Aerosol Generation System

Abstract

An aerosol generation system is provided. The aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device includes a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosolizable material. The chamber includes a sidewall and a base. The aerosol generation system also includes a spacer insertable into the heating chamber. The base is configured to abut a distal end of the article including an aerosolizable material when the spacer is absent from the heating chamber. The spacer is configured to space the distal end of the article including an aerosolizable material from the base when the spacer is inserted into the heating chamber.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating a material without combustion. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device being a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosolizable material, the heating chamber comprising a sidewall and a base, and a spacer insertable into the heating chamber, the base being configured to abut a distal end of the article comprising the aerosolizable material when the spacer is not in the heating chamber, and the spacer being configured to space the distal end of the article comprising the aerosolizable material from the base when the spacer is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0004] The spacer can include a positioning surface arranged to position the spacer relative to the base.The spacer can include an abutment surface for abutting at least a portion of the article including the aerosolizable material.

[0005] The locating surface can define a distal extent of the spacer, i.e., no portion of the spacer can extend beyond the locating surface, and the abutment surface can define a proximal extent of the spacer, i.e., no portion of the spacer can extend beyond the abutment surface.

[0006] The spacer may include at least one axial extension member between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may include a plurality of axial extension members between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may include at least two axial extension members between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may include at least three axial extension members between the abutment surface and the locating surface.

[0007] The spacer may comprise a retainer configured to retain the spacer within the heating chamber. The retainer may be configured to act on the sidewall. The spacer may comprise a resilient portion defining at least a portion of the retainer. The retainer may comprise a resilient tab. The retainer may comprise a rib. The retainer may be an integrally formed part of the spacer. The retainer may be a unitary component.

[0008] The aerosol generation device may comprise a projection element and the holding portion may be configured to act on the projection element.

[0009] The aerosol generating device may include a heating element. The heating element may extend from a base. The spacer may be configured to axially overlap the heating element when received within the heating chamber. The heating element may define at least a portion of a sidewall. At least a portion of the protruding element may be provided by at least a portion of the heating element. The heating element may protrude into the heating chamber. The spacer may be arranged to abut the heating element when received within the heating chamber.

[0010] The spacer may include a passageway therethrough. The spacer may include an aperture or channel. The aperture or channel may be a through hole. The aperture or channel may define an air passage. The aperture or channel may extend axially when the spacer is inserted into the heating chamber. The aperture or channel may extend between the abutment surface and the positioning surface. The aperture or channel may include a retainer for gripping an object inserted into the aperture or channel. The retainer may be configured to grip a heating element inserted into the aperture or channel.

[0011] The spacer may be free of materials that may be heated by intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The spacer may be formed of the same material as the base. The spacer may be formed of the same material as the sidewalls of the heating chamber. The spacer may be formed of a material that is 150 ppm k along the flow above the glass transition. -1 The spacer may be formed from a material having a linear thermal expansion coefficient of less than 140 ppm K along the flow above the glass temperature. -1 The material may be formed from a material having a linear thermal expansion coefficient of .gtoreq. ...

[0012] According to one aspect, a spacer for insertion into a heating chamber of an aerosol generation device is provided, the spacer comprising: a body having a positioning surface arranged to be positioned against a base of the heating chamber and an abutment surface arranged to abut an end of an article containing an aerosolizable material, the abutment surface defining an axial extent of the spacer; and a retaining portion arranged to retain the spacer within the heating chamber.

[0013] The locating surface can define a first axial extent of the spacer along the axis, and the abutment surface can define a second axial extent of the spacer along the axis.

[0014] The spacer may comprise a resilient portion defining at least a portion of the retainer. The retainer may define a radial extent of the spacer perpendicular to the axis. The retainer may be configured to act on a sidewall of the heating chamber. The retainer may comprise a resilient tab. The retainer may comprise a rib. The retainer may be an integrally formed part of the spacer. The retainer may be a unitary component.

