Aerosol generating device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation device.SOLUTION: The aerosol generating device generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The device has a container 212 comprising a peripheral wall 214 defining a heating zone 215 for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material. An elongate rib 700 projects into the heating zone. The elongated rib has an article locating surface positioned to space at least a portion of an article received in the heating zone from the peripheral wall to provide an air flow path between the article and the peripheral wall. The elongated rib extends at least partially circumferentially around the peripheral wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The present invention also relates to a system comprising the aerosol-generating device and an article comprising the aerosol-generating material.

[0002] Methods and devices for extracting compounds from materials have long been used to provide users with the recreational or medicinal benefits of inhaling such compounds. Attempts have been made to provide products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products include heating devices that release compounds by heating a material without burning it. The material may include, for example, nicotine. Overview

[0003] In some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a container having a peripheral wall defining a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material; an elongated rib protruding into the heating zone, the elongated rib having an article placement surface positioned to space at least a portion of an article received in the heating zone from the peripheral wall to provide an air flow path between the article and the peripheral wall; An aerosol generating device is provided in which elongated ribs extend at least partially circumferentially around the peripheral wall.

[0004] The elongated rib may form an at least partially helical path around the peripheral wall of the container.

[0005] The elongated rib may form a complete spiral path around the peripheral wall of the container in contact with the article.

[0006] The elongated rib may include a cut.

[0007] The elongated rib may have at least two turns of the helical path with each turn having a break.

[0008] Each of the at least two breaks in said at least two turns of the helical path of the elongated rib may be at the same circumferential angular position on the peripheral wall of the container.

[0009] Each of the at least two breaks in the at least two turns of the helical path of the elongate rib may be at a different circumferential angular position about the peripheral wall of the container.

[0010] The elongated rib may extend discontinuously only circumferentially around the peripheral wall of the container.

[0011] The cross-sectional shape of the elongated rib may be trapezoidal. The shorter side of the two parallel sides of the trapezoidal cross section of the elongated rib may be an item placement surface.

[0012] The cross-sectional shape of the elongated rib may be rectangular. The corners of the rectangular cross-section of the rib on the item placement surface may be rounded. The cross-sectional shape of the elongated rib may be elliptical. The cross-sectional shape of the elongated rib may be triangular. The triangular cross-section of the elongated rib may have rounded vertices.

[0013] The elongated rib may be interrupted.

[0014] The elongated ribs may be configured to locally deform the article.

[0015] The elongated rib may be one of a plurality of elongated ribs.

[0016] Each of the plurality of elongated ribs may extend circumferentially at least partially around the peripheral wall.

[0017] The plurality of peripheral ribs may define a spiral path around the peripheral wall.

[0018] Adjacent ribs of the plurality of peripheral ribs may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another. Adjacent ribs of the plurality of peripheral ribs may be axially spaced apart from one another. An axial flow path may be defined along the heating zone by at least some of the peripheral ribs.

[0019] The container and the elongated rib may be integrally formed.

[0020] The container and the elongated rib may be an integral component.

[0021] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element configured to heat the article.

[0022] The container may be equipped with a heating element.

[0023] The container may be a tubular member.

[0024] The heating element may comprise a material that is heatable by the penetration of a magnetic field.

[0025] The heating element may comprise a material configured to heat under the application of an electric current through the material.

[0026] The elongated rib or ribs may form part of a heating element.

[0027] The heating element may be upright within the container.

[0028] In some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a container having a peripheral wall defining a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol generating device is provided, comprising: an elongated rib having at least one item placement surface protruding into a heating zone, the item placement surface having a perimeter longer than its axial length relative to the longitudinal axis of the heating zone.

[0029] In some embodiments described herein, an aerosol generating device system is provided, comprising any of the aerosol generating devices described above and an article comprising an aerosol generating material, the article being capable of being at least partially received in a heating zone of the aerosol generating device.

[0030] The article may be tubular and may have a circular cross section.

[0031] In some embodiments described herein, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material is provided, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including the aerosol-generating material; a heating arrangement including a heating element arranged to heat the heating zone; and a threading arrangement within the heating zone configured to threadably engage with the article.

[0032] The threaded formation may include internal threads configured to threadably mate with the exterior of the article.

[0033] The threaded formation may include external threads configured to threadably engage the article.

[0034] The heating element may include a threaded arrangement.

[0035] The heating element may at least partially surround the heating zone.

[0036] The heating element may form at least a portion of a container that defines the heating zone.

[0037] The heating element may comprise a tubular member and the threaded formation may comprise threads on the inside of the tubular member.

[0038] The heating element may project into the heating zone.

[0039] The screw formation may include a shaft and threads thereon.

[0040] The shaft may be tapered.

[0041] The threads may extend from the free end of the shaft.

[0042] The threads may have a constant pitch along the length of the shaft.

[0043] The threads may be provided with a thermally conductive material.

[0044] The threads may be heatable by penetration of a changing magnetic field in the heating zone.

[0045] The aerosol generation device may include an actuation mechanism configured to rotate the screw arrangement in the heating zone.

[0046] The actuation mechanism may comprise an actuator.

[0047] The actuator may comprise an electric motor.

[0048] The actuation mechanism may be configured to rotate the threaded arrangement in the heating zone in response to insertion of an article into the heating zone.

[0049] The aerosol generating device may comprise a container defining a heating zone and comprising a threaded arrangement.

[0050] The heating element may project into the heating zone.

[0051] The heating element may have a planar peripheral surface.

[0052] The aerosol generation device may comprise a field generating apparatus including an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field.

[0053] The heating element may be heatable by penetration of a changing magnetic field in the heating zone.

[0054] The heating element may comprise part of a resistive heating arrangement.

[0055] In some embodiments described herein, a heating element is provided for heating an article containing an aerosol-generating material received in a heating zone of an aerosol-generating device, the heating element comprising a threaded arrangement configured to threadably engage with the article containing the aerosol-generating material.

[0056] The heating element may comprise a material that is heatable by the penetration of a changing magnetic field.

[0057] The heating element may be a resistive heating element.

