Aerosol-generating device with sliding contacts for induction coil

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article comprises a heating device (14). The heating device comprises an induction coil (16). The aerosol-generating device further comprises a first sliding device (18). The first sliding device (18) comprises a first contact (22). The first sliding device (18) is arranged adjacent to the induction coil (16) of the heating device (14) and is configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil (12). The first contact (22) is mounted on the first sliding device (18) and is arranged to contact the induction coil (12). The aerosol-generating device further comprises a second sliding device (20). The second sliding device (20) comprises a second contact (24). The second sliding device (20) is arranged adjacent to the induction coil (16) of the heating device (14) and is configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil (16). The second contact (24) is mounted on the second sliding device (20) and is arranged to contact the induction coil (16). An alternating current is supplied to the induction coil (16) between the first contact (22) and the second contact (24).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapour. Such devices can heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilise without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can have a rod shape for insertion into a cavity, for example a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element can be arranged in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate after insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The heating device can be an induction heating device and comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. SUMMARY

[0003] It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with variable heating of the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with a variable heating zone. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with a switchable heating zone. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with a heating zone or an option to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article uniformly.

[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating article comprises a heating device. The heating device comprises an induction coil. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a first sliding device. The first sliding device comprises a first contact. The first sliding device is arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating device and is configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil. The first contact is mounted on the first sliding device and is arranged to contact the induction coil. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a second sliding device. The second sliding device comprises a second contact. The second sliding device is arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating device and is configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil. The second contact is mounted on the second sliding device and is arranged to contact the induction coil. An alternating current (AC) is supplied to the induction coil between the first contact and the second contact.

[0005] According to embodiments of the present application, an aerosol-generating device can be provided. The aerosol-generating article can comprise a heating device. The heating device can comprise an induction coil. The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a first sliding device. The first sliding device can comprise a first contact. The first sliding device can be arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating device and configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil. The first contact can be mounted on the first sliding device and arranged to contact the induction coil. The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a second sliding device. The second sliding device can comprise a second contact. The second sliding device can be arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating device and configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil. The second contact can be mounted on the second sliding device and arranged to contact the induction coil. An alternating current can be supplied to the induction coil between the first contact and the second contact.

[0006] By providing two contacts for the induction coil on the respective sliding devices, an alternating current can be provided to a portion of the induction coil. As a result, the portion of the induction coil operated can be selected as appropriate. The portion of the induction coil operated along the longitudinal length can be varied. Furthermore, the length of the induction coil operated can be varied. Due to these variable contacts, a desired heating zone can be created within the aerosol-generating device by appropriately contacting the induction coil.

[0007] The first contact can establish a first electrical contact for supplying an alternating current to the induction coil. The second contact can establish a second electrical contact such that the alternating current can travel through the induction coil between the first contact and the second contact.

[0008] The distance between the first contact and the second contact is preferably always less than the longitudinal length of the induction coil. As a result, the heating zone generated within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device as an area enclosed by the portion of the induction coil between the first contact and the second contact is less than the total area of the cavity enclosed by the induction coil. The cavity of the aerosol-generating device is configured for receiving an aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. This enables the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article to be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device for heating according to a preferred heating regime. In particular, the heating regime comprises heating only a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate at a time.

[0009] The heating zone can be generated by a region of the cavity which can be enclosed by the portion of the induction coil between the first contact and the second contact.

[0010] One or both of the axial length and the axial placement of the heating zone can be adapted by sliding one or both of the first sliding device and the second sliding device.

[0011] The sliding means can be at least partially electrically conductive. This can enable alternating current to be supplied to the contacts via the sliding means. The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a controller. The controller can be in electrical connection with the sliding means. The controller can be in electrical connection with the first contact via the first sliding means. The controller can be in electrical connection with the second contact via the second sliding means. The electrical contacts or the controller can be in electrical connection with a power source, such as a battery as described in more detail herein.

[0012] The controller can be configured to control the supply of alternating current to the heating device. The controller can be configured to control the supply of alternating current to the induction coil of the heating device. The controller can be configured to control the supply of alternating current to the induction coil for a predetermined time.

