Apparatus for heating aerosol-generating materials

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel apparatus for heating an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. [Solution] An apparatus for heating an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material is described. The apparatus includes a heating assembly having a heating cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing the aerosol-generating material. The heating element protrudes into the heating cavity, which is arranged to be at least partially inserted into at least a portion of the article containing the aerosol-generating material. The heating element also has a chamber within the heating element that is fluidly isolated from the heating cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for heating an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, a system comprising an apparatus for heating the aerosol-generating material, and an article comprising the aerosol-generating material.

Background Art

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

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for heating an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, the apparatus comprising a heating assembly having a heating cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the aerosol-generating material, and a heating element projecting into the heating cavity arranged to be at least partially inserted within at least a portion of the article comprising the aerosol-generating material, the heating element comprising a chamber within the heating element, the chamber being fluidically isolated from the heating cavity.

[0004] The apparatus may comprise a sensor configured to determine a characteristic of an inner side surface of the heating element.

[0005] The sensor may be within the chamber.

[0006] The sensor may be a temperature sensor. The sensor may also be a thermocouple.

[0007] The sensor may be located on the inner side of the heating element.

[0008] The chamber may be a filling chamber.

[0009] The device may include a filler material inside the chamber to seal the sensor within the chamber.

[0010] The filler material may be an insulating material.

[0011] The heating element chamber may be closed at one end.

[0012] The heating element chamber may be closed at the free end of the heating element.

[0013] The heating element may be configured to be heated by resistance heating.

[0014] The heating element may be configured to be heated by induction heating.

[0015] The heating element may include a material that can be heated by a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0016] The device may include an induction coil configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0017] The induction coil may surround at least a portion of the heating area.

[0018] The heating element may comprise a base portion and a heating member rising from the base portion.

[0019] The heating element may be configured to be heated by an induction coil.

[0020] The base may be configured to be heated by an induction coil.

[0021] The heating member may be formed of a non-ferrous material.

[0022] The base portion may be formed from an iron material.

[0023] The heating member may have a higher thermal conductivity than the base portion.

[0024] The heating assembly may include a receiving portion that defines a heating cavity.

[0025] A fluid seal may be formed between the heating element and the receiving portion.

[0026] The receiving portion may be a tubular member.

[0027] The receiving portion may include a base. A fluid seal may be formed between the heating element and the base. The heating element may form the base.

[0028] The heating member may include a peripheral wall and an end wall. The peripheral wall and the end wall may together form the outer wall of the heating member. The peripheral wall and the end wall may have no openings extending therethrough.

[0029] The peripheral wall and the end wall may be formed of a material that can be heated by a varying magnetic field.

[0030] The chamber may be an upwardly covered hole.

[0031] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device comprising the apparatus described in any one of the above paths is provided.

[0032] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material is provided, the device comprising a heating region arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing the aerosol generating material, and a hollow heating element protruding into the heating region, the hollow heating element comprising a closed end within the heating region and an open end outside the heating region.

[0033] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generation system is provided which includes any of the above-described apparatuses or any of the above-described aerosol generation devices and an article containing an aerosol generation material.

[0034] The items may be consumables.

[0035] Next, several embodiments will be described as mere examples with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a front perspective view of an aerosol generation system having an aerosol generation device and an article inserted into the device. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the aerosol generation system. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the heating components of the aerosol generation system. [Figure 4] This figure schematically shows another heating component of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” means a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, it is heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. Aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, solids, liquids, or gels, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may also contain any plant-based material, such as any tobacco-containing material, and may include one or more of the following: tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, re-tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also contain other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, solids, liquids, gels, or waxes. Aerosol-generating materials may also be, for example, combinations or blends of several materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be known as “smoking materials.”

[0038] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an activator and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0039] The aerosol-generating material may include an amorphous solid, or it may be an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a monolithic solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of an amorphous solid to about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of an amorphous solid.

[0040] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a sheet, or may be a sheet, and may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheets may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0041] Typically, devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material in order to form an aerosol that can be inhaled without burning or combustion of the aerosol-generating material. Such devices may also be described as “aerosol-generating devices,” “aerosol-supplying devices,” “non-combustion heating devices,” “tobacco heating product devices,” or “tobacco heating devices,” or similar. Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporize an 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, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part of such a form. A heater for heating and vaporizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a “permanent” part of the device.

[0042] An aerosol generating device can accept articles containing aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, “article” means a component that, when used, contains or is contained with aerosol generating material, which is heated when used to volatilize the aerosol generating material and, optionally, other components. A user can insert an article into the aerosol supply device, heat the article to generate an aerosol, and then inhale it. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating cavity of a device large enough to accept the article.

