Induction heating element for an aerosol generating device having a thermally deformable susceptor - Patent Application 20070123633

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device includes a cavity (14) for receiving an aerosol-generating article (16) including an aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element (10). The heating element is an induction heating element and includes a susceptor (12) configured for heating. The susceptor includes a thermally deformable element, which may be in the form of a bimetallic strip. The thermally deformable element is disposed within the cavity and is configured to thermally deform during a heating operation to contact and hold the aerosol-generating article received within the cavity. A system including the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article is also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapour. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilise without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate after the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The cavity must be configured to allow insertion of the aerosol-generating article. At the same time, the aerosol-generating article must be held securely within the cavity during operation of the aerosol-generating device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It would be desirable to have a heating element that allows for the insertion of an aerosol-generating article into the cavity. It would be desirable to have a heating element that holds the aerosol-generating article securely in the cavity during operation of the aerosol generating device. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device that allows for the insertion of an aerosol-generating article into the cavity. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device that holds the aerosol-generating article securely in the cavity during operation of the aerosol generating device. It would be desirable to have a system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article that allows for the insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity ... is held securely in the cavity of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is operating. It would be desirable if the inhalable vapour could be further tailored to the desires of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device which may comprise a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, and which may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be an induction heating element. The heating element may comprise a susceptor configured for heating. The susceptor may include a thermally deformable element. The thermally deformable element may be disposed within the cavity. The thermally deformable element may be configured to thermally deform during a heating operation to contact and hold the aerosol-generating article received within the cavity during the heating operation.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element. The heating element is an induction heating element. The heating element comprises a susceptor configured for heating. The susceptor comprises a thermally deformable element. The thermally deformable element is disposed within the cavity. The thermally deformable element is configured to thermally deform during a heating operation to contact and hold the aerosol-generating article received within the cavity during the heating operation.

[0006] By providing a susceptor that includes a thermally deformable element, the susceptor can deform during a heating operation. The deformation of the susceptor may be utilized. In particular, the aerosol-generating article may be held by the susceptor due to the deformation of the susceptor during operation, thereby preventing the aerosol-generating article from coming loose during the heating operation. Furthermore, heating efficiency may be improved due to closer contact between the susceptor and the aerosol-generating article.

[0007] The heat deformable element may be made of a bimetal. By utilizing a bimetal, the heat deformable element may deform when heated. The bimetal may be configured to convert a temperature change into a deformation of the bimetal. The bimetal may include two metals bonded together. The two metals may have different coefficients of thermal expansion that lead to deformation during heating. The two metals of the bimetal may be arranged such that deformation during heating occurs in the direction of the aerosol-generating article. The metal with the lower coefficient of thermal expansion may be positioned closer to the aerosol-generating article. In this way, the heat deformable element is closer to the aerosol-generating article during the heating operation.

[0008] The heat deformable element may include a bimetallic strip. The bimetallic strip may be elongated. The longitudinal axis of the bimetallic strip may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The bimetallic strip may comprise two elongated metals bonded together. The bond axis of the two metals may be parallel to or along the longitudinal axis of the bimetallic strip. The bimetallic strip may have a rectangular cross-section. However, other cross-sections of the bimetallic strip are possible, such as square, circular or elliptical cross-sections.

[0009] The susceptor may be made of a bimetal. In this case, the susceptor has a dual functionality. The first functionality of the susceptor may be heating during a heating operation. The second functionality of the susceptor may be deformation during heating. Particularly preferably, the susceptor may be a thermally deformable element.

[0010] The susceptor may include a first material and a second material. The first material may have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the second material. The first material may be a first metal. The second material may be a second metal. The first material may be different from the second material. In particular, the first metal may be different from the second metal.

[0011] The first material and the second material may be provided as layers adjacent to one another.

[0012] The first material and the second material may extend along the entire length of the susceptor. Alternatively, the first material may extend along the entire length of the susceptor while the second material extends along only a portion of the susceptor, or vice versa. For example, the second material may be disposed only in a middle portion of the susceptor. As a further alternative, the first material and the second material may be disposed in discontinuous sections along the length of the susceptor. In all these cases, the remaining portion of the susceptor may be provided from one or both of the first material or the second material. Alternatively, the remaining portion of the susceptor may be provided from a third material. The remaining portion of the susceptor may be one or both of the distal or proximal portion of the susceptor. The third material may be chosen as a material that does not heat up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. In other words, the third material may not be a susceptor material. However, if it is desired to also heat adjacent a third material, the third material may also be a susceptor material.

