Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. The device comprises a heating element, a movable stopper, an actuator, an article sensor, and a processor. The heating element is configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing the aerosol-generating material. The stopper is positioned to abut against the end of the portion of the article received by the heating element. The stopper limits the extent to which that portion of the article is received by the heating element. The actuator is positioned to move the stopper relative to the heating element. The processor determines the properties of the article according to the properties of the article detected by the article sensor and is configured to operate the actuator to move the stopper to change the usable range of the heating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Technical Field) The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The present invention also relates to a method of operating the aerosol supply device.

Background Art

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

Summary of the Invention

[0003] (Summary of the Invention) According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, comprising a heating configuration configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing the aerosol-generating material, a movable stopper disposed to abut against an end of a portion of the article received by the heating configuration and to limit the range in which that portion of the article is received by the heating configuration, an actuator disposed to move the stopper relative to the heating configuration, an article sensor, and a processor, the processor being configured to determine the properties of the article detected by the article sensor indicating the properties of the article, operate the actuator to move the stopper, and change the available range of the heating configuration. An aerosol supply device is provided.

[0004] The property may be the length of the article containing the aerosol-generating material.

[0005] The characteristic may be the length of a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0006] The stopper may be positioned to move relative to the heating element between a first stopping position and a second stopping position, thereby changing the usable range of the heating element.

[0007] The usable range of the heating element may define a heating zone in which a portion of the article is heated.

[0008] The depth of the heating zone may vary between the first stop position and the second stop position.

[0009] The heating element may include a receiving section arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0010] The stopper may define the base of the receiving portion.

[0011] The stopper may be movable within the receiving portion.

[0012] The heating component may include a heating element.

[0013] The stopper may be positioned to be received within at least a portion of the article containing the aerosol-generating material.

[0014] The stopper may define the usable range of the heating element exposed to the heating zone and the unusable range that is not exposed to the heating zone.

[0015] According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising a first article containing an aerosol generating material, a second article containing an aerosol generating material, and an aerosol supply device, wherein the first article has a first length and the second article has a second different length.

[0016] The aerosol-generating material of the first article may have a first length, and the aerosol-generating material of the second article may include a second different length.

[0017] The processor may be configured to activate an actuator when a first article is detected by an article sensor to move a stopper to a first stopping position and define a first usable range of the heating element.

[0018] The processor may be configured to activate an actuator when a second article is detected by an article sensor to move the stopper to a second stopping position, thereby defining a second usable range of the heating element.

[0019] The processor may be configured to determine whether a first or second article is inserted into the device based on the properties of the article detected by the article sensor.

[0020] The properties of the items detected by the item sensor may include RFID tags.

[0021] The properties of an object detected by an object sensor may include its color.

[0022] The properties of an object detected by an object sensor may include patterns.

[0023] The properties of an item detected by an item sensor may include markings.

[0024] The properties of an object detected by an object sensor may include its surface texture.

[0025] The properties of an item detected by an item sensor may include a QR code.

[0026] The properties of the article may be provided on the article.

[0027] The properties of the article may be provided by the packaging of the article. The first and second articles may be used interchangeably with the device.

[0028] The first and second stop positions may each be predetermined positions.

[0029] The processor may be configured to operate the aerosol supply device according to an operating mode, and the processor may be configured to select the operating mode based on the characteristics of the article.

[0030] The first and second articles may each be consumables.

[0031] According to one aspect, a method of operating an aerosol supply device, the device comprising a heating configuration configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol generating material, a stopper disposed to abut an end of a portion of the article received by the heating configuration to limit the extent to which that portion of the article is received by the heating configuration, and an actuator disposed to move the stopper relative to the heating configuration, the method comprising determining the properties of the article detected by an article sensor indicative of the properties of the article, and operating the actuator to move the stopper to change the available range of the heating configuration. A method is provided.

[0032] The characteristic may be the length of the article containing the aerosol generating material.

[0033] The characteristic may be the length of a portion of the article containing the aerosol generating material.

[0034] The stopper may be arranged to move relative to the heating configuration between a first stop position and a second stop position to change the available range of the heating configuration.

[0035] The available range of the heating configuration may define a heating zone in which a portion of the article is heated.

[0036] The depth of the heating zone may vary between the first stop position and the second stop position.

[0037] The heating element may include a receiving section arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0038] The stopper may define the base of the receiving portion.

[0039] The stopper may be movable within the receiving portion.

[0040] The heating component may include a heating element.

[0041] The stopper may be positioned to be received within at least a portion of the article containing the aerosol-generating material.

[0042] The stopper may define the usable range of the heating element exposed to the heating zone and the unusable range that is not exposed to the heating zone.

[0043] The device may be configured to receive at least a portion of a first article containing an aerosol-generating material and at least a portion of a second article containing an aerosol-generating material.

[0044] The first article may have a first length, and the second article may have a second different length.

[0045] The aerosol-generating material of the first article may have a first length, and the aerosol-generating material of the second article may include a second different length.