[0015] The spacer may include a passageway therethrough. The spacer may include an aperture or channel. The aperture or channel may be a through hole. The aperture or channel may define an air passage. The aperture or channel may extend axially when the spacer is inserted into the heating chamber. The aperture or channel may extend between the abutment surface and the positioning surface.

[0016] The spacer may be free of materials that may be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The spacer may be formed from the same material as the base or sidewalls of the heating chamber. The spacer may be formed from a material that is 150 ppm K along the flow above the glass temperature. -1 The spacer may be formed from a material having a linear thermal expansion coefficient of less than 140 ppm K along the flow above the glass temperature. -1 The material may be formed from a material having a linear thermal expansion coefficient of .gtoreq. ...

[0017] The spacer may include an axial extension member between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may include a plurality of axial extension members between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may include at least two axial extension members between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may include at least three axial extension members between the abutment surface and the locating surface.

[0018] According to one aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising the spacer described above and an article including an aerosol-forming material.

[0019] According to one aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a spacer as described above and a recovery tool for recovering the spacer from a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 and an article containing an aerosol-generating material. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an aerosol generation assembly of the aerosol generation device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first spacer for insertion into the aerosol generation device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a second spacer for insertion into the aerosol generation device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with a first or second spacer inserted and a second item inserted into the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] [Detailed Description] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" refers to a material capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol-generating material may include any plant material, such as any tobacco-containing material, and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also include other products other than tobacco, and may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol-generating material may also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. The aerosol-generating material may also be referred to as "smoking material."

[0022] The aerosol-generating material may include an adhesive and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0023] The aerosol-generating material can include or be an "amorphous solid." The amorphous solid can be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid can be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some amount of fluid, such as a liquid, therein. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material can include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid up to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0024] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include or be a sheet, which may optionally be chopped to form a chopped sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or chopped sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0025] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material and form an aerosol that can typically be inhaled. Such devices may be described as "aerosol-generating devices", "aerosol delivery devices", "non-combustion heating devices", "tobacco heating product devices", or "tobacco heating devices". Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices that vaporize an aerosol-generating material, typically in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part of these. A heater that heats and volatilizes the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0026] The aerosol generating device can accept an article that includes an aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component that includes or contains an aerosol generating material in use that is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user can insert the article into the aerosol generating device before heating the article to generate an aerosol that is then inhaled by the user. The article can be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed in a heating chamber of a device sized to accept the article. The article is, in an embodiment, a consumable item. That is, the article is discarded after use, for example after one or more uses, and then another consumable item is used.

[0027] Known devices may include a heater for heating the aerosol-generating material. The heater may include one or more electrical resistance heating elements, including, for example, one or more nichrome resistance heating elements and / or one or more ceramic resistance heating elements. Alternatively, the heater may include one or more induction heaters, including one or more heating elements (called susceptors) that are heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field and an induction coil.

[0028] The heating element(s) can form a chamber into which the aerosol-generating material is inserted or otherwise positioned during use. Alternatively, the heating element(s) can be positioned near or adjacent to the aerosol-generating material during use. In another alternative, the heating element(s) can penetrate the aerosol-generating material during use. For example, the heating element(s) can have the form of a blade or pin.

[0029] 1 shows an aerosol-generating device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Broadly speaking, device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 300 (see FIG. 2 ) that includes an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of device 100.

[0030] The device 100 includes a body or housing assembly 101. The housing assembly 101 includes a housing 102 that surrounds and houses an aerosol generation assembly 200, which includes various components for generating an aerosol from a received article 300. The article 300 is heated by a heater assembly to generate an aerosol. The housing 102 has an opening 103 at one end through which the article 300 can be inserted for heating. The device includes a heating chamber 202 (see FIG. 2) for at least partially receiving the article during use. The heating chamber is in communication with the opening 103. During use, the article 300 can be fully or partially inserted into the device 100, and the article 300 can be heated by one or more components.