[0013] The controller can be configured to control the sliding movement of the sliding means. The controller can be configured to control the sliding movement of the first sliding means. The controller can be configured to control the sliding movement of the second sliding means. The controller can be configured to control the sliding movement of both sliding means independently of each other. By controlling the sliding movement of the sliding means, the controller can control the distance between the first contact and the second contact. By controlling the distance between the first contact and the second contact, the controller can control the portion of the induction coil that is operated. Exemplarily, the controller can control the first sliding means to slide in the distal direction of the induction coil, while the second sliding means does not move. In this case, the distance between the first contact and the second contact will increase. When the controller supplies alternating current between the first contact and the second contact via the induction coil, a larger portion of the induction coil will thus be operated.

[0014] The controller can simultaneously control the movement of the sliding means. As a result, the controller can simultaneously control the movement of the first contact and the second contact. The controller can move the first contact and the second contact parallel to each other, such that the first contact and the second contact have the same distance from each other during the movement of these contacts. This operation can be beneficial if different portions of the induction coil are to be operated. The controller can be configured to move the first contact and the second contact a predetermined distance, and then supply alternating current between the first contact and the second contact via the induction coil. This embodiment can be beneficial if different portions of the induction coil are to be operated subsequently. Exemplarily, the induction coil can be divided into different portions, wherein each portion corresponds to a distance between the first contact and the second contact. A first portion corresponding to a first heating zone of the induction coil can then be operated. Subsequently, the controller can move the contacts such that a second portion corresponding to a second heating zone is heated. These portions of the induction coil can be arranged directly adjacent to each other.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the controller can be configured to move the contacts steadily along the induction coil. The controller can be configured to supply current to the contacts and via the induction coil at all times or at least for some time periods. In this embodiment, the heating zone can be moved gradually along the induction coil.

[0016] One or both of the sliding means can be longitudinal. One or both of the sliding means can be arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cavity. One or both of the sliding means can be arranged parallel to the heating means. One or both of the sliding means can be rod-shaped.

[0017] The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a first motor, preferably a linear motor. The first motor can be operatively coupled with one or both of the first sliding means and the second sliding means to facilitate a sliding movement of one or both of the first sliding means and the second sliding means. Preferably, the first motor is configured to move the first sliding means separately from the second sliding means.

[0018] The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a second motor, preferably a linear motor. The second motor can be operatively coupled with one of the first sliding means and the second sliding means to facilitate a sliding movement of one of the first sliding means and the second sliding means. The first motor can be configured to facilitate a sliding movement of the other of the first sliding means and the second sliding means. Preferably, the second motor is configured to move the second sliding means separately from the first sliding means.

[0019] One or both of the first motor and the second motor can be operated only unidirectionally during one operating cycle of the aerosol-generating device. One operating cycle of the aerosol-generating device corresponds to the process of depleting a fresh aerosol-generating article. In this way, the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-forming article inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device can be heated uniformly from one end of the aerosol-forming substrate to the other end of the aerosol-forming substrate. In this case, no part of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated twice, or for a longer time than is required to heat that part of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0020] The controller can be configured to control the operation of the motor or both motors. The shape change of the heating zone of the heating means can be facilitated by the controller operating the movement of one or both of the sliding means by the operation of one or more motors.

[0021] Each contact can be fixedly mounted on the sliding means. In other words, each contact can be mounted on the sliding means such that the contact is fixed to the sliding means. The sliding means can be configured to slide in an axial direction of the sliding means. The axial direction of the sliding means can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cavity. The longitudinal axis of the cavity can be the same or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the heating means.

[0022] One or both of the first contact and the second contact can be configured as a sliding contact. Each sliding contact is configured to electrically contact the induction coil of the heating means.

[0023] The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a communication interface for controlling the operation of the controller.

