Movement of an aerosol generating device between an intake position and a storage position

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (3) includes an axially extending heating chamber (15), an axially extending storage chamber (17), and a positioning mechanism (81). The storage chamber (17) is arranged coaxially with the heating chamber (15). The aerosol generating device (3) is configured to store the aerosol-generating article (5) in an intake position. In the intake position, the aerosol-generating portion (9) of the aerosol-generating article (5) is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber (15). The aerosol generating device (3) is configured to store the aerosol-generating article (5) in a storage position. In the storage position, the aerosol-generating portion (9) of the aerosol-generating article (5) is at least partially disposed within the storage chamber (17). The positioning mechanism (81) is configured to move the aerosol-generating article (5) from the storage position to the intake position. The positioning mechanism (81) is configured to move the aerosol-generating article (5) from the intake position to the storage position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to heating of an aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device.The present disclosure relates to managing heat in an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] EP 0 858 744 A1 describes a flavour generating component having a heat transfer tube in which a moulding of solid material is provided for generating flavours or the like to be inhaled by a user. The flavour generating component may be inserted into a flavour generating heater such that the heat transfer tube is provided above a gas nozzle which supplies a flame. The inner surface of the heat transfer tube is covered with a layer of heat storage material. The layer of heat storage material makes it possible to maintain the temperature of the body formed by the heat transfer tube at the flavour generating temperature for a longer period of time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an axially extending heated space. The heated space is configured to at least partially accommodate an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device comprises a heat receiving surface provided outside the heated space. The aerosol generating device comprises a heat store and an inner heat conductor. The heat store is provided between the heat receiving surface and the heated space. The inner heat conductor is provided between the heat store and the heated space. The material of the heat store has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor. The material of the inner heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat store.

[0004] The heat storage body can function as a thermal buffer. The heat storage body can absorb heat from the heat receiving surface when the heat receiving surface is heated. The heat absorbed by the heat storage body can be provided to the heating space over time to heat the aerosol-generating article disposed therein. The heat storage body can absorb a certain amount of heat over a first time period and release the amount of heat over a longer second time period. For example, the second time period can be at least twenty times the first time period, or at least fifteen times the first time period, or at least ten times the first time period, or at least five times the first time period, or at least twice the first time period. The buffer function of the heat storage body can prevent overheating of the heating space when the heat receiving surface is heated to a high temperature. The heat storage body can also allow the heating space to maintain the aerosol-generating temperature for a longer period of time after heating of the heat receiving surface is stopped.

[0005] The inner heat conductor can facilitate the transfer of heat stored in the heat store towards the heating space and thus to the aerosol-generating article at least partially contained in the heating space. The inner heat conductor can efficiently distribute heat to desired areas of the aerosol-generating article. The inner heat conductor can guide the flow of heat from the heat store.

[0006] The heat store material can have a specific heat of 300 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1500 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 500 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1200 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1000 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 800 joules / kelvin per kilogram.

[0007] The material of the thermal mass may, for example, be glass or metal.The material of the thermal mass may, for example, include glass or metal.

[0008] One or both of the materials of the heat store and the inner heat conductor may have a melting temperature of more than 800° C., or more than 900° C., or more than 1000° C., or more than 1100° C., or more than 1300° C., or more than 1500° C. Taking such melting temperatures into account, melting of the heat store and the inner heat conductor when the heat receiving surface is heated can be prevented, particularly when the heat receiving surface is heated by one or more flames, for example a flame generated by a common cigarette lighter.

[0009] One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space in the circumferential direction. If the heat storage body surrounds the heating space in the circumferential direction, the heat storage body may store heat in the circumferential direction around the heating space. If the inner heat conductor surrounds the periphery of the heating space, heat may be distributed throughout the heating space by the inner heat conductor. One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space over the entire circumference of the heating space. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space over at least 50 percent, or at least 60 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 90 percent of the entire circumference of the heating space. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space over 90 percent or less, or 80 percent or less, or 70 percent or less, or 60 percent or less, or 50 percent or less of the entire circumference of the heating space.

[0010] The inner heat conductor may comprise protrusions extending into the heating space. The protrusions may be configured to be embedded into the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating space. In particular, the protrusions may be configured to be embedded into the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. The protrusions may conduct heat into the aerosol-generating article to heat the aerosol-generating article from the inside. The protrusions may promote homogeneous heating of the aerosol-generating article. The protrusions may have the form of, for example, pins or blades. The protrusions may be an integral part of the inner heat conductor. The protrusions may extend into the heating space along the axial direction. The protrusions may have an axial length of 5 to 50 millimeters, or 5 to 40 millimeters, or 5 to 30 millimeters, or 5 to 25 millimeters, or 5 to 20 millimeters, or 5 to 15 millimeters, or 5 to 10 millimeters, or 2 to 5 millimeters, or 10 to 15 millimeters, or 10 to 20 millimeters.

[0011] The inner heat conductor may form at least a portion of a wall defining the heating space. A surface of the inner heat conductor may at least partially define the heating space. When no elements of the aerosol-generating device are present between the inner heat conductor and the aerosol-generating article contained within the heating space, the inner heat conductor may efficiently supply heat to the heating space.

[0012] The inner heat conductor may be in contact with the heat store. The contact between the inner heat conductor and the heat store may promote efficient heat transfer between the heat store and the inner heat conductor. The inner heat conductor may be in contact with the heat store in a circumferential direction around the heating space.

[0013] The aerosol generating device may include an outer heat conductor disposed between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body, the outer heat conductor being capable of facilitating heat transfer from the heat receiving surface to the heat storage body.

[0014] The material of the outer heat conductor may have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat store.

[0015] The material of the heat store may have a higher specific heat than the material of the outer heat conductor.

[0016] The outer thermal conductor may be formed of the same material as the inner thermal conductor.

[0017] The specific heat of the material of the heat store may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the specific heat of at least one of the material of the inner heat conductor and the material of the outer heat conductor.

[0018] At least one of the thermal conductivity of the material of the inner heat conductor and the thermal conductivity of the material of the outer heat conductor may be at least 500 times, or at least 400 times, or at least 300 times, or at least 200 times, or at least 100 times, or at least 50 times, or at least 30 times, or at least 10 times, or at least 5 times, that of the material of the thermal store. At least one of the thermal conductivity of the material of the inner heat conductor and the thermal conductivity of the material of the outer heat conductor may be at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the thermal conductivity of the material of the thermal store.

[0019] The outer heat conductor may be in contact with the heat store to facilitate heat transfer between the outer heat conductor and the heat store.

[0020] The heat receiving surface may be a surface of the outer heat conductor. The heat receiving surface may be an outer surface of the outer heat conductor relative to the heating space. The heat receiving surface may be a radially outer surface of the outer heat conductor. The heat receiving surface may be a surface of the outer heat conductor that is axially spaced from the heating space.

[0021] The outer heat conductor may circumferentially surround the heating space. The outer heat conductor may circumferentially surround the heat store. The outer heat conductor may be at least partially arranged radially outside the heat store. The outer heat conductor may be at least partially arranged on a face of the heat store axially opposite the heating space.

[0022] The thermal resistance of the radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor may be different at at least two different positions of the outer heat conductor. For example, the thermal resistance of the heat transport through the outer heat conductor at a first position of the outer heat conductor may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the thermal resistance of the heat transport through the outer heat conductor at a second position of the outer heat conductor. The thermal resistance of the radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions. The non-uniform thermal resistance of the radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor may enable directional heat transport through the outer heat conductor.

[0023] The thickness of the outer heat conductor may be different at at least two different positions of the outer heat conductor. For example, the thickness of the outer heat conductor at a first position of the outer heat conductor may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the thickness of the outer heat conductor at a second position of the outer heat conductor. A change in thickness of the outer heat conductor may result in a different thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may vary along at least one of an axial direction and a circumferential direction. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may be thickest at the heat receiving surface. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may decrease according to the distance from the heat receiving surface along at least one of an axial direction and a circumferential direction.

[0024] The outer heat conductor may be provided with one or more channels. The one or more channels may affect the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor. The heated air may flow through the one or more channels. The one or more channels may comprise one or more openings. The one or more openings may be provided in the heat receiving surface.

[0025] The thermal resistance of the heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor may be highest at the heat receiving surface, which can prevent the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating article disposed therein from being overheated at a position corresponding to the position of the heat receiving surface. The high thermal resistance of the heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor at the heat receiving surface may distribute the heat from the heat receiving surface more uniformly throughout the heating space. The thermal resistance of the heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor may increase with distance to the heat receiving surface, in particular along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions.