[0031] 2, the aerosol generation assembly 200 includes a heating system. The heating system is an induction heating system including an induction coil 208 and a heating element 206 (see FIG. 3) (called a susceptor) that is heatable by the penetration of a varying magnetic field. In other examples, multiple susceptors and / or coils can be provided.

[0032] The heating element 206 is tubular. The heating element 206 defines a chamber into which at least a portion of the article is inserted or otherwise positioned during use. In an embodiment, the walls defining the chamber do not include susceptor material. In such an embodiment, one or more heating elements are disposed near or adjacent to the heating chamber. In an embodiment, one or more heating elements may be disposed within the heating chamber. For example, one or more heating elements may include protrusions, such as pins or blades, that penetrate the article during use. The article may include an aperture for receiving the heating element.

[0033] The induction coil 208 is in communication with the power source 170, which energizes the coil 208 to generate a varying magnetic flux. The magnetic flux generates a current in the heating element 206, which heats the heating element 206. The heating element 206 is in thermal communication with the article 300, which heats the first article 300 to generate the aerosol.

[0034] In other embodiments, the heating system may comprise one or more electrical resistive heating elements, including, for example, one or more resistive heating elements and / or one or more ceramic heating elements. In such embodiments, the induction coil may be omitted and the resistive heating elements are connected to a power source. The resistive heating elements may form a chamber into which the article is inserted or otherwise positioned during use. In embodiments, the resistive heating elements may be located near the heating chamber or may be near adjacent to the heating chamber. The resistive heating elements may be located within the heating chamber. For example, the resistive heating elements may comprise pins or blades that penetrate the article during use. The article may comprise an aperture for receiving the resistive heating elements. Other heating configurations may also be used.

[0035] When the article 300 is received within the heating chamber 202, it is adjacent to the heating element 206. The article 300 may or may not be in contact with the heating element 206. There may be an air gap or one or more additional components between the article 300 and the heating element 206. During use, heat flows from the heating element 206 to the article 300. The article 300 may be heated by conduction from the heating element 206. Alternatively or additionally, the article may be heated by convection or radiation from the heating element 206. It is expected that conductive heat transfer will be the predominant mode of heating the article 300.

[0036] Device 100 also includes a user-operable control element 150 (see FIG. 1), such as a button or switch, that, when pressed, operates device 100. For example, a user can power on device 100 by operating the switch. The switch can form part of housing 102.

[0037] The device 100 includes a power source 170, e.g., a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, e.g., lithium batteries (e.g., lithium ion batteries), nickel batteries (e.g., nickel cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0038] Device 100 also includes electrical components such as a connector / port (not shown) that can accept a cable for charging power source 170. For example, the connector can be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, the connector can additionally or alternatively be used to communicate data between device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

[0039] Referring primarily to FIG. 2 , the housing 102 of the device 100 encloses the aerosol generation assembly 200. That is, the housing 102 surrounds the aerosol generation assembly 200, such that when the housing is present, access to the aerosol generation assembly 200 is prevented, except for an opening 103 for inserting the article 300. The housing 102 defines a component cavity 201 in which the aerosol generation assembly 200 is received. The housing 102 acts as a barrier to the component cavity 201 to accommodate the aerosol generation assembly 200 and provide protection from the environment. The housing 102 protects the user from the aerosol generation assembly 200, for example by preventing contact with electrical components and / or providing thermal insulation from heated components. The housing 102 substantially entirely surrounds the device 100 and the aerosol generation assembly 200. The housing 102 can act as a fluid barrier. The housing 102, in an embodiment, fluidically separates the outside of the aerosol generation assembly 200. The housing 102 acts as a shell.

[0040] The end of device 100 closest to opening 103 may be referred to as the proximal (or mouth) end 104 of device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, a user inserts article 300 into opening 103, operates user control 150 to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated within the device, which causes the aerosol to flow along a flow path through device 100 toward the proximal end of device 100.