[0024] The communication interface can be configured as a button or a wireless communication interface for communicating with an external device. The external device can be a smartphone, a smartwatch or a tablet computer. The communication interface can be configured as a display. The communication interface can be configured as a touch display. The communication interface can comprise wireless technology to enable the communication interface to communicate with an external device. The communication interface can be configured as a button or comprise a button. By means of the communication interface, a user can control the operation of the controller. Exemplarily, the user can control the operation of the movement of the slide. As a result, the user can change the size of the heating zone within the heating device.

[0025] Alternatively, the operation of the controller can depend on a predetermined program. The predetermined program can correspond to a desired heating profile of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The user can select the desired heating profile by means of the communication interface. Alternatively, the desired heating profile can be predetermined. As a further alternative or in addition, the desired heating profile can depend on the type of aerosol-generating article received in the cavity. The user can input the type of aerosol-generating article or the type of aerosol-generating article can be detected by the aerosol-generating device and an appropriate heating profile can be selected as a function of the detected type of aerosol-generating article.

[0026] The first slide can be electrically isolated from the second slide.

[0027] The first slide can be mechanically coupled to the second slide such that the first slide and the second slide move together. The first slide and the second slide can even be configured as a slide formed integrally, i.e. as a single slide. In this embodiment, a single motor is preferably configured for moving the slide. This embodiment is particularly suitable if the longitudinal size of the heating zone should remain constant. This embodiment is particularly suitable if the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article should be heated uniformly over time, wherein only a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated at a certain time.

[0028] The first slide can be configured to slide mechanically independently from the second slide. In this case, two separate motors are preferably provided to move the slides independently.

[0029] The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a first slide actuator mechanically coupled to the first slide and configured such that a user can manually slide the first slide by means of operating the first slide actuator.

[0030] The first slider actuator can be further mechanically coupled to the second sliding means and configured such that a user can manually slide the first and second sliding means together by means of operating the first slider actuator.

[0031] The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a second slider actuator mechanically coupled to the second sliding means and configured such that a user can manually slide the second sliding means by means of operating the second slider actuator, and wherein the first and second slider actuators are mechanically independent from each other.

[0032] One or both of the first and second slider actuators can be unidirectionally operable only during one operating cycle of the aerosol-generating device.

[0033] The heating device can comprise a susceptor. The susceptor can be arranged within the cavity or surrounding the cavity. The susceptor can be needle-shaped. The susceptor can be sheet-shaped. If the susceptor is needle-shaped or sheet-shaped, the susceptor is preferably arranged centrally within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. If an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the susceptor can then penetrate into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0034] Alternatively or in addition, the susceptor can be arranged at least partially surrounding the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The susceptor can completely surround the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The inner diameter of this susceptor device can correspond to or be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article to be received within the cavity. If an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, the outer circumference of the aerosol-generating article can contact the susceptor. Thus, the susceptor can hold the aerosol-generating article in the cavity. The susceptor can form an inner wall of the cavity.

[0035] The susceptor can be configured as a single susceptor. Alternatively, the susceptor can comprise susceptor segments. The individual susceptor segments can be electrically isolated from each other by an insulating layer or by insulating portions. The individual susceptor segments can correspond to preferred positions of the first and second contacts. In other words, the individual susceptor segments can correspond to desired heating zones. The longitudinal length of the individual susceptor segments can correspond to the distance between the first and second contacts.

[0036] The aerosol-generating device can comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit can comprise a microprocessor, which can be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor can be part of a controller. The electric circuit can comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit can be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power to the heating device. The electrical power can be supplied to the heating device continuously after activation of the aerosol-generating device or can be supplied intermittently, such as based on puff-by-puff. The electrical power can be supplied to the heating device in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit can be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating device and to control the supply of electrical power to the heating device preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating device.

[0037] The aerosol-generating device can include a power source, typically a battery, within the aerosol-generating device body. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source can be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium-titanate, or lithium-polymer battery. As an alternative, the power source can be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power source can need to be charged and can have a capacity capable of storing sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source can have sufficient capacity to generate aerosol for a period of about six minutes or a multiple of six minutes continuously. In another example, the power source can have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete heating device activations.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate can be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as part of a smoking article. The aerosol-generating device can be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through a user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating device can be a holder. The device can be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device can include a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a heating chamber, and a heating device.