[0058] In some embodiments described herein, a system is provided that includes the aforementioned device and an article that includes an aerosol-forming material.

[0059] The article may include article threads configured to interact with threaded constructs of the device.

[0060] The article thread of the article may be an internally threaded hole.

[0061] The article threads of the article may be on the outside of the article.

[0062] The article may include a pre-formed hole configured to receive a heating element.

[0063] The thread formation may be configured to engage a surface of the hole.

[0064] The article may include an engagement feature configured to engage with the threaded arrangement.

[0065] The engagement feature may be at least one of a hole, a collar, a shoulder, a ridge, a protrusion, a recess, a lip, a chamfer, an area of ​​increased thickness, an area of ​​reduced thickness, a face, and an edge.

[0066] The thread formation may be configured to engage a relatively resilient engagement feature of the article.

[0067] The thread formation may be configured to engage with a relatively less resilient engagement feature of the article.

[0068] The article may have an exterior of the article, and the thread arrangement may be configured to at least one of deform and expand relative to the exterior of the article when the article is received in the heating zone.

[0069] The threaded arrangement may be configured to compress the article.

[0070] The thread formation may be configured to form a recess on the exterior of the article.

[0071] The article may have an exterior, and the thread formation may be configured to at least one of deform and expand relative to the exterior of the article when the article is received in the heated zone. Insertion of the article may be configured to deform the thread formation.

[0072] The item may be a consumable item.

[0073] The heating element may be detachable from the heating zone. The heating element may be replaceable.

[0074] The heating element may be upstanding from a base. The heating element may have a sharp edge or point at a free end. The heating element may be a pin. The heating element may be configured to pierce an item received in the heating zone.

[0075] The heating element and the vessel may be coaxial.

[0076] The device of this aspect may include one or more or all of the features described above, as appropriate.

[0077] The aerosol generating device may be a non-combustible aerosol generating device.

[0078] The device may be a tobacco heating device, also known as a non-combustion heating device.

[0079] The aerosol-forming material may be a non-liquid aerosol-forming material.

[0080] The article may be sized to be at least partially received within the heating zone.

[0081] In some embodiments described herein, an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material is provided, comprising: a container defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material; and a heating element positioned to heat the heating zone.

[0082] In some embodiments described herein, an aerosol generating system is provided that includes an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating device for heating the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating device including a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of the article, and a heating element.

[0083] The devices of these aspects may include one, more or all of the features described above, as appropriate.

[0084] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0085] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aerosol generation system having an aerosol generation device and an article inserted into the device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1 having a threaded arrangement on the inner surface of the heating zone. [Figure 3a] 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of an article for use with the aerosol generating system of FIG. 3. [Figure 3b] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of an externally threaded article for use with the aerosol generation system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another aerosol generation system in which a threaded arrangement is formed on the inner surface of the container of the device. [Figure 4a] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an article having preformed holes for use with the aerosol generating system of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. [Figure 5] 2 is a schematic diagram of another aerosol generation system of FIG. 1 in which the internal heating element is threaded. [Figure 5a] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an internally threaded article for use with the aerosol generating system of FIG. 5. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic diagram of another aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the device according to FIG. 5 comprises an actuation mechanism for rotating at least one of the container and the heating element. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a container provided with elongated ribs for use with the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. [Figure 8A] 8 is a schematic view of the container of FIG. 7 with an item inserted therein. [Figure 8B] 8 is a schematic view of the container of FIG. 7 with an item inserted therein. [Figure 9] 8 is a schematic diagram of the container of FIG. 7 with breaks in the elongated ribs around the circumference of the container. [Figure 10A] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an elongated rib of triangular cross section for use with the container of FIG. 7. [Figure 10B]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an elongated rib of rectangular cross section for use with the container of FIG. 7. [Figure 10C] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an elongated rib of oval cross section for use with the container of FIG. 7. [Figure 11A] 10B is a schematic view of the container according to FIG. 7 with the triangular ribs according to FIG. 10A with an article inserted in the container. [Figure 11B] 10B is a schematic view of the container according to FIG. 7 with the triangular ribs according to FIG. 10A with an article inserted in the container. Detailed Description

[0086] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming material" refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when energized, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. Aerosol-forming materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain an active substance and / or flavoring material. Aerosol-forming materials may include any plant material, such as any tobacco-containing material, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-forming materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-forming materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-forming materials may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. Aerosol-forming materials may also be known as "smoking materials."

[0087] The aerosol-forming material may comprise a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-forming material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0088] The aerosol-forming material may comprise an "amorphous solid." An amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may comprise, for example, about 50, 60, or 70% to about 90, 95, or 100% amorphous solid by weight.

[0089] The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet that may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0090] Devices are known that heat aerosol-generating material, volatilizing at least one component of the aerosol-generating material and typically forming an inhalable aerosol without burning or combusting the aerosol-generating material. Such devices are sometimes described as “aerosol-generating devices,” “aerosol delivery devices,” “non-combustion heating devices,” “tobacco heating product devices,” “tobacco heating devices,” or similar names. Similarly, so-called e-cigarette devices exist that typically vaporize aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, cassette, or the like that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part of a rod, cartridge, cassette, or the like that can be inserted into the device. A heater that heats and volatilizes the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a “permanent” part of the device.

[0091] The aerosol-generating device can accept an article comprising an aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component that includes or contains the aerosol-generating material during use, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material and, optionally, other components used. A user may insert the article into the aerosol delivery device before the article is heated to produce an aerosol that the user then inhales. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device sized to accept the article.

[0092] 1 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system 100. The system 100 includes an aerosol-generating device 101 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material and a replaceable item 110 comprising the aerosol-generating material. The device 101 may be used to heat the replaceable item 110 comprising the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material that can be inhaled by a user of the device 101.

[0093] The device 101 comprises a housing 103 that encloses and houses the various components of the device 101. The housing 103 is elongated. The device 101 has an opening 104 at one end through which an item 110 can be inserted to be heated by the device 101. The item 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 101 to be heated by the device 101.