[0046] The step of operating the actuator to move the stopper may further include the step of moving the stopper to a first stopping position when the first article is detected by the article sensor to define a first usable range of the heating component.

[0047] The step of operating the actuator to move the stopper may further include the step of moving the stopper to a second stopping position when a second article is detected by the article sensor to define a second usable range of the heating component.

[0048] The method may include determining whether a first article or a second article is inserted into the device based on the properties of the article detected by the article sensor.

[0049] The properties of the items detected by the item sensor may include RFID tags.

[0050] The properties of an object detected by an object sensor may include its color.

[0051] The properties of an object detected by an object sensor may include patterns.

[0052] The properties of an item detected by an item sensor may include markings.

[0053] The properties of an object detected by an object sensor may include its surface texture.

[0054] The properties of an item detected by an item sensor may include a QR code.

[0055] The first and second articles may be used interchangeably with the device.

[0056] The first and second stopping positions may each be predetermined positions.

[0057] The method may further include operating the aerosol supply device according to the operating mode.

[0058] The method may further include the step of selecting an operating mode based on the characteristics of the article.

[0059] The first and second items may each be consumables.

[0060] Here, an embodiment will be described as merely an example, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0061] (Brief explanation of the drawing) [Figure 1A] This figure schematically illustrates an example of an aerosol supply system having an aerosol supply device and an article inserted into the device. [Figure 1B] This figure schematically illustrates an example of an aerosol supply system having an aerosol supply device and an article inserted into the device. [Figure 2A] This figure schematically shows a part of the aerosol supply system in Figure 1A, where the aerosol supply device is in the first configuration. [Figure 2B] This diagram schematically shows a part of the aerosol supply system in Figure 1A, where the aerosol supply device is in the second configuration. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for operating an aerosol supply device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0062] (Modes for carrying out the invention) As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or electrocuted, for example, by any other means. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol-generating material may also contain any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing material, and may include, for example, one or more tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also contain other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. The aerosol-generating material may also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smoked material.”

[0063] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active substance 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.

[0064] 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 the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of amorphous solid, or about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of amorphous solid.

[0065] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may optionally include a sheet that can be shredded to form a shredded sheet, or it may be a sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0066] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material to form an inhalable aerosol, typically without burning or combustion of the aerosol-generating material. Such devices may be described as "aerosol-generating devices," "aerosol-supplying devices," "non-combustion heating devices," "tobacco heating product devices," or "tobacco heating devices," etc. Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices that vaporize an aerosol-generating material, typically in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part thereof. A heater for heating and vaporizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0067] An aerosol supply device can accept an article containing aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that contains or is contained with aerosol-generating material at the time of use, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally, other components at the time of use. The user may insert the article into the aerosol supply device before it is heated to generate an aerosol, and then the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in a heating chamber of a device sized to accept the article.

[0068] Figures 1A, 2A, and 2B show an aerosol supply system 100. The system 100 comprises an aerosol supply device 101 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, and a replaceable article 110 containing the aerosol-generating material. The device 101 can be used to heat the replaceable article 110 containing the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material that can be inhaled by a user of the device 101. The article 110 may be fully or partially accepted by the device 101 for heating by the device 101. In the arrangement shown in the figures, the article 110 is fully accepted by the device 101. In embodiments, the article 110 protrudes from the device 101.

[0069] The device 101 defines a longitudinal axis 102 along which the article 110 may extend when the article is received by the device 101. During use, the user inhales the device or article to aspirate the aerosol generated within the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the article 110 along a channel toward the proximal end 103 of the device 101. When the device 101 is in use, the proximal end (or mouth end) 103 of the device 101 is closest to the user's mouth. The other end of the device 101 furthest from the proximal end 103 is known as the distal end 104 of the device 101, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use.

[0070] When a user inhales the aerosol generated within the device, the aerosol flows toward the proximal end 103 of the device 101. The terms proximal and distal, applied to the features of the device 101, are explained by referring to the relative positioning of such features toward each other in the proximal-distal direction along the axis 102.

[0071] Device 101 comprises a main body 105. The main body 105 comprises a housing that surrounds and accommodates various components of device 101. The housing is elongated. In embodiments such as the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, device 101 comprises an auxiliary body 106. The auxiliary body 106 is detachably attached to the main body 105. In embodiments, the main body 105 and the auxiliary body 106 form a single unit. In embodiments such as the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, the auxiliary body is omitted.

[0072] Device 101 includes a heating assembly 200 for heating an aerosol-generating material. The heating assembly 200 includes a heating component 201, a controller (control circuit) 202, and a power supply 204. The heating assembly 200 may also include a chassis and other components that form part of device 101. The heating component 201 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of an article 110 received into device 101 so that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The heating component 201 may include various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 110. The controller 202 includes a processor 203 and memory 205. The processor 203 communicates data with one or more sensors. The processor 203 is operable to control device 101.

