WO2024126001A1

WO2024126001A1 - Movement mechanism for movement of a heater

Info

Publication number: WO2024126001A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/082882
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juraj LEHOCKY
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2022-12-12
Filing date: 2023-11-23
Publication date: 2024-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-12

Abstract

There is disclosed an aerosol generating device comprising: a body configured to connect to a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material; a heater connected to the body and positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article, when the consumable article connects to the body; and a movement mechanism functionally connected to the heater for allowing movement of the heater relative to the body so as to change the orientation of the heater relative to the body, to align the heater with a heat receiving part of the consumable article. There is also disclosed a movement mechanism, and a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device.

Description

Movement Mechanism for Movement of a Heater

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device and a movement mechanism.

Background

Various devices and systems are available that heat aerosol precursor materials to release aerosol/vapour for inhalation. For example, these devices and systems do not rely on burning the aerosol precursor material. In some examples, e-cigarettes vaporize an e-liquid from a consumable article to an inhalable vapour/aerosol. In some other examples, there is a device which heats a solid aerosol precursor material to generate an aerosol.

In some examples, there may be provided a device comprising a heater configured to provide heat to a consumable article to heat the contents of the consumable article in order to release the aerosol/vapour. For example, the heater may make thermal contact with a heat receiving part of the consumable article. It would be advantageous to provide good and reliable thermal contact between the heat receiving part of the consumable article and the heater.

It is an object of the present invention to provide good thermal contact between the heater and the consumable article.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a body configured to connect to a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material; a heater connected to the body and positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article, when the consumable article connects to the body; and a movement mechanism functionally connected to the heater for allowing movement of the heater relative to the body so as to change the orientation of the heater relative to the body, to align the heater with a heat receiving part of the consumable article.

Advantageously, providing for the heater to change orientation relative to the body, and thereby creating better alignment between the heater with the heat receiving part means better/more efficient transfer of heat from the heater to the heat receiving part. Heat generated by the heater is thus not wasted because it is delivered more efficiently to the heat receiving part, as intended. That is because, by providing for the heater to align, better thermal contact can be achieved between the heater and the heat receiving part of the consumable article.

Optionally, the movement mechanism is configured to allow two or more of: movement of the heater relative to the body along a first axis, the first axis being perpendicular to a first surface of the body which faces the consumable article when the consumable article is connected to the body; rotation of the heater about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and rotation of the heater about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis and perpendicular to the first axis.

Advantageously, providing for two or more of the described movements makes the heater more adjustable so as to better align with the heat receiving part. Therefore, better heat transfer to the heat receiving part can be provided.

Optionally, the movement mechanism comprises a first resiliently deformable member disposed between the heater and the first surface of the body, wherein: the first resiliently deformable member is configured such that a spring force of the first resiliently deformable member acts in a direction parallel to the first axis.

Advantageously, including the first resiliently deformable member allows for the heater to be biased towards a particular position. For example, when the heater moves closer to the first surface, the spring force of the first resiliently deformable member acts in a direction away from the first surface parallel to the first axis. In this case, if the heat receiving part caused the heater to move towards the first surface, the heater is pressed up against the heat receiving part due to the spring force. This advantageously provides for better thermal contact.

Optionally, the first resiliently deformable member is configured such that the respective spring force is applied in alignment with, or almost in alignment with, the centre of the heater.

Advantageously, the spring force being applied in alignment with the centre of the heater provides for specifically the centre of the heater to be biased in a desired manner (e.g., towards that heat receiving part). Optionally, the movement mechanism comprises a second resiliently deformable member and a third resiliently deformable member disposed between the heater and the first surface, wherein a spring force of each of the second resiliently deformable member and the third resiliently deformable member acts in a direction parallel to the first axis.

Advantageously, including three resiliently deformable members provides control over the way in which the heater changes its orientation. For example, the heater can be biased to a particular orientation (e.g., parallel to the first surface). Then, when the heater is rotated, the biasing of the various resiliently deformable members urges the heater towards the nominal orientation, thereby causing the heater to press up against the heat receiving part, for example.

Optionally, either: the first resiliently deformable member is positioned between the second resiliently deformable member and the third resiliently deformable member, and the first, second and third resiliently deformable members are positioned in line with one another; or each of the first, second and third resiliently deformable members is positioned towards an end of the heater equidistant from the remaining resiliently deformable members.

Advantageously, the three resiliently deformable members can be arranged in various different arrangement between the heater and the first surface. For example, the different arrangements may advantageously provide a different spring force response for certain movements/orientation changes of the heater. As a mere example, for the examples of the resiliently deformable members being in line with one another, the heater may be expected to mainly move closer to the first surface and rotate in a manner to directly compress and stretch the resiliently deformable members not at the centre of the heater. As another example, the arrangement of the three members being position towards respective ends may be appropriate where rotation of the heater about more than one axis is expected to frequently occur. Advantageously, the different arrangements provide adaptability of the movement mechanism to the desired movement behaviour of the heater.

Optionally, the movement mechanism comprises a plurality of hinge mechanisms, wherein: each hinge mechanism comprises: a heater hinge fixed to the heater and a base hinge fixed to the first surface, wherein the base hinge is offset from the heater hinge in a direction perpendicular to the first axis; and a hinge arm connected to the heater hinge and to the base hinge. Advantageously, the hinge mechanisms provide control over the movement/change in orientation of the heater. For example, the movement of the heater is guided by how the hinge mechanisms allow the heater to move. For example, it may be the case that the hinge mechanisms are configured such that the heater may rotate about one of the second and third axis, and may not rotate about the other of the second and third axis.

Optionally, the first resiliently deformable member is configured to apply a respective spring force towards a first end of the heater; and the movement mechanism comprises a second resiliently deformable member disposed between the heater and the first surface, and configured to apply a respective spring force towards a second end of the heater opposite the first end. In these examples, optionally, each of the first and second resiliently deformable members is a flat spring; and each of the first and second flat springs comprises a flat contact surface which contacts the heater.

Advantageously, positioning resiliently deformable members towards opposite ends of the heater may provide better control of rotation about an axis perpendicular to a line connecting the two members. Additionally, using flat springs may provide a simplified mechanism offering good movement control. Furthermore, not only flexing, but also twisting of the elements of the flat springs may be utilised to allow the heater to move in a desired manner, for example.

Optionally, the movement mechanism comprises a ball and socket arrangement with one of a ball member and a socket member of the ball and socket arrangement fixed to the heater and the other of the ball member and the socket member fixed to the body.

Advantageously, a ball and socket arrangement may provide a high degree of articulation in terms of rotation of the heater. In these examples, the orientation of the heater may be relatively highly adaptable to different heat receiving part configurations.

Optionally, the movement mechanism comprises: a first rod element; a first rod holder fixed to the body; a second rod element; and a second rod holder comprising a heater contact surface fixed to the heater, wherein: the first rod holder comprises a first pair of openings, wherein an end region of the first rod element is received in each opening of the first pair of openings; the second rod holder comprises a second pair of openings, wherein an end region of the second rod element is received in each opening of the second pair of openings; the first and second rod elements are connected to one another such that the heater fixed to the heater contact surface is pivotable about a central longitudinal axis of the first rod element and is pivotable about a central longitudinal axis of the second rod element.

Advantageously, the movement mechanism comprising the described rod elements may provide a high degree of articulation in terms of rotation of the heater.

Optionally, for one or more of the first pair of openings and the second pair of openings, each opening comprises a compression lining configured to allow movement of the respective rod element in a direction extending between the heater and the body.

Advantageously, the compression lining provides an additional degree of freedom in that the heater can resiliently move towards the first surface and return to a nominal position when a force causing the initial movement is removed.

Optionally, the movement mechanism is configured to change the orientation of the heater, when the consumable article is pressed onto the heater, so as to increase the thermal contact between the heater and the consumable article as compared to a case in which the orientation of the heater remains unchanged.

