Aerosol provision device heating system

Abstract

To provide an aerosol provision device heating system.SOLUTION: The system includes a heating region that can receive at least a portion of an article including aerosol generating material. The system also includes a first heating element 302 that extends within a first portion of the heating region, and a second heating element 304 that at least partially surrounds a second portion of the heating region. In some arrangements, at least part of the first heating element extending within the heating region is offset from the second heating element. In some arrangements, most of the second heating element is offset from the first heating element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device heating system for an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply device, and an aerosol supply system including the aerosol supply device and an article including an aerosol generating material. Background

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

[0003] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device heating system comprising a heating region configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material, a first heating element extending within a first portion of the heating region and capable of heating the first portion of the heating region, and a second heating element at least partially surrounding a second portion of the heating region and capable of heating the second portion of the heating region, wherein at least a portion of the first heating element extending within the heating region is offset from the second heating element.

[0004] At least a portion of the first heating element extending within the heating region and offset from the second heating element will not be surrounded by the second heating element.

[0005] Another portion of the first heating element extending within the heating region may be surrounded by the second heating element, or none of the first heating elements extending within the heating region need be surrounded by the second heating element.

[0006] The first heating element may extend within the heating region at the end of the heating region. The first heating element may protrude from one end (end portion) of the heating region into the first portion of the heating region.

[0007] The first heating element may define a longitudinal axis, and at least a part of the first heating element extending within the heating region may be offset axially (i.e., in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first heating element) from the second heating element.

[0008] This offset may be such that at least a part of the first heating element extending within the heating region does not axially overlap with the second heating element. Another part of the first heating element extending within the heating region may axially overlap with the second heating element, or none of the first heating elements extending within the heating region may axially overlap with the second heating element.

[0009] The heating region may have a longitudinal axis. The first heating element may extend axially (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating region) within the heating region. The first heating element may extend within the heating region along the longitudinal axis of the heating region.

[0010] The second heating element may extend at least partially around the longitudinal axis of the heating region.

[0011] The first heating element and the second heating element may be coaxial.

[0012] The first heating element may extend into the article. The first heating element may be configured to extend into the article when the article is received by the heating region.

[0013] The first heating element may be provided with a sharp blade or tip at its free end.

[0014] The second heating element may be provided with a substantially tubular member surrounding the second portion of the heating region.

[0015] The second heating element may comprise one or more discontinuous portions.

[0016] The one or more discontinuous portions may be configured such that a variable magnetic field can pass therethrough.

[0017] The second heating element may be configured to extend around at least a portion of the article when the article is received by the heating region.

[0018] The heating system may comprise a receiving portion that defines the heating region. The receiving portion may have a base and a peripheral wall that define one end (end portion) of the heating region.

[0019] The first heating element may rise from the base.

[0020] The peripheral wall may comprise a support member and the second heating element.

[0021] The second heating element may be supported by a support member that forms at least a part of the peripheral wall.

[0022] The support member may comprise a recess extending from the inner surface, and the second heating element may be within the recess.

[0023] At least a part of the first heating element that extends within the heating region and is offset from the second heating element may be disposed at one end (end portion) of the heating region.

[0024] At least a part of the first heating element that extends within the heating region and is offset from the second heating element may be at least a majority (i.e., most or all) of the first heating element that extends within the heating region.

[0025] At least a majority of the first heating element extending within the heating region may be longer than 50%, longer than 75%, longer than 90%, longer than 95%, or substantially 100% of the axial length of the first heating element extending within the heating region.

[0026] At least a majority (i.e., most or all) of the second heating element may be offset from the first heating element.

[0027] According to one aspect, a heating region configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-forming material, a first heating element extending within a first portion of the heating region, the first heating element being heatable to heat the first portion of the heating region, a second heating element at least partially surrounding a second portion of the heating region, the second heating element being heatable to heat the second portion of the heating region, and an aerosol supply device heating system is provided, in which at least a majority of the second heating element is offset from the first heating element.

[0028] The heating system of this aspect can optionally include one or more or all of the above features.

[0029] At least a majority of the second heating element offset from the first heating element will not surround the first heating element. This offset may be such that at least a majority of the second heating element does not axially overlap the first heating element.

[0030] A small portion of the second heating element may surround the first heating element, or none of the second heating elements may surround the first heating element. A small portion of the second heating element may axially overlap the first heating element, or none of the second heating elements may axially overlap the first heating element.

[0031] At least a majority of the second heating element may be longer than 50%, longer than 75%, longer than 90%, longer than 95%, or substantially 100% of the axial length of the second heating element.