[0026] The outer heat conductor may comprise two or more different materials having different thermal conductivities. The two or more different materials may be arranged to obtain a desired heat transfer profile. The two or more different materials may be arranged to obtain a desired distribution of thermal resistance of heat transport along a radial direction through the outer heat conductor. The outer heat conductor may, for example, comprise two or more layers, each layer being formed of a different material. The layers may, for example, be arranged one behind the other with respect to the axial or radial direction (or both axial and radial directions).

[0027] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a heater configured to heat the heat receiving surface. The heater may comprise, for example, an electrical resistance heater or an induction heater. The heater may be configured to generate one or more flames for heating the heat receiving surface. The heater may be configured to combust a gas to generate one or more flames. The one or more flames may include at least two flames. The heater may be integrally formed with the body of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be provided as a separate component, fully or partially. The heater may be, for example, a conventional cigarette lighter.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may have an aerosol generating portion. The aerosol generating portion may comprise a material configured to generate an aerosol when heated. When the aerosol generating article is at least partially contained in the heated space, the aerosol generating portion may be at least partially contained in the heated space.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol. The method comprises heating a heat-receiving surface of an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device at least partially housing an aerosol-generating article. Heat from the heating of the heat-receiving surface is stored in a heat store provided between the heat-receiving surface and the aerosol-generating article. The heat is distributed to the aerosol-generating article by an inner heat conductor provided between the heat store and the aerosol-generating article. The material of the heat store has a higher specific heat capacity than the material of the inner heat conductor.

[0030] The material of the inner heat conductor may have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat store.

[0031] The heat receiving surface may be heated by two or more flames at the same time. For example, the heat receiving surface may be heated by two or more flames at the same time. By heating the heat receiving surface with two or more flames at the same time, a smaller flame can be used to transfer a specific amount of heat to the heat receiving surface compared to using only one flame. Furthermore, the use of two or more flames at the same time can efficiently distribute the heat spatially.

[0032] The aerosol-generating article may extend along an axial direction when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially contained in the aerosol generating device, which may correspond to the direction in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0033] At least two of the flames may be generated at different circumferential positions about the axial direction, so heat may be supplied from different circumferential angles about the axial direction.

[0034] At least two of the flames can be spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction, thus providing heat to different locations along the axial direction.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising heating a heat-receiving surface of an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device at least partially housing an axially extending aerosol-generating article, the heat-receiving surface being heated by two or more flames simultaneously.

[0036] At least two of the flames may be generated at different circumferential positions about the axial direction.

[0037] At least two of the flames may be spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of an axially extending tube circumferentially surrounding the aerosol generating material to achieve substantially uniform heating of the aerosol generating material, wherein the thermal resistance to heat transport along a radial direction through the tube varies along at least one of the axial direction and the circumference of the tube.

[0039] For example, the thermal resistance of heat transport along a radial direction through the tube may vary along at least one of the axial direction and circumference of the tube by at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 100 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 50 percent, or at least 30 percent, or at least 20 percent, or at least 10 percent of the minimum thermal resistance of heat transport along a radial direction through the tube.

[0040] The thermal resistance of heat transport radially through the tube can vary along at least one of the axial direction and circumference of the tube such that the effect of the heat transport on the aerosol-generating material is substantially uniform. For example, the thermal resistance of heat transport radially through the tube can be highest at a location closest to the heat source. The thermal resistance can decrease from that location along at least one of the axial direction and circumference of the tube.

[0041] Substantially uniform heating of the aerosol-generating material can be achieved if the temperature difference between the two portions of the aerosol-generating material during heating is 100°C or less, 75°C or less, or 50°C or less, or 25°C or less, or 10°C or less.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an axially extending heating chamber configured to at least partially accommodate an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device further comprises a heater actuation mechanism configured to move between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The heater actuation mechanism is configured to act on the heater in the engaged configuration to activate the heater to generate heat. The heater actuation mechanism is configured not to act on the heater in the disengaged configuration to stop the heater from generating heat. The heater actuation mechanism comprises an operating element. The operating element is configured to be moved to move the heater actuation mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration. The aerosol generating device further comprises a blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily block movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration or from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration.

[0043] The heater actuation mechanism allows the heater to be actuated by moving an operating element.

[0044] When the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily block the heater activation mechanism from moving from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration, the blocking mechanism can delay the movement of the heater activation mechanism from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration. Delaying the movement of the heater activation mechanism to the disengaged configuration can delay the cessation of heat generation, thereby ensuring that sufficient heat is generated by the heater before heat generation is halted.

[0045] When the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily block movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the disengaged to the engaged configuration, the generation of heat by the heater may be delayed. This can be useful, for example, to prevent excessive heat generation that may lead to overheating of the heating chamber or the aerosol-generating article. Delaying the generation of heat by the heater can prevent an increase in temperature that may lead to combustion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0046] The blocking mechanism can affect the heating time (the time the heater generates heat). Controlling the heating time with the blocking mechanism can ensure that the aerosol-generating article is heated to a predetermined specification or according to a prescribed temperature profile.

[0047] Moving the operating element to move the heater actuation mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration may be performed by a user. The operating element can be configured to be moved by a user to move the heater actuation mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration. The operating element can be configured to be engaged and moved by a user. The operating element can be configured to be moved by a drive means, e.g. a motor or a spring. The drive means can be configured to be actuated by a user to move the operating element.

[0048] The blocking mechanism can be configured to automatically release movement of the heater actuation means after temporarily blocking movement of the heater actuation mechanism. The blocking mechanism can be configured to temporarily block movement of the heater actuation mechanism for a blocking time. The blocking time can be a predetermined time. The blocking time can be predetermined by the configuration of the blocking mechanism. The blocking time can be determined by one or more operating parameters of the aerosol generating device, for example the operating temperature or the operating mode.

[0049] The heater operating mechanism comprises a return element providing a mechanical force configured to move the heater operating mechanism to the disengaged configuration. After moving the operating element to move the heater operating mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration, the user can release the operating element. The heater operating means can be returned to the disengaged configuration automatically by the return element. However, the heater operating mechanism may not return to the disengaged configuration immediately, but rather a delay may be imposed by the blocking mechanism. The delay by the blocking mechanism may define the time the heater is operational after the operating element is released by the user.

[0050] The engagement configuration may include multiple engagement sub-configurations of the heater actuation mechanism. A control element allows a user to selectively transition the heater actuation mechanism into one of the engagement sub-configurations. The multiple engagement sub-configurations may provide a user with a means to activate the heater to different degrees.

[0051] The inhibition mechanism is configured to delay the heater operating mechanism from returning from the respective engaged sub-configuration to the disengaged configuration by different amounts of time for different engaged sub-configurations, such that the heater can continue to operate and generate heat for different periods of time depending on which engaged sub-configuration a user transitions the heater operating mechanism to.

[0052] The blocking mechanism may comprise a movable part. The movable part may be configured to move between a release position and a blocking position. In the release position, the movable part may allow the thermal actuation mechanism to move to at least one of the disengaged and engaged configurations. In the blocking position, the movable part may prevent the heater actuation mechanism from moving to at least one of the disengaged and engaged configurations. In particular, in the release position, the blocking mechanism may allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism to the disengaged configuration and in the blocking position, prevent movement of the heater actuation mechanism to the disengaged configuration. Alternatively or additionally, in the release position, the movable part may allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism to the engaged configuration and in the blocking position, prevent movement of the heater actuation mechanism to the engaged configuration.

[0053] The movable part may be moved automatically between the release position and the blocking position. The movable part may be configured to be moved between the release position and the blocking position by a user.

[0054] The movable part can be configured to move between a release position and a blocking position in response to temperature. This allows the movable part to delay or stop operation of the heater in response to temperature. When the movable part is configured to move between a release position and a blocking position in response to temperature, feedback control of temperature by the heater can be performed.

[0055] The temperature on which the movable part depends when moving between the released and blocked positions may be, for example, the temperature of a part of the aerosol generating device, or the temperature inside the heating chamber, or the temperature of a wall of the heating chamber, or the temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0056] The blocking mechanism may comprise a thermal expansion element configured to move the movable part between the release position and the blocking position in response to a temperature of the thermal expansion element.

[0057] The movable portion is configured to periodically move between the release position and the blocking position to delay movement of the heater operating mechanism to the disengaged configuration or to the engaged configuration. The periodic movement between the release position and the blocking position can delay movement of the heater operating mechanism by periodically releasing and blocking movement of the heater operating mechanism.