Advantageously, the movement mechanism provides that the heater moves/changes orientation in response to contact with the consumable article. A force applied due to contact with the consumable article causes the movement/change in orientation such that there is alignment between the heater and the heat receiving part.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device for an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: configuring a body of the moveable heating unit to connect to a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material; connecting a heater to the body and positioning the heater so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article, when the consumable article connects to the body; and functionally connecting a movement mechanism to the heater for allowing a change in orientation of the heater relative to the body.

Advantageously, there is provided a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device which can provide any of the advantages of the aerosol generating device described herein. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a movement mechanism for allowing movement of a heater relative to a body of an aerosol generating device for an aerosol generating device, the movement mechanism being configured to allow one or more of: movement of the heater relative to the body along a first axis, the first axis being perpendicular to a first surface of the body which faces a consumable article connectable to the body, when the consumable article is connected to the body; rotation of the heater about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and rotation of the heater about a third axis perpendicular to the second axis and perpendicular to the first axis.

Advantageously, there is provided a movement mechanism which, when deployed in an aerosol generating device, can provide any of the advantages described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a simplified schematic side view of an aerosol generating device, according to examples;

Figure 2 is a simplified schematic view of an example consumable article and the heating unit, according to examples;

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the heating unit, according to a first set of examples;

Figure 4 is a first schematic side view of the heating unit, according to the first set of examples;

Figure 5 is a second schematic side view of the heating unit, according to the first set of examples;

Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the heating unit, according to a second set of examples;

Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the heating unit, according to the second set of examples;

Figure 8 is a first schematic perspective view of the heating unit, according to a third set of examples;

Figure 9 is a second schematic perspective view of the heating unit, according to the third set of examples;

Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the heating unit, according to the third set of examples; Figure 11 is a first schematic perspective view of the heating unit, according to a fourth set of examples;

Figure 12 is a second schematic perspective view of the heating unit, according to the fourth set of examples;

Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of the heating unit, according to the fourth set of examples;

Figure 14 is a schematic side view of a resiliently deformable member, according to the fourth set of examples;

Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of the heating unit, according to a fifth set of examples;

Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of a ball member, according to the fifth set of examples;

Figure 17 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a socket member, according to the fifth set of examples;

Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of the socket member, according to the fifth set of examples;

Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of the socket member, according to the fifth set of examples;

Figure 20 is a first schematic perspective view of the heating unit, according to a sixth set of examples;

Figure 21 is a second schematic perspective view of the heating unit, according to the sixth set of examples;

Figure 22 is a schematic plan view of the heating unit, according to the sixth set of examples;

Figure 23 is a first schematic perspective view of a movement mechanism, according to the sixth set of examples;

Figure 24 is a second schematic perspective view of the movement mechanism, according to the sixth set of examples; and

Figure 25 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device, according to examples.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” may refer to a smokable material which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Suitable aerosol precursor materials include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” is synonymous with “aerosol provision device” or “device” may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by a user input.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

Figure 1 is a simplified schematic view of an aerosol generating device 100 for an aerosol generating device, according to examples. The aerosol generating device 100 (hereafter “device 100”) comprises a body 102 configured to connect to a consumable article (not shown in Figure 1) comprising aerosol precursor material. The device 100 may comprise components not shown or discussed herein in detail, such as a mouthpiece element, a microcontroller, a user control interface, and the like. The purpose of the device 100 is to generate aerosol using the consumable article received in or connected to the device 100.

In these examples, the device 100 comprises a heater 104 connected to the body 102 and positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article, when the consumable article connects to the body 102. The body 102 may be a casing (or shell) for enclosing other components of the device 100. As an example, the body 102 may be a housing for enclosing a power source for supplying power to the heater 104 to operate the heater 104 as well as other internal components of the device 100. In these examples, the device 100 also comprises a movement mechanism 106. The movement mechanism 106 is functionally connected to the heater 104 for allowing movement of the heater relative to the body 102 so as to change the orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102, to align the heater 102 with a heat receiving part of the consumable article. For example, the movement mechanism 106 allows for movement of the heater 104 to change an angle of the heater 104 relative to the body 102.

For example, when the consumable article is connected to the body 102, the consumable article is installed such that it is in thermal contact with the heater 104. Figure 2 is a simplified schematic view of an example consumable article 200 and the device 100, according to examples. For example, the device 100 comprises a connecting portion 201 configured to connect the consumable article 200 to the body 102. For example, the connecting portion 201 may be fixed to the body 102. For example, the connecting portion 201 may be integral to the body 102 (and therefore part of the body 102), or it may be a separate component fixed to the body 102 using appropriate fixing means. The connecting portion 201 is structure or mechanism for holding the consumable article in place relative to the body 102. For examples, the consumable article 200 may be received in a receiving region of the device 100, and the connecting portion 201 may hold the consumable article 200 in place within the receiving region. For example, the connecting portion may comprise a clip mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a latch mechanism and the like to hold the consumable article in place with respect to the body. In some examples, the connecting portion 201 is a relatively snug/tight fitting enclosure or partial enclosure for the consumable article 200. It will be appreciated that there are many ways of holding one element against another element.

The consumable article 200 comprises the heat receiving part 202. For example, the heat receiving part 202 is configured to receive heat from the heater 104 and supply the heat to the aerosol precursor material 204 contained within the consumable article 200. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material 204 may be a liquid and the heat receiving part 202 may be a wick which draws the liquid aerosol precursor material 204. In other examples, the heat receiving part 202 may not be a wick, and may be a thermally conductive component which can transfer heat to a location it is needed for generating aerosol from the aerosol precursor material 204. In the examples described hereafter, thermal contact means physical contact (for example, abutment) of the heater 104 against the heat receiving part 202. Also in the following examples, the heat receiving part 202 is assumed to be a wick, but other arrangements are envisaged.

The heater 104 may comprise a heating surface 206 intended to make physical contact with a contact surface of the heat receiving part 202. For example, the heater 104 may be in the form of a heating plate. In other words, the heater 104 may be planar in that the heater 104 has a surface with dimension much greater than the thickness of the heater 104. The heating plate may have a circular profile, a rectangular profile, or another profile depending on the application (e.g., the form factor of the heat receiving part 202). In the examples described herein, the heater 104 is shown as disc shaped heater 104 with a heating surface 206, and a surface opposite to the heating surface which attaches to the movement mechanism 106. Advantageously, the heater 104 can have substantially the same shape and/or dimensions as the contact surface of the heat receiving part 202.

It will be appreciated that the orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102 may affect how much of the heating surface 206 makes contact with the heat receiving part 202. For example, it may be desired that most of, or substantially the whole of, the heating surface 206 makes contact with the heat receiving part 202. For example, it may be desired that the heating surface 206 is parallel to a surface of the heat receiving part 202 intended to be in contact with the heating surface 206.

Therefore, for good thermal contact between the heater 104 and the heat receiving part 202, it is desired that the heater 104 align with the heat receiving part 202 (or any other example of the heat receiving part 202). In various examples described herein, reference has been made to a force being applied to the heater 104 in the direction of the body 102. When the consumable article 200 approaches the heater 104 in the direction towards the body 102, the part of the consumable article 200 (e.g., the heat receiving part 202) making contact with the heater 104 may exert such a force.

When the consumable article 200 is being connected to the body 102, the nominal orientation of the heater 104 may not be in alignment with the heat receiving part 202, for example. For example, a surface of the heat receiving part 202 intended to make physical contact with the heating surface 206 of the heater 104 may not be substantially parallel to the heating surface 206. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a change in orientation of the heater 104 such that the heating surface 206 can align with the heat receiving part 202, for example. Accordingly, the movement mechanisms 106 described herein functions by reacting to a force applied to the heater 104 (e.g., at the heating surface 206) by changing the orientation of the heater 104.

In any of the examples described herein, the movement mechanism 106 is configured to change the orientation of the heater 104, when the consumable article 200 is pressed onto the heater 104, so as to increase the thermal contact between the heater 104 and the consumable article 200 as compared to a case in which the orientation of the heater remains unchanged.

