph while reducing hot draw. In another example, the first length may be approximately 20 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be approximately 27 mm (±1 mm).

The first coil may contain a first wire which is about 250 to 300 mm long, and the second coil may contain a second wire which is about 400 to 450 mm long. In other words, the length of the wire in each coil is the length of the unwound coil. For example, the first wire may have a length of from about 300 to 350 mm, for example from 310 to 320 mm. The second wire may have a length of about 350 to 450 mm, for example 390 to 410 mm. In this particular configuration, the first wire is approximately 315mm long and the second wire is approximately 400mm long. This length was found to be particularly suitable for effectively heating the pantograph while reducing hot draw.

The first coil may have about 5 to 7 turns, and the second coil may have about 8 to 9 turns. In other words, the first and second wire can be wound as many times as possible. A turn is one full revolution around an axis. In a specific example, the first coil has approximately 6 to 7 turns, for example 6.75 turns. The second coil can have 8.75 turns. This allows the ends of the coils to be connected to terminals (on a printed circuit board, for example) in one place. In another example, the first coil has 5 to 6 turns, for example 5.75 turns. The second coil may have approximately 8.75 turns.

The first coil may have spaces between adjacent turns, and each space may be about 1.4 to 1.6 mm, such as about 1.5 mm. The second coil may also have spaces between adjacent turns, and each space may be about 1.4 to 1.6 mm, such as about 1.6 mm. In some examples, the heating effect of the current collector structure may be different for each coil. In general, the spacing between adjacent turns can be different for each coil. The length of the gap is measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device/pantograph/coil. The gap is the area where there is no coil wire (i.e. there is space between adjacent turns).

The mass of the first coil may be between about 1 and 1.5 g and the mass of the second coil may be between about 2 and 2.5 g. For example, the mass of the first coil may be less than about 1.5 g and the mass of the second coil may be greater than about 1.5 g. 2 g. In a particular configuration, the first coil has a mass of about 1.3 to 1.6 g, such as 1.4 g, and the second coil has a mass of about 2 to 2.2 g, such as about 2.1 g.

The device may also include a controller configured to sequentially turn on/activate the first coil and the second coil, as well as turn on/activate the first coil before the second coil. So when in use, the first coil works first and the second coil works second.

The susceptor structure may be hollow and/or substantially tubular to allow aerosol-forming material to enter the interior of the susceptor such that the susceptor surrounds the aerosol-generating material.

In other examples, there may be three or four coils, with the coil closest to the mouthpiece of the device being shorter than each of the other coils.

In another example, the first length (of the first coil) may be from about 10 to 21 mm, and the second length (of the second coil) may be from about 18 to 30 mm (assuming that the first coil is shorter than the second). In one example, the first length may be approximately 17.9 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be approximately 20 mm (±1 mm). In another example, the first length may be approximately 10 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be approximately 21 mm (±1 mm). In another example, the first length may be approximately 14 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be approximately 20 mm (±1 mm).

In some examples, each coil may have the same number of turns.

In some examples, the heater/susceptor component may contain at least two materials that can be heated at two different frequencies to selectively vaporize the at least two materials. For example, the first section of the heater component may contain a first material, and the second section of the heater component may contain a second, different material. Accordingly, the aerosol providing device may comprise a heater component configured to heat the aerosol-forming material, the heater component comprising first and second materials, the first material being heated by a first magnetic field having a first frequency, and the second material being heated by a second magnetic field. having a second frequency, the first frequency being different from the second frequency. The first and second magnetic fields may be generated by, for example, one coil or two coils.

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

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

In some examples, the coil(s) are configured to generate an alternating magnetic field to penetrate the 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, one or each heating component may be called a "susceptor". A coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field to penetrate the at least one electrically conductive heating component, thereby causing induction heating of the at least one electrically conductive heating component, may be referred to as an “induction coil” or “inductor.”

The device may include heating component(s), such as electrically conductive heating component(s), and the heating component(s) may be suitably positioned or positioned relative to the coil(s). to provide such heating of the heating component(s). The heating component(s) may be in a fixed position relative to the coil(s). Alternatively, at least one heating component, such as at least one electrically conductive heating component, may be included in the article for insertion into the heating zone of the device, wherein the article also contains an aerosol-forming material and can be removed from the heating zone after use. Alternatively, both the device and the article may include at least one suitable heating component, such as at least one electrically conductive heating component, and the coil(s) may cause heating of the heating component(s) of both the device and the article, when the product is in a heating zone.

In some examples, the coil(s) are helical. In some examples, the coil(s) surround at least a portion of the heating zone of the device configured to receive the aerosol-forming material. In some examples, the coil(s) is a helical coil that surrounds at least a portion of the heating zone. The heating zone may be a receptacle whose shape is adapted to receive the aerosol-forming material.

In some examples, the device includes an electrically conductive heating component that at least partially surrounds a heating zone, and the coil(s) is a helical coil(s) that surrounds at least a portion of the electrically conductive heating component. In some examples, the electrically conductive heating element is tubular. In some examples, the coil is an inductor.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the aerosol supply device includes first and second coils. The first coil has a first length and the second coil has a second length, the ratio of the second length to the first length being greater than about 1.1. Thus, the first length is less than the second length, and the second length is at least 1.1 times greater than the first length. Accordingly, the device has an asymmetrical arrangement of the heating device coils. It should be understood that this asymmetrical heating device is also applicable to other heating technologies, such as resistance heating, where the first and second components of the resistance heater may replace the first and second coils.

The first coil may be a first induction coil, the second coil may be a second induction coil, and the heater component may be a current collector (also called a current collector structure).

By having two coils of different lengths, each coil heats different volumes of aerosol-forming material. A shorter coil produces an overall smaller volume of aerosol compared to the volume that would be produced if a larger volume of material were heated. Thus, a longer coil heats a larger volume of aerosol-forming material to produce more aerosol. As a result, if coils of different lengths are available, the required volume of aerosol can be released using the appropriate coil.

In the above arrangement, the produced aerosol is mixed with substantially the same volume of surrounding cooler air in the device, regardless of which coil causes the aerosol to be released. The surrounding air reduces the temperature of the resulting aerosol. Depending on which coil is located closer to the near end (closer to the mouth) of the device, the temperature of the aerosol inhaled by the user will be affected.

It has been found that if the ratio of the second length to the first length is greater than about 1.1, then the volume and temperature of the resulting aerosol can be adapted to the needs of the user. Additionally, the use of two heating zones provides greater flexibility in how the aerosol-forming material is heated.

Additionally, a shorter coil heats a shorter portion of the pantograph (and therefore a shorter portion of the aerosol-forming material) with a faster ramp-up time. In this way, during the session the organoleptic properties can be presented in a more accentuated manner. For example, if the shorter coil is located at the mouthpiece (near end) of the device, then the first puff taken by the user can be completed quickly. If the shorter coil is located in a different location, then additional organoleptic properties can be quickly introduced on top of the background organoleptic properties. If the shorter coil is at the distal end, particularly pronounced organoleptic properties can be transferred at the end of the session, for example to overcome undesirable notes that may arise when parts of the tobacco further downstream are continuously heated simultaneously by other coils.

The ratio may be greater than 1.2. In a particular embodiment, the ratio is from about 1.2 to 3. If the ratio is less than about 3, then the volume and temperature of the aerosol generated can be better tailored to the needs of the user. Preferably the ratio is from about 1.2 to 2.2 or from about 1.2 to 1.5. More preferably, the ratio is from about 1.3 to 1.4. This ratio has been found to provide a good balance between the above limitations.

The first length (of the first coil) may be from about 14 to 23 mm, for example from 14 mm to 21 mm. More specifically, the first length may be 19 mm (±2 mm). The second length (of the second coil) may be about 20 to 30 mm or about 25 to 30 mm. More specifically, the second length may be 25 mm (±2 mm). This length has been found to be particularly suitable for efficiently heating the pantograph to ensure that the required aerosol volume and temperature are obtained. In another example, the first length may be 20 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be 27 mm (±1 mm).

Preferably, the first length is about 20 mm and the second length is about 27 mm, so that the ratio is about 1.3 to 1.4. These dimensions were found to provide a good configuration.

In a particular implementation, in use, the aerosol is drawn along the flow path of the device toward a proximal end of the device, and the first coil is located closer to that end of the device than the second coil. As stated above, it has been found that by positioning the shorter coil closer to the near end of the device, a phenomenon known as "hot puff" can be reduced or avoided.

It has been found that if the ratio of the second length to the first length is greater than about 1.1 (and less than about 3, such as less than 2.2, or less than 1.5, or less than 1.4), then the required aerosol temperature and volume can be obtained with both coils without causing harm or discomfort to the user.

The device may also include a mouthpiece or opening located at a proximal end of the device, with the first coil located closer to the mouthpiece than the second coil. The mouthpiece may be removably attached to the opening of the device, or the opening of the device may itself define the mouthpiece. In a specific example, an article containing an aerosol-forming material is inserted into the device and exits an opening of the device as it is heated. Thus, the aerosol exits the hole, but remains inside the product. In such a case, the hole can still be called a mouthpiece, regardless of whether it comes into contact with the user's mouth during use.

In a specific example, the aerosol supply device comprises a current-receiving structure. In other examples, the current-receiving structure includes an article containing an aerosol-forming material.

In certain designs, the outer perimeter of the first coil is located from the pantograph at substantially the same distance as the outer perimeter of the second coil. In other words, the coils do not overlap each other. This arrangement can simplify the process of assembling the device. For example, two coils can be wound around an insulating element. The expression "outer perimeter" or "outer surface" of a coil means the edge/surface farthest from the current collector structure, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and/or current collector structure. Likewise, the expression “inner perimeter/surface” of a coil means the edge/surface closest to the current collector structure, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and/or the current collector structure. Accordingly, the first and second coils may have substantially the same outer diameter.