[0058] The heater actuation mechanism and the blocking mechanism may together form a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism can be configured to allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism in one direction and selectively block movement of the heater actuation mechanism in the opposite direction. For example, the ratchet mechanism can allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism to the engaged configuration and block movement of the heater actuation mechanism to the disengaged configuration when the movable part is in the blocking position. Alternatively, the ratchet mechanism can allow movement of the heater actuation mechanism to the disengaged configuration and block movement of the heater actuation mechanism to the engaged configuration when the movable part is in the blocking position.

[0059] The heater actuation mechanism may comprise a sliding element configured to be slid by the operating element. The sliding element may, for example, be configured to slide within the body of the aerosol generating device. The sliding element may be coupled to the operating element.

[0060] The heater actuation mechanism may comprise an engagement element configured to act on the heater in an engaged configuration of the heater actuation mechanism. The engagement element may be slidably guided on the sliding element. When the engagement element is slidably guided on the sliding element, the engagement element does not directly follow every movement of the operating element. This may result in a delay between movement of the operating element and actuation of the heater by the engagement element.

[0061] The heater actuation mechanism includes a spring element configured to bias the engagement element toward the heater such that the spring element ensures that the engagement element acts on the heater within a range of configurations of the heater actuation mechanism (a range of disengaged configurations).

[0062] The sliding element can include a plurality of teeth. The blocking element can include one or more blocking portions configured to engage with the teeth. By engaging with the teeth of the sliding element, the blocking portions can allow or block movement of the heater actuation mechanism. The blocking portion or portions can be one or more movable portions.

[0063] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol generator and a heater. The heater may be configured to generate heat when acted upon by a heater actuation mechanism. The heater may be configured not to generate heat when not acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism.

[0064] Placing the heater actuation mechanism in the engaged configuration and actuating the heater may be the only action required to initiate heat generation by the heater. Alternatively, another action may be required to initiate heat generation by the heater. A heater may require more than one action to initiate heat generation. One or more of these actions may be performed by the heater actuation mechanism when the heater actuation mechanism is in the engaged configuration. One or more additional actions may be performed independently of the heater actuation mechanism.

[0065] Stopping the heater from producing heat may require moving the heater actuation mechanism from an engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration. There may, but need not, be one or more other ways to stop the heater from producing heat.

[0066] The heater may comprise a gas tank. The gas tank can be configured to release gas when the heater is actuated by the heater actuation mechanism. The gas tank can be configured to prevent the heater from releasing gas when the heater is not actuated by the heater actuation mechanism.

[0067] The gas tank can be removably connected to the body of the aerosol generating device.

[0068] The aerosol generation system may further comprise an ignition mechanism configured to ignite the gas. The ignition mechanism may be operated independently of the heater actuation mechanism.

[0069] The gas tank and / or ignition mechanism may be an integral part of the aerosol generation device. The gas tank and / or ignition mechanism may be separate from the aerosol generation device.

[0070] In particular, the gas tank and ignition mechanism may be part of a separate heater. The heater may be a lighter. The heater may be, for example, a conventional cigarette lighter.

[0071] The heater may be coupled to the aerosol generating device.

[0072] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol, wherein an operating element is moved along a path in an actuation direction, thereby acting on a heater by a heater actuation mechanism. The heater generates heat in response to being acted on by the heater actuation mechanism. The operating element is returned along the path in a movement opposite to the actuation direction. One or more moveable parts of the blocking mechanism are operated to retard return of the operating element. In response to no longer being acted on by the heater actuation mechanism, the heater ceases to generate heat.

[0073] In response to the operating element being moved in the actuation direction, the restoring element accumulates a restoring force in a direction opposite to the movement of the operating element, which may urge the operating element in a direction opposite to the actuation direction, such that the operating element returns along the path in the direction opposite to the actuation direction.

[0074] In response to the heater being actuated by the heater activation mechanism, gas can be released from the gas tank. The gas can sustain a flame that heats a heat-receiving surface of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can at least partially contain the aerosol-generating article.

[0075] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a change in length of a thermal expansion element caused by a change in temperature to extinguish a flame after the flame has heated an aerosol generating device that at least partially contains an aerosol generating article.

[0076] A thermal expansion element allows the flame to be extinguished as a function of temperature. A feedback control scheme can be implemented to control the temperature.

[0077] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an axially extending heating chamber, an axially extending storage chamber and a positioning mechanism. The storage chamber is disposed coaxially with the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device is configured to store an aerosol-generating article in an intake position. In the intake position, an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is at least partially located within the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device is configured to store an aerosol-generating article in a storage position. In the storage position, an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is at least partially located within the storage chamber. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating article from the storage position to the intake position. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position.

[0078] In the ingestion position, the aerosol-generating unit can be heated in the heating chamber to emit an aerosol for ingestion by a user. The heating chamber can be heated to a heating temperature. The heating temperature can be a temperature at which the aerosol-generating unit emits an aerosol for ingestion. The heating temperature can be, for example, 50 to 350°C, 80 to 300°C, or 100 to 250°C. To stop or interrupt ingestion, the positioning mechanism can move the aerosol-generating article into the storage position. In the storage position, the aerosol-generating unit can be stored in the storage chamber. By removing the aerosol-generating unit from the heating chamber between ingestion periods, it is possible to reduce unnecessary emission of aerosol from the aerosol-generating unit between ingestion periods, compared to leaving the aerosol-generating unit in the heating chamber.

[0079] In the storage chamber, suitable conditions for storing the aerosol-generating unit between intake periods can be obtained. For example, the temperature of the storage chamber can be a storage temperature. The storage temperature can be lower than the heating temperature. The storage temperature can be lower than the temperature at which a large amount of aerosol is released by the aerosol-generating unit. The storage temperature can be 30°C to 70°C. The storage temperature can be above the ambient temperature. The storage temperature can be sufficiently high to prevent condensation of the aerosol on cold parts of the aerosol-generating unit and to prevent negative perceptions of humidity.

[0080] The positioning mechanism allows the aerosol-generating article to be conveniently moved between the storage position and the intake position. The positioning mechanism allows the aerosol-generating article to be moved between the intake position and the storage position without touching the aerosol-generating article. The positioning mechanism allows the aerosol-generating article to be easily and accurately positioned.

[0081] At least 75 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 90 percent, or 100 percent (referring to mass percentage, or to percentage of the length of the aerosol-generating portion along the axial direction) of the aerosol-generating portion may be located within the heating chamber at the intake position. Preferably, the aerosol-generating portion is located entirely within the heating chamber at the intake position.

[0082] In the stowed position, at least 75 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 90 percent, or 100 percent (referring to mass percentage, or referring to percentage of the length of the aerosol-generating portion along the axial direction) of the aerosol-generating portion may be located within the storage chamber. Preferably, the aerosol-generating portion is completely located in the stowed position of the storage chamber.

[0083] The aerosol-generating article may be configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating device along an insertion direction. The insertion direction may correspond to the axial direction. The heating chamber may be located downstream of the storage chamber along the insertion direction. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted, the aerosol-generating article may first enter the storage chamber and then enter the heating chamber.

[0084] The positioning mechanism may include a stop. The stop can be configured to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol-generating article beyond the storage position and away from the intake position. The stop can ensure that the positioning mechanism accurately positions the aerosol-generating article in the storage chamber. The stop can prevent the positioning mechanism from completely ejecting the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol generating device.

[0085] The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article along a direction parallel to the axial direction. The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article parallel to a direction corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generating device between the ingestion position and the storage position. The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article from inside the aerosol-generating device. In one or both of the ingestion and storage positions of the aerosol-generating article, the positioning mechanism may engage the aerosol-generating article at a position not visible from outside the aerosol-generating device.

[0086] The positioning mechanism can be configured to engage an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0087] The positioning mechanism may include a spring element biasing the positioning mechanism in a direction to move the aerosol-generating article from the ingestion position to the stowed position, the spring element facilitating movement of the aerosol-generating article into the stowed position between ingestion periods.

[0088] The positioning mechanism may comprise a locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking mechanism may be configured in the locked state to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position. The locking mechanism may be configured in the unlocked state to release the positioning mechanism for moving the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position. The locking mechanism may be configured to move between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0089] In the locked state, the locking mechanism can act against the spring element to prevent the spring element from causing the positioning mechanism to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position, and when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked state, the spring element can cause the positioning mechanism to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position.