In the Figures, the movement mechanism 106 is depicted as being attached directly to a first surface 214 of the body 102. The first surface 214 is the surface which faces the consumable article when the consumable article is connected to the body 102. However, there may be provided a movement mechanism base which is installed on the first surface 214, and the movement mechanism 106 may be installed on said base, for example. According to other examples, the movement mechanism 106 may be attached to a lateral surface of the body 102.

Advantageously, providing for the heater 104 to change orientation relative to the body 102, and thereby creating better alignment between the heater 104 with the heat receiving part 202 means better/more efficient transfer of heat from the heater 104 to the heat receiving part 202. Heat generated by the heater 104 is thus not wasted because it is delivered more efficiently to the heat receiving part 202, as intended. That is because, by providing for the heater 104 to align, better thermal contact can be achieved between the heater 104 and the heat receiving part 202 of the consumable article 200. For example, an unintended gap between the heater 104 and the heat receiving part 202 is avoided.

In examples, the movement mechanism 106 allows movement of the heater 104 such that the orientation of the heating surface 206 can be changed. In some examples, the movement mechanism is configured to allow two or more of movement of the heater 104 relative to the body 102 along a first axis 208, rotation of the heater about a second axis 210 perpendicular to the first axis 208, and rotation of the heater about a third axis 212 perpendicular to the first axis 208 and the second axis 210, as shown in Figure 2. In these examples, the first axis 208 is perpendicular to the first surface 214 of the body 102 which faces the consumable article 200 when the consumable article 200 is connected to the body 102. The body 102 has a longitudinal axis, aligned with the longest spatial dimension of the body 102. For example, the first axis 208 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 102.

It should be noted that the general orientation of the first, second and third axes 208, 210, 212 is indicated in the figures, and the location in the Figures where the axes are shown is chosen arbitrarily (mainly for clarity of description). In the examples of Figure 2, the third axis 212 point into and out of the page, and this is indicated by a cross inside a circle representing the tail of an arrow.

Advantageously, providing for two or more of the described movements makes the heater 104 more adjustable so as to better align with the heat receiving part 202. Therefore, better heat transfer to the heat receiving part can be provided.

In these examples, rotation about the second 210 and/or the third axis 212 provides variation in the angle of the heater 104 relative to the body 102. Many different implementations of the movement mechanism are possible. The following description relates to a number of examples of the movement mechanism 106 for allowing movement of the heater 104 relative to the body 102 so as to change the orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102. References to “examples”, “some examples” and the like in the following sections relate to the second set of example seeing described in said section, according to the heading of said section.

First Set of Examples

In the first set of examples, the movement mechanism comprises a first resiliently deformable member disposed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214 of the body 102. More specifically, in some such examples, the first resiliently deformable member is disposed between the heater 104 and a movement mechanism base provided on the first surface 214 of the body 102.

The first resiliently deformable member may be any kind of member which deforms on the application of sufficient force, and returns substantially to an undeformed state after said force is removed. For example, the resiliently deformable member may be caused to compress when a compressing force is applied, and return to an uncompressed state when said compressing force is removed, for example. In some examples, the first resiliently deformable member may be a spring, such as a coil spring or a flat spring, for example. In some other examples, the first resiliently deformable member may be a block of resiliently deformable material (such as silicone, for example). Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways in which a resiliently deformable member may be provided. In the following examples, the first resiliently deformable member is a first spring, but other resiliently deformable members are also envisaged.

In some examples, the first spring is configured such that a spring force of the first spring acts in a direction parallel to the first axis 208. For example, the first spring may be compressed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214 when the separation between the heater 104 and the first surface 214 is reduced, and the spring force may urge the heater 104 away from the first surface 214 to restore the original separation.

In examples, the first spring functions to affect the separation between the heater 104 and the first surface 214.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of parts of the device 100, according to the first set of examples. In these examples, the first spring is labelled with the numeral 302. In Figure 3, the heater 104 is indicated by dashed line and components underneath the heater 104 (in the direction pointing into the page) are indicated using solid lines. In these examples, the first spring 302 is configured such that the respective spring force is applied in alignment with, or almost in alignment with the centre 304 of the heater 104. For example, the first spring 302 contacts the heater 104 at the centre 304 of the heater 104. In the examples of Figure 3, the heater 104 is shown as a circular plate. However, the heater 104 may take any shape depending on the application (for example, depending on the configuration of the heating surface 206). Accordingly, when a force is applied to compress the first spring 302 between the heater 104 and the first surface 214, the spring force of the spring resisting the compression acts in the centre of the heater 104.

In some examples, only a first spring 302 is present in the movement mechanism 106. In other examples, as shown in Figure 3, the movement mechanism 106 comprises a second spring 306 and a third spring 308. These examples are in the context of springs. However, more generally, there may be a second resiliently deformable member 306 (which may or may not be in the form of a spring) and a third resiliently deformable member 308 (which may or may not be in the form of a spring). The second and third resiliently deformable members may take any appropriate form, as in the case of the first resiliently deformable member.

In these examples, the second spring 306 and the third spring 308 are disposed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214, similarly to the first spring 302. In these examples, the spring force of each of the second spring 306 and the third spring 308 acts in a direction parallel to the first axis 208. For example, in the examples of coil springs, the central axis around which the coil is formed is substantially parallel to the first axis 208. In these examples, the first spring 302 is positioned between the second spring 306 and the third spring 308. In these examples, the first, second and third springs 302, 306, 308 are positioned in line with one another.

In the examples shown in Figure 3, the three springs are aligned along the second axis 210. However, the three springs may be aligned along any line within a plane defined by the second axis 210 and the third axis 212, for example.

In these examples, the movement mechanism 106 consisting of three in-line springs 302, 306, 308 allows for movement of the heater 104 towards and away from the first surface 214, along the first axis 208. Advantageously, the movement mechanism 106 of the first set of examples also allows for a change in orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102. For example, the movement mechanism 106 of these examples allows rotation of the heater about the second axis 210, and rotation of the heater 104 about the third axis 212. In these examples, an “original orientation” of the heater 104 is an orientation which the heater 104 is in when no external force is applied to the heater 104 to compress and/or stretch the first, second and third springs 302, 306, 308.

For example, a force in the direction of the body 102 may be applied at/close to the third spring 308. In this case, the heater 104 may rotate about the third axis 212. Figure 4 is a simplified schematic side view of the device 100, according to the first set of examples. In these examples, rotation of the heater 104 about the third axis 212 has taken place due to a force parallel with the first axis as indicated by 402. In these examples, the third spring 308 is compressed, whereas the second spring 306 is compressed to a lesser extent (and potentially even stretched). In these examples, once the force 402 is removed, the spring forces of the first, second and third springs 302, 306, 308 act to return the heater 104 to its original orientation. For example, a force in the direction of the body 102 may be applied to the heater 104 away from the line along which the three springs are arranged. For example, a force 502 may be applied at location on the heater 104 which is at a different position along the third axis 212 to the centre 304 of the heater 104. Figure 5 is a simplified schematic side view of the device 100 viewed from an orthogonal direction to that of Figure 4, according to examples. In Figure 5, a force 502 is shown which is applied away from the line along which the springs are arranged. In this case, the heater 104 may rotate about the second axis 210. In these examples, a part of each of the springs 302, 306, 308 closest to the force 502 is compressed and a part of each of the springs 302, 306, 308 farthest from the force 502 is compressed to a lesser extent (and potentially even stretched). The restoring force of the springs urges the heater 104 to return to the original orientation.

In examples, a force which it offset from the centre 304 of the heater 104 may act on the heater 104 due to the heat receiving part 202 (the surface of the consumable article 200 in contact with the heater 104) being at an angle. For example, the first contact point between the heater 104 and the heat receiving part 202 may be where force 402 acts (in the examples of Figure 4), where force 502 acts (in the examples of Figure 5), and the like.