[0094] The device 101 may include a user-operable control element 106, such as a button or switch, that when operated, e.g., pressed, operates the device 101. For example, a user may activate the device 101 by pressing the switch 106.

[0095] The device 101 defines a longitudinal axis 102 along which the article 110 may extend when inserted into the device 101. The opening 104 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 102.

[0096] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generation system 100 of Figure 1, showing various components of the device 101. It will be understood that the device 101 may include other components not shown in Figure 2, and that some components shown in Figure 2 may not be present in some embodiments.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 2 , device 101 includes an apparatus 200 for heating an aerosol-generating material. Apparatus 200 includes a heating assembly 201, a controller (control circuit) 202, and a power supply 204. Apparatus 200 includes a body assembly 210, which may include a chassis and other components that form part of the device. Heating assembly 201 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of an article 110 inserted within device 101 so that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. Power supply 204 provides power to heating assembly 201, which converts the provided electrical energy into thermal energy to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0098] The power source 204 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or 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.

[0099] Power supply 204 may be electrically coupled to heating assembly 201 to provide power as needed to heat the aerosol-generating material under the control of controller 202. Control circuitry 202 may be configured to activate and deactivate heating assembly 201 based on a user operating control element 106. For example, controller 202 may activate heating assembly 201 in response to a user operating switch 106.

[0100] The end of device 101 closest to opening 104 may be known as the proximal (mouth) end 107 of device 101, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. In use, a user inserts article 110 into opening 104, operates user control 106 to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating material, and inhales the aerosol generated by the device. This causes the aerosol to flow along a flow path through article 110 toward the proximal end of device 101.

[0101] The other end of the device furthest from opening 104 may be known as the distal end 108 of device 101, as it is the end farthest from a user's mouth during use. When a user inhales the aerosol produced by the device, the aerosol flows in a direction toward the proximal end of device 101. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of device 101 are explained by reference to the relative orientation of such features with respect to one another in the proximal-distal direction along axis 102.

[0102] The heating assembly 201 may include various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 110, for example, via an induction heating process or a resistance heating process. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) via electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an induction element, such as one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a changing current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The changing current in the induction element generates a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents within the susceptor. Because the susceptor has an electrical resistance to the eddy currents, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor via Joule heating. If the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e., by changing the orientation of the magnetic dipoles of the magnetic material as they align with the changing magnetic field. In comparison to heating by conduction, for example, induction heating allows for rapid heating because heat is generated inside the susceptor. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing for greater flexibility in construction and application. Instead, resistive heating utilizes the Joule heating effect that arises from the electrical resistance of a material in response to the application of an electric current directly through the resistance.

[0103] The apparatus 200 includes a heating chamber 211 configured and dimensioned to receive the item 110 to be heated. The heating chamber 211 defines a heating zone 215. In this example, the item 110 is generally cylindrical, and the heating chamber 211 is correspondingly generally cylindrical in shape. However, other shapes are possible. The heating chamber 211 is formed by a container 212. The container 212 includes an end wall 213 and a peripheral wall 214. The end wall 213 serves as a base for the container 212. In an embodiment, the container 212 is a unitary component. As used herein, the term "unitary component" is intended to mean that features are formed together without any joints defined between the features. In other embodiments, the container 212 comprises two or more components.

[0104] The heating chamber 211 is defined by the inner surface of a container 212. The container 212 functions as a support member. The container 212 comprises a generally tubular member. The container 212 extends circumferentially along and is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. However, other shapes are possible. The container 212 (and associated heating zone 215) is open at its proximal end so that an item 110 inserted into the opening 104 of the device 101 can be received by the heating chamber 211 through the opening 104. The container 212 is closed at its distal end by an end wall 213. The container 212 may comprise one or more conduits that form part of the air passage. The distal end of the item 110 may be positioned adjacent to or engaged with the end of the heating chamber 211 during use. Air may pass through one or more conduits that form part of the air passage, enter the heating chamber 211 , and flow through the item 110 towards the proximal end of the device 101 .

[0105] The container 212 may be formed from a thermally insulating material. For example, the container 212 may be formed from a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. The container 212 may be formed from such a material to ensure that the heating assembly 201 remains rigid / solid during operation. The use of a non-metallic material for the container 212 can help limit heating of other components of the device 101. The container 212 may be formed from a rigid material to help support the other components.

[0106] Other configurations for the vessel 212 are possible. For example, in one embodiment, the end wall 213 is defined by a portion of the heating assembly 201. In embodiments, the vessel 212 comprises a material that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field. In some embodiments, the vessel 212 comprises a material that can be heated by resistive Joule heating.

[0107] 3, the heating assembly 201 may include a heating element 320 disposed around the heating zone 215. In such a configuration, the heating element 320 forms the container 212. The heating element 320 defines the peripheral wall 214. The heating element 320 is configured to heat the heating zone 215. The heating zone 215 is defined by a heating chamber 211. In an embodiment, the heating chamber 211 defines a portion of the heating zone 215 or the extent of the heating zone 215.

[0108] The heating element 320 is heatable to heat the heating zone 215. The heating element 320 may be an induction heating element or a resistance heating element. That is, the heating element 320 may comprise a susceptor that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field, or a resistive material that can be heated by directly passing an electric current from a power source. If the heating element 320 comprises a susceptor, the susceptor comprises a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the susceptor may be formed from carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, such as ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 2 , the heating assembly 201 includes a magnetic field generator 250. The magnetic field generator 250 is configured to generate one or more varying magnetic fields that penetrate the heating element 320 to heat the heating element 320. The magnetic field generator 250 includes an inductor coil arrangement 251. The inductor coil arrangement includes an inductor coil 252 that functions as an inductor element. The inductor coil 252 may be a helical coil, although other arrangements are contemplated. In embodiments, the inductor coil arrangement 251 includes two or more inductor coils. In embodiments, the two or more inductor coils may be positioned adjacent to each other and coaxially aligned along an axis.

[0110] In some examples, the magnetic field generating device 250 is configured, in use, to heat the heating element 320 to a temperature 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. In examples where the heating element is a resistive heating element, a similar or identical temperature may be reached by resistive heating within the heating element.