[0073] The power supply 204 supplies power to the heating component 201, which converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power supply 204 may be a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Suitable battery examples include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries. The power supply 204 may be electrically coupled to the heating component 201 to supply power for heating the aerosol-generating material, as needed, under the control of the controller 202. The control circuit 202 may be configured to selectively operate and deactivate the heating component 201 or a part thereof based on user input. The control circuit 202 may be further configured to selectively operate the heating component 201.

[0074] The heating structure 201 defines a heating zone 215 in which a portion of the article 110 received by the heating structure 201 is heated. The heating structure 201 includes a heating member 220. The heating member 220 comprises at least one heating element 221. The heating element 221 is configured to heat the heating zone 215 by induction heating. Other forms of heating structures, and therefore heating elements, such as resistance heating, are anticipated. The heating element 221 defines the heating zone 215.

[0075] In this embodiment, the heating component is an induction heating component. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating component may comprise an induction element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current within the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the induction element, generating eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, and therefore, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the susceptor by Joule heating. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat can also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by a change in the orientation of magnetic dipoles within the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the fluctuating magnetic field. Compared to heating by conduction, for example, induction heating generates heat inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Furthermore, since no physical contact is required between the inductive element and the susceptor, it becomes possible to increase the degree of freedom in construction and application.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the heating structure 201 is an induction heater structure. The heating element 221 is an induction heating element. That is, the heating element 221 comprises a susceptor that can be heated by penetration due to a fluctuating magnetic field. The susceptor contains 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.

[0077] The induction heater configuration further comprises a magnetic field generator 240. The magnetic field generator 240 is configured to generate one or more fluctuating magnetic fields that penetrate the susceptor to cause heating within the susceptor. The magnetic field generator 240 includes an inductor coil configuration 241. The inductor coil configuration 241 comprises one or more inductor coils 242. The inductor coils 242 function as inductor elements. The inductor coils 242 surround the heating zone 215. The inductor coils 242 extend around at least a portion of the heating member 220. In other embodiments, the inductor coils 242 may instead extend within the heating member 220. The number of inductor coils may vary.

[0078] The inductor coil 242 is a helical coil, but other configurations are also possible. In embodiments, the inductor configuration 241 comprises two or more inductor coils. The two or more inductor coils in embodiments may be arranged adjacent to each other and coaxially aligned along the axis. The helical coil 242 is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 221. The heating element 221 functions as a susceptor. The helical coil 242 is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis 102. The helical coil 242 contains a conductive material such as copper. The coil is formed from a wire such as Litz wire wound helically around a support member. In embodiments, the support member is omitted. The support member is tubular. The coil 242 defines a substantially tubular shape. The inductor coil 242 has a substantially circular profile. In other embodiments, the inductor coil 242 may have different shapes such as substantially square, rectangular, or elliptical. The inductor coil 242 may have a width that increases or decreases along its length.

[0079] Other types of inductor coils, such as flat helical coils, may be used. Using a helical coil, it is possible to define an elongated inductor zone that accepts a susceptor, which provides a susceptor of elongated length to be accepted within the elongated inductor zone. The length of the susceptor exposed to the fluctuating magnetic field may be maximized. Providing a helical coil configuration within a closed inductor zone can help concentrate the magnetic flux of the magnetic field.

[0080] Litz wire comprises multiple individual wires, each individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses within the conductor. Other types of wires, such as solid wires, may be used. The configuration of the helical inductor coil may vary along its axial length. For example, each of the multiple inductor coils 242 may have substantially the same or different values ​​for inductance, axial length, radius, pitch, number of turns, etc.

[0081] In some examples, when in use, the inductor coil 242 is configured to heat the heating element 221 to a temperature of approximately 200°C to approximately 350°C, for example, approximately 240°C to approximately 305°C, or approximately 250°C to approximately 280°C.

[0082] The device 101 includes a stopper assembly 300. The stopper assembly 300 comprises a stopper 305. The stopper 305 is movable relative to the heating element 201. The stopper 305 is positioned to abut against the end of the portion of the article 110 that is received by the heating element 201. The stopper 305 limits the extent to which the portion of the article 110 is received by the heating element 201. The axial length of the article is the distance between the insertion end 112 of the article 110 and the proximal end of the article 110. The insertion end 112 of the article 110 is positioned to contact the stopper when the article is received into the device 101.

[0083] The stopper 305 is positioned to move between a first stopping position for providing a first usable range of the heating element 201 and a second stopping position for providing a second different usable range of the heating element 201.

[0084] The stopper 305 may be formed without containing any material that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field. The stopper 305 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the stopper 305 may be formed from a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are also possible. Using a non-metallic material for the stopper 305 can help limit the heating of other components of the device 101 and / or prevent the combustion of aerosol-generating materials.

[0085] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the heating structure 201 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1A will be described in more detail. The heating structure 201 comprises an inductor coil structure 241, a heating member 220, a heating chamber 211, and a stopper 305. The heating member 220 comprises a heating element 221. The heating element 221 functions as a susceptor.