In this manner, the movement mechanism 106 of the first set of examples provides three degrees of freedom for movement of the heater 104. The heater 104 may move in translation along the first axis 208, and it may rotate about the second axis 210 and the third axis 212. In this manner, the orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102 may advantageously be changed.

Advantageously, including the first resiliently deformable member 302 allows for the heater to be biased towards a particular position. For example, when the heater 104 moves closer to the first surface 214, the spring force of the first resiliently deformable member 302 acts in a direction away from the first surface 214 parallel to the first axis 208. In this case, if the heat receiving part 202 caused the heater 104 to move towards the first surface 214, the heater 104 is pressed up against the heat receiving part 202 due to the spring force. This advantageously provides for better thermal contact. Advantageously, the spring force being applied in alignment with the centre 304 of the heater 104 provides for specifically the centre 304 of the heater 104 to be biased in a desired manner (e.g., towards that heat receiving part 202).

Advantageously, including three resiliently deformable members provides control over the way in which the heater 104 changes its orientation. For example, the heater 104 can be biased to a particular orientation (e.g., parallel to the first surface). Then, when the heater is rotated, the biasing of the various resiliently deformable members urges the heater 104 towards the nominal orientation, thereby causing the heater to press up against the heat receiving part 202, for example.

Second Set of Examples

In the second set of examples, the movement mechanism comprises the first resiliently deformable member disposed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214 of the body 102. More specifically, in some such examples, the first resiliently deformable member is disposed between the heater 104 and a movement mechanism base provided on the first surface 214 of the body 102.

The first resiliently deformable member may be any kind of member, as described above, but is referred to as the first spring 302 in the description of the second set of examples.

The second set of examples, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, also comprise the second and third resiliently deformable members 306, 308 disposed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214. The following description is in the context of the second and third resiliently deformable members 306, 308 being second and third springs 306, 308. In these examples, the spring force of each of the first, second and third springs 302, 306, 308 acts in a direction parallel to the first axis 208. However, in the second set of examples, the three springs are positioned differently to the first set of examples. In these examples, the first spring 302 is not configured to apply force at or close to the centre 304 of the heater 104. In the second set of examples, each of the first, second and third springs 302, 306, 308 is positioned towards an end of the heater 104 equidistant from the remaining springs. For example, the first, second and third springs 302, 306, 308 for a triangular pattern.

Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of parts of the device 100, according to the second set of examples. In these examples, each of the springs is positioned towards a respective end region of the heater 104. In other words, each of the springs 302, 306, 308 is positioned near the edge of the heater 104, for example. In other examples, there may be more than three springs positioned near the edge/edges of the heater 104.

In these examples, the first, second and third springs 302, 306, 308 can be compressed or stretched by a similar length to one another to allow translational movement of the heater 104 along the first axis 208. Advantageously, the movement mechanism 106 of the second set of examples also allows for a change in orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102. For example, the movement mechanism of these examples allows rotation of the heater about the second axis 210, and rotation of the heater 104 about the third axis 212.

For example, a force in the direction of the body 102 may be applied at/close to the third spring 308. In this case, the heater 104 may rotate about the third axis 212. Figure 7 is a simplified schematic side view of the device 100, according to examples. In these examples, rotation of the heater 104 about the third axis 212 has taken place due to a force parallel with the first axis as indicated by 702. In these examples, the third spring 308 is compressed, whereas the first spring 302 and the second spring 306 are compressed to a lesser extent (or even stretched, depending on the magnitude of the force). In these examples, once the force 702 is removed, the spring forces of the first, second and third springs 302, 306, 308 act to return the heater 104 to its original orientation.

For example, a force may also be applied to heater at a position such that the heater 104 rotates about the second axis 210. For example, the second spring 306 may be compressed while the first spring 302 may be compressed to a lesser extent (or even stretched), and a part of the third spring 308 closer to the first spring 302 with respect to the third axis 212 may compress by a first amount while a part of the third spring 308 closer to the second spring 306 with respect to the third axis 212 may compress by a second amount, greater than the first amount.

In these examples, rotation about both the second and third axes 210, 212 is possible. Depending on the pattern of the force applied to the heater 104 along the first axis 208, there may be a component of rotation which is about the second axis 210 and a component of the rotation which is about the third axis 212. Accordingly, the movement mechanism 106 according to the second set of examples allows the orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102 to be changed.

In relation to the first set of examples and the second set of examples, advantageously, the three resiliently deformable members can be arranged in various different arrangement between the heater 104 and the first surface 214. For example, the different arrangements may advantageously provide a different spring force response for certain movements/orientation changes of the heater 104. As a mere example, for the first set of examples (with inline springs), the heater may be expected to mainly move closer to the first surface and rotate in a manner to directly compress the resiliently deformable members not at the centre 304 of the heater 104. As another example, the arrangement of the three members being position towards respective ends may be appropriate where rotation of the heater about more than one axis is expected to frequently occur. Advantageously, the different arrangements provide adaptability of the movement mechanism to the desired movement behaviour of the heater.

Third Set of Examples

In the third set of examples, the movement mechanism comprises the first resiliently deformable member disposed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214 of the body 102. More specifically, in some such examples, the first resiliently deformable member is disposed between the heater 104 and a movement mechanism base provided on the first surface 214 of the body 102.

The first resiliently deformable member may be any kind of member, as described above, but is referred to as the first spring 302 in the description of the second set of examples. In some examples, the first spring is configured such that a spring force of the first spring acts in a direction parallel to the first axis 208. For example, the first spring may be compressed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214 when the separation between the heater 104 and the first surface 214 is reduced, and the spring force may urge the heater 104 away from the first surface 214 to restore the original separation.

In the third set of examples, as shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the movement mechanism 106 comprises a plurality of hinge mechanisms. These examples comprise the first spring 302 disposed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214, and configured such that its spring force acts parallel to the first axis 208. The hinge mechanisms act together with the first spring 302 to provide movement of the heater 104 relative to the body 102, as described below. In the following examples, there are two hinge mechanisms, namely, a first hinge mechanism and a second hinge mechanism. In some examples, the first spring 302 is configured such that the respective spring force is applied in alignment with, or almost in alignment with, the centre 304 of the heater 104. In other words, the first spring 302 is positioned to contact the heater 104 at the centre 304 of the heater 104. However, in other examples encompassed in the third set of examples, the first spring may not be aligned with the centre 304 of the heater 104. For example, the first spring 302 may be configured to maintain a desired separation (when no force is applied on the heater 104) between the heater 104 and the first surface 214, and may be located at any appropriate position to perform this function. In some examples, there may be the first resiliently deformable member 302 (not necessarily in the form of a spring) incorporated into the first and/or second hinge mechanism to bias the hinge mechanisms as desired. In the examples described below, for simplicity, the first resiliently deformable member 302 is a first spring 302 aligned with the centre 304 of the heater 104.

Figure 8 is a first schematic perspective view of the device 100, according to the third set of examples. Figure 9 is a second schematic perspective view of the device 100, according to the third set of examples. Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the device 100, according to the third set of examples. In Figure 10, the heater 104 is shown in dashed line, and the components underneath the heater 104 in this orientation are shown. In these examples, the movement mechanism 106 comprises a first hinge mechanism 802 and a second hinge mechanism 804. In these examples, each hinge mechanism 802, 804 comprises a heater hinge fixed to the heater 104 and a base hinge fixed to the first surface 214.

In the examples of Figures 8, 9 and 10, the first hinge mechanism 802 comprises the first heater hinge 806 and the first base hinge 808. Also in these examples, the second hinge mechanism 804 comprises the second heater hinge 810 and the second base hinge 812. In these examples, each base hinge is offset from the respective heater hinge in a direction perpendicular to the first axis 208. More specifically, for example, the first base hinge 808 is offset from the first heater hinge 806 with respect to the second axis 210. Also, for example, the second base hinge 812 is offset from the second heater hinge 810 with respect to the second axis 210. As previously described, the second axis 210 is perpendicular to the first axis 208.

