Aerosol-generating device having holding mechanism

Abstract

To provide an aerosol-generating device for heating an aerosol-generating article.SOLUTION: An aerosol-generating device for heating an aerosol-generating article comprises: a housing having an opening; a chamber disposed within the housing, and configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article through the opening in the housing; a heater assembly disposed within the housing, and comprising a heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the chamber; and a holding mechanism disposed at or proximate to the opening of the housing. The holding mechanism comprises at least one holding member configured to move between: a first position, in which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the chamber via the opening; and a second position, in which the size of the opening is reduced in comparison to the size of the opening when the holding member is in the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol generating systems, such as handheld, electrically operated aerosol generating systems. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device configured to heat an article containing a quantity of an aerosol-forming substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] Articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a cigarette, is heated rather than burned have been proposed in the art. These articles are heated by an aerosol-generating device comprising a heater and a chamber into which a portion of the article can be inserted. Specifically, the aerosol-forming substrate portion of the article is inserted into the chamber and heated to generate an aerosol. The mouth end of the article remains outside the chamber, allowing the consumer to suck on this mouth end to receive the aerosol. The chamber is typically an elongated cylinder, the size and shape of which substantially correspond to the size and shape of the aerosol-generating article with which the aerosol-generating device is intended for use. To properly position the article within the chamber of the device, the device may include a heater in the form of a heater blade extending from the base of the chamber. The heater blade penetrates the article when it is inserted into the chamber. In some devices, the heater blade may help hold the article in place relative to the chamber. However, the heater blade does not always provide an adequate means for holding the article in place once it is inserted into the chamber.

[0003] It has also been proposed in the industry to heat the article by other means, such as a heater assembly that extends around the outer surface of the chamber, which may be preferred when the article to be heated is relatively slim, as there may be a risk that the heater blades could damage such an article when inserted into the chamber.

[0004] In some devices, it may be desirable for the chamber of the device to have a width greater than the width of the article to be heated within the chamber, to facilitate insertion and removal of the article from the chamber. In particular, it may be necessary to facilitate removal of the article from the chamber of a device that includes a heater assembly that extends around the outer surface of the chamber. This is because heating the article from the outer surface can weaken the structure of the article (especially if the article has an outer wrapper formed from paper), which increases the risk of the article tearing when it is removed from the chamber. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved arrangement for holding an aerosol-generating article after it has been inserted into an aerosol-generating device, and it would also be desirable to provide an improved arrangement for releasing an aerosol-generating article from an aerosol-generating device to facilitate extraction of the article from the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol-generating article, the device comprising: a housing having an opening; a chamber disposed within the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article through the opening in the housing; a heater assembly disposed within the housing and including a heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the chamber; and a retaining mechanism disposed at or adjacent to the opening in the housing and including at least one retaining member configured to move between a first position in which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the chamber through the opening and a second position in which the size of the opening is reduced compared to the size of the opening when the retaining member is in the first position.

[0007] By providing a device having a retaining member that is movable between such first and second positions, an article can be simply inserted into the chamber of the device (when the retaining member is in the first position) and then, after said insertion, the article can be securely held in place by the retaining member (when the retaining member is in the second position).

[0008] By providing a retaining member at or around the opening in the housing, the retaining member can engage a portion of the article that is less likely to be exposed to high temperatures from the heating assembly, such as the mouth end of the article. This means that the retaining member is less likely to affect the aerosol generation process and therefore less likely to affect the aerosol delivered to the consumer than if the retaining member were configured to engage with the aerosol-forming portion of the article. The mouth end may also be more resilient than the aerosol-forming portion of the article. This means that the mouth end of the article is less likely to be damaged by the retaining member than if the retaining member were engaged with the aerosol-forming portion of the article.

[0009] The arrangement of the first aspect of the invention also enables the apparatus to utilize heater arrangements other than heater blade arrangements without substantial risk of the article moving within or becoming dislodged from the chamber during use.