In one example, the inner diameter of the first and second coils is approximately 10-14 mm in, and the outer diameter is approximately 12-16 mm. In a specific example, the inner diameter of the first and second coils is approximately 12-13 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 14-15 mm. Preferably, the inner diameter of the first and second coils is about 12 mm, and the outer diameter is about 14.6 mm. The inside diameter of a helical coil is any straight line segment that passes through the center of the coil (as viewed in cross section) and whose ends lie on the inside perimeter of the coil. The outer diameter of a helical coil is any straight line segment that passes through the center of the coil (as viewed in cross section) and whose ends lie on the outer perimeter of the coil. These dimensions can provide efficient heating of the current collector structure.

In some embodiments, the first and second coils are substantially continuous. In other words, they are directly adjacent to each other and in contact with each other. This arrangement can simplify the process of assembling the device. In some examples, they are directly adjacent to each other, but are not in contact with each other.

In some examples, the mid-length of the second coil is offset along the longitudinal axis of the device/pantograph so that it is outside the first coil.

In some examples, the first and second coils being adjacent to each other in the longitudinal axis direction may indicate that the first and second coils are not axially aligned. For example, they can be offset from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The first coil and the second coil may be helical. For example, they can be wound in a spiral.

The first coil may contain a first wire wound (helically) with a first pitch, and the second coil may contain a second wire wound (spiralically) with a second pitch. Pitch is the length of the turn (measured along the longitudinal axis of the device/pantograph/coil) in one full revolution.

The first and second coils may have different pitches. This allows the heating effect of the current collector structure to be adapted to a specific purpose. For example, a shorter step may produce a stronger magnetic field. Conversely, a longer pitch may cause a weaker magnetic field.

For example, the second step may be longer than the first. This helps reduce the temperature of the generated aerosol in that area. In particular, the second step may be longer than the first step by less than about 0.5 mm, or less than about 0.2 mm, or, more preferably, by about 0.1 mm.

In one embodiment, both the first and second pitch are about 2 to 4 mm, or about 2 to 3 mm, or preferably about 2.5 to 3 mm. For example, the first pitch might be approximately 2.8 mm and the second pitch might be approximately 2.9 mm. These steps have been found to provide optimal heating of the aerosol-forming material.

Alternatively, the first coil and the second coil may have substantially the same pitch. This can make making coils easier. In one example, the pitch is about 2 to 3 mm, or about 2.5 to 3 mm, or about 2.8 to 3 mm, or may be greater than 2.5 mm, or greater than 2.8 mm, and/or may be less than about 3 mm.

The first coil may contain a first wire which is about 250 to 300 mm long, and the second coil may contain a second wire which is about 400 to 450 mm long. In other words, the length of the wire in each coil is the length of the unwound coil. For example, the first wire may have a length of about 300 to 350 mm, such as about 310 to 320 mm. The second wire may have a length of from about 350 to 450 mm, for example from about 390 to 410 mm. In this particular configuration, the first wire is approximately 315mm long and the second wire is approximately 400mm long. This length has been found to be particularly suitable for ensuring efficient heating of the pantograph while reducing hot draw.

The first coil may have about 5 to 7 turns, and the second coil may have about 8 to 9 turns. In other words, the first and second wire can be wound as many times as possible. A turn is one full revolution around an axis. In a specific example, the first coil has about 6 to 7 turns, such as about 6.75 turns. The second coil may have approximately 8.75 turns. This allows the ends of the coils to be connected to terminals (on a printed circuit board, for example) in one place. In another example, the first coil has 5 to 6 turns, for example about 5.75 turns. The second coil may have approximately 8.75 turns.

The first coil may include spaces between adjacent turns, and each space may be about 1.4 to 1.6 mm, such as about 1.5 mm. The second coil may also include spaces between adjacent turns, and each space may be about 1.4 to 1.6 mm, such as about 1.6 mm. In some examples, the heating effect of the current collector structure may be different for each coil. In general, the spacing between adjacent turns can be different for each coil. The length of the gap is measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device/pantograph. The gap is the area where there is no coil wire (i.e. there is space between adjacent turns).

The mass of the first coil may be between about 1 and 1.5 g and the mass of the second coil may be between about 2 and 2.5 g. For example, the mass of the first coil may be less than about 1.5 g and the mass of the second coil may be greater than about 1.5 g. 2 g. In a particular configuration, the first coil has a mass of about 1.3 to 1.6 g, such as 1.4 g, and the second coil has a mass of about 2 to 2.2 g, such as about 2.1 g.

The device may also include a controller configured to sequentially turn on/activate the first coil and the second coil, as well as turn on/activate the first coil before the second coil. So when in use, the first coil works first and the second coil works second.

The susceptor structure may be hollow and/or substantially tubular to allow aerosol-forming material to enter the interior of the susceptor such that the susceptor surrounds the aerosol-generating material.

In other examples, there may be three or four coils, with the coil closest to the mouthpiece of the device being shorter than each of the other coils.

In another example, the first length (of the first coil) may be from about 10 to 21 mm, and the second length (of the second coil) may be from about 18 to 30 mm (assuming that the first coil is shorter than the second). In one example, the first length may be approximately 17.9 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be approximately 20 mm (±1 mm). In another example, the first length may be approximately 10 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be approximately 21 mm (±1 mm). In another example, the first length may be approximately 14 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be approximately 20 mm (±1 mm).

In some examples, the heater/susceptor component may contain at least two materials that can be heated at two different frequencies to selectively vaporize the at least two materials. For example, the first section of the heater component may contain a first material, and the second section of the heater component may contain a second, different material. Accordingly, the aerosol providing device may comprise a heater component configured to heat the aerosol-forming material, the heater component comprising first and second materials, the first material being heated by a first magnetic field having a first frequency, and the second material being heated by a second magnetic field. having a second frequency, the first frequency being different from the second frequency. The first and second magnetic fields may be generated by, for example, one coil or two coils.

In some examples, each coil may have the same number of turns.

Some examples may have three coils or four coils. In some arrangements, the coil closest to the device's mouthpiece is shorter than each of the other coils.

The device, coils, or heater component described with respect to the third, fourth, or fifth objects may include any or all of the dimensions or features described with respect to any of the other objects described.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the aerosol supply device includes a first induction coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field to penetrate and heat the current collector. The pantograph may define a longitudinal axis, and the first induction coil has a first length along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the first induction coil can define the longitudinal axis. The first induction coil has a helical shape and therefore contains a first number of turns about a longitudinal axis as it is helically wound around the pantograph. A turn is one full revolution around the pantograph/axis.

It has been found that if the ratio of the number of turns to the length of the induction coil is from about 0.2 mm ^-1 to 0.5 mm ^-1 , the induction coil generates a magnetic field that is particularly effective in heating the current collector installed inside the coil. In certain applications, such a magnetic field can cause the current collector to heat up to approximately 250°C, for example, in less than 2 seconds. The ratio of the number of turns to the length of the induction coil can be called, for example, "turn density". An induction coil with a turn density of approximately 0.2 mm ^-1 to 0.5 mm ^-1 represents a good balance between efficient and fast heating (with a higher turn density) and ensuring that the device is relatively light and relatively inexpensive to manufacture (with lower density of turns). Moreover, a higher density of turns can result in higher resistive losses in the wire forming the induction coil and can reduce the gap separating adjacent turns of the coil. Both of these effects may cause the outer surface of the device to heat up, which may be uncomfortable for the user of the device.

In some examples, the ratio of the first number of turns to the first length is from about 0.2 to 0.4 mm ^-1 or from about 0.3 to 0.4 mm ^-1 . Preferably, the ratio of the first number of turns to the first length is from about 0.3 to 0.35 mm ^-1 , for example from about 0.32 to 0.34 mm ^-1 .

In some examples, the length of the first induction coil may be from about 15 to 21 mm. In some examples, the first inductor may have a first number of turns of about 6 to 7. These lengths and number of turns can provide turns densities within the ranges described above.

Preferably, the first length is from about 18 to 21 mm and the first number of turns is from about 6.5 to 7. In a specific example, the first length is 20 mm (±1 mm) and the first number of turns is from about 6.5 to 7 , for example approximately 6.75. Such an inductor is particularly well suited for heating a current collector in an aerosol supply device.

The aerosol supply device may comprise one induction coil (ie, the first inductor) or may contain two or more induction coils.

In a specific example, the device also includes a second induction coil having a second length along the longitudinal axis and a second number of turns around the pantograph. In this case, the ratio of the second number of turns to the second length is approximately from 0.2 to 0.5 mm ^-1 . In some examples, the ratio of the second number of turns to the second length is from about 0.2 to 0.4 mm ^-1 or from about 0.3 to 0.4 mm ^-1 . Preferably, the ratio of the second number of turns to the second length is from about 0.3 to 0.35 mm ^-1 , for example from about 0.32 to 0.34 mm ^-1 .

The first and second induction coils may have substantially the same or similar turns density. In one example, the absolute difference between the ratio of the second number of turns to the second length and the ratio of the first number of turns to the first length is less than about 0.05 mm ^-1 or 0.01 mm ^-1 , or less than 0.005 mm ^-1 . In another example, the percentage difference between the ratio of the second number of turns to the second length and the ratio of the first number of turns to the first length may be less than about 15, 10, 5, 3, or 1%. Thus, if the first and second induction coils have substantially the same turns density, the current collector can be heated more uniformly along its length. This avoids uneven heating of the aerosol-forming material, which can affect the volume, flavor and temperature of the resulting aerosol.