[0032] The first heating element may be disposed at one end (end portion) of the heating region. The end portion of the heating region may be the first end portion of the heating region. At least a majority of the second heating element that is offset from the first heating element may be disposed at, or toward, the second end portion of the heating region.

[0033] The first end portion of the heating region may be the first axial end portion of the heating region. The second end portion of the heating region may be the other axial end portion of the heating region. The first end portion may be the distal end of the heating region, and the second end portion may be the proximal end of the heating region.

[0034] The first heating element may at least extend over a first distance between the distal end of the first end portion of the heating region and the proximal end of the free end of the first heating element. The second heating element may extend over a second distance between the distal end of the first end portion of the second heating element and the proximal end of the second end portion of the second heating element. The first heating element and the second heating element may be offset from each other such that the distance from the distal end of the first end portion of the heating region to the proximal end of the second end portion of the second heating element is longer than the first distance and longer than the second distance.

[0035] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device heating system comprising a heating region configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material, a first heating element extending within a first portion of the heating region at an end of the heating region, the first heating element extending at least over a first distance between the end of the heating region and the end of the first heating element, and a second heating element at least partially surrounding a second portion of the heating region, the second heating element extending over a second distance between a first end of the second heating element and a second end of the second heating element, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are offset from each other such that the distance from the end of the heating region to the second end of the second heating element is longer than the first distance and longer than the second distance.

[0036] The heating system of this aspect can optionally include one or more or all of the above features.

[0037] The first distance can be an axial distance. The second distance can be an axial distance. The distance from the (first) end of the heating region to the second end of the second heating element can be an axial distance.

[0038] The (free) end of the first heating element may be at or towards the second end of the heating region. The (free) end of the first heating element can be the proximal end of the first heating element. The other distal end of the first heating element may be at the first end of the heating region or may extend beyond the first end of the heating region. The first end of the second heating element may be at or towards the first end of the heating region. The first end of the second heating element can be the distal end of the second heating element. The second end of the second heating element may be at or towards the second end of the heating region. The second end of the second heating element can be the proximal end of the second heating element.

[0039] The first distance may be i) ≤ 40 mm, ii) ≤ 35 mm, iii) ≤ 30 mm, iv) ≤ 25 mm, v) ≤ 20 mm, vi) ≤ 15 mm, vii) ≤ 10 mm, or viii) ≤ 5 mm.

[0040] The second distance may be i) ≤ 40 mm, ii) ≤ 35 mm, iii) ≤ 30 mm, iv) ≤ 25 mm, v) ≤ 20 mm, vi) ≤ 15 mm, vii) ≤ 10 mm, or viii) ≤ 5 mm.

[0041] The distance from the (first) end of the heating region to the second end of the second heating element may be i) > 10 mm, ii) > 20 mm, iii) > 30 mm, iv) > 40 mm, v) > 50 mm, vi) > 60 mm, vii) 70 mm, or viii) > 80 mm.

[0042] The first heating element and the second heating element may be offset from each other such that the second heating element does not surround the first heating element. The first heating element and the second heating element may be offset from each other such that the second heating element does not axially overlap the first heating element.

[0043] The distance from the (free) end of the first heating element to the first end of the second heating element may be i) < 10 mm, ii) < 5 mm, iii) < 2 mm, iv) < 1 mm, or v) substantially 0 mm.

[0044] The first heating element may comprise a first resistive heating element that can be heated by an electric current. The second heating element may comprise a second resistive heating element that can be heated by an electric current. The system may comprise electrical contacts for supplying (directly) an electric current to the first and / or second resistive heating elements.

[0045] The first heating element may comprise a first susceptor that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field. The second heating element may comprise a second susceptor that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0046] The system may include an induction coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates the first and second susceptors. The induction coil may extend around at least a portion of the first susceptor and at least a portion of the second susceptor.

[0047] The system may include a first induction coil configured to generate a first varying magnetic field that penetrates the first susceptor and a second induction coil configured to generate a second varying magnetic field that penetrates the second susceptor. The first induction coil may extend around at least a portion of the first susceptor, and the second induction coil may extend around at least a portion of the second susceptor.

[0048] The induction coil, or the first and / or second induction coils, may extend around at least a portion of the heating region. The induction coil, or the first and / or second induction coils, may extend around the longitudinal axis of the heating region. The first induction coil and the second induction coil may be coaxial.

[0049] The first induction coil may extend axially around the first susceptor longer than it extends axially around the second susceptor. The second induction coil may extend axially around the second susceptor longer than it extends axially around the first susceptor.

[0050] The first heating element and the second heating element may be independently controllable.

[0051] The system may include a control circuit configured to independently control the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0052] The system may comprise a first sensor configured to measure a first temperature indicative of the temperature of a first heating element. The system may comprise a second sensor configured to measure a second temperature indicative of the temperature of a second heating element. The control circuit may be configured to control the first heating element based on the first temperature and to control the second heating element based on the second temperature.

