Non-flammable aerosol supply device

Abstract

The non-flammable aerosol delivery device (100) generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material contained in a consumable, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device (100) comprising: a receptacle for receiving the consumable; and an adapter (206) configured to adapt the non-flammable aerosol delivery device (100) when received in the receptacle for use by changing the effective length of the receptacle so that multiple consumables of different lengths that are individually receivable in the receptacle each protrude from the non-flammable aerosol delivery device (100) by a substantially equal amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-combustible aerosol supply device that heats an aerosol-generating material in a consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material.

Background Art

[0002] Articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by creating products that release compounds without combustion. Examples of such products are so-called non-combustion heating products (also known as tobacco heating products) or tobacco heating devices that release compounds by heating without burning the material. This material may be, for example, tobacco, other non-tobacco products, or a combination such as a blend mix, and may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable, comprising a receptacle for receiving the consumable, and an adapter configured to adapt the non-combustible aerosol supply device by varying the effective length of the receptacle such that when received in the receptacle for use, a plurality of consumables of different lengths, each individually receivable in the receptacle, each protrude from the non-combustible aerosol supply device by a substantially equal amount.

[0004] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol supply system comprising the non-combustible aerosol supply device according to the first aspect, a first consumable containing an aerosol-generating material and having a first width, and a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material and having a second width smaller than the first width.

[0005] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-flammable aerosol supply system including a non-flammable aerosol supply device according to the first aspect, a first consumable containing an aerosol-generating material and having a first length, and a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material and having a second length greater than the first length.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

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Figure 3A

Figure 3B

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Figure 5A

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Figure 6F

Figure 6G

[0007] [Detailed Description] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a non-flammable aerosol supply device 100. The non-flammable aerosol supply device 100 includes a receptacle such as a chamber, a cavity, or a holder. The receptacle is for receiving a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material. For example, the receptacle may be a heating chamber 102. The following description is based on an example where the receptacle is a heating chamber.

[0008] The aerosol-generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when supplied with energy by, for example, heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a gel, and may or may not contain an active substance and / or a flavorant. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid such as a liquid inside. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain, for example, approximately 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to approximately 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of an amorphous solid.

[0009] The aerosol - generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol - forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0010] The consumable is an article containing the aerosol - generating material or an article consisting of the aerosol - generating material, and part or all of it is intended to be consumed when used by the user. The consumable may comprise one or more other components such as an aerosol - generating material storage area, an aerosol - generating material transfer component, an aerosol - generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Further, the consumable may comprise an aerosol generator such as a heater that releases heat during use to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material. The heater may comprise, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0011] The non - combustible aerosol supply device 100 is for generating an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material in the consumable. The non - combustible aerosol supply device 100 comprises an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material. In some examples, the non - combustible aerosol supply device 100 is for heating the aerosol - generating material in the consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol - generating material. In such examples, the aerosol generator functions to supply heat to the aerosol - generating material. In other examples, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol - generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, high pressure, electrostatic energy, or ultrasonic energy to the aerosol - generating material. In some such examples, the aerosol generator comprises one or more piezoelectric elements for applying vibration to the aerosol - generating material.

[0012] The non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 may be configured to deliver an aerosol generated by heating an aerosolizable material. The consumable may be an article of a tobacco heating product (THP). The non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 may be, for example, a handheld device used for supplying an inhalable aerosol.

[0013] Hereinafter, the non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 is referred to as the device 100. The following description is based on an example in which the device 100 is configured to heat an aerosol generating material.

[0014] The device 100 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material in the consumable received in the heating chamber 102 described above. The device 100 includes a heating assembly 104 configured to supply energy for heating the aerosol generating material in the consumable received in the heating chamber 102. In some examples, the heating assembly 104 includes one or more resistive heating elements disposed in thermal contact with the heating chamber 102. The flow of current through the electrical resistance of the one or more resistive heating elements generates heat. This process is referred to as Joule heating, Ohmic heating, or resistive heating.

[0015] The susceptor is a material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material such that inductive heating of the heating material occurs due to the intrusion of the fluctuating magnetic field. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material occurs due to the intrusion of the fluctuating magnetic field. The susceptor may have both characteristics so as to be heatable by both the conductive and magnetic heating mechanisms. In this specification, a device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0016] In some examples, the heating assembly 104 is a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field to inductively heat a susceptor. The magnetic field generator may include one or more inductors through which an alternating current passes to generate the varying magnetic field. In some examples, the magnetic field generator may include one or more susceptors. In other examples, the magnetic field generator may not include a susceptor, and instead, one or more susceptors may be provided as part of / with the consumables intended for use with the device 100.