[0041] The other end of the device furthest from the opening 103 may be referred to as the distal end 106 of the device 100, as this is the end that is located furthest from the user's mouth during use. When a user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end 106 of the device 100. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 108 that extends from the proximal end 104 to the distal end 106. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 are described by reference to the relative orientation of such features with respect to one another in the proximal-distal direction along the axis 108.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generation assembly 200 of the aerosol generation device 100. The aerosol generation assembly 200 defines a heating chamber 202 extending from the opening 103. The heating chamber 202 is separated from the component cavity 201. The heating chamber 202 is formed from a sidewall 203 and a base 204. The sidewall 203 is formed by a cylindrical tube. In other examples, the sidewall 203 can have a cross-section other than circular, such as an elliptical cross-section or a rectangular cross-section or an irregular cross-section. The sidewall 203 and the base 204 can be integrally formed or can be separate components. In the device of FIG. 3, the sidewall 203 is provided by a heating element 206. The heating element 206 is a tubular heating element. The heating element 206 is substantially cylindrical. In other embodiments, the sidewall 203 can be a separate component formed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0043] In one embodiment (not shown), the sidewall 203 includes one or more protrusions. These protrusions are protruding portions of the sidewall 203 and are formed on the inner surface of the sidewall 203 to protrude into the heating chamber 202. These protrusions may be provided on the heating element 206. These protrusions may be protruding portions of the heating element.

[0044] The base 204 comprises a plate disposed at the distal end of the sidewall 203. The base 204 is configured to abut the distal end 300a of the article 300 when the article 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 202. In the embodiment shown, a portion of the base 204 is configured to abut the distal end 300a of the article 300. A raised central portion 204a of the base is configured to abut the distal end 300a of the article 300. In other embodiments, the base can be at least substantially flat or concave. An annular or peripheral portion of the base can also be configured to abut the distal end of the article.

[0045] In an embodiment, the base 204 comprises an aperture. The aperture may provide airflow and / or collect condensation that forms during use. The base may form a substantially annular shelf. The base may comprise a protrusion or upright. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the heating element may comprise a blade or pin. The heating element may protrude from the base. Alternatively, the heating element may pass through one or more apertures in the base. The base may be disposed around the heating element. The base may or may not contact the heating element.

[0046] The heating chamber 202 and article 300 are sized such that when the article 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 202 and the distal end 300a of the article 300 contacts the base 204, the proximal end 300b of the article 300 protrudes from the opening 103. This allows a user to suck on the proximal end 300b during use. In other examples, the article can be fully received within the heating chamber; that is, the proximal end of the article need not protrude from the device.

[0047] 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a spacer 400 for insertion into heating chamber 202 of device 100. Spacer 400 comprises a body 402. Body 402 includes a positioning surface 402a arranged to position spacer 400 relative to base 204. Body 402 includes an abutment surface 402b for abutting at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material.

[0048] Locating surface 402a defines a first axial or distal extent of spacer 400. That is, no portion of spacer 400 extends beyond locating surface 402a. Locating surface 402a is the distal point of spacer 400 when inserted into heating chamber 202, as viewed in FIG.

[0049] The abutment surface 402b defines a second axial or proximal extent of the spacer 400. That is, no portion of the spacer 400 extends beyond the abutment surface 402b. The abutment surface 402b is the exposed side of the spacer 400 when inserted into the heating chamber 202, as viewed in FIG.

[0050] Spacer 400 can be integrally formed together during manufacture, such as by an injection molding process, or alternatively, two or more features of spacer 400 can be first formed separately and then formed together during manufacture, such as by a welding process, to form an integral component.

[0051] As used herein, a unitary component refers to a component that is not separable into two or more components after assembly. Integrally formed refers to two or more features formed into the unitary component during the manufacture of the component.

[0052] The spacer 400 does not include any material that may be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. In an embodiment, the spacer 400 is formed from a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material.