[0039] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article can be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through a user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article can be disposable.

[0040] The heating device is preferably configured as an induction heating device. The induction heating device may include an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally speaking, a susceptor is a material capable of generating heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located within the alternating magnetic field, if the susceptor is electrically conductive, eddy currents are typically induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, another effect that often contributes to heating is often referred to as hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses primarily occur due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, as their magnetic orientation aligns with the alternating magnetic induction field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis losses is when magnetic domains grow or shrink within the susceptor. Generally, all such changes within the susceptor that occur at the nanometer scale or below are referred to as "hysteresis losses" because they generate heat within the susceptor. Therefore, if the susceptor is both magnetic and electrically conductive, both hysteresis losses and eddy current generation contribute to heating the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but non-conductive, hysteresis losses are the sole means of heating the susceptor when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be electrically conductive, magnetic, or both. The alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, causing aerosol formation. Heat transfer can be primarily by thermal conduction. This heat transfer is optimal if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0041] The present invention further relates to a system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article as described herein comprising an aerosol-forming substrate as described herein.

[0042] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0043] Example A: An aerosol generating device comprising:

[0044] a heating device, said heating device comprising an induction coil,

[0045] a first sliding device comprising a first contact, wherein the first sliding device is arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating device and is configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil, wherein the first contact is mounted on the first sliding device and arranged to contact the induction coil, and

[0046] a second sliding device comprising a second contact, wherein the second sliding device is arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating device and is configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil, wherein the second contact is mounted on the second sliding device and arranged to contact the induction coil,

[0047] wherein an alternating current is supplied to an induction coil between the first contact and the second contact.

[0048] Example B: An aerosol-generating device according to Example A, wherein one or both of the first contact and the second contact is configured as a sliding contact.

[0049] Example C: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of alternating current to the induction coil via the first contact and the second contact.

[0050] Example D: An aerosol-generating device according to Example C, wherein the first sliding means is at least partially electrically conductive, and wherein the controller is electrically connected with the first sliding means and the first contact.

[0051] Example E: An aerosol-generating device according to Example C, wherein the second sliding means is at least partially electrically conductive, and wherein the controller is electrically connected with the second sliding means and the second contact.

[0052] Example F: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples C to E, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a communication interface for controlling operation of the controller.

[0053] Example G: An aerosol-generating device according to Example F, wherein the communication interface is configured as a button or a wireless communication interface for communicating with an external device.

[0054] Example H: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a first electric motor, preferably a linear electric motor, and wherein the first electric motor is operatively coupled with one or both of the first sliding means and the second sliding means to facilitate sliding movement of one or both of the first sliding means and the second sliding means.

[0055] Example I: An aerosol-generating device according to Example H, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a second electric motor, preferably a linear electric motor, and wherein the second electric motor is operatively coupled with one of the first sliding means and the second sliding means to facilitate sliding movement of one of the first sliding means and the second sliding means, and wherein the first electric motor is configured to facilitate sliding movement of the other of the first sliding means and the second sliding means.

[0056] Example J: An aerosol-generating device according to example H or I, wherein one or both of the first motor and the second motor are operable in only one direction during one operating cycle of the aerosol-generating device.

[0057] Example K: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the first sliding means is electrically isolated from the second sliding means.

[0058] Example L: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the first slide is mechanically coupled to the second slide such that the first slide and the second slide move together.

[0059] Example M: ​​An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples A to L, wherein the first sliding means is configured to slide mechanically independently of the second sliding means.

[0060] Example N: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a first slider actuator, which is mechanically connected to the first sliding device and is configured to enable a user to manually slide the first sliding device by operating the first slider actuator.

[0061] Example O: An aerosol-generating device according to Example N, wherein the first slider actuator is further mechanically coupled to the second slider and configured to enable a user to manually slide the first slider and the second slider together by operating the first slider actuator.

[0062] Example P: An aerosol generating device according to Example N, wherein the aerosol generating device further includes a second slider actuator, which is mechanically connected to the second slider and is configured to enable a user to manually slide the second slider by operating the second slider actuator, and wherein the first slider actuator and the second slider actuator are mechanically independent of each other.