[0111] Inductor coil 252 may be a helical coil comprising a conductive material such as copper. The coil may be formed from electrical wire, such as Litz wire, wound in a helical shape around a support member (not shown). The support member may be formed by the container 212 or other component. In embodiments, the support member is omitted. The support member is tubular. Coil 252 defines a generally tubular shape. The inductor coil has a generally circular outer shape. In other embodiments, the inductor coil may have a different shape, such as a generally square, rectangular, or oval shape. The width of the coil may increase or decrease along its length.

[0112] Other types of inductor coils, such as planar spiral coils, may also be used. A spiral coil may define an elongated inductor section for receiving a susceptor, providing an elongated length of the susceptor that can be received in the elongated inductor section. The length of the susceptor exposed to the varying magnetic field may be maximized. Using a spiral coil configuration to provide an enclosed inductor section can help concentrate the magnetic flux of the magnetic field.

[0113] Litz wire comprises multiple individual wires that are individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. Other types of wire, such as solid wire, may also be used. The configuration of the helical inductor coil may vary along its axial length. For example, the or each inductor coil may have substantially the same or different values ​​of inductance, axial length, radius, pitch, number of turns, etc. In an embodiment, a heating element 420, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, extends into the heating zone 215. The heating element 420, functioning as a protruding element, protrudes into the heating zone 215. The heating element 420 stands upright from the base. The heating element 420 is spaced from the peripheral wall 214. The heating assembly 201 is configured such that the heating element 420 extends into the distal end of the article 110 when the article 110 is received by the heating chamber 211. The heating element 420 is disposed within the article 110 during use. Heating element 420 is configured to heat the aerosol-forming material of article 110 from within, and for this reason is referred to as an internal heating element.

[0114] The heating element 420 extends from a distal end of the heating chamber 211 into the heating chamber 211 along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device (axially). In embodiments, the heating element 420 extends into the heating chamber 211 away from the axis 102. The heating element 420 may be off-axis or non-parallel to the axis 102. While one heating element 420 is shown, it will be understood that in embodiments, the heating assembly 201 comprises multiple heating elements 420. Such heating elements in embodiments are spaced apart from one another but parallel to one another.

[0115] When the heating element 320, 420 of any described embodiment utilizes heating via magnetic susceptibility, the inductor coil 252 may be disposed external to the vessel 212. The inductor coil may surround the heating zone 215. The helical inductor coil may extend around at least a portion of the heating element 320, 420 that functions as a susceptor. The helical inductor coil is configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 320, 420. The helical inductor coil is disposed coaxially with the heating chamber 211 and the longitudinal axis 102.

[0116] Although the illustrated embodiment shows a device including either heating elements 320 disposed around the heating zone 215 or at least one heating element 420 disposed within the heating zone 215, any described embodiment may utilize both heating elements 320 surrounding the heating zone 215 and one or more heating elements 420 within the heating zone 215.

[0117] The heating element 420 protrudes within the heating zone 215 and is received by the article 110. FIG. 2 shows the article 110 received within the device 101. The article 110 is sized to be received by the container 212. To allow insertion of the article 110 into the container 212, the outer dimensions of the article 110 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis substantially match the inner dimensions of the chamber 211 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. In embodiments, a gap 216 is defined between the exterior 111 of the article 110 and the interior 217 of the container 212. The gap 216 can function as an air passageway along at least a portion of the axial length of the chamber 211. The insertion end 112 of the article 110 is positioned adjacent to the base of the container 212.

[0118] Figure 2 illustrates the basic structure of device 101. Certain features, such as threaded arrangements, are omitted from this figure because various possible configurations of those features are discussed with respect to the embodiments shown in Figures 3-5. However, Figure 2 generally illustrates article 110 positioned within heating zone 215 of device 101. This figure is in an in-use configuration, where the aerosol-generating material of the article may be heated and a user may inhale the aerosolized material from the article / device.

[0119] FIG. 3 illustrates the construction of device 101. As can be seen, container 212 includes a thread construction 350. In this embodiment, thread construction 350 includes threads 351 disposed on the interior surface of container 212. The threads are helical. The pitch of thread construction 350 is exaggerated in this illustration, such that the entire thread construction 350 includes approximately two or three turns along the length of container 212, although any particular pitch or number of turns is contemplated for any thread construction described herein. Generally, a larger pitch along the length of the thread construction, and therefore a smaller number of threads, minimizes the number of turns required for insertion into the device. In some embodiments, the thread construction has between one and five turns. In FIG. 3, heating element 320 is positioned surrounding heating zone 215, meaning that article 110 is heated from the outside.

[0120] The thread formation 350 in embodiments may be a component that forms part of the heating element 320 or is located in close proximity to the heating element 320. When the thread formation 350 is part of the heating element 320 or is otherwise thermally conductive, the threads 351 of the thread formation 350 increase the surface area of ​​the article 110 that is in contact with or in close proximity to the heating element 320. This helps increase the heating rate of the article 110 during use, resulting in more rapid aerosolization of material within the article 110, a greater aerosolization effect, and a greater overall efficiency of the device. Additionally, the provision of the thread formation ensures that the article 110 can be simply and reliably inserted into the device 101.

[0121] FIG. 3 a shows an example of an article 110 for use with any embodiment of device 101 described herein. As can be seen, article 110 is generally cylindrical in shape, although other shapes are contemplated. Article 110 in FIG. 3 a is generally flexible to the extent that threads 351 deform and / or expand article 110 when fed into heated zone 215 and engaged with threaded arrangement 350, such that threads 315 increase the contact surface area of ​​article 110 and its aerosol-generating material. As discussed above, this increased contact surface area enhances the aerosolization effectiveness of device 101.

[0122] 3b shows an example of an article 110 for use with the device 101 of FIG. 3, or any other contemplated device 101 further including an internally threaded container 212. As can be seen, the article 110 is provided with external threads 353. The external threads 353 are configured to mate with thread formations 350 located on the interior surface of the container 212 so that the article 110 may be more easily and accurately threaded into the heating zone 215 of the device 101 during use. Less flexible articles may be used with such external threads. The use of external threads also provides for more secure placement of the article within the device and also increases the contact surface area, or thermal path, between the heating element 320 and the article 110.