Furthermore, in the examples of Figures 8, 9 and 10, the first heater hinge 806, the second heater hinge 810 and the first spring 302 are in line with one another. The first and second hinge mechanisms 802, 804 are provided towards opposite ends of the heater 104.

In these examples, each hinge mechanism 802, 804 comprises a hinge arm connected to the respective heater hinge and to the respective base hinge. In the examples of Figures 8, 9 and 10, the first hinge mechanism 802 comprises the first hinge arm 814, and the second hinge mechanism 804 comprises the second hinge arm 816.

The hinges are configured such that pivoting of the first and second hinge arms 814, 816 causes the first and second hinge arms 814, 816 to become more parallel with and move closer to the first surface 214, or become less parallel with and move further from the first surface 214 (depending on the direction of the pivoting). In the examples of Figures 8, 9 and 10, the first base hinge 808 comprises a first base hinge support 818 and the first heater hinge 806 comprises a first heater hinge support 820. The first base hinge support 818 is fixed to the first surface 214 and pivotably connected to the first hinge arm 814. The first heater hinge support 820 is fixed to the heater 104 and pivotably connected to the first hinge arm 814. Also, in the examples of Figures 8, 9 and 10, the second base hinge 812 comprises a second base hinge support 822 and the second heater hinge 810 comprises a second heater hinge support 824. The second base hinge support 822 is fixed to the first surface 214 and pivotably connected to the second hinge arm 816. The second heater hinge support 824 is fixed to the heater 104 and pivotably connected to the second hinge arm 816. In these examples, the movement mechanism 106 provides translational movement of the heater 104 with respect to the first axis 208 (in other words, closer to and further away from the body 102). For example, when a force is applied to the heater 104 to urge the heater 104 towards the body 102, the first spring 302 compresses, and the first and second hinge arms 814, 816 pivot about the respective hinges to which they are connected to allow the heater 104 to move closer to the body 102. In this case, the first and second hinge arms 814, 816 pivot such that their angle relative to the second axis 210 decreases. In other words, the first and second hinge arms 814, 816 move closer to being parallel to the first surface 214, for example. Conversely, the first spring 302 may cause the heater 104 to move away from the body 102 when such a force is removed/reduced, and the first and second hinge arms 814, 816 pivot such that their angle relative to the second axis 210 increases. In this case, the first and second hinge arms 814, 816 move further away from being parallel to the first surface 214.

In these examples, when the first and second hinge arms 814, 816 are substantially parallel to the first surface 214, the offset of the first base hinge 808 from the first heater hinge 806 with respect to the second axis 210 is the length of the first hinge arm 814, and the offset of the second base hinge 812 and the second heater hinge 810 with respect to the second axis 210 is the length of the second hinge arm 816.

The movement mechanism 106 of the third set of examples also provides rotation of the heater 104 about the second axis 210. For example, if a force is applied on the heater 104 close to the first hinge mechanism 802, the first hinge arm 814 may pivot so as to be closer to parallel to the first surface 214, while the second hinge arm 816 pivots to be further from parallel to the first surface 214. Accordingly, in these examples, the end of the heater 104 in the vicinity of the first hinge mechanism 802 moves closer to the body 102, while the end of the heater 104 in the vicinity of the second hinge mechanism 804 move further away from the body 102 (ignoring for the purpose of this explanation any translational movement of the heater 104 which may also occur).

It should be noted that while the second and third axes 210, 212 are both perpendicular to the first axis 208 (defining separation between the heater 104 and the body 102), remaining aspects of the orientation of the second and third axes 210, 212 are arbitrary. The first and second hinge mechanism 802, 804 may be positioned and arranged according to the desired arrangement of the axis about which the heater 104 is desired to rotate. For example, this may depend on the arrangement of other components of the device 100, the heat receiving part 202, and the like.

The movement mechanism 106 of the third set of examples therefore provides two degrees of freedom for the heater 104. These are linear movement of the heater along the first axis 208 and rotation about the second axis 210. Accordingly, the orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102 can be changed.

Advantageously, the hinge mechanisms 802, 804 provide control over the movement/change in orientation of the heater 104. For example, the movement of the heater 104 is guided by how the hinge mechanisms 802, 804 allow the heater 104 to move. For example, it may be the case that the hinge mechanisms 802, 804 are configured such that the heater may rotate about one of the second and third axis, and may not rotate about the other of the second and third axis.

Fourth Set of Examples

The fourth set of examples comprise the first resiliently deformable member 302 disposed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214, and configured such that its spring force acts parallel to the first axis 208. In the fourth set of examples, the first resiliently deformable member 302 is configured to apply a respective spring force towards a first end of the heater 104. The fourth set of examples also comprise the second resiliently deformable member 306 disposed between the heater 104 and the first surface 214, and configured to apply a respective spring force towards a second end of the heater 104 opposite the first end.

Figure 11 is a first schematic perspective view of the device 100, according to the fourth set of examples. Figure 12 is a second schematic perspective view of the device 100, according to the fourth set of examples. Figure 13 is a plan view of the device 100, according to the fourth set of examples. In Figure 13, the heater 104 is indicated by dashed line and components underneath the heater 104 (in the direction pointing into the page) are indicated using solid lines.

In these examples, each of the first and second resiliently deformable member is a flat spring.

For example, there is provided a first flat spring 302 between the heater 104 and the first surface 214 of the body 102. The first flat spring 302 is configured to apply a respective spring force towards the first end 1104 of the heater 104. In these examples, there is also provided a second flat spring 306 between the heater 104 and the first surface 214. The second flat spring 306 is configured to apply a respective spring force towards a second end 1108 of the heater 104. The second end 1108 of the heater 104 is opposite to the first end 1104. Each of the first and second flat springs 302, 306 comprises a flat contact surface which contacts the heater 104.

In these examples, the first and second flat springs 302, 306 each comprise a flat base portion which is fixed to the first surface 214, a flat extending portion which is at an angle to the flat base portion and extends away from the first surface 214, and a flat contact portion which comprises the described flat contact surface. The flat extending portion is connected to the flat base portion and the flat contact portion at opposite ends. The flat contact portion is at a non-zero angle relative to the flat extending portion. The angle of the flat contact portion is such that its plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the surface of the heater 104 the flat contact portion is intended to contact when assembled with the heater 104.

In these examples, the first flat spring 302 comprises the first flat base portion 1110, the first flat extending portion 1112 and the first flat contact portion 1114 comprising the first flat contact surface 1302. Figure 14 is a schematic side view of the first flat spring 302, according to examples.

In these examples, the second flat spring 306 comprises the second flat base portion 1116, the second flat extending portion 1118 and the second flat contact portion 1120 comprising the second flat contact surface 1304. The first and second flat springs 302, 306 are configured to extend between the heater 104 and the first surface 214, and flex to allow the separation and/or orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102 to change. The first and second flat contact surfaces 1302, 1304 are fixed to the heater 104.

In some examples, one or more of the flat base portion, flat extending portion and the flat contact portion comprise different material to the remaining respective portions. For example, the flat extending portion in particular may comprise a resiliently deformable material to allow flexing. In some examples, the first and second flat springs 302, 306 comprise strips of a resiliently deformable material, where the strip is configured to take up a desired profile (for example, as depicted in Figures 11 to 14). For example, the first and second flat springs 302, 306 may comprise a flexible metallic material.

In these examples, the movement mechanism 106 comprising the first and second flat springs 302, 306 allows linear movement of the heater 104 along the first axis 208. For example, when an appropriate force in the direction of the body 102 is applied to the heater 104, the first and second flat springs 302, 306 flex to allow the heater 104 to move closer to the body 102. In this case, the first and second flat extending portions 1112, 1118 may move closer to being parallel to the first surface 214. In this case, the spring force of the first and second flat springs 302, 306 would be in the direction away from the body 102.