[0013] The susceptor, preferably the heat deformable element of the susceptor, may be arranged as a plurality of elongated elements.

[0014] The plurality of susceptors may be arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of a cavity of the aerosol generating device. The plurality of susceptors may be arranged to at least partially receive an aerosol-generating article. The plurality of susceptors may be arranged to form a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The plurality of susceptors may be arranged within the cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The plurality of susceptors may be arranged such that all of the susceptors are deformed in an inward direction when heated.

[0015] The susceptor, preferably the heat deformable element of the susceptor, may be arranged as a plurality of elongated elements forming a hollow tubular arrangement having gaps between the individual elongated elements.

[0016] Gaps between the individual elongated susceptors may allow lateral airflow into the aerosol-generating article. The hollow tubular arrangement may form a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article or may be placed in the cavity. During heating, all of the individual susceptors may deform toward the interior of the hollow tubular arrangement. This may lead to secure retention of the aerosol-generating article and improved heating efficiency.

[0017] Each of the plurality of elongate elements may include a first end and an opposing second end, and one or both of each of the first ends and each of the second ends of the plurality of elongate elements may be connected to each other, preferably via a support ring.

[0018] In other words, the susceptors may be connected to each other at one side. This connection may be at the base of the cavity formed by the susceptors. The connection at the base may be facilitated by directly connecting the susceptors to the base. The base may be part of the aerosol generating device as described herein. Alternatively, the connection at the base may be facilitated by a support ring. The support ring may be connected to the aerosol generating device, preferably at the base of the cavity. As a result, the susceptors may be connected to each other at the base of the cavity into which the aerosol generating article can be inserted. Alternatively, the susceptors may be connected to each other adjacent the opening of the cavity. This connection may be facilitated by the support ring. The support ring may form the opening of the cavity. Alternatively, the support ring may be disposed adjacent to or surrounding the opening of the cavity. As a further alternative, the susceptors may be connected adjacent to the opening of the cavity and at the base of the cavity.

[0019] If the susceptors are interconnected at the base of the cavity, it is preferred that the susceptors adjacent to the opening of the cavity are not interconnected. This may lead to a slight funnel shape of the susceptors. In other words, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular arrangement may be reduced towards the base of the cavity. This may aid the insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity. During operation, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular arrangement, especially adjacent the opening of the hollow tubular arrangement, may be reduced so that the aerosol-generating article is held securely.

[0020] When the susceptor is attached to each other at the base of the cavity and adjacent to the opening of the cavity, the middle part of the susceptor may be utilized to hold the aerosol-generating article during operation. In this case, the inner diameter of the hollow tubular arrangement at the base of the cavity and adjacent to the opening of the cavity may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article during the entire operation and before and after operation due to the connection of the susceptor. However, at the middle part of the susceptor, the susceptor may be deformable towards the inside of the hollow tubular arrangement. During operation, the susceptor may therefore deform similarly to an hourglass shape to hold the aerosol-generating article firmly. During operation, the inner diameter of the susceptor at the middle part of the susceptor may be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0021] Adjacent the opening of the cavity, the susceptor may be flared. The susceptor is preferably flared outwardly. The flaring of the susceptor may facilitate easier insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity. The flared shape of the susceptor may guide the aerosol-generating article during insertion into the cavity.

[0022] The hollow tubular arrangement of the susceptor may have an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. In this way, the aerosol-generating article can be easily inserted into the cavity. During operation, the susceptor may be deformed as described herein. The deformation may lead to a reduction in the inner diameter of the hollow tubular arrangement. The reduction in the inner diameter of the hollow tubular arrangement may be such that the inner diameter of the deformed hollow tubular arrangement is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. In this way, the aerosol-generating article is securely held in the hollow tubular arrangement during the heating operation.

[0023] After the heating operation, the heat deformable element of the susceptor may be configured to return to its initial shape. The return to the initial shape may result from the heat deformable element cooling to an ambient temperature. The heat deformable element may have an ambient temperature before the heating operation and at some point after the heating operation. As a result, the aerosol-generating article can be easily removed after the heating operation when the heat deformable element returns to its initial shape.