[0053] The spacer is formed from a material having the following coefficient of linear thermal expansion measured in accordance with ISO 11359-2:1999: Other suitable materials and / or properties may also be used. The onset of the glass transition (Tg) of the material is 143 degrees Celsius and the midpoint of the glass transition of the material is 150 degrees Celsius. [Table 1]

[0054] The body 402 comprises an end member 403 and three elongated axial extension members 404. The axial extension members 404 act as retaining members. The retaining members form part of a retainer 405. The retainer 405 acts to retain the spacer 400 within the heating chamber 202 when received therein. The configuration of the retainer 405 may vary, for example as described below. The axial extension members 404 extend outwardly from the end member 403. In other embodiments, a different number of axial extension members may be provided. For example, two axial extension members may be provided. The axial extension members may define a cavity. The axial extension members may extend partially circumferentially around the end members. The axial extension members may be provided in the form of a skirt. More or fewer axial extension members 404 may also be provided.

[0055] The axial extension members 404 are an integral part of the spacer body 402. An abutment surface 402b is provided by a distal end of each axial extension member 404. The abutment surfaces 402b in this embodiment consist of three end faces of the axial extension members 404. The axial extension members 404 are disposed between the positioning surface 402a and the abutment surfaces 402b.

[0056] The arms 404 acting as axial extension members are resilient, i.e., the axial extension members can be deformed or deflected to exert a reaction force during use. The arms 404 deflect outwardly from the end members 403. Such a configuration aids in alignment of the spacer 400 within the heating chamber 202. The axial extension members are spaced apart to help allow for inward deflection. The spacer is sized such that when inserted into the heating chamber, the axial extension members are deflected inwardly by the walls of the heating chamber. The axial extension members provide a retention force to hold the spacer 400 within the heating chamber 202 during use.

[0057] The spacer 400 includes an air passageway through the spacer 400. The air passageway includes an aperture 406 that communicates with a cavity between the axially extending members. The aperture 406 is a through hole. That is, the aperture 406 extends from one surface of the spacer through the body 402 to another surface of the spacer. The aperture 406 and the cavity defined by the axially extending members together form an air passageway. The air passageway extends from one side of the spacer to the other side of the spacer. In this embodiment, the air passageway extends between the positioning surface 402a and the abutment surface 402b.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows another spacer 500 for insertion into the heating chamber 202. Features in common with the first spacer 400 are referred to by the same reference numerals and are not repeated for brevity (e.g., the aperture 506 of the second spacer corresponds to the aperture 406 of the first spacer). The second spacer 500 does not include an axial extension member. The body 502 of the second spacer 500 is substantially cylindrical. In this embodiment, the aperture 506 communicates with the hollow interior of the cylindrical body 502. The hollow cylindrical body 502 is open at its distal end, i.e., at the end of the body provided with the positioning surface 502a. The aperture 506 and the hollow interior of the cylindrical body 502 together define an air passageway extending from one side of the spacer to the other.

[0059] The spacer 500 comprises a retaining portion 508. The retaining portion is configured to retain the spacer 500 in the heating chamber 202. The retaining portion 508 is configured to act on the side wall 203 of the heating chamber 202. The retaining portion 508 is a resilient portion of the spacer 500. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 508 constitutes three resilient tabs or arms 508. The tabs 508 are portions of the cylindrical body 502 that are partially separated from the remainder of the body 500 by cuts 510. The tabs 508 extend into the cuts. In an embodiment, the cuts 510 are omitted and the tabs extend from the outer peripheral wall of the spacer 500. The radial extent of the tabs 508 is greater than the radial extent of the remainder of the spacer body 502. That is, the outer surface 508a of the tabs 508 is raised from the outer surface 502a of the spacer body 502. Tabs 508 may include an arcuate extent of 50% or less of the circumference of body 502. A distal end of each tab 508 is connected to the remainder of body 500. Notches 510 provide a gap through which tabs 508 can deflect when inserted into heating chamber 202 by engagement with sidewall 203. It will be appreciated that tabs 508 are an integrally formed part of spacer body 502.