[0053] The aerosol-forming material may be a non-liquid aerosol-forming material.

[0054] The heating region may be configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the non-liquid aerosol-forming material, and the heating system may be configured to heat the non-liquid aerosol-forming material.

[0055] The heating system may be configured to heat the first and / or second heating element to a temperature in the range of about 200°C to about 350°C, such as about 240°C to about 300°C, or about 250°C to about 280°C.

[0056] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device heating system comprising a heating region configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-forming material, a first heating element extending within a first portion of the heating region and being heatable to heat the first portion of the heating region, and a second heating element at least partially surrounding a second portion of the heating region and being heatable to heat the second portion of the heating region, wherein at least a majority of the second heating element does not surround the first heating element and / or at least a portion of the first heating element extending within the heating region is not surrounded by the second heating element.

[0057] The heating system of this aspect may optionally include one or more or all of the above features.

[0058] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device comprising the above heating system.

[0059] This aerosol supply device may be a non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0060] This device may be a tobacco heating device also known as a non-combustion heating device.

[0061] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply system comprising the above aerosol supply device and an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0062] The aerosol generating material may be a non-liquid aerosol generating material.

[0063] The article may be dimensioned to be at least partially received within the heating region.

[0064] The article may be dimensioned to be at least partially received within the second heating element.

[0065] The article may be dimensioned to contact the second heating element when received within the second heating element. The article may be dimensioned to be pierced at one end by the first heating element.

[0066] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device heating system comprising a heating region configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material, a first heating element extending within a first portion of the heating region and being heatable to heat the first portion of the heating region, and a second heating element at least partially surrounding a second portion of the heating region and being heatable to heat the second portion of the heating region, wherein at least a portion of the second heating element extending within the heating region overlaps the first heating element in the axial direction.

[0067] The second heating element may comprise one or more discontinuities.

[0068] One or more discontinuities may be configured such that a variable magnetic field can pass therethrough.

[0069] At least a part of the second heating element extending in the heating region that axially overlaps with the first heating element may include one or more discontinuities.

[0070] At least a part of the second heating element arranged axially spaced from the first heating element may not include one or more discontinuities.

[0071] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply device heating system including a heating region configured to receive at least a part of an article including an aerosol-generating material, a first heating element extending within a first portion of the heating region and being heatable to heat the first portion of the heating region, and a second heating element at least partially surrounding a second portion of the heating region and being heatable to heat the second portion of the heating region.

[0072] Next, various embodiments will be described merely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0073]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

[0074] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" includes materials that, when heated, typically supply volatile components in the form of an aerosol. The aerosol-forming material includes 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-forming material may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol-forming material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. The aerosol-forming material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol-forming material may also sometimes be known as a "smoking material".

[0075] Typically, there are known devices that heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material in order to form an aerosol that can be inhaled without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material. Such devices may also be described as "aerosol-generating devices", "aerosol supply devices", "non-combustion heating devices", "tobacco heating product devices", or "tobacco heating devices". Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices that typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in the form of a liquid that 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. The heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0076] An aerosol supply device can be adapted to heat an article comprising an aerosol-generating material. An "article" in this context is a component that contains or has an aerosol-generating material therein and that is heated during use to volatilize the aerosol-generating material and optionally other components. A user can insert the article into the aerosol-generating device and then heat it to generate an aerosol that the user can then inhale. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size configured to be placed, for example, within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0077] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating medium / material. The device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 110 comprising an aerosol-generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that can be inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0078] Device 100 includes a housing 102 that surrounds and houses various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end, and an article 110 can be inserted through this opening 104 for heating by the device 100. The article 110 can be inserted completely or partially into the device 100 for heating by the device 100.

[0079] The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 106, such as a button or switch, that operates the device 100 when it is operated, such as being pressed. For example, the user can operate the device 100 by pressing the switch 106.

[0080] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol supply device 100 of FIG. 1, showing various components of the device 100. It will be recognized that the device 100 may include other components not shown in FIG. 2.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 includes a heater assembly 201, a power source 204, and a controller (control circuit) 202. The heater assembly 201 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating medium of the article 110 inserted into the device 100 so that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating medium. The power source 204 supplies power to the heater assembly 201, and the heater assembly 201 converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating medium.

[0082] The power source 204 may be, for example, a battery such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0083] The battery 204 is electrically coupled to the heater assembly 201 to supply power when needed and can heat the aerosol - generating material under the control of the controller 202. The control circuit 202 can be configured to activate and deactivate the heater assembly 201 based on the operation of the user's control element 106. For example, the control circuit 202 can activate the heater assembly 201 in response to the operation of the user's switch 106.