[0086] The heating chamber 211 is configured and sized to receive at least a portion of the article 110 to be heated. The heating chamber 211 is formed by a receiving portion 212, which functions as a support member. The receiving portion 212 comprises a substantially tubular member. The receiving portion 212 extends around the device 101 along its longitudinal axis 102 and is substantially coaxial. However, other shapes are also possible. The receiving portion 212 is open at its proximal end, thereby allowing the article 110 to be received through it by the heating chamber 211. The receiving portion 212 may comprise one or more conduits that form part of an air path.

[0087] The receiving portion 212 is formed without containing any material that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field. The receiving portion 212 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the receiving portion 212 may be formed from a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are also possible. The receiving portion 212 may be formed from a material that ensures the assembly remains rigid / robust when the heating component 201 is in operation. Using a non-metallic material for the receiving portion 212 can help limit the heating of other components of the device 101. The receiving portion 212 may be formed from a rigid material to help support other components. However, in embodiments, the receiving portion 212 includes a material that can be heated by penetration due to a changing magnetic field. In embodiments, the receiving portion is formed at least partially by a heating element.

[0088] The auxiliary body 106 includes an auxiliary receiving chamber 107. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 and the receiving portion 212 are aligned axially. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 functions as an extension of the receiving portion 212 when the auxiliary body 106 is attached to the main body 105. The internal dimensions of the auxiliary receiving chamber 107 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 substantially correspond to the internal dimensions of the receiving portion 211 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 may guide the insertion of the article 110 into the receiving portion 212. The auxiliary chamber 107 and the receiving portion 212 include an article receiving chamber 109. The article receiving chamber 109 is sized to enclose the article 110, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the proximal end of the auxiliary body 106 may have an opening into which the article 110 is inserted. In this embodiment, the auxiliary body 106 is omitted.

[0089] Article 110 is substantially cylindrical, and the heating chamber 211 is correspondingly substantially cylindrical, although other shapes are also possible. Article 110 is sized to be received by the receiving portion 212. The external dimensions of article 110 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis substantially correspond to the internal dimensions of the heating chamber 211 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of device 101, in order to allow article 110 to be inserted into the receiving portion 212.

[0090] The heating element 220 extends into the heating chamber 211 from the distal end of the heating chamber 211 along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device (axially). In embodiments, the heating element 220 extends into the heating chamber 211 spaced away from the axis 102. The heating element 220 may be off-axis or non-parallel to the axis. The heating element 220 defines a heating zone 215 within a portion of the heating chamber 211. In embodiments, the heating zone 215 is defined along the entire extent of the heating chamber 211.

[0091] The heating element 220 rises from the tip of the receiving portion 212. In the embodiment, the base of the receiving portion 212 is provided at the distal end of the receiving portion 212. The base is defined by the end wall 213. The heating element 220 is spaced apart from the peripheral wall 214. The heating structure 201 is configured such that when the article 110 is received by the heating chamber 211, a portion of the heating element 221 extends into the distal end of the article 110. The portion of the heating element 221 extending into the distal end of the article 110 defines the axial range of overlap between the heating element 220 and the article 110. The heating element 220 is positioned inside the article 110 when in use. The heating element 220 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 from the inside, and is therefore called an internal heating element. In the embodiment, at least a portion of the receiving portion 212 is defined by the heating element. In such embodiments, the heating element is configured to receive the article 110. In such embodiments, the heating element is substantially tubular. In such embodiments, the heating element is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 from the outside, and is therefore called an external heating element.

[0092] Figure 2A shows the stopper in a first position, and Figure 2B shows the stopper 305 in a second position. Figure 2A shows the device 101 that receives the first article 101a, and Figure 2B shows the device 101 that receives the first article 101b. The first and second articles 110a and 110b are substantially the same as article 110, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. The stopper 305 is movable relative to the heating structure 201. The stopper 305 is movable within the receiving portion 212. The stopper 305 is substantially tubular. The stopper 305 protrudes into the receiving portion 212. The stopper 305 functions as an end wall 213. The stopper 305 includes a stopping surface 310. The stopping surface 310 functions as a base. The stopping surface 310 faces the open proximal end of the receiving portion 212. The stopper 305 closes the receiving portion 212 at its distal end. The stopper 305 comprises an inner surface 303 and an outer surface 304. The stopping surface 310 is configured to abut against the insertion ends 112a, 112b of articles 110a, 110b. The stopper 305 limits the range of insertion of articles 110a, 110b into the heating zone 215. The stopper 305 is sized to be received within the receiving portion 212. The outer dimensions of the stopper 305 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the receiving portion 212. The outer surface 304 of the stopper 305 and the inner surface 217 of the receiving portion 212 form a sliding fit.

[0093] The stopper 305 surrounds a portion of the heating element 220. The inner surface of the stopper 305 defines a bore 302. The bore 302 extends along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The bore 302 is sized to receive the heating element 220. The bore 302 and the heating element 220 are sized complementaryly to form a slide fit. The inner surface 303 may be in contact with the outer surface of the heating element 220. The stopper 305 surrounds a portion of the heating element 220 to reduce the usable area of ​​the heating element 220. The usable area of ​​the heating element is defined as the portion of the heating element 221 that is exposed to the heating zone 215 and available to heat portions of articles 110a, 110b.