[0090] The positioning mechanism may comprise a hook structure. The hook structure may be configured to be driven into the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may be configured to be embedded into the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may be configured to be driven into an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may facilitate movement of the aerosol-generating article by the positioning mechanism. The hook structure may be driven into the aerosol-generating article parallel to the axial direction. The hook structure may be configured to be driven into the aerosol-generating article in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. Driving the hook structure into the aerosol-generating article may include relative movement between the hook structure and the aerosol-generating article. The relative movement may include one or both of movement of the hook structure and movement of the aerosol-generating article.

[0091] The heating chamber may be configured to be heated by a flame provided by a heater.

[0092] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a heater. The heater may be configured to actively heat the heating chamber. The heater may, for example, comprise an electric heater, such as an induction heater or a resistance heater, or may be configured to heat the heating chamber by a flame. The heater may comprise a lighter. The heater may comprise a gas tank and an ignition mechanism for igniting gas released from the gas tank.

[0093] The storage chamber may be in thermal contact with the heating chamber. The storage chamber may be heated by heat transfer from the heating chamber. The storage chamber may be heated to a lower temperature than the heating chamber.

[0094] The storage chamber can be configured to be heated only by heat transfer from the heating chamber, and the aerosol generating device may be free of a heater that directly heats the storage chamber.

[0095] The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article at the same position for moving the aerosol-generating article from the storage position to the intake position and for moving the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position. The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article at only one position. By engaging the aerosol-generating article at only one position, the risk of damage to the aerosol-generating article is reduced.

[0096] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating portion.

[0097] The aerosol-generating portion may include herbaceous material, in particular tobacco material.

[0098] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter portion. The filter portion may be configured to protrude from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol-generating article is in the ingested position. The filter portion may be available to a user's mouth when the aerosol-generating article is in the ingested position.

[0099] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol. The method includes generating an aerosol by exposing an aerosol-generating portion of an aerosol-generating article to a heating temperature within a heating space of an axially extending heating chamber. The method further includes engaging the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article with a positioning mechanism. The method includes axially moving the aerosol-generating article with the positioning mechanism such that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters a storage space of a storage chamber extending coaxially with the heating chamber. The method further includes axially moving the aerosol-generating article with the positioning mechanism such that the aerosol-generating portion exits the storage space and enters the heating space.

[0100] The storage temperature of the storage space can be lower than the heating temperature but higher than the ambient temperature.

[0101] The hook structure of the positioning mechanism is embedded in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article and moves the aerosol-generating article.

[0102] The hook structure is embedded in the aerosol-generating portion by relative axial movement between the hook structure and the aerosol-generating article.

[0103] The hook structure is embedded in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article and moves the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure can reach into the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article and move the aerosol-generating article.

[0104] The spring element can bias the positioning mechanism in a direction to move the aerosol-generating article out of the heating space and into the storage space.

[0105] The heating space can be heated to a heating temperature by a flame.

[0106] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a hook structure to move an aerosol-generating article between different temperature zones within an axially extending aerosol-generating device.

[0107] The different temperature zones may be a heating temperature zone and a storage temperature zone. In particular, the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may be moved between the different temperature zones. The heating temperature zone may be provided within a heating chamber. The storage temperature zone may be provided within a storage chamber. The use of a hook structure may facilitate movement of the aerosol-generating article between the temperature zones. The hook structure may allow both pushing and pulling of the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may be embedded in the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may be embedded in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0108] The aerosol-generating articles referred to herein may be at least substantially rod-shaped and may extend parallel to the axial direction when at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating device.

[0109] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating portion. The aerosol-generating portion may comprise an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be configured to emit an aerosol when heated. The aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, a herbaceous material. The aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, a tobacco material.

[0110] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter portion. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the filter portion may protrude at least partially from the aerosol generating device so as to be accessible to a user.

[0111] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the embodiments, aspects or examples described herein. The aerosol generating system also comprises an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate which may be an aerosol-generating material. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate which, when heated, releases a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol.

[0112] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also include a capsule, for example, containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

[0113] When the tobacco plug includes homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuted one or both of tobacco lamina and tobacco stems, and alternatively, or additionally, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed, for example, during tobacco processing, handling and transportation. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more intrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco intrinsic binders), or one or more extrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco extrinsic binders), or a combination thereof, to assist in agglomerating the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or in addition, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include other additives, including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the homogenized tobacco material sheet is formed by a casting process of a type that generally involves casting a slurry including particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other supporting surface, drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet, and removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the supporting surface.

[0114] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of from about 30 millimeters to about 100 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 13 millimeters.

[0115] The aerosol-generating article may include a mouthpiece located downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The mouthpiece is preferably approximately 7 millimeters in length, but may have a length of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

[0116] The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 mm.The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 mm.

[0117] The tobacco plug may have a diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of between about 40 millimeters and about 50 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of about 45 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of about 7.2 millimeters.

[0119] The present disclosure includes various aspects, embodiments, and examples. Features, advantages, and explanations disclosed with respect to any one of these aspects, embodiments, and examples can be combined with or transferred to any one of the remaining aspects, embodiments, and examples. The aerosol generating devices or systems described herein can be suitable, adapted, and configured to carry out the aerosol generating methods described herein.

[0120] When the present disclosure refers to a material of an article having a particular specific heat capacity, and the article is composed of different individual materials (e.g., different layers of materials), it should be understood that the specific heat capacity of the material of the article corresponds to a weighted average of the specific heat capacity of the individual materials that make up the article, the weighting being understood to be performed according to the mass percentage of the individual materials that make up the article.

[0121] When the present disclosure refers to a material of an article having a particular thermal conductivity, and the article is composed of different individual materials (e.g., different material layers), it should be understood that the thermal conductivity of the material of the article corresponds to a weighted average of the thermal conductivities of the individual materials that make up the article, with the weighting being understood to be performed according to the mass percentage of the individual materials that make up the article.

[0122] As used herein, the expression "rod-like" includes, but is not limited to, rods having a circular cross section. As used herein, "rod-like" can also include rods having other cross sections, for example, rectangular cross sections, or elliptical cross sections, or triangular cross sections, or irregular cross sections, or any other cross sections. The expression "rod-like" can also include cylindrical shapes, in which case the bottom surface of the cylinder can be a circular surface, or a surface of any other shape, for example a rectangular surface, or an elliptical surface, or a triangular surface, or an irregular surface, or any other surface.

[0123] When a first article is embedded within a second article, the first article can at least partially enter the volume of the second article. After being embedded within the second article, at least a portion of the first article can be surrounded by the second article. For example, the first article can be embedded within the second article by being forced into the second article. EXAMPLES