[0084] The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 101, and the article 110 can extend along this longitudinal axis 101 when inserted into the device 100.

[0085] The end of the device 100 closest to the opening 104 is closest to the user's mouth during use and may be known as the proximal end (or mouth - side end) of the device 100. During use, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104, operates the user control 106 to start heating the aerosol - generating material, and draws in the aerosol generated within the device. Thereby, the aerosol flows through the device 100 along the flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

[0086] The other end of the device, which is farthest from the opening 104, is the end farthest from the user's mouth during use and may be known as the distal end of the device 100. When the user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal applied to the features of the device 100 are explained by reference to the relative positions of such features along the axis 101 in the proximal - distal direction with respect to each other.

[0087] Figures 3A and 3B are more detailed schematic views of the heater assembly 201 according to various embodiments. It will be recognized that the heater assembly 201 may include other components not shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0088] The heater assembly 201 may comprise various components for heating the aerosol-forming material of the article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly can comprise an induction element, for example one or more induction coils, and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The varying current within the induction element gives rise to a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) suitably arranged relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and thus the susceptor is heated by Joule heating as the eddy currents flow against this resistance. If the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat can also be generated by the magnetic hysteresis losses of the susceptor, i.e. as a result of the orientation of the magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material varying as a result of aligning with the varying magnetic field. In induction heating, for example as compared with heating by conduction, heat is generated within the susceptor, thereby enabling rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact between the induction element and the susceptor is required, which can greatly increase the degrees of freedom in terms of construction and use.

[0089] In addition to, or instead of, this, the heater assembly 201 may comprise various components for heating the aerosol-forming material of the article 110 by a resistive heating process. In this case, an electric current is applied directly to the resistive heating element, and as a result the heating element is heated by Joule heating as the electric current flows through it.

[0090] Other heating processes may be possible, such as infrared heating.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 3A, the heating assembly 201 is configured to receive the article 110 to be heated and includes a heating chamber 301 of such dimensions. The heating chamber 301 defines a heating region. In this example, the article 110 is generally cylindrical, and the heating chamber 301 is correspondingly generally cylindrical. However, other shapes may be possible.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 3A, the heating chamber 301 can be defined by the inner wall of the support member 315, which may comprise a generally tubular member extending substantially coaxially therearound along the longitudinal axis 101 of the device 100. The support member 315 (and thus the heating chamber 301) may be open at its proximal end, such that an article 110 inserted into the opening 104 of the device 100 can be received by the heating chamber 301 through the opening 104. The support member 315 may be closed at its distal end by an end portion 315A. The distal end portion 315A may comprise one or more conduits 317 that form an air passageway. In use, the distal end of the article 110 may be disposed adjacent to or engaged with the distal end 315A of the heating chamber 301. Air can flow through the one or more conduits 317, into the heating chamber 301, and towards the proximal end of the device 100.

[0093] The support member 315 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the support member 315 may be formed from a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. The support member 315 may be formed from a material that ensures the assembly maintains rigidity / robustness when the heating element is heating. Using a non-metallic material for the support member 315 can help limit interference with magnetic induction. The support member 315 may be formed from a rigid material to assist in supporting other components.

[0094] Other configurations for the support member 315 will be possible.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 3A, the heating assembly 201 comprises a first heating element 302 and a second heating element 304. The first and second heating elements 302, 304 are each configured to heat respective portions of the heating chamber 301. The portion of the heating chamber 301 heated by the first heating element 302 may or may not overlap with the portion of the heating chamber 301 heated by the second heating element 304.

[0096] The first heating element 302 may be a first resistive heating element. The second heating element 304 may be a second resistive heating element. The first and / or second resistive heating elements each include a resistive material configured to generate heat when an appropriate current passes therethrough, and the heating assembly 201 may include electrical contacts for supplying (directly) current to the resistive materials of the first and / or second resistive heating elements.

[0097] The first heating element may be an induction heating element, i.e., a first susceptor that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field. The second heating element may be an induction heating element, i.e., a second susceptor that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field. In this case, the first and second susceptors each include a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the first and / or second susceptors 302, 304 may be formed of carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials, such as ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, may be used. As further discussed below, in this case, the heating assembly 201 may include one or more induction elements (not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B), such as one or more induction coils, configured to generate one or more varying magnetic fields that penetrate the first and / or second susceptors to cause heating of the first and / or second susceptors.

[0098] Other forms of heating elements, such as infrared heating elements, are also contemplated.