[0123] FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the container 212 is again provided with a thread formation 350 on its interior surface. The thread formation 350 is substantially identical to the formation 350 described in connection with FIG. 3. However, in this embodiment, the container 212 and the thread formation 350 do not include a heating material. Both the article 110 of FIGS. 3a and 3b may be used with the device 101 of FIG. 4. The device 101 of FIG. 4 differs from the device 101 of FIG. 3 in that the heating element 420 is instead located within the heating zone 215. The heating element 420 is in the form of a pin and is configured to pierce the article 110 during use. As can be seen, the free end 222 of the heating element 420 is provided with a spike to facilitate insertion of the element 420 into the article 110. In this embodiment, the heating element is a straight pin. The exterior of the pin is cylindrical. The heating element 420 does not include a thread formation. Downward pressure of the item 110 on the heating element 420 penetrates the item 110 and then becomes embedded in the item 110. The heating element 420 is configured to provide heat by induction or resistance heating to internally heat the contents of the item 110, thereby aerosolizing the aerosol-forming material within the item 110. In this embodiment, the thread formations 350 on the interior surface of the container not only provide more secure placement of the item 110 in the heating zone 215, but also help provide the force necessary to penetrate the item 110 with the heating element 420. The rotational motion of the item 110 is converted by the thread formations 350 into linear motion, moving the item 110 onto the pins of the heating element 420. This prevents breakage or damage to the item 110, which can be caused by excessive, direct, downward linear force exerted on the item 110 by a user pressing the item 110 onto the heating element 420, compared to known devices.

[0124] 3 and 4. That is, one embodiment of device 101 having threaded arrangement 350 includes both heating elements 320 disposed around heating zone 215 and heating elements 420 protruding into heating zone 215. Any embodiment having an internal heating element 420 may include multiple internal heating elements 420. Including both external and internal heating elements enhances the heating of article 110, including providing more rapid heating and better heat distribution in article 110.

[0125] FIG. 4a illustrates an example of an article 110 for use with any embodiment of the present invention, particularly the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, which includes an internal pin-shaped heating element 420 protruding into the heating zone 215. The article 110 shown in this figure includes an internal bore 113 having an internal bore surface 114. The bore 113 is preformed in the article 110. In this embodiment, the bore 113 is formed by the tubular portion of the article 110. In this embodiment, the bore 113 extends partially along the longitudinal axis of the article. The bore 113 has a closed end 115. The heating element 420 is sized to be received in the bore 113. The heating element 420 and the bore 113 are complementarily sized. The bore 113 generally facilitates insertion of the pin heating element 420 into the article 110. The inner surface 114 of the bore is configured to make intimate contact with the heating element to maximize heat transfer between the heating element 420 and the article 110.

[0126] In embodiments, the outer dimensions of the heating element are larger than the outer dimensions of the holes. In such a configuration, the heating element is configured to deform and / or expand the item 110 inserted into the device 101. To facilitate such deformation and / or expansion, the internal heating element 420 is configured to penetrate the item 110 inserted into the device 101. In such embodiments, the free end 222 of the heating element 420 comprises a sharp edge or point. In embodiments, the free end 222 of the heating element 420 comprises a sharp edge, point, or other guiding feature to aid in positioning the heating element 420 within the item 110.

[0127] It is envisioned that the article 110 shown in FIG. 4 a may be used with any of the embodiments described herein that include such an internal heating element 420 .

[0128] FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an internal pin heating element 420 is provided. The heating element 420 is provided with a thread formation 450 on its outer surface 223. The thread formation 450 may form part of the heating element 420 or may be otherwise thermally conductive. Similar to the thread formation 350 of the previous embodiment, the thread formation 450 increases the contact surface area, or thermal path, between the heating element 420 and the item 110, thereby enhancing the heating effect of the heating element 420 on the item 110. The heating element 420 is formed with a shaft and threads on the shaft. In an embodiment, the shaft is tapered. In an embodiment, the shaft is tapered toward the free end of the heating element. In an embodiment, the threads 450 extend toward the free end of the heating element.

[0129] The heating element 420 may further include a spike on its free end 222 to facilitate insertion. In use, the article 110 is rotated on the thread arrangement 450 of the heating element 420, allowing the heating element 420 to penetrate the article 110. Although not shown, in any of the described embodiments, the heating element 320 may also be positioned around the heating zone 215 to enhance heating distribution and power. Additionally, although not shown in any of the figures, any of the embodiments of the present invention may include a male-threaded pin heating element 420 as shown in FIG. 5 and a female-threaded container 212 further defining the heating zone as shown in FIG. 3. The combination of these thread arrangements of the container 212 and heating element 420 further enhances secure fit, ease of insertion, improved heating effectiveness, and overall device efficiency associated with each individual embodiment.

[0130] FIG. 5a shows an example of an article 110 for use with any embodiment of the present invention. The article 110 of FIG. 5a is substantially identical to the article 110 of FIG. 4a, except that the hole 113 of the article 110 of FIG. 5a is provided with a thread formation 550. Providing the hole 113 with the thread formation 550 that aligns with the thread formation 450 on the outer surface of the internal heating element 420 further improves ease of insertion of the heating element 420 into the article 110 and further increases the contact surface area, or thermal path, between the heating element 420 and the article 110. Compared to an article 110 without a hole 113 or with a hole 113 with straight sides, the article 110 of FIG. 5a with the thread formation 550 may be employed to allow a less flexible article 110 to be used in a device 101 as described in the present invention.

[0131] Any combination of the aforementioned features for each embodiment is contemplated, such as the external and internal heating elements 320 and 420, the thread formations 350 and 450 on the heating elements, the internal and external thread formations 353 and 550 of the article, and / or the straight-sided internal bore 113 of the article.

[0132] Although the heating elements 320 and 420 and the thread formations 350 and 450 thereon are generally depicted as having a constant diameter, in some embodiments, the heating elements may be tapered along their length (along the longitudinal axis 102). A tapered internal pin heating element 420 can further aid in insertion of the heating element 420 into the article 110 during use.