[0094] The stopper 305 is movable relative to the receiving portion 212 and the heating member 220. The receiving portion 212 and the heating member 220 are in fixed positions. The stopper 305 slides on the outer surface of the heating member 220. The stopper 305 moves from a first stop position to a second stop position along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The first stop position and the second stop position are different axial positions of the stopper 305.

[0095] Figure 2A shows a device 101 that receives an article 110a having a first predetermined dimension. The first predetermined dimension may correspond to a first length L1 of the article 110a. The stopper 305 is shown in a first stopping position. In the first stopping position, the stopper 305 provides a first usable range of the heating component 201. In the first stopping position, the stopper 305 overlaps a first portion of the heating member 220. In the first stopping position, the stopper 305 overlaps a first portion of the inductor component 241.

[0096] Figure 2B shows a device 101 that receives an article 110b having a second predetermined dimension. The second predetermined dimension may correspond to a second length L2 of the article 110b. The stopper 305 is shown in a second stopping position. In the second stopping position, the stopper 305 provides a second usable range of the heating component 201. The second usable range of the heating component 201 is different from the first usable range of the heating component 201. In the second stopping position, the stopper 305 overlaps a second portion of the heating element 220. In the second stopping position, the stopper 305 overlaps a second portion of the inductor component 241. The second portion of the heating element 220 is different in length from the first portion. The degree of axial overlap between the heating element 220 and the articles 110a and 110b that abut the stopper 305 is different between the first stopping position and the second stopping position. The second part of the inductor assembly 241 has a different length from the first part. The range of axial overlap between the inductor device 241 and the articles 110a and 110b that contact the stopper 305 differs between the first stopping position and the second stopping position.

[0097] The first stopping position of the stopper 305 is predetermined to configure the device 101 to accept article 110a. The second stopping position of the stopper 305 is predetermined to configure the device 101 to accept article 110b. In some embodiments, the first stopping position of the stopper 305 is predetermined to provide a first axial range of overlap between the heating member 220 and article 110a abutting against the stopper 305. The second stopping position of the stopper 305 is predetermined to provide a second axial range of overlap between the heating member 220 and article 110b abutting against the stopper 305. The first axial overlap range is different from the second axial overlap range. In some embodiments, the first stopping position of the stopper 305 is predetermined to provide a first usable range of the heating component 201, and the second stopping position of the stopper 305 is predetermined to provide a second usable range of the heating component 201.

[0098] In the embodiment, the heating structure is a resistance heating structure. The resistance heating structure may include a resistance heating generator which includes components for heating a heating element by a resistance heating process. In this case, a current is applied directly to the resistance heating component, and the heating component is heated by Joule heating due to the resulting flow of current within the heating component. The resistance heating component includes a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through the resistance heating component, and the heating structure includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistive material. The resistance heating component may transfer heat to the heating element by conduction, for example. The heating element may form the resistance heating structure itself. The heating element may be provided on a heating member.

[0099] Another embodiment of the heating structure will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 1B. The heating structure 201' forms part of an aerosol supply device such as device 101. The heating structure 201' is a resistance heating structure. The heating structure 201' comprises a heating member 220'. The heating member 220' comprises a heating element 221'. In the embodiment of Figure 1B, the heating chamber 211 is omitted. The heating structure 201' has no receiving portion; that is, the heating zone 215 is neither surrounded nor demarcated by any other components. A substantial portion of the heating element 221' is exposed. Optionally, at least 80% of the heating element 221' is exposed, optionally 60%, or optionally 50%. The heating element 221' extends beyond the external extent of the body 105 of device 101. The heating member 220' rises from the base of the body 105. The base is formed by the stopping surface 310 of the stopper 305. In other embodiments, the base comprises the outer surface of the main body 105.

[0100] The heating element 220' defines the heating zone 215. At least a portion of the article 110 is configured to be received within the heating zone 215. The heating element 220' is configured to be received within the article 110 when a portion of the article 110 is received within the heating zone 215. The heating element 220' is configured to be received within the article 110 when the device 101 is in use.

[0101] Article 110 comprises a bore 113. The bore 113 is pre-formed in article 110. In embodiments, the bore 113 extends partially along the longitudinal axis 102 of article 110. The bore 113 comprises an inner surface 114. The bore 113 is open at the insertion end 112 of article 110. The heating member 220' is sized to be received within the bore 113. The heating member 220' and the bore 113 are sized complementaryly to form a contact fit. The inner surface 114 of the bore is configured to be in close contact with the heating member 220' to maximize heat transfer between the heating member 220' and the aerosol-generating material of article 110. The bore 113 is configured to accommodate a stopper 305. In embodiments where the configuration of the heating structure 201 is varied, the bore 113 is provided as a complementary cavity. In this embodiment, the outer dimensions of the heating element 220' are greater than the outer dimensions of the bore 113. In such an arrangement, the heating element 220' is configured to deform and / or expand the article 110 into which it is inserted.