[0010] In embodiments of the present invention, the retention feature is separate from or not the same component as the heater assembly. That is, the object(s) forming the retention feature are not the same as the object(s) forming the heater assembly. In this manner, the function and performance of the heater assembly can remain unaffected by whether the at least one retention member is disposed in its first position or its second position.

[0011] As a result, the heater assembly and the retaining mechanism are arranged such that, when the aerosol-generating article is received in the chamber, the heater assembly is configured to heat a first portion of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the aerosol-forming portion), and the retaining mechanism is configured to retain a second portion of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the mouth end portion). For example, if the chamber has a longitudinal axis extending from the opening in the housing into the chamber, the heater assembly may be disposed within or around the chamber and longitudinally spaced from the retaining mechanism. More specifically, the retaining mechanism may be disposed at or adjacent the opening at a first longitudinal position, and the heater assembly may be disposed within or around the chamber at a second longitudinal position, the second longitudinal position being spaced further into the chamber than the first longitudinal position. Such an arrangement can reduce the likelihood of heating being affected by the retaining mechanism. Such an arrangement may also mean that the retaining mechanism is less likely to be exposed to high temperatures from the heater assembly.

[0012] The retaining mechanism may be configured such that, when the aerosol-generating article is received within the chamber, at least one retaining member can engage and retain the aerosol-generating article in a position such that the article does not physically contact the heater assembly or portions of the chamber heated by the heater assembly. This may help to ensure that no portion of the aerosol-generating article is overheated. In other words, this may help to ensure that the aerosol-generating article is heated more evenly.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one retaining member may be configured to substantially cover a portion of the opening between the outer surface of the article and the periphery of the opening defined by the housing when the at least one retaining member is in the second position. For example, the retention mechanism may include multiple retaining members arranged in an iris diaphragm-like manner that substantially surrounds the article received in the chamber when the retaining members are in the second position. In these embodiments, the at least one retaining member may substantially block or inhibit air from flowing out of the chamber between the outer surface of the article and the periphery of the opening defined by the housing when the at least one retaining member is in the second position. In this manner, the at least one retaining member may improve airflow through the article when the article is received in the device because the retaining member may reduce the proportion of air drawn through the device without passing through the article.

[0014] The retaining member is disposed at or adjacent to the opening of the housing. The opening may be defined by a gap or hole in the housing through which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted. In some embodiments, the retaining member may be disposed on the outer surface of the wall of the housing. This allows the user to know the location of the retaining member at all times. In some embodiments, the retaining member may be below the inner surface of the wall of the housing. For example, the entire retaining member may be below the inner surface of the wall of the housing when the retaining member is in the first position. In this case, the retaining member may be invisible to the user. However, when the retaining member is moved to the second position, at least a portion of the retaining member may no longer be below the wall of the housing but may instead move toward the opening so that it is exposed to the exterior of the device. In this case, the size of the opening is reduced by the amount of the retaining member that is exposed.

[0015] As discussed in more detail below, the retention mechanism may include two or more opposing retention members at or adjacent the opening, each of which is movable relative to the chamber between a first position and a second position. The opposing retention members may be arranged to provide opposing retention forces on the aerosol-generating article when the article is received within the chamber and when the retention member is disposed in its second position. This may help ensure that the article can be held by the retention mechanism alone, rather than relying on fixed portions of the housing wall or chamber wall to provide the necessary holding surface. This may therefore advantageously ensure that the aerosol-generating article can be placed in the device and held in a fixed position relative to the device without having to come into direct physical contact with the heater assembly or a portion of the chamber heated by the heater assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments, the retaining member may be configured to slide between a first position and a second position, hi some embodiments, the retaining member may be configured to rotate between the first position and the second position.

[0017] Preferably, the housing includes a guide track along which the retaining member can slide as it moves between the first and second positions. For example, the retaining member may include a body located above an outer surface of a wall of the housing and a protruding portion that extends into an underlying guide track formed in the wall of the housing. The guide track may define a range of movement that the retaining member can have relative to the housing.