[0099] The first and second heating elements 302, 304 may be formed of the same material or different materials.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 3A, the first heating element 302 may be disposed at the distal end (first end) of the heating chamber 301. The first heating element 302 may extend (axially) into the heating chamber 301 from the distal end 315A of the heating chamber 301 along the longitudinal axis 101 of the device. Thus, the first heating element 302 and the heating chamber 301 may be coaxial. It would be possible for the first heating element 302 to extend into the heating chamber 301, for example, with an axial offset or not parallel to the axis 101.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 3A, the first heating element 302 may include a base 302A and a protrusion 302B. The first heating element 302 may be supported by the base 302A, and the protrusion 302B may extend within the heating region 301 and, in use, may extend into the article 110.

[0102] The protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 may extend within the heating region 301 by any suitable distance. For example, the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 may have an axial length (i.e., the distance between the distal end of the heating chamber 301 and the proximal end of the first heating element 302) within the heating region of (i) 1 - 5 mm, (ii) 5 - 10 mm, (iii) 10 - 15 mm, (iv) 15 - 20 mm, (v) 20 - 25 mm, (vi) 25 - 30 mm, (vii) 30 - 35 mm, or (viii) 35 - 40 mm. The axial length of the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 within the heating region may be (i) ≤ 40 mm, (ii) ≤ 35 mm, (iii) ≤ 30 mm, (iv) ≤ 25 mm, (v) ≤ 20 mm, (vi) ≤ 15 mm, (vii) ≤ 10 mm, or (viii) ≤ 5 mm.

[0103] The heating assembly 201 may be configured such that when the article 110 is received by the heating chamber 301, the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 extends into the distal end of the article 110. Thus, the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 may be disposed within the article 110 during use. Thus, the first heating element 302 can be configured to heat the aerosol-forming material of the article 110 from the inside, and for this reason, it may also be referred to as the inner heating element 302. To facilitate this, the first inner heating element 302 may be configured to pierce the article 110 inserted into the device 100. For example, the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 may comprise a sharp blade or tip at its proximal end. For example, the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 may be formed in the shape of a pin or a blade.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 3A, the second heating element 304 may be disposed at or towards the proximal end (second end) of the heating chamber 301. The second heating element 304 may be a generally tubular member that extends substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis 101 along the longitudinal axis 101. The second heating element 304 may extend at least partially around the axial portion of the heating chamber 301. The second heating element 304 may be supported by a support member 315. The second heating element 304 and the support member 315 may be coaxial. The first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304 may be coaxial.

[0105] The second heating element 304 may extend continuously around the entire circumference of the heating chamber 301 or may only extend partially around the chamber 301. For example, one or more discontinuities, such as holes, gaps, or slots, may be provided in the second heating element 304.

[0106] The second heating element 304 may be configured to extend around the article 110 received by the heating chamber 301 and may be of such dimensions. Thus, the second heating element 304 may be disposed around the article 110 during use. Thus, the second heating element 304 can be configured to heat the aerosol-forming material of the article 110 from the outside and for this reason may also be referred to as the outer heating element 304. The outer heating element 304 of the second heating element may have a circular cross-section, for example a cross-section corresponding to the circular cross-section of the article 110. Other cross-sectional shapes would also be possible.

[0107] The outer heating element 304 and the article 110 may be dimensioned such that, during use, the outer surface of the article 110 abuts the inner surface of the outer heating element 304. This can help to ensure efficient heating. In this example, for instance, the second heating element 304 projects radially inwards from the wall of the support member 315 such that the article 110 abuts the inner surface of the outer heating element 304 but is disposed radially spaced from the inner surface of the support member 315. However, other configurations would also be possible. For example, the radially inner surface of the second heating element 304 may be flush with the wall of the support member 315.

[0108] The second heating element 304 may extend along the heating region 301 for any suitable distance. For example, the second heating element 304 may have an axial length of (i) 1 to 5 mm, (ii) 5 to 10 mm, (iii) 10 to 15 mm, (iv) 15 to 20 mm, (v) 20 to 25 mm, (vi) 25 to 30 mm, (vii) 30 to 35 mm, or (viii) 35 to 40 mm. The axial length of the second heating element 304 may be shorter than, the same as, or longer than the axial length of the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 within the heating region 301.

[0109] By providing both the inner heating element 302 and the outer heating element 304, for example, the temperature gradient in the article 110 can be made smaller, enabling more efficient and effective heating of the article 110.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 3A, the first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304 are axially offset from each other. The axial offset is such that the first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304 do not axially overlap, i.e., the second heating element 304 does not surround the first heating element 302 (and the first heating element 302 is not surrounded by the second heating element 304). In this case, the axial distance between the proximal end of the first heating element 302 and the distal end of the second heating element 304 may be less than 10 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, or substantially 0 mm.