In these examples, the first and second flat springs 302, 306 function together to allow rotation of the heater 104 about the third axis 212. For example, if a force in the direction of the body 102 is applied to the heater 104 in the vicinity of the first flat contact surface 1302, the first flat spring 302 may flex such that the first end 1104 move closer to the body 102, and the second flat spring 306 may flex such that the second end 1108 moves away from the body 102 (ignoring any linear movement along the first axis 208 which may occur). Accordingly, the heater may rotate about the third axis 212. If such force is applied in the vicinity of the second flat contact surface 1304, the rotation about the third axis 212 in the opposite direction may take place.

In these examples, the heater 104 may also rotate about the second axis 210. In these examples, rotation about the second axis 210 may occur when a force is applied at a location of the heater offset along the third axis 212 with respect to the first and second flat contact surfaces 1302, 1304. In these examples, the first and second flat contact surfaces 1302, 1304 may pivot about the second axis 210 in a manner corresponding with the rotation of the heater 104 about the second axis 210. For example, the first and second flat extending portions 1112, 1118 flex so as to twist to allow for this rotation.

In this manner, the heater 104 may rotate about both the second and the third axes. Depending on the force applied to the heater 104, there may be a component of rotation which is about the second axis 210, and a component of the rotation which is about the third axis 212. Accordingly, the movement mechanism 106 of the fourth set of examples allows for the orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102 to change. Advantageously, positioning resiliently deformable members 302, 306 towards opposite ends of the heater may provide better control of rotation about an axis perpendicular to a line connecting the two members 302, 306. Additionally, using flat springs may provide a simplified mechanism offering good movement control. Furthermore, not only flexing, but also twisting of the elements of the flat springs may be utilised to allow the heater 104 to move in a desired manner, for example.

Fifth Set of Examples

In terms of its function, the movement mechanism of the fifth set of examples is also configured to allow two or more of movement of the heater 104 relative to the body 120 along the first axis 208, rotation of the heater 104 about the second axis 210, and rotation of the heater about the third axis 212.

In the fifth set of examples, the movement mechanism 106 comprises a ball and socket arrangement with one of a ball member and a socket member fixed to the heater 102, and the other of the ball member and the socket member fixed to the body 102. For example, one of the ball member and the socket member may be fixed to the first surface 214 (or a movement mechanism base fixed to the first surface 214, in some examples). In the following examples, the ball member of the ball and socket arrangement is fixed to the first surface 214 and the socket member is fixed to the heater 104.

Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of the device 100, according to the fifth set of examples. In these examples, the movement mechanism 106 comprises a ball member 1502, and a socket member 1504. Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of the ball member 1502. The ball member 1502 comprises a contact ball portion 1602. The contact ball portion 1602 is a partial sphere. When mounted onto the first surface 214, a cross-section of the contact ball portion 1602 taken along a constant first axis 208 position is circular, for example.

Figure 17 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the socket member 1504. The socket member 1504 comprises a hollow 1702 with a shape corresponding to that of the contact ball portion 1602. The hollow 1702 is configured to receive the contact ball portion 1602. The hollow 1702 is configured such that when the contact ball portion 1602 is received in the hollow 1702, there can be relative movement of the contact ball portion 1602 within the hollow 1702. In the present examples, the ball member 1502 is fixed to the body 102. Accordingly, it is the socket member 1504 which moves together with the heater 104 relative to the body 102. For example, the socket member 1504 moves such that the hollow 1702 slides around the contact ball portion 1602. It will be appreciated that such a ball and socket arrangement allows for rotation of the socket member 1504 about the second axis 210 and about the third axis 212. In these examples, the heater 104 is fixed to the socket member 1504. Therefore, the heater 104 can rotate about the second axis 210 and about the third axis 212.

Depending on where on the heater 104 a suitable force is applied, there may be a component of rotation which is about the second axis 210, and a component of the rotation which is about the third axis 212.

In some examples, the ball member 1502 engages with the socket member 1504 via a socket lining 1704. In the particular examples of Figures 15 to 19, there is provided a socket lining 1704 within the hollow 1702. The socket lining 1704 may function to reduce friction when the hollow 1702 slides with respect to the contact ball portion 1602, for example. In such examples, the socket lining 1704 may be referred to as a friction bearing. The socket lining 1704 may comprise a material with a lower coefficient of friction than the material of the hollow 1702, for example.

In some examples, the material of the socket lining 1704 may be resiliently deformable, and the resiliently deformable socket lining 1704 may be configured to compress to allow the heater 104 to move closer to the body 102. For example, the socket lining 1704 may compress on application of an appropriate force, and return to its undeformed state when said force is removed. In such examples, when a force in the direction of the body 102 is applied to the heater 104, the heater 104 may move closer to the body 102 as the socket lining 1704 is compressed. The spring force of the socket lining 1704 may then urge the heater 104 to return to the original separation from the body 102, for example. In this manner, a degree of freedom additional to rotation about the second and third axes 210, 212 may be obtained by using a resiliently deformable material for the lining.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate low friction and/or resiliently deformable materials which may be used for the socket lining 1704. In some examples, the socket lining 1704 comprises silicone. Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of the socket member 1504, according to examples. The socket member 1504 comprises a socket contact surface 1802 which contacts and attaches to the heater 104. It will be appreciated that components contacting the heater 104 may take heat away from the heater 104, which heat is desired to be transferred to the heat receiving part 202 rather than said components. Accordingly, it may be desired to minimize the amount of surface area of components (for example, of the movement mechanism 106) which contacts the heater 104. In these examples, in order to reduce the surface area of the socket contact surface 1802 which contacts the heater 104, the socket member 1504 comprises one or more cut-outs 1804. The cut-outs are regions from which material has been removed. The cut-outs 1804 are formed in the socket contact surface 182. The cut-outs 1804 reduce the amount of surface area available to contact the heater 104. Therefore, heat loss from the heater 104 into the socket member 1504 is reduced as compared to examples where no such cut-outs are provided, for example.

Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of the socket member 1504, according to examples. In these examples, the cut-outs 1804 continue into the side wall 1902 of the socket member 1504. The side wall 1902 of the socket member is a wall perpendicular to the socket contact surface 1802, in these examples.

The fifth set of examples provide a movement mechanism 106 which allow rotation of the heater about both the second axis 210 and the third axis 212. In examples where there is a resiliently deformable lining via which the ball member 1502 engages with the socket member 1504, the heater 104 can also move along the first axis 208 closer to and further away from the body 102.

Advantageously, a ball and socket arrangement may provide a high degree of articulation in terms of rotation of the heater 104. In these examples, the orientation of the heater 104 may be relatively highly adaptable to different heat receiving part configurations.

Sixth Set of Examples

In terms of its function, the movement mechanism of the sixth set of examples is also configured to allow two or more of movement of the heater 104 relative to the body 120 along the first axis 208, rotation of the heater 104 about the second axis 210, and rotation of the heater about the third axis 212. Figure 20 is a first schematic perspective view of the device 100, according to the sixth set of examples. Figure 21 is a second schematic perspective view of the device 100, according to the sixth set of examples. Figure 22 is a schematic plan view of the device 100 according to the sixth set of examples.

In these examples, the movement mechanism 104 comprises a first rod element 2002, and a first rod holder 2004 fixed to the body 102 (e.g., onto the first surface 214). In these examples, the movement mechanism 104 comprises a second rod element 2006, and a second rod holder 2008. The second rod holder 2008 comprises a heater contact surface 2202 (not shown in Figures 20 and 21) fixed to the heater 104. In Figure 22, the heater 104 and the second rod holder 2008 are shown in dashed line, and elements underneath are depicted in solid line.

In these examples, the first rod holder 2004 comprises a first pair of openings 2102 (see Figure 21 , for example). An end region of the first rod element 2002 is received in each opening 2102 of the first pair of openings. Referring to Figure 21 , one of the first pair of openings 2102 can be seen, while the other of the first pair of openings 2102 is on the opposite side of the first rod holder 2004 to the side shown in Figure 21. In these examples, the end regions of the first rod element 2002 are received in the first pair of openings 2102 such that the end regions can rotate within the first pair of openings 2102.