[0018] The retention mechanism may include a pivot point. The retention member may be configured to pivot about the pivot point as the retention member moves between the first position and the second position. The pivot point may be located adjacent to the opening. The pivot point may define a pivot axis extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

[0019] The retention mechanism may include an iris diaphragm at the opening. The iris diaphragm may be configured to open and close such that, when the iris diaphragm is open, an aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the chamber through the opening and then fixedly positioned relative to the chamber by at least partially closing the iris diaphragm around the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. That is, the at least one retention member may include a plurality of blades within the iris diaphragm arrangement, each of which is configured to move from a first position in which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the chamber through the opening and a second position in which the size of the opening is reduced compared to the size of the opening when each blade is in the first position. The blades of the iris diaphragm may be disposed below the wall of the housing. When in the first position, the blades of the iris diaphragm are preferably completely below the wall of the housing. In other words, when in the first position, the blades of the iris diaphragm are preferably not exposed to the exterior of the housing.

[0020] At least one retaining member may include a curved edge arranged to provide a holding surface when the retaining member is in the second position. The curved edge is preferably a concave edge. By providing a retaining member with such a curved or concave edge, the retaining member can have a shape that complements the aerosol-generating article with which it engages. That is, aerosol-generating articles are generally substantially cylindrical, and therefore the edge of the retaining member can be shaped to complement the curved surface of the substantially cylindrical article inserted into the chamber. This can help to improve engagement between the retaining member and the aerosol-generating article. This can also help to better distribute any holding force that the retaining member imposes on the aerosol-generating article when the retaining member is in the second position. This may advantageously minimize any potential damage that may occur to the aerosol-generating article when the retaining member is in the device.

[0021] The device may be provided with a closing lid or cap to close the opening, which may be advantageous to protect the chamber from the ingress of contaminants or other debris when the device is not in use.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one retaining member is configured to move to a third position in which the retaining member completely closes the opening in the housing, which advantageously means that the retaining member can be used to hold the article in a fixed position relative to the housing when the article is inserted into the device, and to protect the chamber from the ingress of contaminants or other debris when the device is not in use.

[0023] The retention mechanism may be configured to lock the retention member in one or more of a first position, a second position and a third position, which advantageously means that the chamber cannot become unintentionally exposed.

[0024] The aerosol-generating article is typically an elongated cylinder. The chamber is preferably elongated and has a longitudinal axis extending from the base of the chamber to the opening.

[0025] The retention feature may be configured such that movement of the at least one retention member between the first and second positions is substantially perpendicular or transverse to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. In other words, if the retention feature includes a guide track along which the retention member is slidable, the guide track may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. In other words, if the retention feature includes a pivot point, the pivot point may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

[0026] The base of the chamber may be defined by a bottom wall. The base of the chamber may include one or more openings. The chamber is preferably cylindrical. The walls of the chamber may be formed of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal.

[0027] The heating assembly may include any suitable number of heating elements. The heating assembly may include a single heating element. The heating assembly may include at least one heating element. The heating assembly may include two heating elements. The heating assembly may include multiple heating elements. If the heating assembly includes multiple heating elements, the heating elements may be disposed at different locations in or around the chamber to heat different portions of the chamber. If the chamber includes a longitudinal axis, the heating elements may be spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. If the heating assembly includes multiple heating elements, the device may be configured to activate or heat each heating element at a different time. The device may be configured to sequentially heat each heating element in a predetermined order.

[0028] At least one wall of the chamber may be thermally coupled to a heater element. The heater assembly may comprise a heater element disposed about an outer surface of the at least one wall of the chamber.

[0029] The heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. The heating element may be an electric heating element. The electric heating element may be a resistive heating element. The electric heating element may be an inductive heating element. The heating element may be in the form of a pin or blade. The heater element may be one or more conductive tracks on an electrically insulating substrate. The conductive tracks may be electrically connected to a power supply. The electrically insulating substrate may be formed from polyimide. The electrically insulating substrate may extend around the outer surface of at least one wall of the chamber. The electrically insulating substrate may be wound into a tube. When the heater assembly comprises two or more heater elements, each heating element may be the same type of heating element, or the heater assembly may comprise different types of heating elements.