The first length of the first induction coil may be different from the second length of the second induction coil. Likewise, the first number of turns may be different from the second number of turns. Accordingly, although the first and second inductors may have different lengths and different numbers of turns, they may have the same turns density.

In some examples, the first length may exceed the second length by at least 5 mm.

In some examples, the length of the second induction coil may be from about 25 to 30 mm. In some examples, the second inductor may have a second number of turns of about 8 to 9. These lengths and number of turns can provide turns densities within the ranges described above.

Preferably, the second length is from about 25 to 28 mm and the second number of turns is from about 8.5 to 9. In a specific example, the second length is 26 mm (±1 mm) and the second number of turns is from about 8.5 to 9 , for example approximately 8.75. This induction coil is well suited for heating the current collector in an aerosol supply device.

In an alternative example, the first induction coil may have a first length of from about 15 to 21 mm. In some examples, the first induction coil may have a first number of turns of from about 5 to 6. Preferably, the first length is from about 17.5 to 18.5 mm and the first number of turns is from about 5.5 to 6. In a particular example, the first the length is 17.9 mm (±1 mm) and the first number of turns is from about 5.5 to 6, for example about 5.75. The ratio of the first number of turns to the first length is approximately 0.3 to 0.4 mm ^-1 . More preferably, the ratio is about 0.34 mm ^-1 . The device may also include a second induction coil having a second length along the longitudinal axis and a second number of turns around the pantograph. The second induction coil may have a second length of about 19 to 24 mm. In some examples, the second induction coil may have a second number of turns of from about 6 to 7. Preferably, the second length is from about 19.5 to 20.5 mm and the second number of turns is from about 6.5 to 7. In a particular example, the second length is is 20 mm (±1 mm), and the second number of turns is from about 6.5 to 7, for example about 6.75. The ratio of the second number of turns to the second length is approximately 0.3 to 0.4 mm ^-1 . More preferably, the ratio is about 0.38 mm ^-1 . Thus, the ratios for the first and second inductors differ by approximately 0.04 mm ^-1 .

In a particular implementation, in use, the aerosol is drawn along the flow path of the device toward the proximal end of the device, and the first inductor is located closer to the proximal end of the device than the second inductor.

In some examples, the first and/or second induction coil is formed from Litz wire that contains a plurality of strands. Litz wire can have a round or rectangular cross-section. Preferably the litz wire has a circular cross section.

Litz wire is a wire consisting of many strands that are used to transmit alternating current. Litz wire is used to reduce skin effect losses in a conductor and consists of many individually insulated wires twisted or braided together. The result of this winding is the alignment of that part of the total length in which each core is outside the conductor. This allows the current to be evenly distributed between the conductors of the wire, reducing the resistance in the wire. In some examples, Litz wire contains multiple bundles of wire strands, with the strands in each bundle twisted together. Bundles of wires are twisted in a similar way.

In some examples, the induction coil flex wires have approximately 50 to 150 strands. It has been found that an induction coil formed from Litz wire having the above-mentioned turns density and such a large number of cores is particularly suitable for heating a current collector used in an aerosol supply apparatus. For example, the strength of the magnetic field induced by the coil is well suited to heat a susceptor located near the induction coil.

In another example, the Litz wire induction coils have from about 100 to 130 strands, or about 110 to 120 strands. It is desirable that the Litz wire of the induction coils have approximately 115 cores.

The litz wire may contain at least four core bundles. Preferably the flexible wires comprise five bundles. As briefly mentioned above, each bundle contains multiple wire strands, and the wire strands in each bundle are twisted together. Wire bundles can be twisted/braided in a similar manner. The number of cores in all bundles adds up to the total number of cores in the Litz wire. Each bundle can have the same number of cores. If the wire strands are twisted together in a Litz wire, each wire can spend the same amount of time on the outside of the bundle.

The diameter of the wire cores can be approximately 0.05 to 0.2 mm. In some examples, the diameter is between 0.16 and 0.0799 mm. In another example, the diameter of the wire strands is from 0.127 to 0.0897 mm. In another example, the wire strands have a diameter of 0.113 to 0.101 mm.

Preferably, the diameter of the wire cores is 0.101 mm, for example about 0.1 mm. It has been found that Litz wire with the above number of cores and these dimensions provides a good balance between efficient heating and keeping the aerosol delivery device compact and lightweight.

Litz wire can have a length of approximately 300 to 450 mm. For example, the first litz wire of the first induction coil may have a length of from about 300 to 350 mm, for example from 310 to 320 mm. The second Litz wire forming the second induction coil may have a length of from about 350 to 450 mm, for example from 390 to 410 mm. Litz wire length is the length of the unwound induction coil. In a particular configuration, the first litz wire is approximately 315 mm long and the second litz wire is approximately 400 mm long. This length was found to be suitable for efficient heating of the pantograph.

Induction coils can consist of Litz wire wound (in a spiral) with a certain pitch. Pitch is the length of the induction coil (measured along the longitudinal axis of the device/pantograph) in one full revolution. A shorter step may cause a stronger magnetic field. Conversely, a longer pitch may cause a weaker magnetic field.

In one design, the first pitch of the first inductor is about 2 to 3 mm, and the second pitch of the second inductor is about 2 to 3 mm. For example, the first or second pitch may be approximately 2.5 to 3 mm. In some examples, the difference between the first pitch and the second pitch is less than 0.1 mm. For example, the first pitch may be approximately 2.8 mm and the second pitch may be approximately 2.9 mm. For example, the first pitch may be approximately 2.81 mm and the second pitch may be approximately 2.88 mm.

The induction coils may include spaces between successive turns, and each space may be about 1.4 to 1.6 mm, such as about 1.5 to 1.6 mm. Preferably the spacing is about 1.5 mm or 1.6 mm. In some examples, the spacing between adjacent turns is slightly different for each coil. For example, the spacing between adjacent turns in the first induction coil may differ from the spacing between adjacent turns in the second induction coil by less than about 0.1 mm. For example, the spacing between adjacent turns in the first induction coil may be approximately 1.51 mm, and the spacing between adjacent turns in the second induction coil may be approximately 1.58 mm.

The first and second induction coils may have a mass of about 1 to 2.5 g. In a particular configuration, the first coil has a mass of about 1.3 to 1.6 g, such as 1.4 g, and the second coil has a mass of about 2 to 2.2 g, for example approximately 2.1 g.

As already mentioned, Litz wire may have a circular cross-section with a diameter of about 1 to 1.5 mm or about 1.2 to 1.4 mm. Preferably, the Litz wire diameter is about 1.3 mm.

In some examples, the induction coil is configured to heat the pantograph to a temperature of about 240 to 300ºC, such as about 250 to 280ºC.

The first and/or second induction coil may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance of approximately 3 to 4 mm. Accordingly, the inner surface of the induction coils and the outer surface of the current collector can be spaced apart by this distance. The distance can be radial. Distances in this range have been found to provide a good balance between locating the pantograph radially close to the induction coils for efficient heating and radially away to improve the insulation of the induction coils and the insulating element.

In another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance greater than about 2.5 mm.

In another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance of about 3 to 3.5 mm. In yet another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance of about 3 to 3.25 mm, preferably about 3.25 mm. In another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance greater than about 3.2 mm. In yet another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance of no more than about 3.5 or 3.3 mm. Such distances have been found to provide a balance between locating the pantograph radially close to the induction coils to provide efficient heating and radially away to improve the insulation of the induction coils and the insulating element.

In one example, the inner diameter of the first and/or second induction coil is approximately 10-14 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 12-16 mm. In a specific example, the inner diameter of the first and/or second induction coil is approximately 12-13 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 14-15 mm. Preferably, the inner diameter of the first and/or second induction coil is about 12 mm and the outer diameter is about 14.6 mm. The inner diameter of a helical induction coil is any straight line segment that passes through the center of the coil (as viewed in cross section) and whose ends lie on the inner perimeter of the coil. The outer diameter of a helical induction coil is any straight line segment that passes through the center of the coil (as viewed in cross section) and whose ends lie on the outer perimeter of the coil. These dimensions can provide efficient heating of the current collector structure while maintaining compact external dimensions.

The device, coils, or heater component described with respect to the sixth object may include any or all of the dimensions or features described with respect to any of the other objects described.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the aerosol supply device includes first and second induction coils configured to generate an alternating magnetic field to penetrate and heat the current collector. The pantograph defines an axis, for example a longitudinal one, and the first induction coil has a first number of turns around the longitudinal axis, and the second induction coil has a second number of turns around the axis. The first and second induction coils may be helical. A turn is one full revolution around the pantograph/axis.

It has been found that if the ratio of the second number of turns to the first number of turns is from about 1.1 to 1.8, then the induction coils provide a heating profile tailored to the different parts of the current collector and the aerosol-forming material. Thus, in this aspect of the invention, the second induction coil has a greater number of turns than the first.

In one example, the first inductor has fewer turns because the length of the first inductor is less than the length of the second inductor. The induction coil length is the length measured along the axis defined by the pantograph. If the first induction coil has fewer turns and a shorter length than the second induction coil, then the first induction coil can provide rapid initial heating of a smaller area of aerosol-forming material. However, if the first number of turns is much less than the second number of turns, then the volume of aerosol-forming material heated by each induction coil will be too different. This may negatively impact the user experience, for example the user may notice a difference in the temperature, volume and concentration of the aerosol released when the second inductor begins to operate. A ratio of approximately 1.1 to 1.8 provides a good balance between these limitations.