[0043] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol generation system 100. The system 100 comprises an aerosol generation device 101 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation material, and a replaceable article 110 containing the aerosol generation material. The device 101 can be used to heat the replaceable article 110 containing the aerosol generation material to generate an aerosol or other aspirable material that can be inhaled by the user of the device 101.

[0044] The device 101 comprises a housing 103 that surrounds and houses various components of the device 101. The housing 103 is elongated. The device 101 has an opening 104 at one end through which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by the device 101. The article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the device 101 for heating by the device 101.

[0045] Device 101 may include a user-operable control element 106, such as a button or switch, which operates the device 101 when pressed or otherwise manipulated. For example, a user can operate device 101 by pressing the switch 106.

[0046] Device 101 defines a longitudinal axis 102, and article 110 can extend along this longitudinal axis 102 when inserted into device 101. The opening 104 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 102.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating device 100 shown in Figure 1, illustrating the various components of device 101. It will be noted that device 101 may include other components not shown in Figure 2, or may not include some of the components shown in Figure 2.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, device 101 includes a device 200 for heating an aerosol-generating material. The device 200 includes a heating assembly 201, a controller (control circuit) 202, and a power supply 204. The device 200 comprises a main body assembly 210. The main body assembly 210 may include a housing and other components that form part of the device. The heating assembly 201 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating medium or material of an article 110 inserted into device 101, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The power supply 204 supplies power to the heating assembly 201, which converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating material.

[0049] The power source 204 may be a battery, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0050] The power supply 204 is electrically coupled to the heating assembly 201 and, when needed, can supply power under the control of the controller 202 to heat the aerosol-generating material. The control circuit 202 may be configured to activate and deactivate the heating assembly 201 based on the user's operation of the control element 106. For example, the controller 202 can activate the heating assembly 201 in response to the user operating the switch 106.

[0051] The end of the device 101 closest to the opening 104 is sometimes referred to as the proximal end (or mouth end) 107 of the device 101, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104 and operates the user control unit 106 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material and draw in the aerosol generated within the device. This causes the aerosol to flow along the channel through the article 110 toward the proximal end 107 of the device 101.

[0052] The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use and is therefore sometimes referred to as the distal end 108 of the device 101. When the user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows toward the proximal end of the device 101. The terms proximal and distal, applied to the features of the device 101, describe the relative arrangement of such features by referring to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the axis 102.

[0053] The heating assembly 201 may comprise various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise an induction element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current through the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0054] The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor appropriately positioned relative to the inductive element, generating eddy currents within the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, and therefore, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to heat up by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by the magnetic hysteresis loss of the susceptor, i.e., by the fluctuation of the orientation of the magnetic dipole of the magnetic material as a result of aligning with the fluctuating magnetic field. With induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, the heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact between the inductive element and the susceptor is required, greatly increasing the freedom of structure and application.

[0055] The apparatus 200 is configured to receive an article 110 to be heated and includes a heating cavity 211 of such dimensions. The heating cavity 211 defines a heating area 215. In this example, the article 110 is generally cylindrical, and the heating cavity 211 is correspondingly generally cylindrical in shape. However, other shapes are also possible. The heating cavity 211 is formed by a receiving section 212. The receiving section 212 includes an end wall 213 and a circumferential wall 214. The end wall 213 serves as the base of the receiving section 212. In some embodiments, the receiving section 212 is a single integrated component. As used herein, the term “single integrated component” is intended to mean that the feature parts are formed together so that no joint is defined between them. In other embodiments, the receiving section comprises two or more components.

[0056] The heating cavity 211 is defined by the inner surface of the receiving section 212. The receiving section 212 functions as a support member. The receiving section 212 comprises a generally tubular member. The receiving section 212 extends substantially coaxially around the axis along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. However, other shapes are also possible. The receiving section 212 (and therefore the heating region 215) is open at its proximal end, so that an article 110 inserted into the opening 104 of the device 101 can be received by the heating cavity 211 through the opening 104. The receiving section 212 is closed at its distal end by an end wall 213. The receiving section 212 may comprise one or more conduits that form part of an air passage. When in use, the distal end of the article 110 may be positioned close to or engaged with the end of the heating cavity 211. Air can enter the heating cavity 211 through one or more conduits that form part of the air passage and flow through the article 110 toward the proximal end of the device 101.