[0030] The heater assembly may include an insulating member disposed around the heater element. The insulating member may be a double-walled tube disposed around the heater element. The double-walled tube may include a vacuum between its two walls. If the heater assembly includes two or more heating elements, the insulating member may be disposed around two or more of the heating elements.

[0031] The retention mechanism may include a biasing member configured to urge the retention member to move toward the predetermined position. The biasing member may include a spring, such as a helical spring. The predetermined position is preferably the second position. In this case, the biasing member may urge the retention member toward the second position when the device is not in use. When a consumer desires to use the device, the consumer can push the retention member toward the first position to overcome the biasing force. For example, the consumer may slide or rotate the retention member from the second position to the first position. This acts to increase the size of the opening so that an article can be inserted through the opening. The consumer can then insert the article through the opening, whereby a portion of the article is present within the chamber. The consumer can then release the retention member from the first position. The biasing force of the biasing member then urges the retention member back toward the second position, whereby the retention member engages with the aerosol-generating article and helps hold the article in place relative to the housing.

[0032] In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may include a locking mechanism for releasably locking the retention member in the second position. In these embodiments, the retention mechanism may include a biasing member configured to urge the retention member to move toward the first position such that when the retention member is locked in the second position and the locking mechanism is released, the retention member is returned to the first position by the biasing member.

[0033] In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may include a locking mechanism for releasably locking the retention member in the first position.

[0034] A consumer may be able to directly move at least one retaining member between the first and second positions. For example, if the retaining member comprises a body that is positioned above an outer surface and portion of a wall of the housing and extends into an underlying guide track formed in the wall of the housing, the consumer may use their fingers to move the retaining member between the first and second positions.

[0035] The retention mechanism may further include a control member on the exterior surface of the housing. The control member may be coupled to the retention member such that actuation of the control member moves the retention member between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the control member may be a button that a user can press to move the retention member from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the first position, or both. In some embodiments, the control member may be an element that a user can slide to move the retention member between the first position and the second position. When the retention member is at least partially beneath the wall of the housing, the control member may be advantageous because it may provide a convenient facility for a consumer to interact with to move the retention member.

[0036] The holding mechanism may be configured to move the holding member from the first position to the second position in response to activation of the heating assembly. For example, the holding mechanism may include a switch electrically coupled to the temperature sensor. In such a case, the switch may be configured to initiate movement of the holding member from the first position to the second position in response to receiving a signal from the temperature sensor indicating that a threshold temperature value has been reached. The switch may be electrically connected to a power supply electrically connected to the heater assembly. In such a case, the switch may be configured to initiate movement of the holding member from the first position to the second position in response to receiving a signal indicating that power is being supplied to the heater. In some embodiments, a heating element may be used as a temperature sensor, and the electrical resistance of the heating element may be measured and used as an indication of the temperature of the heating element.

[0037] The retention mechanism may be configured to detect when a portion of the aerosol-generating article is disposed in the base of the chamber. The retention mechanism may be further configured to move the retention member from the first position to the second position in response to detecting that a portion of the aerosol-generating article has been disposed in the base of the chamber. For example, the retention mechanism may include a switch electrically coupled to a laser sensor in the chamber. In such a case, the switch may be configured to initiate movement of the retention member from the first position to the second position in response to receiving a signal from the laser sensor indicating the presence of an object in the base of the chamber.

[0038] In some embodiments, the retention mechanism may further include a distal retention member disposed at or proximate the distal end of the chamber opposite the opening. The distal retention member may be configured to move between a first position, in which an aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the chamber at or around the distal end, and a second position, in which the retention member reduces the size of the distal end of the chamber compared to the size of the distal end of the chamber when the distal retention member is in the first position. A retention element at or proximate the opening may be coupled to the distal retention element such that when the retention element at or proximate the opening moves between the first and second positions, the distal retention element also moves between the first and second positions.