Alternatively, the first induction coil may have fewer turns such that the magnetic field created by the first induction coil is weaker than the magnetic field created by the second induction coil. This may be useful if the type/density of the aerosol-forming material is not constant along its length. For example, there may be two types of aerosol-forming material that need to be heated to different temperatures. However, if the first number of turns is much smaller than the second number of turns, then the transition between the heating of each region may be too noticeable. A ratio of approximately 1.1 to 1.8 provides a good balance between these limitations.

The first number of turns may be from about 5 to 7, such as from 6 to 7. In a specific example, the first number of turns is about 6.75. The second number of turns may be from about 8 to 9. In a specific example, the second number of turns is about 8.75. The wire forming the inductors may, for example, have a circular cross-section. It was found that a round wire with this number of turns for each inductor provides effective heating of the pantograph. Inductors with this number of turns provide a good balance between producing an effective magnetic field and having relatively lightweight and inexpensive inductors.

The first number of turns may be from about 5 to 7, such as from about 5 to 6. In a specific example, the first number of turns is about 5.75. The second number of turns can be from about 8 to about 9. In a specific example, the second number of turns is about 8.75. The wire forming the inductors may have a rectangular cross-section. It was found that a rectangular wire with this number of turns for each induction coil provides effective heating of the pantograph. Induction coils with this number of turns provide a good balance between producing an effective magnetic field and having relatively lightweight and inexpensive induction coils.

Preferably, the ratio of the second number of turns to the first number of turns is from about 1.1 to 1.5 or from about 1.2 to 1.4, for example from about 1.2 to 1.3. Even more preferably, the ratio may be from about 1.29 to 1.3.

In another example, the first number of turns may be from about 5 to 6. In a specific example, the first number of turns is about 5.75. The second number of turns may be from about 6 to 7. In a specific example, the second number of turns is about 6.75.

In some examples, the first induction coil is adjacent to the second induction coil in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the pantograph. Thus, the first and second inductors do not overlap.

In some examples, the first and second induction coils have substantially the same “turn density,” that is, substantially the same number of turns per unit coil length. The first induction coil may have a first longitudinal axis length and a first turns density, and the second induction coil may have a second longitudinal axis length and a second turns density. Twist density is the number of turns divided by the length of the coil.

In one example, the absolute difference between the first thread density and the second thread density is less than about 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, or 0.005 mm ^-1 . In another example, the percentage difference between the ratio of the first thread density and the second thread density may be less than about 15, 10, 5, 3, or 1%. Thus, if the first and second induction coils have the same or substantially the same density of turns, but a different number of turns, the current collector can be heated more uniformly along its entire length while controlling the volume of heated aerosol-forming material.

The first and second turns density may be from about 0.2 to 0.5 mm ^-1 . In some examples, the first and second turns density is from about 0.2 to 0.4 mm ^-1 or from about 0.3 to 0.4 mm ^-1 . Preferably, the first and second turns density is from about 0.3 to 0.35 mm ^-1 , for example from about 0.32 to 0.34 mm ^-1 .

In some examples, the first induction coil may have a first axial length, and the second induction coil may have a second axial length, with the first length being about 14 to 23 mm, such as about 14 to 21 mm, and the second length being about from 23 to 30 mm, for example from about 25 to 30 mm. Preferably the first length is from about 18 to 21 mm. In the specific example, the first length is 20 mm (± 1 mm). In some examples, the second induction coil may have a second axial length of about 25 to 30 mm. Preferably the second length is from about 25 to 28 mm. In the specific example, the second length is 26 mm (± 1 mm). In another example, the first length is 19 mm (±2 mm) and the second length may be 25 mm (±2 mm).

In some examples, the first length may exceed the second length by at least 5 mm.

In another example, the first length (of the first coil) may be from about 10 to 21 mm, and the second length (of the second coil) may be from about 18 to 30 mm. In one example, the first length may be 17.9 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be 20 mm (±1 mm). In another example, the first length may be 10 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be 21 mm (±1 mm). In another example, the first length may be 14 mm (±1 mm) and the second length may be 20 mm (±1 mm).

In use, the aerosol is drawn along the flow path of the device toward a proximal end of the device, and the first induction coil is located closer to that end of the device than the second induction coil. Thus, the induction coil with fewer turns is located closer to the mouthpiece of the device. This means that the first induction coil with fewer turns can be turned on/activated first, allowing the aerosol-forming material closest to the user's mouth to be quickly heated. A second induction coil with more turns can be turned on later during the heating session. In a preferred configuration, the first induction coil has a first axial length and the second induction coil has a second axial length, the first length being less than the second. Thus, the first induction coil has a shorter length and fewer turns than the second induction coil. In this configuration, the end of the current collector closest to the proximal end of the device is surrounded by a first, shorter induction coil. After the aerosol-forming material is inserted into the device, the material near the proximal end is heated by the first, shorter induction coil.

By placing a shorter induction coil with fewer turns closer to the proximal end of the aerosol-forming material (which is heated first), a smaller volume of aerosol-forming material is heated. This reduces the volume of aerosol produced compared to the volume that would be produced if a larger volume of material were heated. This aerosol mixes with the volume of surrounding cooler air in the device and the temperature of the aerosol decreases, thereby eliminating or reducing hot puff.

In some examples, the induction coil flex wires have approximately 50 to 150 strands. It has been found that an inductor formed from Litz wire with the specified turns density and number of cores is particularly suitable for heating the current collector used in the aerosol supply apparatus. For example, the strength of the magnetic field created by an induction coil is well suited to heat a susceptor located near the coil.

In another example, the Litz wire induction coils have from about 100 to 130 strands, or about 110 to 120 strands. It is desirable that the Litz wire of the induction coils have approximately 115 cores.

The litz wire may contain at least four core bundles. Preferably the flexible wires comprise five bundles. As briefly mentioned above, each bundle contains multiple wire strands, and the wire strands in each bundle are twisted together. Wire bundles can be twisted/braided in a similar manner. The number of cores in all bundles adds up to the total number of cores in the Litz wire. Each bundle can have the same number of cores. If the wire strands are twisted together in a Litz wire, each wire can spend an equal amount of time on the outside of the bundle.

The diameter of the wire cores can be approximately 0.05 to 0.2 mm. In some examples, the diameter is between 0.16 and 0.0799 mm. In another example, the diameter of the wire strands is from 0.127 to 0.0897 mm. In another example, the wire strands have a diameter of 0.113 to 0.101 mm.

Preferably, the diameter of the wire cores is 0.101 mm, for example about 0.1 mm. It has been found that Litz wire with the above number of cores and these dimensions provides a good balance between efficient heating and keeping the aerosol delivery device compact and lightweight.

Litz wire can have a length of approximately 300 to 450 mm. For example, the first litz wire of the first induction coil may have a length of from about 300 to 350 mm, for example from 310 to 320 mm. The second Litz wire forming the second induction coil may have a length of from about 350 to 450 mm, for example from 390 to 410 mm. Litz wire length is the length of the unwound induction coil. In a particular configuration, the first litz wire is approximately 315 mm long and the second litz wire is approximately 400 mm long. This length was found to be suitable for efficient heating of the pantograph.

Induction coils can consist of Litz wire wound (in a spiral) with a certain pitch. Pitch is the length of the induction coil (measured along the longitudinal axis of the device/pantograph) in one full revolution. A shorter step may cause a stronger magnetic field. Conversely, a longer pitch may cause a weaker magnetic field.

In one design, the first pitch of the first inductor is about 2 to 3 mm, and the second pitch of the second inductor is about 2 to 3 mm. For example, the first or second pitch may be approximately 2.5 to 3 mm. In some examples, the difference between the first pitch and the second pitch is less than 0.1 mm. For example, the first pitch may be approximately 2.8 mm and the second pitch may be approximately 2.9 mm. For example, the first pitch may be approximately 2.81 mm and the second pitch may be approximately 2.88 mm.

The induction coils may include spaces between successive turns, and each space may be about 1.4 to 1.6 mm, such as about 1.5 to 1.6 mm. Preferably the spacing is about 1.5 mm or 1.6 mm. In some examples, the spacing between adjacent turns is slightly different for each coil. For example, the spacing between adjacent turns in the first induction coil may differ from the spacing between adjacent turns in the second induction coil by less than about 0.1 mm. For example, the spacing between adjacent turns in the first induction coil may be approximately 1.51 mm, and the spacing between adjacent turns in the second induction coil may be approximately 1.58 mm. The length of the gap is measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device/pantograph/inductor. The gap is the area where there is no coil wire (i.e. there is space between successive turns).

The first and second induction coils may have a mass of about 1 to 2.5 g. In a particular configuration, the first coil has a mass of about 1.3 to 1.6 g, such as 1.4 g, and the second coil has a mass of about 2 to 2.2 g, for example approximately 2.1 g.

As already mentioned, Litz wire can have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the Litz wire may have a rectangular cross-section. A rectangle can have two short sides and two long sides, with the dimensions of the sides of the rectangle determining the cross-sectional area. In other examples, the Litz wire may have a generally square cross-section with four substantially equal sides. The cross-sectional area may be from about 1.5 to 3 mm ² . Preferably, the cross-sectional area is from about 2 to 3 mm ² or from about 2.2 to 2.6 mm ² . Most preferably, the cross-sectional area is from about 2.4 to 2.5 mm ² .

If the Litz wire has a rectangular cross-section with two short and two long sides, the short sides may be about 0.9 to 1.4 mm and the long sides may be about 1.9 to 2.4 mm. Alternatively, the short sides may measure from about 1 to 1.2 mm and the long sides from about 2.1 to 2.3 mm. Preferably, the short sides measure 1.1 mm (±0.1 mm) and the long sides measure 2.2 mm (±0.1 mm). In such an example, the cross-sectional area is about 2.42 mm ² .