[0060] In an embodiment, the retainer 508 may include ribs. The ribs are disposed on an exterior surface of the retainer body 502. The ribs are a resilient portion of the spacer 500. The ribs may be integrally formed with the spacer body 502. The ribs may be provided as a separate component connected to the spacer body 502. The ribs may be overmolded on the spacer body 502. The ribs may be an integral component.

[0061] In an embodiment, the retainer 508 may be configured to act on one or more protrusions on the side wall 203 .

[0062] 6 shows a schematic representation of the aerosol generating device 100 with a spacer 400 and a second item 302 inserted for use. During use, the spacer 400 is inserted into the heating chamber 202. The spacer 400 is located at the distal end of the heating chamber 202.

[0063] The spacer 400 is a semi-permanent attachment; that is, the spacer is intended to be inserted and then left in the device, but can also be removed as needed / desired. This allows existing aerosol generating devices to be adapted for use with different articles having different sizes or shapes. It is envisioned that the spacer can be provided with the aerosol generating device at the time of initial purchase, or provided separately to allow the user to adapt an existing aerosol generating device. Specifically, the spacer allows shorter articles to be used in the device, and allows the existing device to place the proximal end of the article close to or in the same location as the proximal end of the original article for which it was intended. This allows the device to function substantially with articles of different shapes or sizes. For example, the spacer allows a shorter article to be inserted into the device, such that the proximal end of the shorter article protrudes from the opening of the device, allowing the user to inhale the proximal end of the shorter article.

[0064] Spacer 400 is retained within the heat chamber by frictional engagement between axial extension member 404 and the sidewalls of the heat chamber. Spacer 500 is retained within heat chamber 202 by frictional engagement between the retainers and the sidewalls of the heat chamber.

[0065] The spacer can be used with a device that includes a heating element, such as a pin or blade heating element, disposed within the heating chamber. The pin or blade heating element can be received within the aperture 406, 506 of the spacer. Optionally, the spacer can include a retention feature adapted to grip the pin or blade heating element. For example, the aperture 406, 506 can be sized and shaped to conform to an outer surface of the heating element. The aperture 406, 506 can include a resilient portion adapted to grip the outer surface of the heating element. In such an embodiment, no portion of the retention portion and / or spacer can contact the peripheral wall of the heating chamber 202.

[0066] The apertures 406, 506 in the spacer provide the dual benefit of accommodating the heating element while allowing ventilation of the distal end of the article.

[0067] When received within the heating chamber 202, the spacer 400 axially overlaps the heating element 206. The spacer thus acts to reduce the accessible length of the heating element 206. Such a configuration reduces the usable length of the heating element. When the spacer 400 is inserted into the heating chamber 202, the aperture 406 extends axially. The positioning surface 402a contacts the base 204. Specifically, the positioning surface 402a contacts the raised portion 204a of the base.

[0068] The second article 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 202. The second article 302 has a length shorter than the first article 300. It will be understood that the length of the second article 302 is an axial extent. The second article has the same diameter as the first article 300. It will be understood that this diameter is in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The second article 302 is inserted after the spacer 400. The distal end 302a of the second article 302 contacts the abutment surface 402b of the spacer 400. The second article 302 is supported in the heating chamber 202 by the spacer 400. The second article 302 is spaced from the base 204 by the spacer 400. Accordingly, the proximal end 302b protrudes from the opening 103, allowing the user to inhale the proximal end 302a during use. The spacer 400 reduces the effective length of the heating chamber 202. The spacer 400 reduces the length of the heating element exposed to the article 302 .

[0069] The spacer 400, 500 reduces the length of the heating chamber without reducing the diameter or usable width of the heating chamber, which is possible because, as discussed above, the abutment surface 402b, 502b represents the proximal extent of the spacer, i.e., no portion of the spacer extends beyond the abutment surface.