[0039] In particular, when the retention mechanism includes two or more opposing retention members at or proximate to the opening, the retention mechanism may include a distal retention member. In some specific embodiments, the retention mechanism may include a plurality of retention elements disposed within the iris diaphragm arrangement at or proximate to the opening, and a plurality of distal retention elements disposed within the iris diaphragm arrangement at or proximate to the distal end of the chamber.

[0040] Advantageously, providing a retention mechanism with at least one distal retention element may further enable the retention mechanism to hold an article in place within the chamber when the retention element is in the second position. Advantageously, providing a retention mechanism with at least one distal retention element may facilitate positioning an article within the chamber away from the chamber wall.

[0041] As used herein, "conductivity" refers to a -4 As used herein, "electrically insulating" means that the material has a resistivity of less than 1×10 4 This means that it is made of a material with a resistivity of at least an ohm meter.

[0042] The aerosol generating device preferably includes a power supply configured to provide power to the heating element. The power supply preferably includes a power source. The power source is preferably a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow continuous generation of aerosol for approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heater assembly.

[0043] The power supply may comprise control electronics. The control electronics may comprise a microcontroller. Preferably, the microcontroller is a programmable microcontroller. The electrical circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heater assembly. Power may be supplied to the heater assembly continuously after activation of the system, or may be supplied intermittently (e.g., with each puff). Power may be supplied to the heater assembly in the form of current pulses.

[0044] Preferably, the aerosol generating system is a handheld system. Preferably, the aerosol generating system is portable.

[0045] Of course, preferred features described above with respect to one aspect of the invention may also apply to other aspects of the invention.

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating system including an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating system including an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the inside of the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B]FIG. 5B shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C shows a top view of an aerosol generating device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] 1A-1B show perspective views of an aerosol-generating system 1 comprising an aerosol-generating article 10 and an aerosol-generating device 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The article 10 comprises a mouth end portion 11 in the form of a mouthpiece. The mouth end portion may comprise one or more mouthpiece segments, such as a hollow tube or a filter plug. The mouth end portion 11 is fixed to an aerosol-forming portion 12 which comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of a paper wrapper surrounding a rod of tobacco-containing material.

[0049] The aerosol-generating article 10 is configured to be inserted into an aerosol-generating device 20. In particular, the device 20 includes a housing 30 having an opening 40 through which the article can be inserted. As best seen in Figure 2, the device 20 contains a cylindrical chamber 50 within the housing 30. The chamber 50 has a longitudinal axis 52 that extends from a base 54 of the chamber 50 to the opening 40.

[0050] Chamber 50 is configured to receive at least the aerosol-forming portion 12 of the aerosol-forming article. In particular, as shown in FIG. 1B , aerosol-forming article 10 can be inserted into device 20 through opening 40 in housing 30 such that the aerosol-forming portion of article 12 resides within chamber 50 and such that at least a portion of mouth end portion 11 of article 10 extends outside of device 20.

[0051] As best seen in Figure 2, chamber 50 is thermally coupled to a heater assembly 70 disposed within apparatus 20. Heater assembly 70 may comprise a heater element comprising one or more conductive tracks on an electrically insulating substrate. The electrically insulating substrate may surround a cylindrical wall of chamber 50.

[0052] The heater assembly 70 is electrically connected to a power supply 80, which houses a power source in the form of a battery and control electronics for operating the heater assembly 70. The power supply 80 is also electrically connected to a power control button 85, which when activated can control the supply of power to the heater assembly 70.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the device 20 is provided with a retention mechanism comprising a retention member 60 disposed on the outer surface of the top wall 31 of the housing 30. The retention member 60 is disposed adjacent to the opening 40 and is configured to move between a first position, in which the aerosol-generating article 10 can be inserted into the chamber 50 via the opening 40, and a second position, in which the size of the opening is reduced compared to the size of the opening when the retention member 70 is in the first position. This is best illustrated by the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-7C, which are described in detail below. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-7C is substantially similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-2, and like reference numerals are used to refer to like features. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-7C differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-2 by the retention mechanism being at or adjacent to the top wall of the device 20.