[0024] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an induction coil for generating an alternating magnetic field to heat the susceptor of the heating element.

[0025] The induction coil may at least partially or completely surround the cavity. The induction coil is preferably configured as a helical coil.

[0026] The cavity may be tubular. The hollow tubular arrangement of the susceptor or the heat deformable element of the susceptor may be arranged to at least partially surround or at least partially form the cavity.

[0027] A first end of the plurality of elongate elements may be connected to one another via a support ring, and a second end of the plurality of elongate elements may be fixed to a base of the cavity.

[0028] The base of the cavity may be disposed at a distal end of the cavity and the support ring may be disposed at a proximal end of the cavity.

[0029] A first material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion may be disposed facing the cavity and a second material may be disposed facing away from the cavity.

[0030] The present invention further relates to a system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate as described herein.

[0031] The thermally deformable element of the susceptor may be arranged to allow insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity when the heating element is not operating, and the thermally deformable element of the susceptor may be configured to thermally deform, thereby retaining the aerosol-generating article in the cavity, when the heating element is operating.

[0032] The aerosol-generating article may include one or more frangible capsules containing one or more active agents. The one or more frangible capsules may be disposed adjacent to the heat-deformable element when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity, such that when the heating element is activated and the heat-deformable element of the susceptor is thermally deformed, the capsules may break and the one or more active agents may be released.

[0033] The aerosol-generating article may include a substrate portion containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may further include a capsule portion containing a carrier material, and one or more frangible capsules may be embedded in the carrier material. The one or more frangible capsules may contain one or more active agents. At least a portion of the one or more frangible capsules may be disposed on an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0034] Providing one or more frangible capsules on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article may make it easier to break the capsules when the aerosol-generating article is received within a cavity of an aerosol generating device.

[0035] Also provided is an aerosol-generating article that may include a substrate portion that contains an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may further include a capsule portion that contains a carrier material. One or more frangible capsules may be embedded in the carrier material. The one or more frangible capsules may contain one or more active agents. The capsule portion may further include at least one rigid element. The rigid element may be harder than the carrier material, and the at least one rigid element may be configured to break the frangible capsule upon application of pressure to the capsule portion.

[0036] The thermally deformable element of the aerosol generating device may press against at least one rigid element when the heating element is operating and the thermally deformable element of the susceptor is thermally deformed, and the rigid element may break one or more frangible capsules due to external pressure from the thermally deformable element.

[0037] The at least one rigid element in the aerosol-generating article may be wedge-shaped. The at least one rigid element may include an edge for piercing the one or more frangible capsules. The at least one rigid element may be made of plastic. The at least one rigid element may be disposed on an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, particularly on an outer surface of the capsule portion.

[0038] Specifically, multiple rigid elements may be present within the capsule portion of the aerosol-generating article. A single frangible capsule may be concentrically surrounded by multiple rigid elements.

[0039] At least one rigid element or a plurality of rigid elements may be disposed on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, such that it may be possible to break the capsule by applying pressure to the rigid element, which then results in facilitating breaking of the capsule.

[0040] The carrier material may be configured to resist pressure applied to the capsule portion, which may ensure that any pressure applied to the capsule portion from the outside is not absorbed by the carrier material, but leads to the destruction of one or more of the frangible capsules.

[0041] The carrier material may have a higher density than the aerosol-forming substrate in the substrate portion. The higher density of the carrier material may also reduce or prevent any absorption of pressure applied to the capsule portion by the carrier material such that one or more frangible capsules may be easily broken.

[0042] The carrier material may include one or more of cellulose acetate fibers, paper, a porous polymer, and charcoal. The cellulose acetate fibers may be cellulose acetate tow. The porous polymer may be a porous resin, such as a phenyl-formaldehyde resin.

[0043] The carrier material may have a compressive strength of from 20 to 60 Megapascals (MPa), preferably from 29 to 53 Megapascals.

[0044] The one or more active agents contained within the one or more frangible capsules may be solid or liquid. The one or more active agents may include a gel. The one or more active agents may be volatile. Containing a volatile active agent in the one or more frangible capsules may ensure that the volatile active agent does not evaporate before the aerosol-generating article is used.