[0111] FIG. 3B shows an alternative configuration in which the first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304 axially overlap. The configuration of FIG. 3B is identical to the arrangement of FIG. 3A in other respects as discussed herein.

[0112] In the example of FIG. 3B, the proximal portion of the first heating element 302 is surrounded by the distal portion of the second heating element 304. In other words, a part of the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 is not surrounded by the second heating element 304, and a part of the second heating element 304 does not surround the first heating element 302. That is, a part rather than all of the axial length of the first heating element 302 axially overlaps with a part rather than all of the axial length of the second heating element 304.

[0113] Most of the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 may not be surrounded by the second heating element 304. That is, most of the axial length of the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 may not axially overlap with the second heating element 304. For example, less than 50%, less than 25%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or substantially 0% of the axial length of the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 within the heating chamber 301 may axially overlap with the second heating element 304.

[0114] Most of the second heating element 304 need not surround the first heating element 302. That is, most of the axial length of the second heating element 304 need not axially overlap the first heating element 302. For example, less than 50%, less than 25%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or substantially 0% of the axial length of the second heating element 304 may axially overlap the first heating element 302.

[0115] By arranging the inner heating element 302 and the outer heating element 304 such that the overlap therebetween is relatively short or they do not overlap, the overall heating region can be made relatively long while keeping the inner heating element 302 relatively short. As a result, the inner heating element 302 may be better able to withstand forces, for example, when inserting and removing the article 110.

[0116] For example, the first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304 together may extend over an axial length that is longer than the axial length of the first heating element 302 and longer than the axial length of the second heating element 304. For example, the first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304 together may extend over an axial length of i) > 10 mm, ii) > 20 mm, iii) > 30 mm, iv) > 40 mm, v) > 50 mm, vi) > 60 mm, vii) 70 mm, or viii) > 80 mm.

[0117] Furthermore, by arranging the inner susceptor and the outer susceptor such that the overlap therebetween is relatively short or they do not overlap, it may be possible to easily heat both susceptors using the same single induction coil. Thereby, for example, the number of required components can be reduced and the device can be simplified.

[0118] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an article 110 received by a heater assembly 201 according to various embodiments. As shown in Figure 4, the device 100 may include an end support 415 at the distal end of the support member 315. The end support 415 may include an air inlet 415A at the distal end. The air passage can enter the heating chamber 301 from the air inlet 415A, through the end support 415, and, for example, through the conduit 317.

[0119] In the example of Figure 4, the heating assembly 201 is an induction heating assembly. Thus, the heating assembly 201 of this example further includes an induction element, which in this example is in the form of an induction coil 310. It will be appreciated that in this example, the first heating element 302 is the first susceptor and the second heating element 304 is the second susceptor.

[0120] The induction coil 310 may extend around at least a portion of the first susceptor 302 and at least a portion of the second susceptor 304. For example, the induction coil 310 may extend around the entire axial length of both the first and second susceptors 302, 304. The induction coil 310 may be configured to generate a varying magnetic field that penetrates both the first and second susceptors 302, 304 to cause heating in both the first and second susceptors 302, 304.

[0121] The induction coil 310 may be a helical coil including a conductive material such as copper. The coil may be formed from a wire such as a litz wire wound helically around the support member 315 and thus around the heating chamber 301. The litz wire includes a plurality of individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. The litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. Other wire types such as single wire can also be used.

[0122] The induction coil 310 may extend around the support member 315 and be supported by the support member 315. Accordingly, the induction coil 310 may extend around a portion of the heating chamber 301. The induction coil 310 may be arranged coaxially with the support member 315 and the heating chamber 301 (and the longitudinal axis 101).

[0123] When a part of the first susceptor 302 is surrounded by the second susceptor 304, at least a part of the second susceptor 304 surrounding the first susceptor 302 may include one or more discontinuities, such as holes, gaps, or slots, and these discontinuities are configured such that a varying magnetic field can pass therethrough and reach the first susceptor 302 with sufficient strength to cause desired heating.

[0124] FIG. 5 shows an alternative induction heating configuration in which the heating assembly 201 includes a first induction coil 312 and a second induction coil 314. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an article 110 received in the heater assembly 201 according to various embodiments, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view thereof.

[0125] As can be seen in FIG. 5B, the first induction coil 312 may extend around at least a part of the first susceptor 302, and the second induction coil 314 may extend around at least a part of the second susceptor 304. The first induction coil 312 may be configured to generate a first varying magnetic field that penetrates the first susceptor 302 to cause heating of the first susceptor 302. The second induction coil 314 may be configured to generate a second varying magnetic field that penetrates the second susceptor 304 to cause heating of the second susceptor 304.