[0102] The stopper 305 is movable relative to the heating element 201'. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopper 305 is movable along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device. The stopper 305 is substantially tubular. The stopper 305 protrudes beyond the external extent of the body 105 of the device 101. In the embodiment, the stopper 305 functions as the base of the heating element 201'. The stopper 305 includes a stopping surface 310. The stopping surface 310 functions as the base of the heating element 201. The stopping surface 310 is configured to abut against the insertion end 112 of the article 110. The stopper 305 limits the width of insertion of the article 110 into the heating zone 215. The stopper 305 limits the range of insertion of the heating member 220' into the article 110. In the embodiment, the external dimensions of the stopper 305 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device substantially correspond to the internal dimensions of the bore 113 of the article 110. In the embodiment, the stopper 305 is sized to be partially or completely accepted into the article 110.

[0103] The stopper 305 surrounds a portion of the heating element 220'. The inner surface of the stopper 305 defines a bore 302. The bore 302 extends along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The bore 302 is sized to receive the heating element 220'. The bore 302 and the heating element 220' are sized complementaryly to form a slide fit. The inner surface 303 may be in contact with the outer surface of the heating element 221. The stopper 305 surrounds a portion of the heating element 221 to reduce the usable area of ​​the heating element 220. The usable area of ​​the heating element 220' is defined as the portion of the heating element 220 that is exposed to the heating zone 215 and available to heat a portion of the article 110.

[0104] The stopper 305 is movable relative to the heating element 220'. The heating element 220' is in a fixed position. The stopper 305 slides on the outer surface of the heating element 220'. At different stopping positions, the stopper 305 overlaps with different portions of the heating element 220'. At different stopping positions, the axial range of overlap between the heating element 220' and the article 110 is different.

[0105] In this embodiment, the induction coil extends within the heating member 220', and the heating component 201' includes an induction heater component.

[0106] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, the device 101 includes an actuator assembly 400. The actuator assembly 400 is configured to adjust the device 101 for use with an article selected by the user of the device 101. In embodiments, the device 101 is adjusted to accept articles of predetermined dimensions. In embodiments, the device 101 is adjusted to accept articles of predetermined length. The device 101 is adjusted to vary the usable range of the heating element 201. Preferably, by adjusting the usable range of the heating element 201, it becomes possible to use articles of various lengths with the device 101, and / or different length portions of aerosol-generating material in an article with the device 101.

[0107] The operating assembly 400 comprises an actuator 410. In this embodiment, the actuator 410 is an electric motor. Other means of operation are anticipated. The actuator 410 is positioned to move a stopper 305 relative to the heating element 201. The actuator 410 is configured to change the usable range of the heating element 201 by moving the stopper 305. In this embodiment, the actuator 410 is configured to move the stopper 305 between a separate number of predetermined stopping positions.

[0108] The actuation assembly 400 further comprises an indicator element 402. In embodiments, the indicator element is omitted. The indicator element 402 provides a visual indication of the position of the stopper 305 to the user of the device 101. The indicator element 402 is shown as a raised movable element, but may instead comprise a notch, a marking, or a light.

[0109] The actuator 410 is operated by a controller 202. The controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator 410 based on the properties of an article, such as the article 110 accepted by the device 101 for heating. The properties include at least one of the length of the article and the length of the aerosol-generating material.

[0110] Device 101 includes a sensor assembly 500. The sensor assembly 500 includes an article sensor 510. The article sensor 510 is configured to detect whether an article or a portion of an article, such as article 110, has been accepted by device 101. In an embodiment, the article sensor 510 is configured to detect an article in the vicinity of device 101 that should be accepted by device 101.

[0111] Although the article sensor 501 is shown as being housed within the body 105 of the device 101, other arrangements are possible. In one embodiment, the article sensor 501 is located at the proximal end of the device 101. In another embodiment, the article sensor 501 is located as part of a heating component. In yet another embodiment, the article sensor 501 is located at the proximal end of the heating component 201. Preferably, this arrangement allows the article sensor 501 to be located away from the distal end of the heating component 201 where condensation and debris typically accumulate.

[0112] The article sensor 510 is configured to detect the properties of the article 110 accepted by the device 101. The properties of the article 110 represent the characteristics of the article 110. The characteristics of the article 110 accepted by the device 101 are determined according to the properties of the article 110.

[0113] Article 110 comprises an indicator 111. The indicator 111 is provided in or on article 110. In embodiments, the indicator 111 may alternatively or additionally be provided in the packaging of article 110. For example, the indicator 111 may be provided by a consumable pack containing one or more articles, such as article 110.

[0114] Indicator 111 indicates item information. Indicator 111 represents the properties of the item. Indicator 111 indicates characteristics of the item, such as the length of the item. The item information may also include the type of item 110.