[0133] In any embodiment comprising a heating element 420 with an externally threaded arrangement 450 within the heating chamber 215, the device 101 may further comprise manual or motorized means for rotating the heating element 420 and / or the container 212, along with the threaded arrangement 350, 450, relative to the heating zone 215 and the inserted article. The heating element 420 and / or the threaded arrangement 450 may be configured to rotate automatically upon insertion of the article 110, such as by sensing pressure exerted by the article 110 on the device 101. Motorized rotation of the threaded arrangement 450 and / or the heating element 420 via an included actuation mechanism assists the user in moving the article 110 over the heating element 450 in the heating zone 215.

[0134] 6 illustrates an embodiment of device 101 including actuation mechanism 600. As described above, actuation mechanism 600 may be configured to drive rotation of heating element 420 and / or container 212 with threaded arrangements 350, 450 relative to heating zone 215. Actuation mechanism 600 may be powered by power source 204 and may be activated via a switch or automatically upon detection / insertion of item 110 in heating zone 215. Because actuation mechanism 600 may be configured to rotate one or both of container 212 and heating element 420, it may be included in any of the embodiments described herein.

[0135] 7-11 illustrate embodiments of the container 212 of the device 101. The container 212 of the embodiments shown in these figures may be combined with any combination of the specific features described in connection with the previous embodiments. For example, the container 212 of FIGS. 7-11 may be provided with a heating element 320 disposed around the heating zone 215, forming the container 212 and defining the peripheral wall 214. Alternatively, or in addition, the device 101 may include a heating element 420 that protrudes into the heating zone 215.

[0136] 7 illustrates an embodiment of a container 212. In this embodiment, the container is provided with one or more elongated ribs 700. As can be seen, the one or more ribs 700 may take the form of elongated protrusions that protrude inward from the inner surface 214 of the container 212 toward the central axis of the container 212.

[0137] The one or more ribs 700 extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 102 of the container 212. This means that the longest dimension of the one or more elongated ribs 700 extends at least partially circumferentially around the interior surface 214 of the container 212. In other words, the length that the one or more ribs 700 extend around the circumference of the interior surface 214 of the container 212 is greater than the length that the one or more elongated ribs extend along the longitudinal axis 102. To aid in illustration, a rib axis 750 is shown in FIG. 7. The rib axis 750 is the longitudinal axis of the rib and is the midpoint of the cross-section of the rib along its length. In subsequent discussions of the direction of extension or path of a rib in this disclosure, that direction will be considered equivalent to the direction of this axis.

[0138] In Figure 7, the cross section 701 of the one or more ribs 700 has a trapezoidal shape. However, other shapes are contemplated and are discussed with reference to Figures 10A-11B. With such a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape as shown in Figure 7, the relatively flat surfaces of the one or more ribs 700 are not configured to significantly deform the item 110 inserted into the container. Instead, the function of the one or more ribs 700 is to separate the item 110 from the interior surface 214 of the container 212 around the periphery of the item 110.

[0139] 8A and 8B show the container 212 according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 with an item 110 inserted therein. FIG. 8A maintains visibility of one or more ribs 700 on the back wall of the container as seen from the perspective of the figure. This view is for illustrative purposes only. FIG. 8B is a closer representation of an actual cross-section of the container 212 with an item 110 inserted therein. However, the one or more ribs 700 on the inner surface 214 closer to the viewer of the figure are still shown in dotted lines for illustrative purposes only.

[0140] As can be seen from the figure, when the item 110 is inserted into the container 212, a gap 800 is created due to the separation between the outer surface of the item 110 and the inner peripheral surface 214 of the container 212. The gap 800 is configured to allow air to flow therethrough and may therefore also be referred to as an air passageway 800. The thickness of the gap 800, i.e., the separation between the outer surface of the item 110 and the inner surface 214 of the container 212, depends on the height 702 (shown in FIG. 8C ) of one or more ribs 700 and, in the case of trapezoidal cross-section ribs 700, is approximately equal to the height of the rib. As can be seen, the separation between the item 110 and the inner surface 214 of the container 212 increases the overall maximum airflow rate across the outer surface of the item therebetween. Thus, the magnitude of the separation may be determined to select a particular maximum airflow rate or operating airflow rate.

[0141] The one or more ribs 700 in Figures 7-8B are shown as a single continuous spiral rib 700 that extends helically around the interior surface 214 of the container. This configuration provides a spiral airflow path between the container and the article 110 from the open end 104 to the proximal end 213. During use, a user draws air through the open end 104. This reduces the pressure within the container, allowing air to flow between the container and the article 110 near the opening of the container. The article 110 itself is breathable so that air can enter at the proximal end and pass through the article 110, collecting aerosolized material generated by heating the article 110. Providing airflow paths in conjunction with a circumferential element, as in the embodiment of Figures 7-8B, offers the possibility of controlling the length of one or more airflow paths between the outer surface of the article and the interior surface 214 of the container.

[0142] Accordingly, the length of the air passageway and overall airflow rate may be selected by adjusting the height of one or more ribs 700 and by adjusting the shape and length of the air passageway(s) provided by said one or more ribs 700 to provide the desired airflow characteristics. One way this selection may be made in the embodiment of Figures 7-8B is by increasing the number of turns in the spiral rib 700. It is also contemplated that the width 703 (see Figure 8C) of the item placement surface 704 of one or more ribs 700 may be adjusted to increase the overall airflow rate, or that the overall width 705 of one or more ribs 700 may be adjusted to provide more turns in the spiral-shaped rib 700. The item placement surface 704 is so named because it is the surface of the one or more ribs 700 that contacts the outer surface of the item 110 during use and thus aids in positioning the item 110 within the container 212.

[0143] As discussed above, Figures 7-8B show that the one or more ribs 700 are a single, continuous helical rib 700 that extends helically around the inner circumference of the container 212, completely or partially from the proximal end 213 to the open end 104. However, other embodiments are also contemplated. For example, Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the container 212 in which the one or more ribs 700 are provided as a series of discontinuous ribs 700 that extend generally helically along the length of the container. Thus, the embodiment shown in Figure 9 is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, except for the discontinuities in the helical rib 700.