[0057] The receiving section 212 is formed without any material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The receiving section 212 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the receiving section 212 may be formed from a plastic such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are also possible. The receiving section 212 may be formed from a material that ensures the assembly maintains rigidity / sturdiness when the heating assembly 201 is operating. Using a non-metallic material for the receiving section 212 can help limit the heating of other components of the device 101. The receiving section 212 may be formed from a rigid material to assist in supporting the other components.

[0058] Other configurations for the receiving section 212 are also possible. For example, in one embodiment, the end wall 213 is defined by a portion of the heating assembly 201. In some embodiments, the receiving section 212 contains a material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the heating assembly 201 includes a heating element 220. The heating element 220 is configured to heat a heating region 215. The heating region 215 is defined by a heating cavity 211. In some embodiments, the heating cavity 211 defines a portion of the heating region 215 or an entire area of ​​the heating region 215.

[0060] The heating element 220 extends within the heating region 215. Functioning as a protruding element, the heating element 220 projects into the heating region 215. The heating element 220 rises from its base. The heating element 220 is spaced apart from the peripheral wall 214. The heating assembly 201 is configured such that the heating element 220 extends within the distal end of the article 110 when the article 110 is received by the heating cavity 211. The heating element 220 is positioned within the article 110 during use. The heating element 220 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 from the inside, and is therefore referred to as an internal heating element.

[0061] The heating element 220 extends into the heating cavity 211 from its distal end along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device (axially). In some embodiments, the heating element 220 extends into the heating cavity 211 spaced away from the axis 102. The heating element 220 may be offset from the axis 102 or not parallel to the axis 102. Although one heating element 220 is shown, it will be understood that in some embodiments the heating assembly 201 comprises multiple heating elements 220. In some embodiments, such heating elements are spaced apart from each other but parallel to each other.

[0062] The heating element 220 protrudes within the heating region 215 and is received by the article 110. Figure 2 shows the article 110 received in the device 101. The article 110 is sized to be received by the receiving section 212. The outer dimensions of the article 110 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the cavity 211 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101, allowing the article 110 to be inserted into the receiving section 212. In some embodiments, a gap 216 is defined between the outer side surface 111 of the article 110 and the inner side surface 217 of the receiving section 212. The gap 216 can function as an air passage along at least a portion of the axial length of the cavity 211. The insertion end 112 of the article 110 is positioned adjacent to the base of the receiving section 212.

[0063] The heating element 220 extends from the distal end of the receiving portion 212 into the heating region 215. The heating element 220 rises from the end wall 213. The heating element 220 comprises a heating member 224. The heating member 224 is elongated. The heating element 220 comprises a base end 221 and a free end 222 on the opposite side. The heating member 224 is elongated and defines an axis that extends along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The heating member 224 is a pin or column. Other shapes are possible, for example, in some embodiments the heating member 224 is a blade. In some embodiments, the heating member 224 rises from a collar or base portion 225. The base portion 225 can function as a seal for sealing with the end of the article 110. The base portion 225 may be omitted.

[0064] The heating element 220 has an outer surface 223. The outer surface 223 defines the periphery of the heating element 220. The outer surface 223 extends between the base end 221 and the free end 222. The heating element 220 is generally cylindrical, but other shapes are also possible.

[0065] The heating element 220 can be heated by induction heating or resistance heating. When the heating element can be heated by induction heating, the heating element 220 is an induction heating element. That is, the heating element 220 comprises a susceptor that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. 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, such as ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, may be used.

[0066] The heating assembly 201 includes a magnetic field generator 240. The magnetic field generator 240 is configured to generate one or more fluctuating magnetic fields that penetrate the heating element 220 to cause heating of the heating element 220. The magnetic field generator 240 includes an inductor coil configuration 241. The inductor coil configuration 241 includes an inductor coil 242 that functions as an inductor element. The inductor coil 242 is a helical coil, but other configurations are also possible. In some embodiments, the inductor coil configuration 241 may include two or more inductor coils 242. In some embodiments, the two or more inductor coils may be arranged adjacent to each other and may be coaxially aligned along an axis.

[0067] In some examples, when in use, the inductor coil is configured to heat the heating element 220 to a temperature between approximately 200°C and 350°C, such as between approximately 240°C and 300°C or between approximately 250°C and 280°C.

[0068] In any of the embodiments described herein, the magnetic field generator 240 may be configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field having a frequency of 800 kHz to 1.5 MHz.

[0069] The inductor coil 241 is located outside the receiving portion 212. The inductor coil 241 surrounds the heating region 215. The helical inductor coil 241 extends around at least a portion of the heating element 220, which functions as a susceptor. The helical inductor coil 241 is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 220. The helical inductor coil 241 is located coaxially with the heating cavity 211 and the longitudinal axis 101.