[0063] Example Q: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples N to P, wherein one or both of the first slider actuator and the second slider actuator are operable only in one direction during one operating cycle of the aerosol-generating device.

[0064] Example R: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0065] Example S: An aerosol-generating device according to Example R, wherein the induction coil is arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cavity and at least partially surrounds the cavity.

[0066] Example T: An aerosol-generating device according to Example S, wherein a heating zone is created by a region of the cavity, the region being surrounded by the portion of the induction coil between the first contact and the second contact.

[0067] Example U: An aerosol-generating device according to Example T, wherein one or both of an axial length and an axial placement of the heating zone is adaptable by sliding one or both of the first sliding means and the second sliding means.

[0068] Example V: A system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples and an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate.

[0069] Features described in relation to one embodiment can equally apply to other embodiments of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0070] The application will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0071] Figure 1 An embodiment of an aerosol-generating device is shown;

[0072] Figure 2 The construction and operation of a sliding means of an aerosol-generating device is shown;

[0073] Figure 3 The sliding means is shown from different perspectives; and

[0074] Figure 4 A further embodiment of an aerosol-generating device is shown in which the sliding means is arranged differently. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Figure 1 An aerosol-generating device is shown. The aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity 10 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 12 comprising aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 10 can be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity 10 has a cylindrical shape. The aerosol-generating article 12 can be inserted into the cavity 10 at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating device.

[0076] The aerosol-generating device further comprises a heating device 14. The heating device 14 comprises an induction coil 16 and a susceptor. The susceptor can be configured as an internal susceptor having a needle or a blade shape. When the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted into the cavity 10, the internal susceptor is centrally arranged within the cavity 10 and configured for penetrating into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 12. Alternatively or additionally, the susceptor can be configured as an external susceptor surrounding the cavity 10. In any case, the susceptor is arranged within the induction coil 16 such that the induction coil 16 can generate an alternating magnetic field for heating the susceptor.

[0077] The aerosol-generating device further comprises a first sliding device 18 and a second sliding device 20. The individual sliding devices can be moved independently of each other. In this case, the first sliding device 18 and the second sliding device 20 are moved together. For this reason, the first sliding device 18 and the second sliding device 20 can be fixed to each other. As can be seen in Figure 3 and 4 , the first sliding device 18 comprises a first contact 22. The first contact 22 is configured to enable a supply of an alternating current to the induction coil 16. The first contact 22 establishes an electrical contact point with the induction coil 16. The second sliding device 20 comprises a second contact 24. The second contact 24 is configured to enable a supply of an alternating current to the induction coil 16. The second contact 24 establishes an electrical contact point with the induction coil 16.

[0078] The first sliding device 18 and the second sliding device 20 can be configured to be moved together. For this reason, the first sliding device 18 and the second sliding device 20 can be fixed to each other. As can be seen in Figure 1 , in this case, the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 are at a distance from each other. As can be seen in Figure 2 , if the first sliding device 18 and the second sliding device 20 are slid, the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 are moved together and remain at the same distance from each other.

[0079] The distance between the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 establishes a longitudinal distance of a heating zone 26. The heating zone 26 is a region of the cavity 10 surrounded by a portion of the induction coil 16 between the first contact 22 and the second contact 24. When an alternating current is supplied between the first contact 22 and the second contact 24, this portion of the induction coil 16 is operated. As a result, this portion of the induction coil 16 generates an alternating magnetic field to heat the susceptor surrounded by this portion of the induction coil 16.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, the first sliding device 18 and the second sliding device 20 can be configured to be movable independently of each other. In this embodiment, the distance between the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 can be selected as desired. As a result, the longitudinal length of the heating zone 26 can be selected as desired.