The first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance of approximately 3 to 4 mm. Accordingly, the inner surface of the induction coils and the outer surface of the current collector can be spaced apart by this distance. The distance can be radial. Distances in this range have been found to provide a good balance between locating the pantograph radially close to the inductors for efficient heating and radially away to improve the insulation of the inductors and the insulating element.

In another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance greater than about 2.5 mm.

In another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance of about 3 to 3.5 mm. In yet another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance of about 3 to 3.25 mm, for example, preferably about 3.25 mm. In another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located from the outer surface of the pantograph at a distance greater than about 3.2 mm. In yet another example, the first and/or second induction coils may be located less than about 3.5 or 3.3 mm from the outer surface of the pantograph. Such distances have been found to provide a balance between locating the pantograph radially close to the inductors for efficient heating and radially away to improve the insulation of the inductors and the insulating element.

In a specific example, the aerosol supply device comprises a current collector. In other examples, the pantograph comprises an article containing an aerosol-forming material.

In one example, the inner diameter of the first and/or second induction coils is approximately 10-14 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 12-16 mm. In a specific example, the inner diameter of the first and/or second induction coil is approximately 12-13 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 14-15 mm. Preferably, the inner diameter of the first and/or second induction coil is about 12 mm and the outer diameter is about 14.6 mm. The inner diameter of a helical induction coil is any straight line segment that passes through the center of the inductor (as viewed in cross section) and whose ends lie on the inner perimeter of the coil. The outer diameter of a helical induction coil is any straight line segment that passes through the center of the coil (as viewed in cross section) and whose ends lie on the outer perimeter of the coil. These dimensions can provide efficient heating of the current collector structure while maintaining compact external dimensions.

The pantograph may be hollow and/or substantially tubular to allow aerosol-forming material to enter the interior of the pantograph such that the pantograph surrounds the aerosol-generating material.

In some examples, the pantograph includes one or more elements to prevent heat leakage between two heating zones on the pantograph. The zone is defined as the area/section of the pantograph surrounded by the induction coil. For example, if the device includes first and second induction coils, then the pantograph includes first and second zones. The pantograph may include openings extending through the pantograph between each zone, which may help reduce heat leakage between adjacent zones. Alternatively, the pantograph may have recesses on the outer surface. Alternatively, the pantograph may have thinner walls at the boundary between adjacent zones. In another example, the pantograph may "bulge" outward at locations between adjacent zones to increase the conductive path of the pantograph. Convex areas may also have a thinner wall than the walls of adjacent areas.

In one example, the ends of the pantograph may collect heat from an adjacent heating zone. For example, an end portion may have greater thermal mass than an adjacent portion. It can act as a radiator.

The device, coils, or heater component described with respect to the seventh aspect of the invention may include any or all of the dimensions or features described with respect to any of the other described aspects of the invention.

In fig. 1 shows an example of an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material. In general terms, device 100 can be used to heat a refill 110 containing an aerosol-forming medium to produce an aerosol or other respirable medium that is inhaled by the user of device 100.

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

The device 100 in this example includes a first end member 106 that includes a cover 108 that is movable relative to the first end member 106 to cover the opening 104 when the product 110 is not present. In fig. 1, cover 108 is shown in an open configuration, however, it may change to a closed configuration. For example, the user may slide the cover 108 in the direction of arrow "A".

The device 100 may also include a user-operable control 112, such as a button or switch, that when pressed causes the device 100 to operate. For example, a user may turn on device 100 using switch 112.

The device 100 may also include an electrical component, such as a jack or port 114, that can receive a cable for charging the battery of the device 100. For example, the jack 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB port.

In fig. 2 shows the device 100 of FIG. 1 with outer cover 102 removed and product 110 removed. Device 100 detects longitudinal axis 134.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first end member 106 is located at one end of the device 100, and a second end member 116 is located at the opposite end of the device 100. The first and second end members 106, 116 together at least partially define the end surfaces of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member member 116 at least partially defines the bottom surface of the device 100. The edges of the outer cover 102 may also define a portion of the end surfaces. In this example, the cover 108 also defines a portion of the top surface of the device 100.

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

The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 may be referred to as the distal end of the device 100 because it is furthest away from the user's mouth in use. When the user draws in the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol passes from the distal end of the device 100.

The device 100 also includes a power supply 118. The power source 118 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, 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 needed and under the control of a controller (not shown) to heat the aerosol-forming material. In this example, the battery is connected to a central support 120 that supports the battery 118.

The device also includes at least one electronic module 122, which may include, for example, a printed circuit board. Circuit board 122 may include at least one controller, such as a processor and memory. Circuit board 122 may also include one or more electrical paths for electrically interconnecting various electronic components of device 100. For example, battery terminals may be electrically connected to circuit board 122 so that power can be distributed throughout device 100. Receptacle 114 may also be electrically connected to the battery via conductive paths.

In an exemplary embodiment of device 100, the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and includes various components for heating the aerosol-forming material of the article 110 by induction heating. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive object (for example, a pantograph) using electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include an inductor, such as one or more induction coils, and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as alternating current, through the induction element. The changing electric current in the induction element creates a changing magnetic field. An alternating magnetic field penetrates through a pantograph suitably positioned relative to the inductive element, creating eddy currents within the pantograph. The pantograph has electrical resistance to eddy currents, therefore, the flow of eddy currents causes Joule heating of the pantograph. If the pantograph contains a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by losses in the pantograph due to magnetic hysteresis, due to the changing orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the changing magnetic field. With induction heating, compared to heating by heat transfer, for example, heat is generated inside the pantograph, which ensures rapid heating. In addition, there is no need for any physical contact between the induction heater and the current collector, allowing greater freedom in design and application.

The induction heating assembly of the apparatus 100 includes a current collecting structure 132 (referred to as a "pantograph"), a first induction coil 124, and a second induction coil 126. The first and second induction coils 204, 206 are made of electrically conductive material. In this example, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are made of litz wire wound in a spiral to form helical induction coils 124, 126. The litz wire is composed of a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wires are designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. In the device 100, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are made of copper Litz wire having a rectangular cross-section. In other examples, the Litz wire may have a different cross-section shape, such as circular.

The first induction coil 124 is configured to generate a first alternating magnetic field to heat the first portion of the pantograph 132, and the second induction coil 126 is configured to generate a second alternating magnetic field to heat the second portion of the pantograph 132. In this example, the first induction coil 124 is adjacent to the second induction coil coil 126 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 (that is, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 do not overlap). The current collector structure 132 may include one, or two, or more individual current collectors. The ends 130 of the first and second induction coils 124, 126 may be connected to the circuit board 122.

It will be appreciated that at least one characteristic of the first and second induction coils 124, 126 may be different from one another in some examples. For example, the first telecoil 124 may have at least one different characteristic than the second telecoil 126. Specifically, in one example, the first telecoil 124 may have a different inductance than the second telecoil 126. Referring to FIG. 2, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are of different lengths such that the first induction coil 124 is wound on a smaller section of the pantograph 132 compared to the second induction coil 126. Thus, the first induction coil 124 may contain a different number of turns than the second induction coil. 126 (assuming that the distance between the individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first induction coil 124 may be made of a different material than the second induction coil 126. In some examples, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 may be substantially identical.

In this example, the first induction coil 124 and the second induction coil 126 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful if the induction coils turn on at different times. For example, the first induction coil 124 may first be operated to heat the first section/part of the article 110, and later the second induction coil 126 may be operated to heat the second section/part of the article 110. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coil. , when used in combination with a specific type of control circuit. Shown in FIG. 2, the first induction coil 124 is a right-handed coil, and the second induction coil 126 is a left-handed coil. However, in another embodiment, the induction coils 124, 126 may be wound in one direction, or the first induction coil 124 may be a left-handed helix and the second induction coil 126 may be a right-handed helix.

The current collector 132 in this example is hollow and therefore defines a container into which the aerosol-forming material is placed. For example, article 110 may be inserted into pantograph 132. In this example, pantograph 132 is tubular with a circular cross-section.

The current collector 132 may be made of one or more materials. Preferably, the current collector 132 is composed of carbon steel coated with nickel or cobalt.

In some examples, the current collector 132 may contain at least two materials that can be heated at two different frequencies to selectively vaporize the at least two materials. For example, the first section of pantograph 132 (which is heated by the first induction coil 124) may contain one material, and the second section of pantograph 132, which is heated by the second induction coil 126, may contain a different material. In another example, the first section may contain first and second materials, and the first and second materials may be heated differently depending on the operation of the first induction coil 124. The first and second materials may be adjacent along an axis defined by the current collector 132, or may form different layers within the pantograph 132. Likewise, the second section may contain third and fourth materials, and the third and fourth materials may be heated differently depending on the operation of the second induction coil 126. The third and fourth materials may be adjacent along an axis defined by the pantograph 132, or may form different layers within the current collector 132. The third material may be the same as the first material, and the fourth material may be, for example, the same as the second material. Alternatively, all materials may be different. The current collector may comprise, for example, carbon steel or aluminum.

The device 100 of FIG. 2 also includes an insulating element 128, which may be generally tubular and at least partially surround the current collector 132. The insulating element 128 can be made of any insulating material, such as plastic. In this particular example, the insulating element is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The insulating element 128 helps to isolate the various components of the device 100 from the heat generated in the current collector 132.

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

In a specific example, the pantograph 132, the insulating element 128, and the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are located along the same central longitudinal axis of the pantograph 132.

In fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of device 100. In this example, an outer cover 102 is present. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second inductors 124, 126 is more clearly visible.

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

The device may also include a second circuit board 138 associated with control element 112.

The device 100 also includes a second cover 140 and a spring 142 located toward the distal end of the device 100. The spring 142 allows the second cover 140 to be opened to provide access to the pantograph 132. The user can open the second cover 140 to clean the pantograph 132 and/or the support 136 .

The device 100 also includes an expansion chamber 144 that extends from the proximal end of the pantograph 132 to the device opening 104. Located at least partially within the expansion chamber 144 is a retaining clip 146 that abuts the article 110 and holds it in the device 100. The expansion chamber 144 is connected to the end member 106.

In fig. 4 is an exploded view of the device 100 shown in FIG. 1, without outer cover 102.

In fig. 5A shows a portion of the device 100 of FIG. 1 in section. In fig. 5B is a close-up view of the area indicated by the circle in FIG. 5A. In fig. 5A and 5B show article 110 placed in pantograph 132, with article 110 sized such that the outer surface of article 110 is adjacent to the inner surface of pantograph 132. This provides the most efficient heating. Article 110 includes an aerosol-forming material 110a located within pantograph 132. Article 110 may also include other components such as a filter, wrapping materials, and/or a cooling structure.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the outer surface of the pantograph 132 is spaced from the inner surface of the induction coils 124, 126 by a distance 150, measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the pantograph 132. In one specific example, the distance 150 is approximately 3 to 4.3 to 3.5 mm or approximately 3.25 mm.

In fig. 5B also shows that the outer surface of the insulating element 128 is spaced from the inner surface of the induction coils 124, 126 by a distance 152 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the pantograph 132. In one specific example, the distance 152 is approximately 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance 152 is substantially zero such that the induction coils 124, 126 abut and touch the insulating element 128.

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 5A, the Litz wire of the first induction coil 124 is wound about the axis 158 approximately 5.75 times, and the Litz wire of the second induction coil 126 is wound about the axis 158 approximately 8.75 times. Litz wires do not form an integral number of turns because some of their ends are bent away from the surface of the insulating element 128 before a full turn is completed. Thus, the ratio of the number of turns in the second induction coil 126 to the number of turns in the first induction coil 124 is approximately 1.5.

In fig. 6 illustrates the heating assembly of the device 100. As briefly mentioned above, the heating assembly includes a first induction coil 124 and a second induction coil 126 disposed adjacent to each other in a direction along an axis 158 (which is also parallel to the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100). In use, the first induction coil 124 is first activated. This causes the first section of the pantograph 132 (ie, the section of the pantograph 132 surrounded by the first induction coil 124) to heat, which in turn heats the first portion of the aerosol-forming material. Later, the first induction coil 124 may be turned off and the second induction coil 126 may be activated. This causes the second section of the pantograph 132 to heat (i.e., the section of the pantograph 132 surrounded by the second induction coil 126), which in turn heats the second section aerosol-forming material. The second telecoil 126 may be turned on while the first telecoil 124 is operating, and the first telecoil 124 may be turned off while the second telecoil 126 continues to operate. Alternatively, the first telecoil 124 may be turned off before the second telecoil 126 is turned on. The controller may control the activation/activation of each telecoil. Thus, the induction coils 124, 126 can operate independently of each other.

In a specific example, both induction coils 124, 126 may operate in two or more different modes. For example, the controller may cause the induction coils 124, 126 to operate in a first mode, wherein the induction coils 124, 126 are configured to heat the pantograph to a lower temperature than when operating in the second mode.

In the example shown, the pantograph 132 is integral, such that the first and second sections are part of a single pantograph 132. In other examples, the first and second sections are separate. For example, there may be a gap between the first and second sections. The gap may be an air gap or a gap made of non-conductive material.

It has been found that hot puffing can be reduced or prevented by making the length 202 of the first induction coil 124 less than the length 204 of the second induction coil 126. The length of each induction coil is measured in a direction parallel to the axis of the pantograph 158, which is also parallel to the axis of the device 134. Hot puffing can be is reduced because the volume of aerosol-forming material heated by the first induction coil 124 is less than the volume of aerosol-forming material heated by the second induction coil 126.

The first, shorter induction coil 124 is located closer to the mouthpiece (proximal end) of the device 100 than the second induction coil 126. When the aerosol-forming material is heated, an aerosol is released. When the user inhales, the aerosol is drawn toward the mouth end of the device 100 in the direction of arrow 206. The aerosol exits the device 100 through the opening/mouthpiece 104 and is inhaled by the user. The first induction coil 124 is located closer to the opening 104 than the second induction coil 126.

In this example, the first and second induction coils 124, 126 are located adjacent and substantially adjacent. Thus, there is no gap 208 between the induction coils 124, 126 at point P. However, in other examples there may be a gap. In such a case, the induction coils 124, 126 will still be adjacent to each other in the direction along the axes 158, 134.

In this example, the first induction coil 124 has a length 202 of approximately 20 mm, and the second induction coil 126 has a length 204 of approximately 27 mm. The first wire wound in a spiral to form the first induction coil 124 has an unwound length of approximately 285 mm. The second wire, wound in a spiral to form the second induction coil 126, has a length of approximately 420 mm when unwound. Although the first and second wires are depicted with a rectangular cross-section, they may have a cross-section of other shapes, such as circular. In fig. 10 shows an example in which the first induction coil 224 and the second induction coil 226 have a circular cross-section.

In fig. 7 is a close-up view of the first induction coil 124. FIG. 8 is a close-up view of the second telecoil 126. In this example, the first telecoil 124 and the second telecoil 126 have different pitches. The first induction coil 124 has a first pitch 210, and the second induction coil has a second pitch 212. The pitch is the length of the inductor (measured along the longitudinal axis 134 of the device or along the longitudinal axis 158 of the pantograph or along the axis of the induction coil) in one full turn. In another example, each induction coil may have substantially the same pitch.

In fig. 7 shows a first induction coil 124 with approximately 5.75 turns, where one turn is one complete revolution around axis 158. Between each subsequent turn there is a gap 214. In this example, the length of the gap 214 is approximately 0.9 mm. Similarly, in FIG. 8 shows a second induction coil 126 with approximately 8.75 turns. There is a gap 216 between each adjacent turns. In this example, the length of the gap 216 is approximately 1 mm. In this example, the first induction coil 124 has a mass of approximately 1 g, and the second induction coil 126 has a mass of approximately 2.1 g.

In another example, the first induction coil 124 has approximately 6.75 turns. In some examples, there may be equal space between adjacent turns of each coil.

In fig. 9 shows a schematic longitudinal section of another heating unit. The heating assembly may be used in the device 100. The assembly includes a first induction coil 224 and a second induction coil 226 disposed adjacent to each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis 258 of the pantograph 232 (which is also parallel to the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100). The pantograph 232 may be substantially the same as the pantograph 132 described with reference to FIG. 1-8. The first and second induction coils 224, 226 are wound helically around an insulating element 228, which may be substantially the same as the insulating element 128 described with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

The first and second induction coils 224, 226 may operate in substantially the same manner as the first and second induction coils 124, 126 described with reference to FIGS. 1-8. In some examples, the first telecoil 224 is located closer to the proximal end of the device 100 than the second telecoil 226. The first telecoil 224 is shorter than the second telecoil 226 when measured in a direction parallel to the axes 134, 258.

Unlike the example of FIG. 6, in this heating device, the first and second induction coils 224, 226 are adjacent to each other but are not continuous. Thus, there is a gap between the induction coils 224, 226. However, in other examples there may not be a gap.

Moreover, unlike the example of FIG. 6-8, the first and second wires (which constitute the first and second induction coils 224, 226, respectively) have a circular cross-section, but they can be replaced by wires having a different cross-sectional shape.

Additionally, in this example, there is no gap 302 between successive turns in the first and second induction coils 224, 226.

Additionally, in this example, the pitch for both the first and second induction coils 224, 226 is substantially the same. For example, it may be from about 2 to about 4 mm or from about 3 to 4 mm.

Other properties and dimensions of the induction coils 224, 226 may be the same or different from those described with reference to FIGS. 6-8.

In fig. 9 shows the outer perimeter of the first induction coil 224 located at a distance 304 from the pantograph 232. Likewise, the outer perimeter of the second induction coil 226 is located at the same distance 304 from the pantograph. Accordingly, the first and second induction coils may have substantially the same outer diameter 306. In FIG. 9, the inner diameter 308 of the first and second coils 224, 226 are shown to be substantially the same.

The "outer perimeter" of the induction coils 224, 226 is the edge of the coil that is located furthest from the outer surface 232a of the pantograph 232 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 258.

In fig. 6-8, the outer perimeter of the first induction coil 124 is also located from the pantograph 132 at substantially the same distance as the outer perimeter of the second induction coil 126.

In one example, the inner diameter of the first and second induction coils 124, 224, 224, 226 is approximately 12 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 14.6 mm.

In fig. 10 depicts part of another example of a heating assembly for use in apparatus 100. In this example, the rectangular cross-section litz wires that form the induction coils are replaced by induction coils composed of circular cross-section litz wires. The rest of the device's features are essentially the same. The heating assembly includes a first induction coil 224 and a second induction coil 226 disposed adjacent to each other in a direction along the axis 200. In another example, the wires forming the first and second induction coils 224, 226 may have a different cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular.

The axis 200 may be defined, for example, by one or both induction coils 224, 226. The axis 200 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 134 of the device 100 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pantograph 158. Thus, each induction coil 224, 226 extends about the axis 200. Alternatively, the axis 200 may be defined by an insulating element 128 or a current collector 132.