[0115] The indicator 111 is a mark 116. The mark 116 is located on the outer surface of the article 110. The outer surface may be formed from paper, and the mark 116 is printed on that paper. The mark 116 provides an optical representation of article information. The mark 116 is a colored portion of the article 110. The mark 116 is a band surrounding the article 110. The article 110 is substantially cylindrical, and the band extends around the curved surface of the article. The mark 116 is located in a section of the outer surface surrounding the aerosol-generating material. In embodiments, the mark 116 is alternatively or additionally provided on the outer surface of the packaging of the article 110.

[0116] In some embodiments, the indicator 111 includes an image on its outer surface. In some embodiments, the indicator 111 comprises a barcode, a QR code, or other machine-readable optical label.

[0117] In some embodiments, the indicator 111 may not be on the outside but be inside the article 110. Alternatively or additionally, the indicator 111 may be located inside the packaging of the article 110. The indicator 111 may be of a tag type, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or a near-field communication tag. The sensor 510 is configured to detect the properties of the article 110.

[0118] The properties of article 110 are detectable by article sensor 510. Article sensor 510 is configured to detect indicator 111. Indicator 111 may be located on or inside article 110. Indicator 111 may be located on or inside the packaging of article 110. Indicator 111 may be located on or inside the packaging of article 110 or a container forming at least part of another packaging component such as a card or wrap. The properties of article indicate one or more characteristics of article 110. In embodiments, the properties of article are the physical properties of the article. The physical properties of article 110 may be one or a combination of the width of article 110, characteristic features provided on the outer surface of article 110, the length of article, and / or the length of the portion of article inserted into device 110 when the device is in use.

[0119] In this embodiment, the controller 202 is configured to operate the device 101 according to a predetermined operating mode. The operating mode is one of several operating modes of the device 101. The operating mode is selected based on the characteristics of the article 110 as determined by the controller 202. The operating mode may correspond to a predetermined heating profile, a predetermined heating time, a predetermined operating temperature, and / or a predetermined session duration. The operating mode corresponds to a predetermined position of the stopper 305 and a predetermined usable range of the heating component 201.

[0120] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of how to operate device 101. When using device 101, the user of device 101 inserts an article 110 or a part thereof into the heating component 201 of device 101 for heating (step 601). When the article 110 is inserted, or while the article 110 is inserted, the article sensor 510 detects the properties of the article 110 (step 602). In embodiments, the article sensor 510 detects the properties of the article 110 before the article 110 is inserted into device 110. In such embodiments, the user may bring the article 110 or the packaging of the article 110 near device 110 for detection by the article sensor 501. The article sensor 510 communicates with controller 202. Controller 202 receives input from article sensor 510 when the properties of article 110 are detected. The input indicates the detected properties. Controller 202 determines the properties of the article according to the properties detected by article sensor 510 (step 603). The controller 202 operates the actuator 410 to move the stopper 305 (step 604). By operating the actuator 410, the stopper 305 is moved to change the usable range of the heating component.

[0121] In this embodiment, the step of operating the device 101 further includes the step of operating the actuator 410 after the device 101 has been used to move the stopper 305 to its default position. The default position of the stopper 305 is a predetermined position of the stopper 305. The stopper 305 is in the default position when the device is not in use.

[0122] The default stopping position is a predetermined position of the stopper 305 to provide the default usable range of the heating component 201. The default stopping position of the stopper 305 is predetermined to provide a default range of overlap between the heating component 201 and an article such as the article 110 that comes into contact with the stopper 305 when inserted into the device 101 for heating.

[0123] In one embodiment, the default stopping position of the stopper 305 is configured to facilitate detection of the article 110 by the article sensor 501. In another embodiment, the default position of the stopper 305 is configured to restrict the insertion of the article 101 so that an indicator 111 located inside or on the article is positioned near the article sensor 501. In yet another embodiment, the default position of the stopper 305 is configured to restrict the insertion of the article 101 so that the position of the indicator 111 located inside or on the article is aligned with the position of the article sensor 501.

[0124] In the embodiment, the sensor is exposed in a default position. In such an embodiment, the stopper 305 is configured to move to a first stop position when the first article 110a is detected by the article sensor 510 in order to cover the sensor. This can help the reliability of the sensor by covering it during the operation of the heating element, thereby keeping the sensor away from the heat source and minimizing exposure to debris and condensation.

[0125] In the embodiment, the default position is configured to facilitate the removal of the article 110 from the device 101. In the embodiment, when the stopper is moved to the default position, the article 110, such as the article 110, is removed or at least partially ejected from the device 101.

[0126] In this embodiment, the default position of the stopper 305 is determined according to a predetermined operating mode. In this embodiment, the predetermined operating mode corresponds to a predetermined session duration. In this embodiment, the controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator to move the stopper 305 to the default position after the predetermined session duration has ended.

[0127] In this embodiment, the default position of the stopper 305 is determined according to the characteristics of the article 110. In this embodiment, the characteristics of the article 110 correspond to the length of the article 110. The controller 202 is configured to operate an actuator to move the stopper 305 to the default position in order to retrieve an article of characteristic length from the device 101.