[0144] In this embodiment, the ribs 700 of adjacent turns 900 and 901 are shown to be generally at the same circumferential angular position. However, it is anticipated that the ribs of adjacent turns 900 and 901 may be circumferentially offset from one another, for example, to avoid any axial airflow paths directly through adjacent turns. In other embodiments, one or more ribs 700 may not be of a helical configuration at all, but each rib may extend completely circumferentially. In this case, it will be apparent that one or more ribs 700 must be discontinuous around the circumference of the container. However, the ribs 700 may also be near-complete circumferential ribs, including a small discontinuity at one angular position around the circumference of the container, with an adjacent rib 700 having a similar shape but including that discontinuity at a different angular position. The airflow paths of such a configuration are maximized by providing a 180° circumferential angular displacement between the discontinuities of adjacent ribs 700. In other embodiments, each of the one or more ribs 700 may extend at different angles relative to one another, or at any combination of equal and different angles.

[0145] The one or more ribs 700 may also have different cross-sectional shapes. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 8C, the ribs 700 shown in FIGS. 7-9 have a trapezoidal cross-section. This shape causes the one or more ribs 700 to taper axially from the item placement surface 704. This tapered edge is useful for ensuring ease of insertion of an item, which is typically inserted axially through the open end 104 of the container 212. Without the tapered edge, the distal end of the item may catch on the rib edge and be damaged as a result. The one or more ribs 700 of the present disclosure may form part of the heating element 320, for example, where the container 212 is the heating element 320. That is, the one or more ribs 700 themselves may be formed from a material configured to heat in the presence of a changing magnetic field or by resistive heating. In such an embodiment, the width 703 of the item placement surface 704 is proportional to the total contact area of ​​the container 212 with the item 110 and, therefore, the contact and heating area of ​​the item 110 during use.

[0146] In some embodiments, only one or more ribs 700 are formed from a material configured to heat in the presence of a changing magnetic field or by resistive heating, and the remainder of the container is not formed from that material. The ratio of the total contact area between one or more ribs 700 and the item to the area of ​​the item 110 not contacted by one or more ribs 700 is effectively the ratio of the heat intensity applied to the item 110 to the maximum airflow around the item 110. This ratio can be selected, for example, by selecting one or more of the number of one or more ribs 700, the width 703 of the item placement surface 704 of one or more ribs 700, the overall width 705 of one or more ribs 700, the number of turns in a spiral rib configuration, or the length of one or more ribs 700 in a discontinuous rib configuration. Another advantage of providing one or more ribs 700 is an increased grip on the item 110 when the item 110 is inserted into the container 212. Although the ribs 700 have been described so far as being configured not to deform the item 110, it is anticipated that the ribs may slightly deform the item 110 depending on the relative diameters of the item 110 and the container 212 between the item placement surfaces 704 of circumferentially opposing ribs 700.

[0147] The cross section of one or more ribs 700 may have a shape other than trapezoidal. Some example shapes are shown in FIGS. 10A-10C. FIG. 10A shows an example of a triangular cross section rib 710. In this embodiment, it is clear that in the absence of significant deformation of the article 110, the effective article mounting surface 704 is the tapered point, resulting in less contact between the rib 710 and the article. This triangular cross section is discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. FIG. 10B shows an example of a rectangular cross section rib 711. The advantage of such a cross section is that the article mounting surface 704 is maximized relative to the overall width 705 of the rib 711. This maximization increases the available heating contact area per overall width 705. Increasing the available heating contact area means that, for example in a spiral configuration, more rib turns, and therefore a longer flow path through the article 110, can be provided without compromising the heating contact area. This is because the rectangular cross-section rib 711 occupies less axial space along the container 212 than a trapezoidal cross-section rib 700 having a comparable width 703 of the item placement surface 704. The rectangular cross-section rib 711 is shown in FIG. 10B with square edges. The rib 711 may have radiused edges to avoid damage to the item 110 and to facilitate insertion into the container 212. FIG. 10C shows an example of a rib 712 having an elliptical cross-section. The elliptical shape of the rib further facilitates insertion of the item 110 into the container 212. As mentioned above, the ribs 700, 712 may form part of the heating element 320. In this case, the rib 712 would ideally be dimensioned to at least partially deform the item 110, similar to a triangular rib, to increase the contact heating surface area.

[0148] 11A and 11B show details of an item inserted into a container 212, which includes triangular-section ribs 710 on its inner surface 214. In this configuration, the ribs 710 can be seen to partially deform the item 110. In this case, the item placement surface 704 is proportional to the amount of deformation of the item 110. As shown, despite the deformation of the item 110, a gap 800 is still provided between the item 110 and the container's inner surface 214. If the ribs also form part of the heating element 320, the heating contact surface area also increases, thereby increasing the total heating of the item 110. If the triangular ribs 710 are also arranged in a spiral configuration, the item 110 may be screwed into place, providing the user with an easier and more reliable insertion method. Such a configuration can also be utilized with oval-section ribs 712, as shown in FIG. 10C. To further increase the contact area and ease of insertion, the cross section of the triangular ribs 710 may have radiused points extending into the heating zone rather than sharp points.

[0149] In any of the described embodiments, the device 101 may be configured to heat the article 110 by generating a changing magnetic field configured to heat a susceptor heating element disposed within the article 110. That is, the article itself may further include a heating element. In embodiments, the susceptor heating element disposed within the article generates heat in the presence of a changing magnetic field when positioned in the heating zone, thereby heating the article and causing the aerosolized material to form from the aerosol-forming material. In some described embodiments, the heating element is an induction heating element. In other embodiments, other types of heating elements, such as resistive heating, are used. The configuration of the above devices is generally as described above, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. In such an arrangement, the heating assembly 201 includes a resistive heating generator including components for heating the heating element via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electric current is applied directly to the resistive heating element, and the resulting current flow in the heating element heats the heating element by Joule heating. The resistive heating element includes a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable electric current flows through it, and the heating assembly 201 includes electrical contacts for supplying the electric current to the resistive material.