[0070] The inductor coil 241 is a helical coil containing a conductive material such as copper. The coil is formed from a wire, such as Litz wire, wound helically around a support member. The support member is formed by a receiving portion 212 or another component. In some embodiments, the support member is omitted. The support member is tubular. The coil 241 defines a generally tubular shape. The inductor coil 241 has a generally circular contour. In other embodiments, the inductor coil 241 may have a different shape, such as generally square, rectangular, or elliptical. The coil width may increase or decrease along its length.

[0071] Other types of inductor coils, such as flat helical coils, may be used. In a helical coil, an elongated inductor region can be defined to accommodate the susceptor, thereby allowing the susceptor to be elongated in such a way that it is accommodated within this elongated inductor region. The length of the susceptor subjected to the fluctuating magnetic field can be maximized. By providing an enclosed inductor region in the helical coil configuration, it is possible to help concentrate the magnetic flux of the magnetic field.

[0072] Other configurations for heating the heating element 220 by induction heating are also conceivable. In one embodiment, the induction coil 241 is placed inside the heating member 224, rather than being placed outside the receiving portion 212 as described above.

[0073] In other embodiments, the susceptor is the base portion 225 of the heating element 220, and heat from the base portion 225 is transferred to the heating member 224 by conduction. In these embodiments, the heating member 224 is made of a non-ferrous material, and the base portion 225 is made of an iron material.

[0074] Litz wire consists of multiple individual wires, each individually insulated, which are twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce the skin effect loss of the conductor. Other wire types, such as solid wire, can also be used. The configuration of a helical inductor coil may vary along the axial length of the helical inductor coil. For example, the inductor coil, or each inductor coil, may have substantially the same or different values ​​such as inductance, axial length, radius, pitch, and number of turns.

[0075] The heating element 220 protrudes within the heating region 215 and is received by the article 110. Figure 2 shows the article 110 received in the device 101. The article 110 is sized to be received by the receiving section 212. The outer dimensions of the article 110 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the cavity 211 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101, allowing the article 110 to be inserted into the receiving section 212. In some embodiments, a gap 216 is defined between the outer side surface 111 of the article 110 and the inner side surface 217 of the receiving section 212. The gap 216 can function as an air passage along at least a portion of the axial length of the cavity 211. The insertion end 112 of the article 110 is positioned adjacent to the base of the receiving section 212.

[0076] Article 110 includes a hole 113. The hole 113 is pre-formed in article 110. In embodiments, the hole 113 is formed by a tubular portion of article 110. In some embodiments, the hole 113 partially extends along the longitudinal axis of the article. The hole 113 includes an inner surface 114. The hole 113 has a closed end 115. The heating member 224 is sized to be received by the hole 113. The heating member 224 and the hole 113 are complementary in size to form a slip fit. The inner surface 114 of the hole is configured to be in close contact with the heating member 224 to maximize heat transfer between the heating element 220 and article 110.

[0077] In this embodiment, the free end 222 is not sharp. In some embodiments, the hole 113 in the article 110 is omitted. In some embodiments, the outer dimensions of the heating element are greater than the outer dimensions of the hole. In such configurations, the heating element is configured to deform and / or expand the article 110 so that it can be inserted into the article 110. To facilitate this, the inner heating element 220 is configured to pierce the article 110 as it is inserted into the device 101. In such embodiments, the free end 222 of the heating element 220 has a sharp edge or tip. In embodiments, the free end 222 of the heating element 220 has a sharp edge, tip, or other guide feature to assist in positioning the heating element 220 in the article 110.

[0078] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the heating structure 201. The heating member 224 includes a chamber 250. The heating member 224 is hollow or at least partially hollow. The chamber 250 is formed as a hole.

[0079] The external dimensions of the heating element 224 are greater than the external dimensions of the chamber 250. The chamber 250 comprises an internal surface 251, a closed end 252, and an open end 253. The closed end 252 is located at the free end 222 of the heating element 220. The closed end 252 is located towards the proximal end of the heating cavity 211. The open end 253 is located at the base end 221 of the heating element 220. The chamber 250 may have any shape.

[0080] A sensor 270 is provided in the chamber 250. The sensor includes a communication line extending from the sensor 270. The sensor 270 is positioned to determine the characteristics of the inner surface of the heating element 224. The sensor 270 is located inside the chamber 250. The chamber 250 may completely enclose the sensor 270 or partially enclose it. In some embodiments, the sensor 270 is mounted on the inner surface 251. In some embodiments, the sensor 270 is mounted on the closed end 252 of the chamber 250.