In these examples, the second rod holder 2008 comprises a second pair of openings 2010 (see Figure 20, for example). An end region of the second rod element 2006 is received in each opening of the second pair of openings 2010. Referring to Figure 20, one of the second pair of openings 2010 can be seen, while the other of the second pair of openings 2010 is on the opposite side of the second rod holder 2008 to the side shown in Figure 20. In these examples, the end regions of the second rod element 2006 are received in the second pair of openings 2010 such that the end regions can rotate within the second pair of openings 2010.

In these examples, the first and second rod elements 2002, 2006 are connected to one another such that the heater 104 fixed to the heater contact surface 2202 is pivotable about a central longitudinal axis of the first rod element 2002, and is pivotable about a central longitudinal axis of the second rod element 2006. As mentioned above, while the second and third axes 210, 212 are both perpendicular to the first axis 208 (defining separation between the heater 104 and the body 102), remaining aspects of the orientation of the second and third axes 210, 212 are arbitrary. In these examples, the central longitudinal axis of the first rod element 2002 is parallel to the second axis 210, and the central longitudinal axis of the second rod element 2006 is parallel to the third axis 212.

The movement mechanism 106 according to the sixth set of examples allows rotation about the second axis 210 and the third axis 212 in the following manner. For example, a force in the direction of the body 102 may be applied to the heater 104 at location of the heater offset from the first rod element 2002 along the third axis 212, but not offset form the second rod element 2006 with respect to the second axis 210. Numeral 2012 indicates an example of such a location on the heater 104. In this case, the heater 104, the second rod holder 2008, the second rod element 2006 may pivot about the second axis 210 as the first rod element 2002 rotates.

Also, for example, a force in the direction of the body 102 may be applied to the heater 104 at location of the heater offset from the second rod element 2002 along the second axis 210, but not offset form the first rod element 2002 with respect to the third axis 210. In this case, the heater 104, the second rod holder 2008, the second rod element 2006 may pivot about the second axis 210 as the first rod element 2002 rotates. Numeral 2014 indicates an example of such a location on the heater 104. In this case, the heater 104 and the second rod holder 2008 may pivot about the third axis 212 as the second pair of openings 2010 rotatably slide around the end regions of the second rod element 2006.

Depending on the location of the heater 104 where an appropriate force is applied, there may be a component of the rotation which is about the second axis 210 and a component of the rotation which is about the third axis 212. In this manner, the movement mechanism 106 according to the sixth set of examples provides for a change in orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102.

In some examples, additional features may be provided in the movement mechanism 106 according to the sixth set of examples. In Figure 20 and 21 , the first and second pair of openings 2102, 2010 are shown as circular. In some examples, these openings are circular. However, in some examples, the openings are elongate. For example, the openings are elongate along the first axis 208. Therefore, the respective end region of the first/second rod element may move along the first axis 208 within the elongate openings. Figure 23 is a first schematic perspective view of an example movement mechanism 106, according to the sixth set of examples. In these examples, each of the first pair of openings 2102 is elongate in the direction of the first axis 208. Therefore, the first rod element 2002 may move along the first axis 208 with respect to the first rod holder 2004 within the elongate first pair of openings 2102. In these examples, the elongate first pair of openings 2102 may comprise a first rod holder lining 2302. For example, the first rod holder lining 2302 may be resiliently deformable. In this manner, the first rod holder lining 2302 may compress when the heater 104 moves closer to the body 102. For example, the first rod element 2002 compresses the first rod holder lining 2302 positioned between the first rod element 2002 and the body 102. The spring force of the first rod holder lining 2302 may then urge the heater 104 to return to the original separation from the body 102, for example. In this manner, a degree of freedom additional to rotation about the second and third axes 210, 212 may be obtained by using a resiliently deformable material for the lining.

In the examples of the elongate first pair of openings 2102, the resting position of the centre of the first rod element 2002 is further away from the body 102 than the centre of the elongate first pair of openings 2102. In other words, when no force is applied to the heater 104 along the first axis 208, the first rod element 2002 is offset to be further away from the body 102 within the elongate first pair of openings 2102 such that there is more of the elongate first pair of openings 2102 between the first rod element 2002 and the body 102. Accordingly, the first rod element 2002 has room to slide down towards the body 102 within the elongate first pair of openings 2102.

Figure 24 is a second schematic perspective view of an example movement mechanism 106, according to the sixth set of examples. In these examples, each of the second pair of openings 2010 is elongate in the direction of the first axis 208. Therefore, the second rod holder 2008 may move along the first axis 208 with respect to the second rod element 2006, as the end regions of the second rod element 2006 slide within the elongate second pair of openings 2010. In these examples, the elongate second pair of openings 2010 may comprise a second rod holder lining 2402. For example, the second rod holder lining 2402 may be resiliently deformable. In this manner, the second rod holder lining 2402 may compress when the heater 104 moves closer to the body 102. For example, the second rod holder 2008 moves closer to the body 102 while the second rod element 2006 remains in place. Therefore, the second rod holder lining 2402 positioned between the second red element 2006 and the heater contact surface 2202 is compressed when the heater 104 and the second rod holder 2008 move closer to the body 102. The spring force of the second rod holder lining 2402 may then urge the heater 104 to return to the original separation from the body 102, for example. In this manner, a degree of freedom additional to rotation about the second and third axes 210, 212 may be obtained by using a resiliently deformable material for the lining.

In the examples of the elongate second pair of openings 2010, the resting position of the centre of the second rod element 2008 is closer to the body 102 than the centre of the elongate second pair of openings 2010 (when the movement mechanism 106 is mounted on the first surface 214 as intended). In other words, when no force is applied to the heater 104 along the first axis 208, the second rod element 2006 is offset to be closer to the body 102 within the elongate second pair of openings 2010 such that there is more of the elongate second pair of openings 2010 between the second rod element 2006 and the heater contact surface 2202. Accordingly, the second rod holder 2008 can slide down towards the body 102 as the elongate second pair of openings 2010 slides down relative to the second rod element 2006.

The lining of the first pair of openings 2102 and the second pair of openings 2010 may be referred to as a compression lining. For example, each opening of the first pair of openings 2102 comprises the compression lining 2302. For example, each opening of the second pair of openings 2010 comprises the compression lining 2402.

In some examples, the compression linings 2302, 2402 comprise a material with a lower coefficient of friction than the material of the first rod holder 2004 and the second rod holder 2008, respectively, for example.

In some examples, one or both of the first pair of openings 2102 and the second pair of openings 2010 comprise compression linings 2302, 2403. Accordingly, for one or more of the first pair of openings 2102 and the second pair of openings 2010, each opening comprises a compression lining 2302, 2402 configured to allow movement of the respective rod element 2002, 2006 in a direction extending between the heater 104 and the body 102 (in other words along the first axis 208).

In the examples of Figures 23 and 24, the second rod holder 2008 comprises one or more heater contact cut-outs 2304. The cut-outs 2304 are regions from which material has been removed. The cut-outs 2304 are formed in the heater contact surface 2202. The cut-outs 2304 reduce the amount of surface area available to the contact the heater 104. Therefore, heat loss from the heater 104 into the second rod holder 2008 is reduced as compared to examples where no such cut-outs are provided, for example.

In the examples of Figures 23 and 24, the cut-outs 2304 continue into the side wall 2306 of the second rod holder 2008. The side wall 2306 of the second rod holder 2008 is a wall perpendicular to the heater contact surface 2202, in these examples.

Advantageously, the movement mechanism 106 comprising the described rod elements provides a high degree of may provide a high degree of articulation in terms of rotation of the heater. Advantageously, the compression linings 2302, 2402 provide an additional degree of freedom in that the heater 104 can resiliently move towards the first surface 214 and return to a nominal position when a force causing the initial movement is removed.