[0081] The aerosol-generating device further comprises a controller 28. The controller 28 is configured to control the supply of alternating current between the first contact 22 and the second contact 24. The controller 28 is electrically connected with the first contact 22 and the second contact 24. The first sliding means 18 is electrically connected with the first contact 22 and with the controller 28, or the first sliding means 18 comprises an electrically conductive portion that is electrically connected with the first contact 22 and with the controller 28. The second sliding means 20 is electrically connected with the second contact 24 and with the controller 28, or the second sliding means 20 comprises an electrically conductive portion that is electrically connected with the second contact 24 and with the controller 28. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a battery 30. The controller 28 is configured to control the supply of DC current from the battery 30 to a DC / AC converter connected to the first and second contacts 24. Thereby, the controller operates the heating device 14 by controlling the supply of alternating current to the coil 16. The DC / AC converter is preferably a separate unit.

[0082] Figure 2 The operation of the heating device 14 is shown in more detail. From Figure 2 A to 2D, the sliding means slide the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 from the distal end of the induction coil 16 to the proximal end of the induction coil 16. As a result, the heating zone 26 travels in the proximal direction. In Figure 2 In the shown embodiment, the distance between the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 remains the same. As a result, the longitudinal length of the heating zone 26 remains the same.

[0083] Figure 3 The first sliding means 18 and the second sliding means 20 are shown. The first sliding means 18 and the second sliding means 20 are elongated. The first sliding means 18 and the second sliding means 20 are mounted on a sliding rod 32. The sliding rod 32 is arranged in an aperture of a mounting element 34. This arrangement of the first sliding means 18 and the second sliding means 20 enables independent sliding movement of the first sliding means 18 and the second sliding means 20. As a result, the distance between the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 is controllable by the controller 28. The distance between the first contact 22 and the second contact 24 determines the longitudinal length of the heating zone 26. Therefore, independently controlling the first sliding means 18 and the second sliding means 20 enables controlling the size of the heating zone 26.

[0084] Figure 4 Embodiments of the aerosol-generating device with a different arrangement of the first sliding means 18 and the second sliding means 20 are shown. Compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in, the first sliding means 18 is arranged on one side of the cavity 10 and the second sliding means 20 is arranged on the opposite side of the cavity 10. As a result, the first contact 22 is arranged opposite the second contact 24 on opposite sides of the cavity 10.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating device, said heating device comprising an induction coil, a first sliding device comprising a first contact, wherein the first sliding device is arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating device and is configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil, wherein the first contact is mounted on the first sliding device and arranged to contact the induction coil, and a second sliding device comprising a second contact, wherein the second sliding device is arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating device and is configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil, wherein the second contact is mounted on the second sliding device and arranged to contact the induction coil, An alternating current is supplied to the induction coil between the first contact and the second contact. 2 . An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein one or both of the first contact and the second contact are configured as sliding contacts.

3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of alternating current to the induction coil via the first contact and the second contact.

4. An aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the first slide is at least partially electrically conductive, and wherein the controller is electrically connected to the first slide and the first contact.

5. An aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the second slide is at least partially electrically conductive, and wherein the controller is electrically connected to the second slide and the second contact.

6. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a first motor, and wherein the first motor is operatively coupled to one or both of the first sliding device and the second sliding device to facilitate sliding movement of one or both of the first sliding device and the second sliding device.

7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the aerosol generating device further includes a second motor, and wherein the second motor is operatively connected to one of the first sliding device and the second sliding device to facilitate sliding movement of one of the first sliding device and the second sliding device, and wherein the first motor is configured to facilitate sliding movement of the other of the first sliding device and the second sliding device.

8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein one or both of the first motor and the second motor are operable in only one direction during one operating cycle of the aerosol generating device.

9. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sliding means is electrically isolated from the second sliding means.

10. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first slide is mechanically coupled to the second slide such that the first and second slides move together.

11. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sliding means is configured to slide mechanically independently of the second sliding means.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

13. An aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the heating zone is produced by a region of the cavity surrounded by the portion of the induction coil between the first and second contacts.

14. An aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein one or both of the axial length and the axial placement of the heating zone are adaptable by sliding one or both of the first and second sliding means.

15. An aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein the first motor is a linear motor.

16. An aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the second motor is a linear motor.

17. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 12, wherein the induction coil is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity and at least partially surrounds the cavity.

18. A system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

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