[0054] 3A-3C illustrate top views of an aerosol generating device 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Each of the views shown in FIGS. 3A-3C is taken along the longitudinal axis 52 of the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 3A, a retaining member 360 is positioned on the upper wall 331 of the housing adjacent to the opening 40. In FIG. 3A, the retaining member is shown in a first position. In this position, the opening 40 is defined only by the perimeter 332 of a substantially circular hole formed in the upper wall 331 of the housing 30. In this configuration, only the perimeter 332 defines the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 40, as viewed from the top view of FIG. 3A.

[0055] FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the second embodiment when the aerosol-generating article 10 is inserted into the chamber of the device 20. The mouth end of the article extends outside the opening 40. As can be seen from FIG. 3B, the outer diameter of the article 10 is smaller than the diameter of the chamber 50. Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 40, as viewed from the top view of FIG. 3B, is greater than the transverse cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol-generating article 10. Thus, the aerosol-generating article 10 moves freely within the chamber 50 of the device. To more securely hold the article 10 in place within the device 20, the retaining member 360 is movable from a first position in FIG. 3B to a second position in FIG. 3C. Movement can be achieved by sliding the retaining member 360 along a guide track 365 in the upper wall 31 of the housing 30. In particular, the retaining member may comprise a body located above the outer surface of the upper wall 31 and a protruding portion (not shown) that extends into the underlying guide track 365 formed in said wall of the housing 30. The guide track 365 can define a range of motion that the retaining member 360 can have relative to the housing 30. In this embodiment, a user can grasp the body of the retaining member with their hand and manually slide the retaining member 360 along the guide track 365 between the first and second positions.

[0056] When the retaining member 360 is disposed in the second position shown in Figure 3C, the size of the opening 40 is reduced compared to the size of the opening 40 when the member is in the first position of Figure 3A. This is because a portion of the retaining member now overlies the hole in the upper wall 31 of the housing, thus reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 40, as viewed from the top view of Figure 3C. In particular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 40 is now defined by both a portion of the periphery 332 of the upper wall 331 of the housing 30 and the outer edge of the engagement portion 361 of the retaining member 360.

[0057] Thus, when the retaining member 360 is in the second position, a portion of the retaining member 360 engages the mouth end portion 11 of the article 10. In particular, when the retaining member 360 is in the second position, the mouth end portion 11 of the article 10 is clamped between an engaging portion 361 of the retaining member 360 and an engaging edge 334 of the opening 40 defined by the upper wall 331 of the housing 30. Together, these edges act to hold the article 10 in place relative to the device 20. The engaging portion 361 of the retaining member 360 has a concave edge 364 that is shaped to complement the aerosol-generating article that engages it.

[0058] Although not shown in FIGS. 3A-3C , the retaining member 360 may be coupled to a biasing member. The biasing member may be in the form of a helical spring. The biasing member may be configured to urge the retaining member 360 to move toward the second position. In such a situation, a user must first overcome the biasing force of the spring and move the retaining member 360 to the first position. The user can then insert the item 10 into the device 20 and release the retaining member 360. The spring then urges the retaining member 360 back toward the second position, causing the retaining member to engage the mouth end portion 11 of the item 10 and hold the item in place by clamping the mouth end portion 11 of the item 10 between the concave end 364 of the retaining member 360 and the engagement edge 334 of the opening 340. Thus, the spring can advantageously ensure sufficient clamping force on the item 10 to hold the item in place.

[0059] 4A-4C illustrate top views of an aerosol generation device 20 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement in FIGS. 4A-4C is similar to that in FIGS. 3A-3C. However, in FIGS. 4A-4C, the holding member 460 is now in the form of an arm, which is configured to move by rotation about a pivot point 462 between a first position and a second position.