[0124] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0125] Example 1: An aerosol generating device, comprising: an axially extending heating space configured to at least partially contain an aerosol-generating article; A heat receiving surface provided outside the heating space; A heat storage body provided between the heat receiving surface and the heating space; An inner heat conductor provided between the heat storage body and the heating space, the material of the thermal storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner thermal conductor; An aerosol generating device, wherein the material of the internal heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat accumulation body. Example 2: The aerosol generating apparatus of Example 1, wherein the material of the heat storage body has a specific heat of 300 Joules / Kelvin per kilogram to 1500 Joules / Kelvin per kilogram, or 500 Joules / Kelvin per kilogram to 1200 Joules / Kelvin per kilogram, or 600 Joules / Kelvin per kilogram to 1000 Joules / Kelvin per kilogram, or 600 Joules / Kelvin per kilogram to 800 Joules / Kelvin per kilogram. Example 3: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 1 or 2, wherein one or both of the material of the heat storage body and the material of the inner heat conductor have a melting temperature of greater than 800°C, or greater than 900°C, or greater than 1000°C, or greater than 1100°C, or greater than 1300°C, or greater than 1500°C. Example 4: 4. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein one or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor circumferentially surround the heating space. Example 5: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the inner heat conductor extends into the heating space and has a protrusion configured to be embedded in the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating space. Example 6: 6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the inner heat conductor forms at least a part of a wall defining the heating space. Example 7: 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the inner thermal conductor is in contact with the thermal storage body. Example 8: 8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising an outer thermal conductor provided between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body. Example 9: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 8, wherein the material of the outer heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body. Example 10: An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat capacity than the material of the outer heat conductor. Example 11: 11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor is different at at least two different positions on the outer heat conductor. Example 12: 12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 11, wherein the thickness of the outer heat conductor is different at at least two different positions on the outer heat conductor. Example 13: 13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, wherein one or more channels are provided in the outer heat conductor. Example 14: 14. An aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in any one of Examples 8 to 13, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction passing through the outer thermal conductor is highest at the heat receiving surface. Example 15: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 14, wherein the outer thermal conductor comprises at least two different materials having different thermal conductivities. Example 16: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, further comprising a heater configured to generate one or more flames to heat the heat receiving surface. Example 17: 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, an aerosol-generating article; an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating portion including a material configured to generate an aerosol when heated; An aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol-generating portion is at least partially contained in the heated space when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially contained in the heated space. Example 18: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 17, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a mouthpiece configured to protrude from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is at least partially contained within the heating space. Example 19: An aerosol generation system according to example 17 or 18, further comprising a heater configured to heat the heat receiving surface. Example 20: 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: Heating a heat receiving surface of the aerosol generating device, heating an aerosol generating device at least partially housing the aerosol-generating article; storing heat generated by heating the heat-receiving surface in a heat storage body provided between the heat-receiving surface and the aerosol-generating article; Distributing heat to the aerosol-generating article via an inner thermal conductor disposed between the thermal mass and the aerosol-generating article, dispersing a material of the heat store having a higher specific heat than a material of the inner heat conductor. Example 21: 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat receiving surface is heated by two or more flames simultaneously. Example 22: 22. The method of claim 21, wherein when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially contained within the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article extends along an axial direction and the at least two flames are generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. Example 23: 22. The method of claim 21, wherein when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially contained within the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article extends along an axial direction and at least two of the flames are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Example 24: 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: Heating a heat receiving surface of the aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating device at least partially housing an axially extending aerosol generating article; A process in which a heat receiving surface is heated by two or more flames simultaneously. Example 25: 25. The method of claim 24, wherein at least two of the flames are generated at different circumferential positions about the axial direction. Example 26: 26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein at least two flames are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Example 27: The method according to any one of Examples 20 to 26, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is the aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, or the aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 17 to 19. Example 28: The use of an axially extending tube circumferentially surrounding the aerosol generating material to achieve substantially uniform heating of the aerosol generating material, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along a radial direction through the tube varies along at least one of the axial direction and the circumference of the tube. Example 29: An aerosol generating device, comprising: an axially extending heating chamber configured to at least partially contain an aerosol-generating article; a heater actuation mechanism configured to move between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. a heater actuation mechanism configured to actuate the heater in the engaged configuration to generate heat; the heater actuation mechanism is configured to not act on the heater in the disengaged configuration and to cease generating heat by the heater; the heater actuation mechanism comprising an operating element configured to be moved to move the heater actuation mechanism from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration; The aerosol generating device further comprises a blocking mechanism configured to temporarily block movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration or from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration. Example 30: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 29, wherein the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily block the heater operating mechanism from moving from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration, thereby delaying the heater operating mechanism from moving from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration. Example 31: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 29 or 30, wherein the heater actuation mechanism includes a restoring element that provides a mechanical force configured to move the heater actuation mechanism to a disengaged configuration. Example 32: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 29 to 31, wherein the engagement configuration comprises a plurality of engagement sub-configurations of the heater operating mechanism, and an operating element allows a user to selectively engage the heater operating mechanism in any one of the engagement sub-configurations. Example 33: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32, wherein the prevention mechanism is configured to delay the heater activation mechanism from returning from each engaged sub-configuration to the disengaged configuration by different amounts of time for each different engaged sub-configuration. Example 34: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 29 to 33, wherein the blocking mechanism has a movable part configured to move between a release position where the heater operating mechanism can move to at least one of the non-engaged configuration and the engaged configuration, and a blocking position where the heater operating mechanism is prevented from moving to at least one of the non-engaged configuration and the engaged configuration. Example 35: 35. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 34, wherein the movable part is configured to move between the release position and the blocking position depending on temperature. Example 36: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 35, wherein the temperature is the temperature of a part of the aerosol generating device, or the temperature inside the heating chamber, or the temperature of a wall of the heating chamber, or the temperature inside the aerosol-generating article. Example 37: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 34 to 36, wherein the blocking mechanism includes a thermal expansion element configured to move the movable part between a release position and a blocking position depending on the temperature of the thermal expansion element. Example 38: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 34, wherein the movable part is configured to periodically move between a release position and a blocking position to delay movement of the heater operating mechanism to a disengaged configuration or to an engaged configuration. Example 39: 39. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 29 to 38, wherein the heater actuation mechanism and the blocking mechanism together form a ratchet mechanism. Example 40: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 29 to 39, wherein the heater actuation mechanism includes a sliding element configured to be slid by the operating element. Example 41: An aerosol-generating article as described in example 40, wherein the heater operating mechanism comprises an engagement element configured to act on the heater in an engaged configuration of the heater operating mechanism, the engagement element being slidably guided on the sliding element. Example 42: The aerosol-generating article of example 41, wherein the heater activation mechanism comprises a spring element configured to bias the engagement element toward the heater. Example 43: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 40 to 42, wherein the sliding element has a plurality of teeth and the blocking mechanism has one or more blocking parts configured to engage with the teeth. Example 44: 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 29 to 43, An aerosol generating system comprising: a heater configured to generate heat when acted upon by a heater actuation mechanism and not generate heat when not acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism. Example 45: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 44, wherein the heater comprises a gas tank configured to release gas when the heater is actuated by the heater actuation mechanism and configured to prevent release of gas when the heater is not actuated by the heater actuation mechanism. Example 46: 46. ​​The aerosol generation system of Example 45, wherein the gas tank is removably connected to the body of the aerosol generation device. Example 47: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 45 or 46, further comprising an ignition mechanism configured to ignite the gas. Example 48: 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: an operating element is moved along a path in an actuation direction, thereby acting on the heater via a heater actuation mechanism; the heater generates heat in response to being acted upon by a heater actuation mechanism; the operating element is returned along the path in a movement opposite to the actuation direction; one or more movable parts of the blocking mechanism are actuated to retard return of the operating element; In response to no longer being acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism, the heater ceases producing heat. Example 49: 49. The method of example 48, wherein the restoring element increases a restoring force in a direction opposite to the movement of the operating element in response to the operating element being moved in the actuation direction. Example 50: The method of any one of claims 48 to 49, wherein gas is released from the gas tank in response to the heater being actuated by the heater activation mechanism, and the gas maintains a flame that heats a heat-receiving surface of the aerosol-generating device that at least partially contains the aerosol-generating article. Example 51: Utilizing the change in length of a thermal expansion element caused by a change in temperature to extinguish a flame after the flame heats an aerosol generating device that at least partially contains an aerosol-generating article. Example 52: An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating chamber extending in an axial direction; a storage chamber extending in an axial direction and disposed coaxially with the heating chamber; A positioning mechanism, an aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating article at an intake position such that an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber; the aerosol generating device is configured to store an aerosol-generating article in a storage position in which an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is at least partially disposed within the storage chamber; a positioning mechanism configured to move the aerosol-generating article from a storage position to an intake position; An aerosol generating device, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol generating article from the intake position to the storage position. Example 53: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 52, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a stop configured to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol generating article beyond the storage position and away from the intake position. Example 54: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 52 or 53, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage the aerosol generating article along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Example 55: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 52 to 54, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage with an aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article. Example 56: 56. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 52 to 55, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a spring element that biases the positioning mechanism in a direction that moves the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position. Example 57: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 56, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state, the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position when the positioning mechanism is in the locked state, and the locking mechanism is configured to release the positioning mechanism in the unlocked state to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position. Example 58: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 57, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a hook structure configured to be driven into the aerosol generating article. Example 59: The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 52 to 58, wherein the heating chamber is configured to be heated by a flame generated by a heater. Example 60: 60. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of Examples 52 to 59, further comprising a heater configured to actively heat the heating chamber. Example 61: 61. The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of Examples 52 to 60, wherein the storage chamber is in thermal contact with the heating chamber. Example 62: 62. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 52 to 61, wherein the storage chamber is configured to be heated only by heat transfer from the heating chamber. Example 63: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 62, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage with the aerosol generating article at the same position to move the aerosol generating article from the storage position to the intake position, and to move the aerosol generating article from the intake position to the storage position. Example 64: 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 52 to 63, An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article having an aerosol generating portion. Example 65: 65. The aerosol generating system of Example 64, wherein the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises herbaceous material. Example 66: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 64 or 65, wherein the aerosol generating article has a filter portion configured to protrude from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is in the intake position. Example 67: 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: generating an aerosol by exposing an aerosol-generating portion of an aerosol-generating article to a heating temperature within a heating space of an axially extending heating chamber; engaging an aerosol-generating portion of an aerosol-generating article with a positioning mechanism; axially moving the aerosol-generating article using a positioning mechanism such that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters a storage space of a storage chamber extending coaxially with the heating chamber; axially moving the aerosol-generating article using a positioning mechanism such that the aerosol-generating portion exits the containment space and enters the heating space. Example 68: The method of Example 67, wherein the storage temperature of the storage space is lower than the heating temperature but higher than the ambient temperature. Example 69: The method of embodiment 67 or 68, wherein the hook structure of the positioning mechanism is embedded in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article to move the aerosol-generating article. Example 70: 70. The method of embodiment 69, wherein the hook structure is embedded in the aerosol-generating portion by relative axial motion between the hook structure and the aerosol-generating article. Example 71: 71. The method of any one of Examples 67-70, wherein a spring element biases the positioning mechanism in a direction to move the aerosol-generating article so that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters the storage space. Example 72: The method according to any one of embodiments 67 to 71, wherein the heating space is heated to the heating temperature by a flame. Example 73: The use of a hook structure to move an aerosol-generating article between different temperature zones within an axially extending aerosol-generating device.