[0045] One or more active agents may be susceptible to reaction with atmospheric constituents, such as oxygen. Containing these sensitive active agents in one or more frangible capsules may prevent any degradation of the active agent before the aerosol-forming article is used.

[0046] The one or more active agents may include one or more of a flavorant, nicotine, or a drug. For example, the one or more active agents may include a flavorant oil, such as mint oil, menthol, nicotine oil, or other flavorant.

[0047] An "aerosol-generating device" as used herein relates to a device which interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as part of a smoking article. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device which interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol which can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a heating chamber and a heating element.

[0048] The term "aerosol-generating article" as used herein refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be a base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of an air opening disposed within the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be disposed upstream of the cavity. The open end may be disposed downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal direction may be a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the longitudinal central axis. The central longitudinal axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0049] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0050] The airflow channel may extend through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn through the airflow channel into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity, and towards the user. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be disposed, or the user may inhale the aerosol-generating article directly. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0051] The term "smoking" as used herein in relation to the present invention, in relation to a device, article, system, substrate or otherwise, does not refer to conventional smoking, in which the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0052] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The electric circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element, in particular to the induction coil. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently (e.g. after each puff). Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and may be configured to control the supply of power to the heating element, preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0053] The aerosol generating device may include a power source (typically a battery) within the main body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for about 6 minutes, or a multiple of 6 minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0054] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0055] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a high density, stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0056] In one preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article includes a substrate portion having a frangible capsule adjacent a heat-deformable element of a susceptor when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device, the frangible capsule rupturing to release the active agent when the heat-deformable element deforms and is pressed against the frangible capsule during operation.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "upstream," "downstream," "proximal," "distal," "forward," and "rearward" are used to describe the relative position of a component or portion of a component of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is in use.

[0058] As described herein, induction heating is utilized. For induction heating, an induction coil and a susceptor are provided. Generally, the susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When placed in an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, typically another effect that contributes to heating is generally called hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss occurs primarily due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks in the susceptor. This is because their magnetic orientation aligns with the alternating magnetic induction field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract in the susceptor. Generally, all these changes that occur in the susceptor at nanoscale or below generate heat in the susceptor, and are therefore called "hysteresis loss". Thus, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis losses are the only means by which the susceptor will heat up when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field. According to the invention, the susceptor may be conductive, or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. The alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate so that the aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by thermal conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in intimate thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0059] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0060] Example A: An aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating element, the heating element being an induction heating element, the heating element comprising a susceptor configured for heating, the susceptor including a thermally deformable element disposed within a cavity and configured to thermally deform during a heating operation to contact and hold an aerosol generating article received within the cavity during a heating operation. Example B: An aerosol generating device as described in Example A, wherein the heat deformable element is made from a bimetal. Example C: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples A to B, wherein the thermally deformable element comprises a bimetallic strip. Example D: The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A to C, wherein the susceptor is made of a bimetal. Example E: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of Examples A to D, wherein the susceptor comprises a first material and a second material, the first material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the second material. Example F: The aerosol generating device of Example E, wherein the first material and the second material are provided as layers adjacent to one another. Example G: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of Examples A to F, wherein the susceptor, preferably the thermally deformable element of the susceptor, is elongated. Example H: An aerosol-generating device according to any of the examples A to G, wherein the susceptor, preferably the heat-deformable element of the susceptor, is arranged as a plurality of elongated elements. Example I: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples A-H, wherein the susceptor, preferably the heat-deformable element of the susceptor, is arranged as a plurality of elongated elements forming a hollow tubular arrangement having gaps between the individual elongated elements. Example J: An aerosol generating device described in Example H or Example I, wherein each of the plurality of elongated elements has a first end and an opposite second end, and one or both of each of the first ends and each of the second ends of the plurality of elongated elements are connected to each other, preferably via a support ring. Example K: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of Examples A-J, wherein the apparatus further comprises an induction coil for generating an alternating magnetic field for heating the susceptor of the heating element. Example L: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples A to K, wherein the cavity is tubular. Example M: ​​An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples A to L, wherein first ends of the multiple elongated elements are connected to each other via a support ring and second ends of the multiple elongated elements are fixed to the base of the cavity. Example N: An aerosol generating device as described in Example M, wherein the base of the cavity is disposed at a distal end of the cavity and the support ring is disposed at a proximal end of the cavity. Example O: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 5 and A to N, wherein a first material having a lower thermal expansion coefficient is arranged facing the cavity and a second material is arranged facing away from the cavity. Example P: A system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples A to O, and an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate. Example Q: A system described in example P, wherein when the heating element is not operating, the thermally deformable element of the susceptor is arranged to enable insertion of an aerosol-generating article into the cavity, and when the heating element is operating, the thermally deformable element of the susceptor is configured to thermally deform and thereby contact and hold the aerosol-generating article in the cavity. Example R: A system described in Example P or Example Q, wherein the aerosol-generating article includes a capsule containing an active agent, and when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity, the capsule is disposed adjacent to the thermally deformable element, whereby when the heating element is operated and the thermally deformable element of the susceptor is thermally deformed, the capsule is ruptured and the active agent is released.