[0060] 4A and 4B, the retaining member 460 is in a first position, and in FIG. 4C, the retaining member pivots to a second position about pivot point 462. In the second position, the mouth end portion 11 of the article 10 is clamped between the retaining member 460 and the engagement edge 434 of the opening 40 defined by the top wall 431 of the housing 30. The pivoting movement is depicted by arrow 466.

[0061] 5A-5C illustrate top views of an aerosol generation device 20 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The arrangement in FIGS. 5A-5C is similar to that in FIGS. 4A-4C. However, in FIGS. 5A-5C, the retention mechanism includes two retention members, namely, a first retention member 560A and a second retention member 560B. Retention members 560A, 560B are each in the form of an arm that is configured to move by rotation about respective pivot points 562A, 562B between a first position and a second position.

[0062] In Figures 5A and 5B, retaining members 560A, 560B are in their respective first positions, and in Figure 5C, each retaining member has been pivoted about a respective pivot point 562A, 562B to a respective second position. The pivoting movement is depicted by respective arrows 566A, 566B. Arms 560A, 560B and pivot points 562A, 562B are spaced equal distances on either side of chamber 50.

[0063] In this arrangement, when both retaining members 560A, 560B are in their second positions, the article 10 is held in place within the device 20 but is not in contact with the periphery 532 of the substantially circular hole formed in the top wall 531 of the housing 30. Instead, the mouth end portion 11 of the article 10 is now clamped between the mating portions of the two retaining members 560A, 560B. The arrangement of the fourth embodiment of the present invention can advantageously mean that the article 10 is held centrally within the chamber 40 and evenly spaced from the walls of the chamber 40. This may improve the consistency of the aerosol generated by the article 10 inserted into the device 20.

[0064] 6A-6C illustrate top views of an aerosol generating device 20 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is similar to the first, second, and third embodiments. However, in the fourth embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a first retention member 660A and a second retention member 660B that are not disposed on the outer surface of the top wall 631 of the housing 30. Instead, the first retention member 660A and the second retention member 660B are located below the inner surface of the top wall 631 of the housing 30. FIG. 6A shows the first retention member and the second retention member in their respective first positions. In this position, the opening 40 is defined only by the perimeter 632 of a substantially circular hole formed in the top wall 631 of the housing 30. That is, as seen from the top view of FIG. 3A, only the perimeter 632 defines the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 40.

[0065] In FIG. 6A , the first retaining member 660A and the second retaining member 660B are completely beneath the inner surface of the top wall 631 of the housing 30 and are therefore not visible or accessible to the user. However, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C , when the first retaining member 660A and the second retaining member 660B are moved to their respective second positions, at least a portion of the first retaining member 660A and the second retaining member 660B is not completely beneath the top wall 631 of the housing 30 but instead moves toward the opening 40 so as to be exposed to the exterior of the device 20. In this configuration, the size of the opening 40 is reduced by the area of ​​the first retaining member 660A and the second retaining member 660B that is exposed. That is, the opening 40 is now defined only by the engagement edges 664A, 664B of the first retaining member 660A and the second retaining member 660B. Each engagement edge 664A, 664B is concave.

[0066] The retention mechanism of the fourth embodiment further includes a control member 668 on the outer surface of the top wall 631 of the housing 30. The control member 668 is coupled to the first retention member 660A and the second retention member 660B such that actuation of the control member 668 moves the first retention member 660A and the second retention member 660B between a first position and a second position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6C, the control member 668 is an element that a user can slide to move each of the first retention member 660A and the second retention member 660B between its respective first position and second position. In particular, a user can slide the element 668 along the guide track 669 from the first position shown in FIG. 6A to the second position shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C to move each of the first retention member 660A and the second retention member 660B from its respective first position to its respective second position. The element 668 advantageously provides a user with a convenient means for moving the retention members 660A, 660B. The control member is particularly advantageous in embodiments having one or more retaining members that are substantially or completely below the upper wall of the housing in the first position such that the retaining members are substantially inaccessible to the user.