[0126] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0127] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an aerosol generation system in which the heat receiving surface is provided radially outside an axially extending heating space. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment in which a heat receiving surface is provided in axial alignment with an axially extending heating space. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol-generating article of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment that uses a conventional cigarette lighter. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment having an axially extending heating space and an axially aligned heat receiving surface. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generating system having a heater that generates multiple flames. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of an aerosol generation system that uses a conventional cigarette lighter. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the heater actuation mechanism of the system shown in FIG. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 illustrates a blocking mechanism that can be used in the aerosol generation system of FIGS. 10 and 11 according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates another blocking mechanism that can be used in the aerosol generation system of FIGS. 10 and 11 according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates an aerosol-generating system having a positioning mechanism for moving an aerosol-generating article, showing the aerosol-generating article in an intake position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the aerosol-generating system of FIG. 14, showing the aerosol-generating article in a stored position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0128] 1 shows an aerosol generation system 1 according to one embodiment. The aerosol generation system 1 comprises an aerosol generating device 3, an aerosol-generating article 5, and a heater 7.

[0129] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol-generating article 5 that can be used with the aerosol-generating device 3. The aerosol-generating article 5 comprises sections arranged one behind the other along an axial direction. The sections are interconnected by one or more wrappers spanning one or more of the sections. The sections are comprised of an aerosol-generating section 9, a spacer section 11, and a filter section 13. The aerosol-generating section 9 comprises an aerosol-generating material configured to generate an aerosol when heated. The aerosol-generating material may comprise a herbaceous material, in particular a tobacco material. The filter section 13 may comprise a filter through which the aerosol passes before reaching the user's mouth. The spacer section 11 may be disposed between the aerosol-generating section 9 and the filter section 13. The aerosol generated in the aerosol-generating section 9 is cooled while passing through the spacer section 11, which may reduce the temperature of the aerosol before ingestion.

[0130] As shown in Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device 3 includes a heating chamber 15 extending in the axial direction and a storage chamber 17 arranged coaxially with the heating chamber 15. The aerosol-generating article 5 may be inserted in an insertion direction 19 within the aerosol generating device 3. In Fig. 1, the aerosol-generating article 5 is accommodated in an intake position of the aerosol generating device 3. In the intake position, the aerosol-generating part 9 is accommodated in a heating space 21 defined by the heating chamber 15.

[0131] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the heater 7 is a conventional cigarette lighter. The aerosol generation device 3 may comprise a heater housing 23 configured to house the heater 7. Alternatively, the heater 7 may be an integral part of the aerosol generation device 3, or the heater 7 may be a separate heater 7, not combined with or housed within the aerosol generation device 3. Preferably, the heater 7 is configured to generate one or more flames 8.

[0132] The heater 7 is configured to heat the heat-receiving surface 25 of the heating chamber 15. By heating the heat-receiving surface 25, the heating space 21 in the heating chamber 15 is heated, thereby heating the aerosol-generating section 9 of the aerosol-generating article 3. When heated, the aerosol-generating section 9 generates an aerosol. When a user inhales air through the filter section 13, an air flow (see arrows in FIG. 1 ) can be generated through the aerosol-generating article 5. The air flow can carry the aerosol generated in the heating space 21 towards the user.

[0133] 1, the heat receiving surface 25 is provided radially outside the heating space 21. The direction in which the heater 7 emits the flame 8 to heat the heat receiving surface 25 is essentially perpendicular to the axial direction (the extension direction of the heating chamber 15 and the storage chamber 17).

[0134] 2 shows an alternative embodiment in which the heat receiving surface 25 is arranged axially in line with the heating space 21. The heater 7 emits a flame 8 in an essentially axial direction.

[0135] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the aerosol generating system 1. Each aerosol generating device 3 comprises a tube extending along the axial direction and defining a heating chamber 15 with a heating space 21 therein. The aerosol generating article 5 can be inserted into the heating space 21 along an insertion direction 19 parallel to the axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generating article 5 essentially comprises only the aerosol generating part 9. However, the aerosol generating article 5 can comprise additional parts, such as a spacer part 11 and a filter part 13. The aerosol generating device 3 comprises a heat protection sleeve 27 that allows a user to hold the aerosol generating device 3 without risking injury or inconvenience due to the high temperature of the aerosol generating device 3. As indicated by the double-headed arrow at the bottom of FIG. 4, the heat protection sleeve 27 can slide relative to the tube defining the heating chamber 15. A heater 7, such as a conventional cigarette heater, may be used to heat the heat receiving surface 25. The heat-receiving surface 25 according to the embodiment of Fig. 4 is provided radially outside the heating space 21 that houses the aerosol-generating part 9. In Fig. 4, the heater 7 is not inserted or attached to the aerosol-generating device 3.

[0136] Figures 5, 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the heating chamber 15. The left parts of Figures 5, 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of the heating chamber 15 with the cross-section parallel to the axial direction. The right parts of Figures 5, 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of the respective heating chamber 15 with the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. The heating chambers of Figures 5, 6 and 7 may be, for example, part of the aerosol generation device 3 of Figures 1 and 4.

[0137] 5, 6 and 7, the heating chamber 15 comprises a number of layers circumferentially surrounding the heating space 21. An outer heat conductor 29 forms an outer layer of the heating chamber 15. The heat receiving surface 25 is part of the radially outer surface of the outer heat conductor 29. A heat storage body 31 is provided radially inside the outer heat conductor 29, forming a layer circumferentially surrounding the heating space 21. A heat storage body 31 is provided radially inside the heat storage body 31, surrounding the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction.

[0138] The material of the heat store 31 has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor 33 and the material of the outer heat conductor 29. The material of the outer heat conductor 29 and the material of the inner heat conductor 33 have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat store 31. The material of the heat store 31 may be, for example, glass or metal. One or both of the materials of the inner heat conductor 33 and the outer heat conductor 29 may be metal, for example copper, brass, aluminum.

[0139] When the heat receiving surface 25 is heated, the heat is efficiently guided radially inward by the outer heat conductor 29 toward the heat storage body 31. The heat storage body 31 has a large specific heat and therefore can absorb a relatively large amount of heat and release the heat over time, functioning as a buffer material for heating the heating space 21 and the aerosol-generating unit 9 provided therein. The inner heat conductor 33 forms the inner surface of the heating chamber 15 that defines the heating space 21. The inner heat conductor 33 efficiently conducts heat from the heat storage body 31 toward the heating space 21 and the aerosol-generating unit 9 provided therein.

[0140] 5, the outer heat conductor 29, the heat store 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 are axially symmetrical. The outer heat conductor 29, the heat store 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 form a concentric sleeve that circumferentially surrounds the heating space 21.

[0141] In Fig. 6, the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 correspond to the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 of Fig. 5. However, the outer heat conductor 29 is not symmetrical with respect to the axial direction. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 varies both along the circumferential direction and along the axial direction. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is greatest at the heat receiving surface 25. In particular, the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is greatest at the center of the heat receiving surface 25. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 decreases both along the axial direction and along the circumferential direction with increasing distance from the center of the heat receiving surface 25.

[0142] Due to the different thicknesses of the outer heat conductor 29 at different positions, the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor 29 and thus through the wall of the heating chamber 15 along the radial direction is different at different positions. Due to the thickest thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 at the heat receiving surface 25, especially at the center of the heat receiving surface 25, the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conducting layer 29 along the radial direction is highest at the heat receiving surface 25. This can prevent uneven temperature distribution in the heating space 21 by reducing the thermal resistance of heat transport at positions farther away from the heat receiving surface 25 and therefore which would normally receive less heat.