[0061] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0062] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0063] [Figure 1A-1B] 1A and 1B show an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device, an aerosol-generating article, and a heating element according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the heating element in more detail. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of a heating element comprising a support ring. [Figure 4A-4B] 4A and 4B show the aerosol generation system of FIG. 1 including a support ring as shown in FIG. [Figure 5A-5B] 5A and 5B show a further embodiment of the heating element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] 1 shows an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article 16. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating element 10. The heating element 10 comprises a plurality of susceptors 12.

[0065] Each susceptor 12 has an elongated shape. Each susceptor 12 is made of a heat deformable element in the form of a bimetallic strip. The bimetallic strip includes a first material and a second material. The two materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The material with the lower coefficient of thermal expansion is disposed towards the interior of a cavity 14 formed by the susceptor 12. The cavity 14 is formed as a hollow tubular arrangement.

[0066] The aerosol-generating article 16 is configured to be received in the cavity 14. The aerosol-generating article 16 can be inserted into the cavity 14. When the aerosol-generating article 16 is inserted into the cavity 14, the heating element 10 surrounds a portion of the aerosol-generating article 16. The portion of the aerosol-generating article 16 surrounded by the heating element 10 can be heated by the heating element 10.

[0067] The portion of the aerosol-generating article 16 surrounded by the heating element 10 is preferably configured as a base portion of the aerosol-generating article 16 that includes an aerosol-forming substrate. Additionally, a frangible capsule can be disposed within the base portion of the aerosol-generating article 16.

[0068] During the heating operation, the heating element 10 deforms. The deformation is facilitated by the bimetallic strip being heated. Heating of the bimetallic strip results in deformation of the bimetallic strip. The susceptor 12 is arranged such that the deformation is in a direction towards the interior of the cavity 14. In this way, the aerosol-generating article 16 is held securely within the cavity 14 during the heating operation. Before and after the heating operation, the aerosol-generating article 16 can be easily inserted into and removed from the cavity 14.

[0069] To allow for insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article 16, the inner diameter of the heating element 10 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article 16 when the heating element 10 is not in operation. During operation of the heating element 10, the heating element 10 deforms and the inner diameter of the heating element 10 decreases. The reduced inner diameter of the heating element 10 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article 16. As a result, the heating element 10 is pressed against the aerosol-generating article 16 during heating operation. As a result, the aerosol-generating article 16 is held securely and heating efficiency is increased.

[0070] 1 further shows a power source in the form of a battery 18 for powering the heating element 10. The supply of electrical energy from the battery 18 to the heating element 10 is controlled by a control circuit 20.

[0071] The aerosol generator or heating element 10 comprises an induction coil 22. An alternating current is supplied to the induction coil 22 to generate an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor 12 heats up when subjected to this alternating magnetic field. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, two induction coils 22 are provided, separated by a separator 24. The two induction coils 22 create two separate heating zones provided along the longitudinal axis L of the cavity 14. Thermal insulation 26 is provided between the induction coils 22 and the susceptor 12.

[0072] An air inlet 28 is provided to allow the flow of ambient air into the cavity 14 for aerosol generation. The air inlet 28 is disposed adjacent the base 30 of the cavity 14 to allow airflow through the base 30 or into the cavity 14 adjacent the base 30. The base 30 may include one or more openings to allow airflow through the base 30.