[0070] The spacer allows the aerosol generation device 100 to be adapted by insertion of the spacer to reduce the effective length of the heating chamber 202. This allows the aerosol generation device 100 to accommodate the second item 302. It is envisaged that the spacer may be provided separately from the aerosol generation device 100, thereby allowing a user to adapt an existing aerosol generation device to accommodate the second item 302.

[0071] It is envisioned that a tool may be provided to aid in the insertion and / or removal of the spacer from the aerosol generating device. The tool may comprise an elongated member for insertion into the heating chamber 202 through the opening 103. The tool may be long enough to reach the distal end of the heating chamber and protrude from the device to be grasped by a user. The tool may comprise an engagement element for grasping the spacer to enable it to be extracted from the device. The engagement element may comprise, for example, a hook portion at the end of the elongated member. The tool may be used to push the spacer towards the distal end of the heating chamber. The tool may be used to extract the spacer from the heating chamber.

[0072] The above-described embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are also envisioned. It is to be understood that any feature described in connection with any one of the embodiments can be used alone or in combination with other features described, and can be used in combination with one or more features of any other of these embodiments or any combination of any other of these embodiments. Moreover, equivalents and modifications not described above can also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device, The aerosol generating device comprises: a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosolizable material, the heating chamber comprising a sidewall and a base; a spacer insertable into the heating chamber; the base is configured to abut a distal end of an article containing an aerosolizable material when the spacer is absent from the heating chamber; the spacer is configured to space a distal end of an article including an aerosolizable material from the base when the spacer is inserted into the heating chamber; the spacer comprising a positioning surface arranged to position the spacer relative to the base and an abutment surface for abutting at least a portion of an article including an aerosolizable material; The aerosol generation system, wherein the abutment surface defines a proximal-most portion of the spacer.

2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1 , wherein the positioning surface defines a distal-most portion of the spacer.

3. The aerosol generation system of claim 1 , wherein the spacer comprises a holder configured to hold the spacer within the heating chamber.

4. The aerosol generation system of claim 3 , wherein the retaining portion is configured to act on the side wall.

5. The aerosol generation system of claim 3 , wherein the spacer comprises an elastic portion that defines at least a portion of the retaining portion.

6. 2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation device includes a heating element, and the spacer is configured to axially overlap the heating element when received within the heating chamber.

7. The aerosol generation system of claim 6 , wherein the heating element defines at least a portion of the sidewall.

8. The aerosol generation system of claim 6 , wherein the heating element protrudes into the heating chamber.

9. 7. The aerosol generation system of claim 6, wherein the spacer is positioned to abut the heating element when received within the heating chamber.

10. The aerosol generation system of claim 1 , wherein the spacer comprises an air passageway therethrough.

11. The aerosol generation system of claim 1 , wherein the spacer does not contain any material that may be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field.

12. The spacer has a flow rate above the glass transition of 150 ppm k －１ 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating system is formed from a material having a linear thermal expansion coefficient of less than 1000 kJ / cm.

13. 1. A spacer for insertion into a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device, comprising: a body having a locating surface arranged to be positioned against a base of the heating chamber and an abutment surface arranged to abut an end of an article including an aerosolizable material, the abutment surface defining an axial end of the spacer; a retainer arranged to retain the spacer within the heating chamber; A spacer, wherein the positioning surface defines a first axial end of the spacer along an axis, the first axial end being the axially most side portion of the spacer, and the abutment surface defines a second axial end of the spacer along the axis, the second axial end being the axially most side portion of the spacer.

14. The spacer of claim 13 , wherein the retaining portion defines radial ends perpendicular to the axis.

15. The spacer of claim 13 , wherein the retaining portion comprises a resilient tab.

16. 14. A kit of parts comprising the spacer of claim 13 and an article comprising an aerosol-forming material.

17. A kit of parts comprising the spacer of claim 13 and a retrieval tool for retrieving the spacer from a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device.

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