[0143] In Fig. 7 the heat store 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 correspond to the heat store 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 of Figs. 5 and 6. The outer heat conductor 29 comprises channels 35 formed therein. The channels 35 may form flow paths for the heated air. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the channels 35 may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the channels 35 may be larger in areas further away from the center of the heat receiving surface 25, facilitating the flow of hot air to these areas.

[0144] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system 1 in which the heat receiving surface 25 is axially aligned with the heating space 21, substantially in accordance with the embodiment of figure 2. In the embodiment of figure 8, the heat store 31 is axially aligned with the heating space 21. The heat store 31 is arranged downstream of the heating space 21 with respect to the insertion direction 19. The outer surface of the heat store 31 forms the heat receiving surface 25. In the embodiment of figure 8, an outer heat conductor 29 is not provided. However, as an alternative, the outer heat conductor 29 can be arranged downstream of the heat store 25 with respect to the insertion direction 19.

[0145] An inner heat conductor 33 is provided between the heat store 31 and the heating space 21. The inner heat conductor 33 comprises a plate extending substantially perpendicular to the axial direction between the heat store 31 and the heating space 21. Furthermore, the inner heat conductor 33 comprises a cylindrical sleeve portion 37 circumferentially surrounding the heating space 21. Furthermore, the inner heat conductor 33 comprises a protrusion 39 extending into the heating space 21. The protrusion 39 is configured to be embedded in the aerosol-generating portion 9 of the aerosol-generating article 5.

[0146] 8, the heater 7 is integrated into the aerosol generation device 3. The heater 7 comprises a gas tank 41 which supplies gas for the flame 8 which heats the heat receiving surface 25.

[0147] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of an aerosol generation system 1. The left side of Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a cross section parallel to the axial direction of the system 1. The right side of Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the system 1.

[0148] The heater 7 of the system 1 of FIG. 9 is configured to generate a plurality of flames 8 for heating the heat receiving surface 25. As shown in the left part of FIG. 9, some of the flames 8 are spaced apart along the axial direction to improve the heat distribution along the axial direction. As shown in the right part of FIG. 9, some of the flames 8 are generated at positions spaced apart along the circumferential direction to distribute the heating along the circumferential direction. The heater 7 may be an integral part of the aerosol generation device 3. The heater 7 may be combined with the aerosol generation device 3. The heater 7 may be housed in a heater housing 23 of the aerosol generation device 3.

[0149] Figure 10 shows an aerosol generation system 1 according to an embodiment substantially similar to that shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the heat receiving surface 25 is radially outside the heating space 21. Alternatively, the heat receiving surface 25 can be axially aligned with the heating space 21, as shown for example in Figure 2.

[0150] 10 is a conventional cigarette lighter that is removably housed in a heater housing 23 of the aerosol generation device 3. Alternatively, the heater 7 can be fixedly incorporated into the aerosol generation device 3.

[0151] The aerosol generating device 3 includes an ignition mechanism 45 configured to ignite gas released from the gas tank 41 of the heater 7. The ignition mechanism 45 is an integral part of the aerosol generating device 3. The ignition mechanism 45 is externally available to provide a convenient method of igniting the gas even when the heater 7 is housed in the heater housing 23. The heater 7 itself may include a separate ignition mechanism, which may not be available when the heater 7 is housed in the heater housing 23. The ignition mechanism 45 of the aerosol generating device 3 may function similarly to the ignition mechanism of a conventional cigarette lighter.

[0152] In FIG. 10 , the aerosol generating device 3 further includes a heater operating mechanism 47 configured to act on a gas release button 50 of the heater 7. The heater operating mechanism 47 allows a user to press the gas release button 50 of the heater 7 even when the heater 7 is housed in the heater housing 23 and the gas release button 50 is not directly accessible. The heater operating mechanism 47 can be depressed by a user to press the gas release button 50 to release gas. When the gas release button 50 of the heater 7 is released, it returns to its initial position and gas emission is stopped.

[0153] FIG. 11 shows the heater actuation mechanism 47 in more detail. The heater actuation mechanism 47 comprises an engagement element 49 configured to slide up and down along a sliding element 51 in the form of a rod or bar. A spring element 53 biases the engagement element 49 towards the gas release button 50. A stop 53 is provided on the sliding element 51 to limit the movement of the engagement element 49 towards the gas release button 50. The sliding element 51 itself is slidably guided in the aerosol generating device 3. In FIG. 11, the sliding element 51 can slide up and down. A restoring element 55 biases the sliding element 51 upwards. In the operating situation shown in FIG. 11, the sliding element 51 is in an upper position, which corresponds to a non-engaged configuration of the heater actuation mechanism 47. In the non-engaged configuration of the heater actuation mechanism 47, the engagement element 49 does not press the gas release button 50 (due to the stop 53).

[0154] To operate the heater 7 to generate heat, a user can move the sliding element 51 downwards by moving an operating element 57 coupled to the sliding element 51. Moving the operating element 57 downwards causes the sliding element 51 to move downwards, as shown by the arrow in Figure 11. This causes the stop 53 to move downwards, which allows the engagement element 49 to also move downwards due to the force generated by the spring element 53, pressing the gas release button 50.

[0155] When the engagement element 49 presses the gas release button 50 to release gas, the heater operating mechanism 47 is in the engaged configuration. When the user releases the operating element 57 again, the return element 55 moves the sliding element 51 upward. At some point, the stop 53 contacts the engagement element 49 and moves the engagement element 49 upward, thereby releasing the gas release button 50 and stopping the release of gas. When the engagement element 49 does not press the gas release button 50, the heater operating mechanism 47 is in the disengaged configuration.

[0156] Return of heater actuation mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration after operating element 57 is released is delayed by an inhibiting mechanism 59, shown only diagrammatically in FIG.

[0157] Figure 12 shows one embodiment of the blocking mechanism 59. The left side of Figure 12 shows what happens when the heater activation mechanism 47 is moved to the engaged configuration by pushing the sliding element 51 down. The blocking mechanism 59 comprises a first wheel 61 and a second wheel 63 having a larger diameter than the first wheel 61. The first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63 are rotatable about a common axis. When the sliding element 51 is pushed down, the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 mesh with the teeth of the first wheel 61, causing the first wheel 61 to rotate counterclockwise in Figure 12.

[0158] The second wheel 63 couples to the first wheel 61 and thereby rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 12. An optional spring 67 is loaded by the rotation of the first wheel 61. The outer circumferential teeth of the second wheel 63 abut the rocker arm 69, which does not impede the second wheel 63 as it rotates counterclockwise, which is the direction imparted by the sliding element 51 being lowered. Thus, the blocking mechanism 59 does not prevent the heater activation mechanism 47 from moving to the engaged configuration.

[0159] The right side of FIG. 12 shows the state when the sliding element 51 moves upward after the operating element 57 is released. The sliding element 51 can be moved upward by at least one of the restoring element 55 and the helical spring 67. For the sliding element 51 to move upward, the first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63 must rotate in a clockwise direction due to the engagement of the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 with the teeth of the first wheel 61. The clockwise rotation of the second wheel 63 is periodically blocked and released by the rocker arm 69, which reciprocates between the position shown on the right side of FIG. 12 and the position shown on the left side of FIG. 12. The rocker arm 69 thus periodically blocks the movement of the sliding element 51. Each position of the rocker arm 69 blocks the second wheel 63 for a short time before moving to another position. The large number of teeth of the second wheel 63 allows many reciprocating movements of the rocker arm 69. Thus, the upward movement of the sliding element 51, and thus the return of the heater actuation mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration, is delayed. The delay time depends on the layout of the blocking mechanism 59, specifically the number of teeth on the second wheel 63.

[0160] When the heater actuation mechanism 47 is in the engaged configuration to activate the release of gas, further depression of the sliding element 51 will result in further rotation of the first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63, further delaying the return movement of the heater actuation mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration. Thus, the degree to which the sliding element 51 is moved downward by moving the operating element 57 determines different engaged sub-configurations of the heater actuation mechanism 47, which correspond to different delays for returning to the disengaged configuration upon release of the operating element 57.

[0161] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the blocking mechanism 59. Again, the sliding element 51 is provided with teeth 65. The blocking mechanism 59 comprises a pivot part 71 that is pivotable about an axis 73. The blocking mechanism 59 further comprises a thermal expansion element 75 that is attached on one side to a fixed point 77 and on the other side to the pivot part 71. The pivot part 71 comprises teeth 79. The teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 and the teeth 79 of the blocking mechanism 59 are shaped such that a downward movement of the sliding element 51 (bringing the heater activation mechanism 47 into the engaged position) is always possible (see the left part of FIG. 13). However, an upward movement of the sliding element 51 (bringing the heater activation mechanism 47 into a disengaged configuration) is allowed or prevented depending on the pivot position of the pivot part 71.