[0150] In embodiments, the heating element forms the resistive heating component itself, hi embodiments, the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heating element, for example by conduction.

[0151] The above-described embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other described features, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of other embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. [Item of invention] [Item 1] 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a container having a peripheral wall defining a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material; an elongated rib protruding into the heating zone, the elongated rib having an article placement surface positioned to space at least a portion of an article received in the heating zone from the peripheral wall to provide an air flow path between the article and the peripheral wall; The aerosol generating device, wherein the elongated rib extends at least partially circumferentially around the peripheral wall. [Item 2] [1] The aerosol generating device described in [1], wherein the elongated rib forms at least a partially spiral path around the peripheral wall of the container. [Item 3] [2] An aerosol generating device as described in [2], wherein the elongated rib forms a complete spiral path around the peripheral wall of the container in contact with the item. [Item 4] The aerosol generating device described in [3], wherein the elongated rib has a slit. [Item 5] [4] An aerosol generating device as described in [4], wherein the elongated rib has a spiral path with at least two turns, each turn having a gap. [Item 6] An aerosol generating device as described in [5], wherein each of at least two breaks in the at least two turns of the spiral path of the elongated rib is at the same circumferential angular position on the peripheral wall of the container. [Item 7] [5] An aerosol generating device as described in [5], wherein each of at least two breaks in the at least two turns of the spiral path of the elongated rib is at a different circumferential angular position on the peripheral wall of the container. [Item 8] An aerosol generating device described in any one of [4] to [7], wherein the elongated rib extends discontinuously only in the circumferential direction around the peripheral wall of the container. [Item 9] The aerosol generating device according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the elongated rib is one of a plurality of elongated ribs. [Item 10] The aerosol generating device according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the container and the elongated rib are integrally formed. [Item 11] An aerosol generating device according to any one of [1] to

[10] , comprising a heating element configured to heat the article. [Item 12] The aerosol generating device described in

[11] , wherein the container is provided with the heating element. [Item 13] The aerosol generating device according to

[11] or

[12] , wherein the heating element comprises a material that can be heated by the penetration of a magnetic field. [Item 14] An aerosol generating device described in any one of

[11] to

[13] , wherein the heating element comprises a material configured to heat under the application of an electric current. [Item 15] An aerosol generating device described in any one of

[11] to

[14] , wherein the elongated rib or multiple elongated ribs form part of the heating element. [Item 16]

[12] The aerosol generating device described in

[12] , wherein the heating element is upright within the container. [Item 17] 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a container having a peripheral wall defining a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material; An aerosol generating device comprising: an elongated rib having at least one item placement surface protruding into the heating zone, the item placement surface having a perimeter longer than its axial length relative to the longitudinal axis of the heating zone. [Item 18] [An aerosol generating device system comprising an aerosol generating device described in any one of claims 1 to 17 and an article containing an aerosol generating material, the article being capable of being at least partially received in the heating zone of the aerosol generating device. [Item 19]

[18] An aerosol generating device system described in

[18] , wherein the article is tubular and has a circular cross section.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a container having a peripheral wall defining a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material; an elongated rib protruding into the heating zone, the elongated rib having an article placement surface positioned to space at least a portion of an article received in the heating zone from the peripheral wall to provide an air flow path between the article and the peripheral wall; the elongated rib forms a complete spiral path around the peripheral wall in contact with the article; An aerosol generating device, wherein the elongated rib has a slit.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the elongated rib has a spiral path with at least two turns, each turn having a gap.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein each of the at least two breaks in the spiral path of the at least two turns of the elongated rib is located at the same circumferential angular position on the peripheral wall of the container.

4. 3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein each of the at least two breaks in the spiral path of the at least two turns of the elongated rib is located at a different circumferential angular position on the peripheral wall of the container.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the elongated rib is one of a plurality of elongated ribs.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the container and the elongated rib are integrally formed.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , comprising a heating element configured to heat the article.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the container comprises the heating element.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the heating element comprises a material that can be heated by the penetration of a magnetic field.

10. 8. The aerosol generation device of claim 7, wherein the heating element comprises a material configured to heat under the application of an electric current.

11. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the elongated rib or ribs form part of the heating element.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8 , wherein the heating element is upright within the container.

13. 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a container having a peripheral wall defining a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material; an elongated rib having at least one item placement surface projecting into the heating zone, the item placement surface having a perimeter longer than an axial length relative to a longitudinal axis of the heating zone; the elongated rib forms a complete spiral path around the peripheral wall of the container in contact with the article; An aerosol generating device, wherein the elongated rib has a slit.

14. 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a container having a peripheral wall defining a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material; an elongated rib protruding into the heating zone, the elongated rib having an article placement surface positioned to space at least a portion of an article received in the heating zone from the peripheral wall to provide an air flow path between the article and the peripheral wall; An aerosol generating device, wherein the elongated rib has a slit and extends discontinuously only in the circumferential direction around the peripheral wall of the container.

15. 1. An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising: a container having a peripheral wall defining a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-forming material; an elongated rib having at least one item placement surface projecting into the heating zone, the item placement surface having a perimeter longer than an axial length relative to a longitudinal axis of the heating zone; An aerosol generating device, wherein the elongated rib has a slit and extends discontinuously only in the circumferential direction around the peripheral wall of the container.

16. 16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the elongated rib includes a radiused edge.

17. The aerosol generating device according to claim 16, wherein the elongated rib includes a plurality of radiused edges.

18. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the elongated rib is elliptical.

19. 15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the elongated rib is triangular, and the triangular cross-section includes a rounded apex angle.

20. The aerosol generating device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the elongated rib is rectangular, and the corners of the rectangular cross section of the item placement surface of the elongated rib are rounded.

21. An aerosol generating device system comprising an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, 13, 14 or 15, and an article containing an aerosol generating material, the article being capable of being at least partially received in the heating zone of the aerosol generating device.

22. 22. The aerosol generating device system of claim 21, wherein the article is tubular and has a circular cross section.

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