The first and second induction coils 224, 226 are located adjacent to each other in a direction along the axis 200. The coils 224, 226 extend in a spiral around the insulating element 128. The current collector 132 is located inside the tubular insulating element 128.

As mentioned in relation to FIG. 6, in use, the first induction coil 224 is first activated. However, in another example, in use, the second induction coil 226 is first activated.

In some embodiments, the length 202 of the first induction coil 224 is less than the length 204 of the second induction coil 226. The length of each induction coil is measured in a direction parallel to the axis 200 of the coils 224, 226. In some examples, the first, shorter induction coil 224 is located closer to the mouthpiece (proximal end) of the device 100 than the second induction coil 226, however, in other examples, a second longer induction coil 226 may be located closer to the proximal end of the device 100.

In one example, the first induction coil 224 has a length 202 of approximately 15 mm, and the second induction coil 226 has a length 204 of approximately 25 mm. Thus, the ratio of the second length 204 to the first length 202 is about 1.7, such as about 1.67. In another example, the first induction coil 224 has a length 202 of approximately 15 mm, and the second induction coil 226 has a length 204 of approximately 30 mm. Thus, the ratio of the second length 204 to the first length 202 is approximately 2. In another example, the first induction coil 224 has a length 202 of approximately 20 mm and the second induction coil 226 has a length 204 of approximately 25 mm. Thus, the ratio of the second length 204 to the first length 202 is from about 1.2 to 1.3, such as about 1.25. In another example, the first induction coil 224 has a length 202 of approximately 20 mm, and the second induction coil 226 has a length 204 of approximately 30 mm, such that the ratio of the second length 204 to the first length 202 is approximately 1.5. In another example, the first telecoil 224 has a length 202 of approximately 14 mm, and the second telecoil 226 has a length 204 of approximately 28 mm, such that the ratio of the second length 204 to the first length 202 is approximately 2. In another example, the first telecoil 224 has a length 202 about 15 mm, and the second induction coil 226 has a length 204 of about 45 mm, so that the ratio of the second length 204 to the first length 202 is about 3.

Preferably, the first induction coil 224 has a length 202 of about 19 to 21 mm, such as about 20.3 mm, and the second induction coil 226 has a length 204 of about 26 mm to 28 mm, such as about 26.2 mm, such that the ratio of the second length 204 to first length 202 is from about 1.2 to 1.5, for example about 1.3.

As noted above, in some examples, the first induction coil 224 has a length 202 of about 20 mm, such as about 20.3 mm, and the second induction coil 226 has a length 204 of about 27 mm, such as about 26.6 mm.

As shown in FIG. 10, the Litz wire of the first induction coil 224 is wound about the axis 200 approximately 6.75 times, and the Litz wire of the second induction coil 226 is wound about the axis 200 approximately 8.75 times. Litz wires do not form an integral number of turns because some of their ends are bent away from the surface of the insulating element 128 before a full turn is completed. Thus, the ratio of the number of turns in the second induction coil 226 to the number of turns in the first induction coil 224 is approximately 1.3.

For the first induction coil 224, the turns density (ie, the ratio of the number of turns to the first length 202) is approximately 0.33 mm ^-1 . For the second induction coil 226, the turns density (ie, the ratio of the number of turns to the second length 204) is approximately 0.33 mm ^-1 . Thus, the first and second induction coils 224, 226 have substantially the same turns density, which results in more uniform heating of the current collector 132 and the aerosol-forming material 110a.

In other examples, the first induction coil 224 may have a first length 202 of about 15 to 21 mm. The twist density may be from about 0.2 to 0.5 mm ^-1 , but preferably from about 0.25 to 0.35 mm ^-1 . The second induction coil 226 may have a second length 204 that is approximately 25 to 30 mm. The twist density may be from about 0.2 to 0.5 mm ^-1 , but preferably from about 0.25 to 0.35 mm ^-1 , for example from about 0.3 to 0.35 mm ^-1 . Turning densities in these ranges are particularly well suited for heating the current collector 132. In some examples, the turns density of the first coil differs from the second coil by less than about 0.05 mm ^-1 .

Such winding densities may also be applicable to litz wires with different cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular cross-sections.

In one example, the first induction coil 224 has approximately 5 to 7 turns. In some examples, the second induction coil 226 has approximately 8 to 10 turns. In other examples, the induction coils have a different number of turns than those mentioned. In any case, it is preferable that the ratio of the number of turns in the second induction coil 126 to the number of turns in the first induction coil 124 is from about 1.1 to 1.8.

In this example, the first wire wound in a spiral to form the first induction coil 224 has an unwound length of approximately 315 mm. The second wire, wound in a spiral to form the second induction coil 226, has an unwound length of approximately 400 mm. In another example, the first wire wound in a spiral to form the first induction coil 224 has an unwound length of approximately 285 mm. The second wire, wound in a spiral to form the second induction coil 226, has an unwound length of approximately 420 mm.

Each induction coil 224, 226 is formed from Litz wire containing a plurality of strands. For example, each Litz wire can have approximately 50 to 150 cores. In this example, each Litz wire contains approximately 75 cores. In some examples, the strands are grouped into two or more bundles, and each bundle contains a number of strands such that the number of strands in all bundles adds up to the total number of strands. In this example there are 5 bundles of 15 cores each.

The diameter of each of the cores can be approximately from 0.05 to 0.2 mm. In some examples, the diameter is between 0.16 mm and 0.0799 mm. In this example, each of the cores has a diameter of 0.101 mm. Thus, the radius of the Litz wire can be approximately 1 to 2 mm. In this example, the Litz wire radius is approximately 1.3 to 1.4 mm.

As shown in FIG. 10, there are gaps between adjacent turns. These gaps can be, for example, from about 0.5 to 2 mm.

In some examples, each induction coil 224, 226 has the same pitch, where the pitch is the length of the coil (measured along coil axis 200 or along pantograph longitudinal axis 158) over one full turn. In other examples, each induction coil 224, 226 has a different pitch.

In this example, the first induction coil 224 has a mass of approximately 1 g, and the second induction coil 226 has a mass of approximately 2.1 g.

In one example, the inner diameter of the first and second induction coils 224, 224, 224, 226 is approximately 12 mm, and the outer diameter is approximately 14.6 mm.

In a specific example, the first, shorter induction coil 224 is located closer to the mouthpiece (proximal end) of the device 100 than the second induction coil 226. When the aerosol-forming material is heated, an aerosol is released. When the user inhales, the aerosol is drawn toward the mouth end of the device 100 in the direction of arrow 206. The aerosol exits the device 100 through the opening/mouthpiece 104 and is inhaled by the user. The first induction coil 224 is located closer to the opening 104 than the second induction coil 226. It has been found that hot puffing can be reduced or prevented by making the length 202 of the first induction coil 224 less than the length 204 of the second induction coil 226. Hot puffing can be reduced since the volume the aerosol-forming material heated by the first induction coil 224 is less than the volume of the aerosol-forming material heated by the second induction coil 226.

In this example, the first and second induction coils 224, 226 are adjacent and separated by a space. In other examples, the first and second induction coils 224, 226 are substantially continuous. Thus, there is no gap between the induction coils 224, 226.

The induction coils of FIG. 7 and 8 may have the same length and/or parameters as the induction coils of FIG. 6 and/or 10. Likewise, the induction coils of FIG. 6 and/or 10 may have the same length and/or parameters as the induction coils of FIG. 7 and/or 8.

In fig. 11 is a close-up view of the first induction coil 224, and FIG. 12 is a close-up view of the second telecoil 226. In this example, the first telecoil 224 and the second telecoil 226 have slightly different pitches. The first telecoil 224 has a first pitch 210 and the second telecoil has a second pitch 212. In this example, the first pitch is smaller than the second pitch, specifically, the first pitch 210 is approximately 2.81 mm and the second pitch 212 is approximately 2.88 mm . In another example, the steps are the same for each coil, or the second step is smaller than the first step.

Shown in FIG. 11, the first induction coil 224 contains approximately 6.75 turns, where one turn is one complete revolution around the axis 158 or the axis of the pantograph 132 or the axis 200 of the induction coils 224, 226. Between each subsequent turn there is a gap 214. In this example, the length of the gap 214 is approximately 1.51 mm. Similarly, in FIG. 12 shows a second inductor 226 with approximately 8.75 turns. There is a gap 216 between each subsequent turn. In this example, the length of the gap 216 is approximately 1.58 mm. The size of the gap is equal to the difference between the pitch and the diameter of the Litz wire. So in this example the Litz wire has a diameter of approximately 1.3mm.

In this example, the first induction coil 224 has a mass of approximately 1 g, and the second induction coil 226 has a mass of approximately 2.1 g.

In fig. 13 is a schematic cross-section of the Litz wire forming the first and second induction coils 224, 226. As shown, the Litz wire has a circular cross-section (the individual wires forming the Litz wire are not shown for clarity). The diameter of 21 8Litz can be approximately 1 to 1.5 mm. In this example, the Litz wire diameter is approximately 1.3 mm.

In fig. 14 is a schematic top view of an induction coil 224, 226. In this example, the induction coil 224, 226 is positioned coaxially with the longitudinal axis 158 of the pantograph 132 (the pantograph 132 is not shown for clarity).

The outer diameter 222 of the induction coils 224, 226 may be from about 12 to 16 mm, and the inner diameter 228 may be from about 10 to 14 mm. In this particular example, the inner diameter 228 is approximately 12.2 mm and the outer diameter 222 is approximately 14.8 mm.