[0162] The middle part of Figure 13 shows the state after the heater actuation mechanism 47 has been brought into the engaged configuration by moving the operating element 57 downwards, thereby moving the sliding element 51 downwards. The heater 7 is actuated and generates a flame 8. The restoring element 55 urges the sliding element 51 upwards to the disengaged configuration of the heater actuation mechanism 47. However, the upward movement of the sliding element 51 is prevented by the engagement between the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 and the teeth 79 of the pivot 71. Thus, the heater actuation mechanism 47 remains in the engaged configuration and the heater 7 continues to generate heat.

[0163] The heat generated by the heater 7 heats the thermal expansion element 75 and expands its length. This causes the pivoting part 71 to rotate about the axis 73, as shown on the right side of FIG. 13. When the thermal expansion element 75 reaches a predetermined temperature, the length of the thermal expansion element 75 becomes sufficient to pivot the pivoting part 71, and the teeth 79 of the pivoting part 71 disengage from the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51. As a result, the sliding element 51 moves upward, returning the heater actuation mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration. As a result, the gas release button 50 is no longer pressed by the engagement element 49, and the heater 7 is turned off.

[0164] Thus, the blocking mechanism 59 can hold the heater actuation mechanism 47 in the engaged configuration until the thermal expansion element 75 is heated to a predetermined temperature, and then return the heater actuation mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration. The predetermined temperature can be set by appropriately selecting the placement of the thermal expansion element 75 and the blocking mechanism 59.

[0165] The thermal expansion element 75 may be provided in the heater housing 23 of the aerosol generating device 3. Thus, the thermal expansion element 75 reacts to the temperature in the heater housing 23. Alternatively, the thermal expansion element 75 can be provided elsewhere, for example in the heating space 21 or in the heating chamber 15. If necessary, one or more mechanical connections can be provided between the thermal expansion element 75 and the swivel part 71.

[0166] In the embodiment of Figures 12-13, the sliding element 51 and blocking mechanism 59 of the heater actuating mechanism 47 together form a ratchet mechanism that allows the heater actuating mechanism 47 to move freely to the engaged configuration and selectively blocks the heater actuating mechanism 47 from moving to the disengaged configuration.

[0167] Alternatively, the blocking mechanism 59 can be configured to selectively block movement of the heater operating mechanism 47 from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration. This can be accomplished, for example, by changing the orientation of the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51. The blocking mechanism 59 can delay movement of the heater operating mechanism 47 from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration to prevent overheating of the heated space 21. For example, the blocking mechanism 59 can prevent a user from immediately returning the heater operating mechanism 47 to the engaged configuration immediately after the heater operating mechanism 47 has returned to the disengaged configuration. The blocking mechanism 59 can be configured to allow the heater operating mechanism 47 to move to the engaged configuration only if the temperature of the thermal expansion element 75 of the blocking mechanism 59 is below a predetermined temperature, for example, to prevent overheating.

[0168] Figures 14 and 15 show an aerosol generating system 1 according to an embodiment having a positioning mechanism 81. In Figure 14, the aerosol-generating article 5 is shown in the intake position, where the aerosol-generating part 9 of the aerosol-generating article 5 is located in the heating space 21 of the heating chamber 15. Figure 15 shows the aerosol-generating article 5 in the storage position, where the aerosol-generating part 9 of the aerosol-generating article 5 is located in the storage chamber 17.

[0169] The aerosol-generating article 5 may be moved from the intake position to the storage position by moving it in a direction opposite to the insertion direction 19. The aerosol-generating article 5 may be moved from the storage position to the intake position by moving it along the insertion direction 19. The positioning mechanism 81 is configured to move the aerosol-generating article 5 between the intake position and the insertion direction (in both directions).

[0170] The positioning mechanism 81 comprises a hook structure 83. The hook structure 83 extends in a direction opposite to the insertion direction 19. When the aerosol-generating article 5 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 3, the aerosol-generating part 9 is pressed against the hook structure 83. The hook structure 83 is embedded in the aerosol-generating part 9. The hook structure 83 is fixedly connected to a handle portion 85 accessible to a user. By moving the handle portion 85, a user can move the hook structure 83 along or opposite to the insertion direction 19, thereby moving the aerosol-generating article 5 along or opposite to the insertion direction 19 between the intake position and the storage position.

[0171] The positioning mechanism 81 includes a locking mechanism 89 having a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking mechanism 89 prevents the positioning mechanism 81 from moving the aerosol-generating article 5 from the intake position to the storage position. The locked state is shown in Figure 14. The locking mechanism 89 includes a receiving portion 91 provided on the main body of the aerosol generating device 3, and an engaging portion 93 provided as a movable portion of the positioning mechanism 81.

[0172] In the locked state, the engagement portion 93 is received within the receiving portion 91, thereby preventing the positioning mechanism 81 from moving the aerosol-generating article from the ingestion position to the storage position. During ingestion, the locking mechanism 89 may be kept in the locked state. If the user wishes to (temporarily) stop ingestion, the engagement portion 93 may be disengaged from the receiving portion 91 (by moving the engagement portion 93 upward in FIG. 14), thereby unlocking the locking mechanism 89. The positioning mechanism 81 is then actuated by the spring element 87 to move the aerosol-generating article 5 to the storage position. When the aerosol-generating article 5 reaches the storage position (FIG. 15), the positioning mechanism 81 engages with the stop portion 95, preventing the positioning mechanism 81 from moving the aerosol-generating article 5 beyond the storage position in a direction away from the ingestion position.

[0173] When the user wishes to resume ingestion, the user can operate the handle portion 85 to move the positioning mechanism 81 leftward in Figure 15 to return the aerosol-generating article 5 to the ingestion position. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement portion 93 of the locking mechanism 89, together with the body of the aerosol generating device 3, forms a stop to prevent the positioning mechanism 81 from moving the aerosol-generating article 5 beyond the ingestion position in a direction away from the storage position. Once the ingestion position is reached, the user can lock the locking mechanism 89 to prevent the spring element 87 from immediately returning the aerosol-generating article 5 to the storage position.

[0174] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like, should be understood in all instances as being modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 5 percent of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the typical standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may, in some cases, as used in the appended claims, deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heating chamber extending in an axial direction; a storage chamber extending in an axial direction and arranged coaxially with the heating chamber; A positioning mechanism, the aerosol generating device is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article at an intake position such that an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is located at least partially within the heating chamber; the aerosol generating device is configured to store the aerosol-generating article in a storage position in which the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is at least partially disposed within the storage chamber; The heating chamber is configured to be heated by a flame generated by a heater, the positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating article from the storage position to the intake position; An aerosol generating device, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a stop configured to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol generating article beyond the storage position and away from the intake position.

3. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage the aerosol generating article along a direction parallel to an axial direction.

4. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a spring element that biases the positioning mechanism in a direction to move the aerosol generating article from the intake position to the storage position.

5. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state, the locking mechanism being configured to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position when in the locked state, and the locking mechanism being configured to release the positioning mechanism to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position when in the unlocked state.

6. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a hook structure configured to be driven into the aerosol generating article.

7. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the storage chamber is in thermal contact with the heating chamber.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the storage chamber is configured to be heated only by heat transfer from the heating chamber.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage the aerosol-generating article at the same position to move the aerosol-generating article from the storage position to the intake position and to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position.

10. 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the aerosol generating article comprising the aerosol generating section.

11. 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: generating an aerosol by exposing an aerosol-generating portion of an aerosol-generating article to a heating temperature within a heating space of an axially extending heating chamber; engaging the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article with a positioning mechanism; axially moving the aerosol-generating article using the positioning mechanism so that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters a storage space of a storage chamber extending coaxially with the heating chamber; axially moving the aerosol-generating article using the positioning mechanism so that the aerosol-generating portion exits the storage space and enters the heating space; The method, wherein the heating space is heated to the heating temperature by a flame.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein a hook structure of the positioning mechanism is embedded in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article to move the aerosol-generating article.

13. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein a spring element biases the positioning mechanism in a direction to move the aerosol-generating article so that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters the storage space.

14. The use of a hook structure to move an aerosol-generating article between different temperature zones within an axially extending aerosol-generating device.

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