[0067] The first and second retaining members 660A, 660B of the fourth embodiment are substantially similar to the retaining member 360 of the second embodiment shown in Figures 3A-3C, having a similar shape and being arranged to slide between first and second positions along a track (not shown) in the housing 30. The first and second retaining members 660A, 660B are configured to slide in opposite directions upon movement of the control member 668 to clamp and release the aerosol-generating article 10 therebetween. Of course, in other embodiments, the first and second retaining members may be arranged to move between the first and second positions in other ways, such as by pivoting about a pivot point.

[0068] 7A-7C illustrate top views of an aerosol generating device 20 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The fifth embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment. However, in the fifth embodiment, the retention mechanism comprises an iris diaphragm at the opening 40 (see FIG. 7B). In particular, a plurality of retention members 760A, 760B are provided in the form of a plurality of blades in an iris diaphragm arrangement. Each blade 760A, 760B is configured to move from a first position in which the aerosol-generating article 10 can be inserted into the chamber via the opening 40, and from a second position in which the mouth end portion of the aerosol-generating article 10 can be held in a central, fixed position between the blades within the opening 40, such that each blade 760A, 760B reduces the size of the opening 40 compared to the size of the opening 40 when the blades are in the first position. This can be best seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0069] In FIG. 7A, the retaining member blades 760A, 760B are in a first position and completely below the inner surface of the top wall 731 of the housing 30. Thus, in this configuration, the opening 40 is defined only by the periphery 732 of the substantially circular hole formed in the top wall 731 of the housing 30. However, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the retaining member blades 760A, 760B move to a second position, the size of the opening 40 is reduced by the exposed blade area. As a result, the opening 40 is now defined only by the engaging edges of the blades of the iris diaphragm arrangement. The movement of the blades can be controlled by sliding a control member 768 along a guide track 769 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating apparatus for heating an aerosol-generating article, comprising: a housing having an opening; a chamber disposed within the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article through the opening in the housing; a heater assembly disposed within the housing and comprising a heating element configured to heat at least a portion of the chamber; at least one retention member disposed at or adjacent to the opening in the housing; and a first position where the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the chamber through the opening; a holding mechanism configured to move between a first position and a second position in which the size of the opening is reduced compared to the size of the opening when the holding member is in the first position.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the retaining member is disposed on an outer surface of the wall of the housing, or the retaining member is located below an inner surface of the wall of the housing.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a guide track along which the holding member can slide when moving between the first position and the second position.

4. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the holding mechanism has a pivot point, and the holding member is configured to pivot about the pivot point when the holding member moves between the first position and the second position.

5. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one retaining member has a plurality of blades arranged in an iris diaphragm, and each of the blades is configured to move from a first position in which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the chamber through the opening, and a second position in which the size of the opening is reduced compared to the size of the opening when the blade is in the first position.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the retaining members has a concave edge arranged to provide a retaining surface when the retaining member is in the second position.

7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one retaining member is configured to move to a third position that completely closes the opening in the housing.

8. 8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the chamber is elongated and has a longitudinal axis extending from the base of the chamber to the opening.

9. An electrically heated aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one wall of the chamber is thermally coupled to the heater element.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the heater assembly comprises a heater element disposed around the outer surface of the at least one wall of the chamber.

11. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a control member on the outer surface of the housing, the control member being connected to the holding member, whereby actuation of the control member moves the holding member between the first position and the second position.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the retaining mechanism comprises a biasing member configured to urge the retaining member to move toward a set position.

13. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the holding mechanism is connected to the heating assembly and configured to move the holding member from the first position to the second position in response to activation of the heating assembly.

14. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the holding mechanism is configured to detect when a portion of an aerosol-generating article is placed at the base of the chamber, and is configured to move the holding member from the first position to the second position in response to detecting that a portion of an aerosol-generating article is placed at the base of the chamber.

15. An aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and an aerosol-generating article configured to be inserted into the chamber of the aerosol generating device.

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