[0126] The first induction coil 312 and the second induction coil 314 may be axially displaced from each other along the longitudinal axis 101. As a result, the first susceptor 302 has an axial length surrounded by the first induction coil 312 that is longer than the axial length surrounded by the second induction coil 314, and the second susceptor 304 has an axial length surrounded by the second induction coil 314 that is longer than the axial length surrounded by the first induction coil 312.

[0127] This means that the first alternating magnetic field generated by the first induction coil 312 can increase the temperature of the first susceptor 302 more than that of the second susceptor 304. Similarly, the second alternating magnetic field generated by the second induction coil 314 can increase the temperature of the second susceptor 304 more than that of the first susceptor 302. For example, the first alternating magnetic field can only increase the temperature of the second susceptor 304 to a negligible extent or cannot substantially increase it, but can increase the temperature of the first susceptor 302 to a non-negligible extent. The second alternating magnetic field can only increase the temperature of the first susceptor 302 to a negligible extent or cannot substantially increase it, but can increase the temperature of the second susceptor 304 to a non-negligible extent.

[0128] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first susceptor 302 may be surrounded by the second susceptor 304. At least that portion of the second susceptor 304 surrounding the first susceptor 302 may include one or more discontinuities, such as holes, gaps, or slots, which are configured such that the first alternating magnetic field can pass through them and reach the first susceptor 302 with sufficient intensity to cause the desired heating. The one or more discontinuities may extend only along a portion of the second susceptor 304. The one or more discontinuities in some embodiments extend across at least a portion of the second susceptor 304 that overlaps at least a portion of the first susceptor 302.

[0129] The first induction coil 312 and the second induction coil 314 may be substantially the same or may have at least one characteristic different from each other. For example, the values of the inductance, axial length, radius, pitch, number of turns, etc. of the first induction coil 312 and the second induction coil 314 may be substantially the same or different. The first induction coil 312 and the second induction coil 314 may be wound in the same direction or in opposite directions. Winding the coils in opposite directions can help reduce the current in the other coil induced by one coil.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in this example, the first susceptor 302 has a shorter axial length than the second susceptor 304. The axial lengths of the induction coils 312, 314 may correspond to the axial lengths of the respective susceptors 302, 304. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in this example, the first induction coil 312 has fewer turns and a shorter axial length than the second induction coil 314. In this example, the protrusion 302B of the first susceptor 302 has a blade shape.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 5B, the article 110 may include a first distal segment 110A including an aerosol-generating material and a second proximal segment 110B. The aerosol-generating material may be, for example, a non-liquid aerosol-generating material including tobacco. The second proximal segment 110B may include a filter structure and / or a cooling structure and / or a mouthpiece. The first and second segments of the article 110 may be wrapped by a wrapper 110C.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 5B, in use, the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 may extend into the first segment 110A of the article 110. The axial lengths of the first segment 110A and the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 may be such that the protrusion 302B of the first heating element 302 does not extend into the second segment 110B of the article 110.

[0133] Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, during use, the second heating element 304 may surround at least a portion of the first segment 110A of the article 110. The second heating element 304 may also surround at least a portion of the second segment 110B of the article 110. However, it is also possible that the second heating element 304 does not surround the second segment 110B of the article 110.

[0134] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an article 110 received in an aerosol-generating device 100 according to various embodiments, where the heating assembly 201 is an induction heating assembly comprising a single induction coil 310. FIG. 6 shows a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 6, the device 100 may comprise one or more temperature sensors such as at least one thermocouple 501. The thermocouple 501 may be configured to measure a temperature indicative of the temperature of the first and / or second heating elements 302, 304. The measured temperature information may be provided to the controller 202, for example, to provide a feedback mechanism for achieving a desired heating.

[0136] FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of an article 110 received in an aerosol-generating device 100 according to various embodiments, where the heating assembly 201 is an induction heating assembly comprising first and second induction coils 312, 314. FIG. 7A shows a first plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 101, and FIG. 7B shows a second plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 101 and orthogonal to the first plane.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 7A, device 100 may include two independent temperature sensors, such as two thermocouples. Among them, the first sensor 502 is configured to measure the temperature indicating the temperature of the first heating element 302, and the second sensor 504 is configured to measure the temperature indicating the temperature of the second heating element 304. The measured temperature information may be provided to the controller 202 to provide a feedback mechanism for independently controlling the first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304. For example, the first control circuit of the controller 202 may control the first heating element 302 or the induction coil 312 based on the temperature information for the first heating element 302, and the second control circuit of the controller 202 may control the second heating element 304 or the induction coil 314 based on the temperature information for the second heating element 304.

[0138] Accordingly, in various embodiments, the first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304 can be independently controlled by the controller 202.