[0081] The heating element 224 comprises a peripheral wall 257 and an end wall 258. Together, the peripheral wall 257 and the end wall 258 form the outer wall of the heating element. The peripheral wall 257 may be tubular. The peripheral wall 257 and the end wall 258 may not have openings extending through them.

[0082] The sensor 270 is in thermal contact with the peripheral wall 257 of the heating element 224. The sensor 270 is located on the inner side surface of the peripheral wall 257 of the heating element 224. The sensor 270 is a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 270 is a thermocouple. Providing the sensor on the heating element 224 can help determine a reliable and accurate temperature value. A material that can be heated by a fluctuating magnetic field surrounds the sensor 270.

[0083] The sensor 270 is fluidically isolated from the heating region 215. The heating element 220 acts as a fluid barrier, preventing the fluid from flowing from the heating region into the chamber 250. Thus, the sensor 270 is fluidically isolated. By providing a fluidically isolated chamber, it is possible to limit contact between condensate and the sensor 270.

[0084] In some embodiments, the chamber 250 is a filled chamber. The chamber 250 is equipped with a filler material 275 inside the chamber to seal the sensor 270 inside the chamber 250. The filler material 275 is an electrically insulating material. In some embodiments, the insulator 275 is a plastic, such as PEEK. The chamber 250 can be completely or partially filled with the filler material 275.

[0085] Figure 4 shows a schematic enlarged view of an alternative heating structure 201. The configuration of the heating structure 201 is generally as described above, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. In such a structure, the heating element 220 comprises a base portion 225 and a heating member 224. The heating member 224 is hollow as described above. The open end 253 of the heating member is positioned on the base portion 225. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the base portion 225 forms a base end 221. In other embodiments, the base portion 225 is positioned on the other side of the base end 221 relative to the heating member 224. In some embodiments, the base portion 225 is formed from a material that can be heated by a fluctuating magnetic field. Thus, the base portion 225 forms a susceptor. The heating member 224 is heated by conduction from the base portion 225. In such embodiments, the heating member 224 is formed from a material that can be heated by a fluctuating magnetic field, or there is no such material.

[0086] In the embodiments described above, the heating component is an induction heating component. In some embodiments, other types of heating components, such as resistance heating components, are used. The configuration of the device is generally the same as described above, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. In such a configuration, the heating assembly 201 comprises a resistance heating generator which includes components for heating a heating element by a resistance heating process. In this case, current is applied directly to the resistance heating component, and as a result, the heating component is heated by Joule heating by the flow of current through it. The resistance heating component comprises a resistance material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through it, and the heating assembly comprises electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistance material.

[0087] In some embodiments, the heating element forms the resistive heating component itself. In some embodiments, the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heating element, for example, by conduction.

[0088] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as representative examples of the embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or to limit equivalents of the claims, and it will be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately comprise, consist of, or substantially consist of, disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 101...Aerosol generating device (apparatus), 110...Article, 201...Heating assembly, 211...Heating cavity, 220...Heating element, 250...Chamber.

Claims

1. An apparatus for heating an aerosol generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol generating material, A heating assembly comprising a heating cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, A heating element protruding into the heating cavity is positioned to be at least partially inserted into the article containing the aerosol generating material. It is equipped with, The heating element comprises a chamber within the heating element. An apparatus in which the chamber is fluidly isolated from the heating cavity.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to determine the characteristics of the inner surface of the heating element.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is located inside the chamber.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the sensor is a thermocouple.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the sensor is located on the inner side surface of the heating element.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the chamber is a filling chamber.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a filler material is provided inside the chamber to seal the sensor inside the chamber.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the filler material is an insulating material.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating element chamber is closed at the free end of the heating element.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating element is configured to be heated by resistance heating.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating element includes a material that can be heated by a fluctuating magnetic field.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an induction coil configured to generate the aforementioned fluctuating magnetic field.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the heating element comprises a base portion and a heating member rising from the base portion.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the heating member is configured to be heated by the induction coil.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the base portion is configured to be heated by the induction coil.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the heating element is made of a non-ferrous material.

17. An aerosol generating device comprising the apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. An aerosol generating device for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials, A heating region arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, A hollow heating element protruding within the aforementioned heating region It is equipped with, An aerosol generating device in which the hollow heating element comprises a closed end within the heating region and an open end outside the heating region.

19. An aerosol generation system comprising an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or an aerosol generation device according to claim 18, and an article containing an aerosol generation material.

20. The aerosol generating system according to claim 19, wherein the aforementioned article is a consumable item.

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