Various examples of the movement mechanism 106 have been described above. In all examples, the movement mechanism allows for a change in orientation of the heater 104 relative to the body 102. Accordingly, there may be provided a movement mechanism 106 for allowing movement of a heater relative to a body of an aerosol generating device. Such a movement mechanism 106 is configured to allow two or more of: movement of the heater relative to the body about the first axis 208, rotation of the heater about the second axis 210, and rotation of the heater about the third axis. The movement mechanism 106 may be provided as an article to be installed onto a heating unit, which in turn is to be installed into an aerosol generating device. In some examples, the movement mechanism 106 is pre-installed and provided as part of the heating unit.

In the accompanying figures, the heater 104 is shown as connected to the various examples of the movement mechanism 106. There may additionally be one or more other connections between the heater 104 and the body 102. For example, the body 102 may contain a power source (e.g., a battery) for delivering electrical power to the heater 104. In this case, there may be electrical connection from the body 102 to the heater 104. Such connections may not interact directly with the movement mechanism 106. In some examples, there may be provided a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device for an aerosol generating device (for example, according to any of the examples described herein). Figure 25 is flow diagram illustrating the method 2500 of manufacturing the heating unit, according to examples. At block 2502 of the method 2500, a body of the heating unit is configured to connect to a consumable article comprising aerosol precursor material. For example, the body may be so configured by providing the described connecting portion for holding the consumable article in place relative to the body.

At block 2504 of the method 2500, a heater is connected to the body and positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article, when the consumable article connects to the body. For example, the heater is positioned appropriately in relation to the intended position of the consumable article. In the above-described examples, the heater 104 is positioned between the body 102 and the consumable article 200 (see Figure 2), and the consumable article 200 connects to the body 102 at least in part via the heater 104.

At block 2506 of the method 2500, a movement mechanism is functionally connected to the heater for allowing a change in orientation of the heater relative to the body. It should be noted that no particular order/sequence is implied by the flow diagram of Figure 25. For example, functionally connecting the movement mechanism and the connecting/positioning the heater may be part of the same process. For example, the movement mechanism may be installed onto the body and the heater may be connected to the movement mechanism in a manner/order appropriate according to the specific example of the movement mechanism, etc.

Accordingly, a heating unit for an aerosol generating device incorporating the described examples of the movement mechanism may be provided which improves alignment of the heater with the consumable article to provide better thermal contact between the heater and the consumable article.

It is important to note that the various features described above may be used in various combinations. Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (100) comprising: a body (102) configured to connect to a consumable article (200) comprising aerosol precursor material (204); a heater (104) connected to the body (102) and positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article (200), when the consumable article (200) connects to the body (102); and a movement mechanism (106) functionally connected to the heater (104) for allowing movement of the heater (104) relative to the body (102) so as to change the orientation of the heater (104) relative to the body (102), to align the heater (104) with a heat receiving part (202) of the consumable article (200).

2. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1 , wherein: the movement mechanism (106) is configured to allow two or more of: movement of the heater (104) relative to the body (102) along a first axis (208), the first axis (208) being perpendicular to a first surface (214) of the body (102) which faces the consumable article (200) when the consumable article (200) is connected to the body (102); rotation of the heater (104) about a second axis (210) perpendicular to the first axis (208); and rotation of the heater (104) about a third axis (212) perpendicular to the second axis (210) and perpendicular to the first axis (208).

3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: the movement mechanism (106) comprises a first resiliently deformable member (302) disposed between the heater (104) and the first surface (214) of the body (102), wherein: the first resiliently deformable member (302) is configured such that a spring force of the first resiliently deformable member (302) acts in a direction parallel to the first axis (208).

4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 3, wherein: the first resiliently deformable member (302) is configured such that the respective spring force is applied in alignment with, or almost in alignment with, the centre (304) of the heater (104).

5. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 3, wherein: the movement mechanism (106) comprises a second resiliently deformable member (306) and a third resiliently deformable member (308) disposed between the heater (104) and the first surface (214), wherein a spring force of each of the second resiliently deformable member (306) and the third resiliently deformable member (308) acts in a direction parallel to the first axis (208).

6. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 5, wherein either: the first resiliently deformable member (302) is positioned between the second resiliently deformable member (306) and the third resiliently deformable member (308), and the first, second and third resiliently deformable members (302, 306, 308) are positioned in line with one another; or each of the first, second and third resiliently deformable members (302, 306, 308) is positioned towards an end of the heater (104) equidistant from the remaining resiliently deformable members.

7. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: the movement mechanism (106) comprises a plurality of hinge mechanisms (802, 804), wherein: each hinge mechanism (802, 804) comprises: a heater hinge (806, 810) fixed to the heater (104) and a base hinge (808, 812) fixed to the first surface (214), wherein the base hinge (808, 812) is offset from the heater hinge (806, 810) in a direction perpendicular to the first axis (208); and a hinge arm (814, 816) connected to the heater hinge (806, 810) and to the base hinge (808, 812).

8. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 3, wherein: the first resiliently deformable member (302) is configured to apply a respective spring force towards a first end (1104) of the heater (104); and the movement mechanism (106) comprises a second resiliently deformable member (306) disposed between the heater (104) and the first surface (214), and configured to apply a respective spring force towards a second end (1108) of the heater (104) opposite the first end (1104).

9. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 8, wherein: each of the first and second resiliently deformable members (302, 306) is a flat spring; and each of the first and second flat springs (302, 306) comprises a flat contact surface (1302, 1304) which contacts the heater (104).

10. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: the movement mechanism (106) comprises a ball and socket arrangement with one of a ball member (1502) and a socket member (1504) of the ball and socket arrangement fixed to the heater (104) and the other of the ball member (1502) and the socket member (1504) fixed to the body (102).

11. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 2, wherein: the movement mechanism (106) comprises: a first rod element (2002); a first rod holder (2004) fixed to the body (102); a second rod element (2006); and a second rod holder (2008) comprising a heater contact surface (2202) fixed to the heater (104), wherein: the first rod holder (2004) comprises a first pair of openings (2102), wherein an end region of the first rod element (2002) is received in each opening of the first pair of openings (2102); the second rod holder (2004) comprises a second pair of openings (2010), wherein an end region of the second rod element (2006) is received in each opening of the second pair of openings (2010); the first and second rod elements (2002, 2006) are connected to one another such that the heater (104) fixed to the heater contact surface (2202) is pivotable about a central longitudinal axis of the first rod element (2002) and is pivotable about a central longitudinal axis of the second rod element (2006).

12. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 11, wherein: for one or more of the first pair of openings (2102) and the second pair of openings (2010), each opening comprises a compression lining (2302, 2402) configured to allow movement of the respective rod element (2002, 2006) in a direction extending between the heater (104) and the body (102).

13. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the movement mechanism (106) is configured to change the orientation of the heater (104), when the consumable article (200) is pressed onto the heater (104), so as to increase the thermal contact between the heater (104) and the consumable article (200) as compared to a case in which the orientation of the heater (104) remains unchanged.

14. A method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device (100), the method comprising: configuring a body (102) of the aerosol generating device (100) to connect to a consumable article (200) comprising aerosol precursor material (204); connecting a heater (104) to the body (102) and positioning the heater (104) so as to be in thermal contact with the consumable article (200), when the consumable article (200) connects to the body (102); and functionally connecting a movement mechanism (106) to the heater (104) for allowing a change in orientation of the heater (104) relative to the body (102).

15. A movement mechanism (106) configured to functionally connect to a heater (104) of an aerosol generating device (100), for allowing movement of the heater (104) relative to a body (102) of the aerosol generating device (100), wherein the body (102) is configured to connect to a consumable article (200) comprising aerosol precursor material (204), so as to change the orientation of the heater (104) relative to the body (102), to align the heater (104) with a heat receiving part (202) of a consumable article (200).