In fig. 15 schematically shows another example of a heating unit. The outer perimeter/surface of the induction coils 224, 226 is spaced 304 from the current collector 232. Accordingly, the first and second induction coils may have substantially the same outer diameter 306. The inner diameter 308 of the first and second induction coils 224, 226 are shown to be substantially the same.

The "outer perimeter" of the inductor coils 224, 226 is the edge of the inductor that is located furthest from the outer surface 132a of the pantograph 132 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158.

The inner surfaces of the inductors 224, 226 are located at a distance 310 from the outer surface 132a of the current collector 132. The distance may be from about 3 to 4 mm, such as about 3.25 mm.

Unlike the example of FIG. 9 there are gaps 214, 216 between adjacent turns of the first and second induction coils 224, 226.

In an alternative embodiment, the first length (of the first coil) may be from about 14 to 23 mm, and the second length (of the second coil) may be from about 23 to 28 mm. More specifically, the first length may be 19 mm (±2 mm) and the second length may be 25 mm (±2 mm). In this alternative embodiment, the first coil may have about 5 to 7 turns and the second coil may have about 4 to 5 turns. For example, the first coil may have approximately 6.75 turns, and the second coil may have approximately 4.75 turns. Thus, the ratio of the number of turns of the longer coil to the number of turns of the shorter coil is approximately 1.42. In the first coil, the ratio of the number of turns to the length is approximately 0.36 mm ^-1 . In the second coil, the ratio of the number of turns to the length is about 0.2 mm ^-1 , for example about 0.19 mm ^-1 .

In this alternative embodiment, the pitch of the second coil may vary along its length. For example, the second coil may have a first number of turns with a first pitch and a second number of turns with a second pitch, the second pitch being greater than the first. In the specific example, the second coil has 3 to 4 turns with a pitch of 2 to 3 mm and one turn with a pitch of 18 to 22 mm. In particular, the second coil has 3.75 turns with a pitch of 2.81 mm and one turn with a pitch of 20 mm. So the second coil can have only 4.75 turns, and it is wound more tightly at one end of the coil. In one exemplary embodiment, a first portion of a second coil has a first number of turns with a first (smaller) pitch, and a second portion of the second coil has a second number of turns with a second (larger) pitch, with the first portion being closer to the proximal (mouth) end of the device. than the second part.

The above embodiments of the invention are to be understood as illustrative. Other embodiments of the invention are possible. It should be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment of the invention may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment of the invention or any combination of any other embodiments of the invention. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by its claims.

Claims (55)

1. An aerosol supply device having a longitudinal axis and comprising first and second coils, the first coil configured to heat a first section of a heater configured to heat an aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol, and the second coil configured to heat a second section of the heater; wherein the first coil is adjacent to the second coil in the direction along the longitudinal axis, and the length along the longitudinal axis of the first coil is less than the length along the longitudinal axis of the second coil; wherein the first coil is located closer to the proximal end of the device toward which the aerosol is drawn in use along the flow path of the device than the second coil. 2. The device according to claim 1, in which the heater is a current-receiving structure, and the device also contains a current-receiving structure. 3. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1 or 2, further comprising a mouthpiece located at a proximal end of the device, the first coil being located closer to the mouthpiece than the second coil. 4. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the outer perimeter of the first coil is located from the heater at the same distance as the outer perimeter of the second coil. 5. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the first and second coils are continuous. 6. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the first and second coils are helical. 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the first and second coils have different pitches. 8. The device according to claim 6, in which the first and second coils have the same pitch. 9. The device according to claim 8, in which the pitch is from 2 to 4 mm. 10. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, in which the first length is from 14 to 21 mm, and the second length is from 25 to 30 mm. 11. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, in which the first coil contains a first wire whose length is from 250 to 300 mm, and the second coil contains a second wire whose length is from 400 to 450 mm. 12. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, in which the first coil has 5 to 7 turns and the second coil has 8 to 9 turns. 13. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, in which the first coil contains spaces between adjacent turns, each of which is 0.9 mm in length, and the second coil contains spaces between successive turns, each of which is 1 mm in length. 14. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13, in which the mass of the first coil is from 1 to 1.5 g, and the mass of the second coil is from 2 to 2.5 g. 15. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14, further comprising a controller configured to turn on the first and second coils in series, as well as turn on the first coil before turning on the second coil. 16. An aerosol supply system containing a device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-15 and an article containing an aerosol-forming material. 17. Device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-15, in which the ratio of the length of the second coil to the length of the first coil is more than 1.1. 18. The device according to claim 17, wherein said ratio is from 1.2 to 3. 19. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 17 or 18, in which the length of the first coil is from 14 to 21 mm. 20. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 17, 18 or 19, in which the length of the second coil is from 20 to 30 mm. 21. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 17-20, in which the length of the first coil is 20 mm and the length of the second coil is 27 mm. 22. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 17-21, wherein the first coil is located closer to the proximal end of the device toward which aerosol is drawn in use along the flow path of the device than the second coil. 23. The device of claim 22, further comprising a mouthpiece located at a proximal end of the device, the first coil being located closer to the mouthpiece than the second coil. 24. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 17-23, in which the heater is a current-receiving structure, and the device also includes a current-receiving structure. 25. The device of claim 24, wherein the outer perimeter of the first coil is located from the current collecting structure at the same distance as the outer perimeter of the second coil. 26. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 17-25, in which the first and second coils are continuous. 27. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 17-26, in which the first and second coils are helical. 28. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 17-27, further comprising a controller configured to turn on the first and second coils in series, as well as turn on the first coil before turning on the second coil. 29. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-15, 17-28, containing a heater having first and second heating elements, wherein the first heating element is configured to heat the first section of an aerosol-forming material located in the aerosol supply device to produce an aerosol, and the second heating element is configured to heat the second section of the aerosol-forming material aerosol generation material; wherein the first heating element is adjacent to the second heating element in the direction along the longitudinal axis, and the ratio of the length along the longitudinal axis of the second heating element to the length along the longitudinal axis of the first heating element is from 1.1 to 1.5. 30. An aerosol supply system containing a device according to any one of paragraphs. 17-29 and a product containing an aerosol-forming material. 31. The device of claim 1, wherein the first coil is a first induction coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field to heat a heater having a longitudinal axis and configured to heat an aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol; wherein the first induction coil is helical, has a first length along the longitudinal axis and contains a first number of turns extending around the pantograph, the ratio of the first number of turns to the first length being from 0.2 to 0.5 mm ^-1 . 32. The device according to claim 31, in which the ratio of the first number of turns to the first length is from 0.3 to 0.35 mm ^-1 . 33. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 31 or 32, in which the first induction coil is made of Litz wire containing from 50 to 100 cores. 34. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 31-33, in which the first length is from 15 to 21 mm, and the first number of turns is from 6 to 7. 35. The device according to claim 34, wherein the first length is from 18 to 21 mm, and the first number of turns is from 6.5 to 7. 36. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 31-35, further comprising a second induction coil having a second length along the longitudinal axis and a second number of turns extending around the pantograph, wherein the ratio of the second number of turns to the second length is from 0.2 to 0.5 mm ^-1 . 37. The device according to claim 36, in which the ratio of the second number of turns to the second length is from 0.3 to 0.35 mm ^-1 . 38. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 36 or 37, in which the absolute difference between the ratio of the second number of turns to the second length and the ratio of the first number of turns to the first length does not exceed 0.05 mm ^-1 . 39. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 36-38, in which the second induction coil is made of Litz wire containing from 50 to 100 cores. 40. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 36-39, in which the second length is from 25 to 30 mm, and the second number of turns is from 8 to 9. 41. The device according to claim 40, wherein the second length is from 25 to 28 mm, and the second number of turns is from 8.5 to 9. 42. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 36-41, wherein the first induction coil is located closer to the proximal end of the device toward which the aerosol is drawn in use along the flow path of the device than the second induction coil. 43. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 36-42, containing a current collector. 44. An aerosol supply system containing a device according to any one of paragraphs. 31-43 and a product containing an aerosol-forming material. 45. The device of claim 2, wherein the first coil is a first induction coil and the second coil is a second induction coil, wherein the first induction coil is configured to generate a first alternating magnetic field to heat the first section of the current-receiving structure configured to heat the aerosol-forming material to produce an aerosol, and the second induction coil is configured to generate a second alternating magnetic field for heating the second section of the current-receiving structure; wherein the first induction coil has a first number of turns passing around an axis defined by the pantograph, the second induction coil has a second number of turns passing around said axis, and the ratio of the second number of turns to the first number of turns is from 1.1 to 1.8. 46. The device according to claim 45, wherein said ratio is from 1.1 to 1.5. 47. The device according to claim 46, wherein said ratio is from 1.2 to 1.4. 48. The device according to claim 47, wherein said ratio is from 1.2 to 1.3. 49. The device according to claim 45, in which the first number of turns is from 5 to 6, and the second number of turns is from 8 to 9. 50. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 45 or 46, in which the first number of turns is from 6 to 7, and the second number of turns is from 8 to 9. 51. The device according to claim 48, in which the first number of turns is 6.75, and the second number of turns is 8.75. 52. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 45-51, wherein the first induction coil is located closer to the proximal end of the device toward which aerosol is drawn in use along the flow path of the device than the second induction coil. 53. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 45-52, in which the axial length of the first induction coil is less than the length of the second induction coil. 54. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 45-52, in which the length of the first induction coil along the axis is from 14 to 21 mm, and the length of the second induction coil is from 25 to 30 mm. 55. An aerosol supply system containing a device according to any one of paragraphs. 45-54 and a product containing an aerosol-forming material.