[0128] In one embodiment, the stopper 305 is moved to its default position when it detects input from the user of the device 101. In another embodiment, the stopper 305 may be moved to its default position when an item, such as article 110, is removed from the device 101. The article sensor 510 may be configured to detect the removal of article 110 from the device 101.

[0129] Figure 2A shows a device 101 that accepts a first article 110a having a first predetermined dimension, and Figure 2B shows a device 101 that accepts a second article 110b having a second predetermined dimension. The first article 110a contains an aerosol-generating material 115a. The second article 110b contains an aerosol-generating material 115b. The first article 101 is a consumable item. The second article 110b is a consumable item. The first article 110a and the second article 110b are used interchangeably with the device 101. The first article 110a, the second article 110b and the device 101 form an aerosol supply system 100.

[0130] The first article 110a has a first article length L1, and the second article 110b has a second article length L2. The second article length L2 is different from the first article length L1. The first article length L1 extends from the insertion end 112a to the proximal end 113a of the first article 110a. The second article length L2 extends from the insertion end 112b to the proximal end 113b of the second article 110b. The first article length L1 and the second article length L2 are axial lengths.

[0131] The first article 110a has an aerosol-generating material LG1 of a first length. The second article 110b has an aerosol-generating material LG2 of a second length. The first length of the aerosol-generating material LG1 is different from the second length of the aerosol-generating material LG2.

[0132] In the embodiments of Figures 2A and 2B, the first article 110a and the second article 110b differ in both the article length and the length of the aerosol-generating material. In other embodiments, one or both of the first and second articles 110a, 110b differ in only one of the articles length or the length of the aerosol-generating material.

[0133] The first article 110a includes an indicator 111a, which is an RFID tag 130a. The second article 110b includes an indicator 111b, which is an RFID tag 130b. The RFID tags 130a and 130b are embedded in the first and second articles 110a and 110b, respectively. The RFID tags 130a and 130b are transmitters. The RFID tags 130a and 130b are detectable by an article sensor 501, which functions as a receiver.

[0134] The controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator 410 to move the stopper 305 to a first stop position when a first article 110a is detected by the article sensor 510, in order to define a first usable range of the heating structure 201. The controller 202 is configured to operate the actuator 410 to move the stopper 305 to a second stop position when a second article 110b is detected by the article sensor 510, in order to define a second usable range of the heating structure 201.

[0135] The embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are conceivable. It should be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment, or any combination of any other embodiment. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device for generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, A heating element configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, A movable stopper is positioned to contact the end of a portion of an article received by the heating element, thereby limiting the range over which that portion of the article is received by the heating element. An actuator is positioned to move the stopper relative to the heating element, Object sensor and Equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The properties of the article are determined by the article sensor that indicates the characteristics of the article, An aerosol supply device configured to operate the actuator to move the stopper and change the usable range of the heating component.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic is the length of the article containing the aerosol generating material.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic is the length of a portion of the article containing the aerosol generating material.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the stopper is positioned to move relative to the heating component between a first stopping position and a second stopping position, thereby changing the usable range of the heating component.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein the usable range of the heating component defines a heating zone in which a portion of the article is heated.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the depth of the heating zone changes between the first stop position and the second stop position.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heating element comprises a receiving portion arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol generating material.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein the stopper defines the base of the receiving portion.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating component comprises a heating member.

10. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the stopper is positioned to be received within at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material.

11. an aerosol supply system, A first article containing an aerosol-generating material, A second article containing an aerosol-generating material, The aerosol supply device comprises the aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, An aerosol supply system in which the first article has a first length and the second article includes a second different length.

12. The aerosol supply system according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating material of the first article has a first length, and the aerosol generating material of the second article includes a second different length.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the processor is configured to operate the actuator to move the stopper to a first stop position when the first article is detected by the article sensor, thereby defining a first usable range of the heating component.

14. The aerosol supply device according to claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to operate the actuator to move the stopper to a second stop position when the second article is detected by the article sensor, thereby defining a second usable range of the heating component.

15. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether the first article or the second article is inserted into the device based on the properties of the article detected by the article sensor.

16. The aerosol supply system according to claim 15, wherein the properties of the article detected by the article sensor include at least one of RFID tags, colors, patterns, marks, surface textures, and QR codes.

17. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the first and second articles are used interchangeably with the device.

18. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the first and second stopping positions are predetermined positions.

19. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the processor is configured to operate the aerosol supply device according to an operating mode, and the processor is configured to select the operating mode based on the characteristics of the article.

20. A method for operating an aerosol supply device, wherein the device is A heating element configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, A stopper is positioned to abut against the end of a portion of an article received by the heating element, thereby limiting the range over which that portion of the article is received by the heating element. The system comprises an actuator positioned to move the stopper relative to the heating element, The method described above is A step of determining the properties of the article detected by the article sensor that indicates the characteristics of the article, A method comprising the steps of operating the actuator to move the stopper and thereby changing the usable range of the heating component.

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