[0139] For example, the controller 202 can cause the first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304 to be heated to the same or different temperatures, and / or cause the first heating element 302 and the second heating element 304 to be heated according to the same or different temperature-time profiles. For example, the heating elements 302, 304 can be operated at different times. For example, initially, the first heating element 302 may operate to heat the first section of the article 110, and then the second heating element 304 may operate to heat the second section of the article 110 (or vice versa).

[0140] In some embodiments, the first heating element 302 is fixedly connected to the device 100 such that it extends within the heating region at a fixed position relative to the second heating element 304. In these embodiments, the first heating element 302 can extend into the article 110 when the article 110 is received by the heating region. However, in other embodiments, the first heating element 302 may be provided within the article 110 inserted into the device 100. In these embodiments, the first heating element 302 may be movable relative to the second heating element 304. In these embodiments, the first heating element 302 may extend within the heating region when the article 110 is received by the heating region.

[0141] The above embodiments are to be understood as examples for the description of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are also conceivable. Any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with any other feature described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment, or any combination of one or more features of any other embodiment. It should be understood that equivalents and modifications not described above may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

[0142] This disclosure includes the following embodiments. (Embodiment 1) A heating region configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, A first heating element extending within a first portion of the heating region, the first heating element being heatable to heat the first portion of the heating region, A second heating element at least partially surrounding a second portion of the heating region, the second heating element being heatable to heat the second portion of the heating region, Comprising, An aerosol supply device heating system in which at least a part of the first heating element extending within the heating region is offset from the second heating element. (Embodiment 2) The heating system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first heating element defines a longitudinal axis, and at least a part of the first heating element extending within the heating region is axially displaced from the second heating element. (Embodiment 3) The heating system according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are coaxial. (Embodiment 4) The heating system according to Embodiment 1, 2, or 3, wherein the first heating element is configured to extend into an article received by the heating region. (Embodiment 5) The heating system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first heating element has a sharp blade or tip at its free end. (Embodiment 6) The heating system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the second heating element is configured to extend around at least a part of an article received by the heating region. (Embodiment 7) The heating system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, comprising a receiving portion that defines the heating region, the receiving portion having a base and a peripheral wall that define an end of the heating region. (Embodiment 8) The heating system according to Embodiment 7, wherein the first heating element rises from the base. (Embodiment 9) The heating system according to Embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the peripheral wall comprises a support member and the second heating element. (Embodiment 10) The heating system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein at least a part of the first heating element extending within the heating region and displaced from the second heating element is disposed at an end of the heating region. (Embodiment 11) In any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, at least a part of the first heating element extending within the heating region, which is offset from the second heating element, is at least a majority of the first heating element extending within the heating region. The heating system described. (Embodiment 12) In any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, at least a majority of the second heating element is offset from the first heating element. The heating system described. (Embodiment 13) A heating region configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, A first heating element extending within a first portion of the heating region, the first heating element being heatable to heat the first portion of the heating region, A second heating element at least partially surrounding a second portion of the heating region, the second heating element being heatable to heat the second portion of the heating region, Comprising, An aerosol supply device heating system in which at least a majority of the second heating element is offset from the first heating element. (Embodiment 14) The first heating element is disposed at a first end of the heating region, and at least a majority of the second heating element offset from the first heating element is disposed at a second end of the heating region or towards the second end of the heating region. The heating system according to Embodiment 12 or 13. (Embodiment 15) The first heating element extends at least over a first distance between an end of the heating region and an end of the first heating element, and the second heating element extends over a second distance between a first end of the second heating element and a second end of the second heating element. The first heating element and the second heating element are offset from each other such that the distance from the end of the heating region to the second end of the second heating element is longer than the first distance and longer than the second distance. The heating system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14. (Embodiment 16) The heating system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the first heating element includes a first susceptor that can be heated by the intrusion of a variable magnetic field, and the second heating element includes a second susceptor that can be heated by the intrusion of a variable magnetic field. (Embodiment 17) The heating system according to Embodiment 16, further comprising an inductor coil configured to generate a variable magnetic field that penetrates the first and second susceptors. (Embodiment 18) The heating system according to Embodiment 16, further comprising a first induction coil configured to generate a first variable magnetic field that penetrates the first susceptor, and a second induction coil configured to generate a second variable magnetic field that penetrates the second susceptor. (Embodiment 19) The heating system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 18, comprising a control circuit configured to independently control the first heating element and the second heating element. (Embodiment 20) An aerosol supply device comprising the heating system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 19. (Embodiment 21) An aerosol supply system comprising the aerosol supply device according to Embodiment 20 and an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

Claims

[Claim 1] An invention substantially as described in the specification.

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