[0073] The aerosol generating device has a distal end 32 and a proximal end 34. The opening of the cavity 14 is disposed in the proximal end 34 of the aerosol generating device. A sealing ring 36 is provided at the opening of the cavity 14. The sealing ring 36 is flexible. The sealing ring 36 has a funnel shape. The sealing ring 36 allows for the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16. The sealing ring 36 seals the cavity 14 when the aerosol-generating article 16 is inserted therein.

[0074] 2 shows the heating element 10 in more detail. The heating element 10 comprises a plurality of individual susceptors 12. Each susceptor 12 is elongated. The plurality of susceptors 12 form a hollow tubular arrangement. The hollow tubular arrangement of susceptors 12 is disposed within a cavity 14 of an aerosol-generating device. An aerosol-generating article 16 is held by the hollow tubular arrangement of susceptors 12.

[0075] 3 illustrates an embodiment of the heating element 10 in which the ends of the susceptors 12 are interconnected by a support ring 38. The support ring 38 can be disposed adjacent the opening of the cavity 14. The support ring 38 can connect the proximal ends 34 of the susceptors 12.

[0076] The other end of the susceptor 12 , a distal end 32 of the susceptor 12 , may be attached to a base 30 .

[0077] A support ring 38 disposed adjacent the opening of cavity 14 is shown in FIG.

[0078] FIG. 5 shows the deformation of the heating element 10 during the heating operation. In FIG. 5A, the heating element 10 is shown before the heating operation. In this state, the hollow tubular arrangement formed by the heating element 10 has straight side walls formed by the individual susceptors 12. In FIG. 5B, the heating element 10 is shown during operation. The heating element 10 is deformed. More specifically, the middle portion 40 of the individual susceptors 12 is deformed towards the interior of the hollow tubular arrangement of the heating element 10. This action holds the aerosol-generating article 16 firmly in the cavity 14 and improves the heating efficiency due to the direct contact between the heating susceptors 12 and the aerosol-generating article 16. The deformation of the heating element 10 can also be seen in FIG. 1A (without deformation of the heating element 10) and FIG. 1B (deformation of the heating element 10) and in FIG. 4A (without deformation of the heating element 10) and FIG. 4B (deformation of the heating element 10).

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; 1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating element, the heating element being an induction heating element, the heating element comprising a susceptor configured for heating, the susceptor being arranged as a plurality of elongated elements, the susceptor being arranged as a plurality of elongated elements forming a hollow tubular arrangement having gaps between the individual elongated elements, the susceptor including a thermally deformable element, the thermally deformable element being arranged within the cavity and configured to thermally deform during a heating operation to contact and hold the aerosol-generating article received within the cavity during a heating operation.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the heat-deformable element is made of a bimetal.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the susceptor is made of a bimetal.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the susceptor comprises a first material and a second material, the first material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the second material.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the first material and the second material are provided as layers adjacent to one another.

6. 6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the susceptor is elongated.

7. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heat deformable elements of the susceptor are arranged as a plurality of elongated elements.

8. 8. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the heat-deformable elements of the susceptor are arranged as a plurality of elongated elements forming a hollow tubular arrangement having gaps between the individual elongated elements.

9. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of elongated elements has a first end and an opposite second end, and one or both of the first ends and the second ends of the plurality of elongated elements are interconnected.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the first ends of the plurality of elongated elements are interconnected via a support ring, and the second ends of the plurality of elongated elements are fixed to a base of the cavity.

11. 11. The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the base of the cavity is disposed at a distal end of the cavity and the support ring is disposed at a proximal end of the cavity.

12. A system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the thermally deformable element of the susceptor is arranged to enable insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity when the heating element is not operating, and wherein the thermally deformable element of the susceptor is configured to thermally deform and thereby contact and hold the aerosol-generating article in the cavity when the heating element is operating.

14. 14. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein the aerosol-generating article includes a capsule containing an active agent, and when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity, the capsule is disposed adjacent to the thermally deformable element, whereby when the heating element is operating and the thermally deformable element of the susceptor is thermally deformed, the capsule is ruptured and the active agent is released.

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