[0017] The device 100 includes a power source 106. The power source 106 supplies power to various components of the device 100. In some examples, the power source 106 is a battery. In some examples, the power source 106 includes a battery and a DC-DC converter, and power is supplied from the battery through the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter may enable the power source 106 to supply power at a voltage different from the voltage of the battery. In some examples, the device 100 may include a DC-AC converter that converts, for example, a DC current from a battery into an AC current to supply power to one or more inductors of the heating assembly 104, which is, for example, an inductive heating assembly. In the following examples, the power source 106 is simply referred to as the battery 106.

[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, the nonflammable aerosol supply device 100 includes a processor 108 in data communication with a computer-readable memory 110. The processor 108 is configured to control various aspects of the operation of the device 100. The processor 108 controls the various aspects by executing instructions stored in the computer-readable memory 110. For example, the processor 108 may control the operation of the heating assembly 104. For example, the processor may control the delivery of power from the battery 106 to the heating assembly 104 by controlling various electrical components (not shown in FIG. 1) such as switches.

[0019] In the example of FIG. 1, device 100 includes a holding device 112. The holding device 112 is configured to hold consumables intended for use in device 100, one at a time, in place. For example, the holding device 112 holds the consumables received in the heating chamber 102 in place.

[0020] Of course, device 100 may include other components not shown in FIG. 1, such as a ventilation inlet / outlet, a control interface, a charging port, etc. It should be noted that FIG. 1 is only a schematic drawing showing some of the components that may be included in device 100. FIG. 1 is not intended to clarify the specific positions of the various components. For example, the holding device 112 may be provided at any position within / on device 100 as long as it functions to hold the consumables received in the heating chamber 102 in place.

[0021] Device 100 also includes a housing 114 in which the above-described components can be accommodated. A more specific example of device 100 will be described below.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic block cross-sectional view of device 100 according to an example. In FIG. 2, number 202 indicates the proximal end of device 100, and number 204 indicates the distal end of device 100. The proximal end 202 is the end that the user holds closer to the mouth (e.g., points towards the mouth) than the distal end 204 when device 100 is being used as intended for aerosol inhalation. On the other hand, the distal end 204 of device 100 is the end that the user holds farther from the mouth than the proximal end 202 when device 100 is being used as intended for aerosol inhalation.

[0023] FIG. 2 does not show all the components that can be part of device 100. Device 100 is configured with an adapter 206 that adapts the device 100 by varying the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 such that when received in the heating chamber 102 for use, a plurality of consumables of different lengths that can be individually received in the heating chamber 102 each protrude from the device 100 by a substantially equal amount.

[0024] As used herein, different lengths do not represent variations in the length of the consumables due to manufacturing tolerances. As used herein, different lengths represent different intended dimensions of the consumables. For example, consumables with different intended lengths fit into receptacles of different sizes. Consumables with different intended lengths may be referred to as different types of consumables. Different types of consumables may differ only in that their respective intended lengths are different, or other aspects such as internal composition, internal structure, etc. may also be different.

[0025] As used herein, the effective length 201 is the length of the heating chamber 102 plus the amount of length added to the heating chamber 102 by including the adapter 206. As used herein, the amount by which a given consumable protrudes from device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of the given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other element such as the aforementioned adapter. In other words, the amount by which a given consumable protrudes from device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of the given consumable that is exposed outside the effective length 201. Thus, the effective length 201 of the heating chamber defines the amount of consumable that protrudes from device 100 when received in the heating chamber 102.

[0026] In some examples, the consumable may be provided with an air flow structure (e.g., an opening or a portion of material that allows for the flow of air) toward the proximal end of the consumable. The air flow structure is, for example, for controlling the draw resistance of the consumable and / or the degree of dilution of the aerosol by air. During use, it is considered desirable to cover at least a portion of the air flow structure to suppress the air flow. This is, for example, considered desirable to enable the consumable to function with the device 100 in the intended manner. The air flow structure may be provided at a specific distance from each proximal end of various consumables in a plurality of consumables. Thus, for example, if the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are not allowed to protrude from the device 100 by substantially equal amounts, different lengths of consumables may not be usable with the device 100 in the manner in which the consumables are intended to be used. By making different lengths of consumables protrude by the same amount from each other, the air flow structure arranged at a specific distance from each proximal end of the consumables can be at least partially covered by the housing 114 and / or the adapter 206 as intended.

[0027] In some examples, it is considered advantageous to have only a predetermined length of the consumable protrude from the device 100 to reduce the likelihood that the consumable is inadvertently removed from the device 100, for example when the device 100 is tapped. In some examples, the adapter 206 may enable cleaning of the heating chamber 102 (e.g., when one or more adapters are inserted into and removed from the heating chamber 102). In some examples, the adapter 206 may support the proximal end of the consumable during use to reduce the risk of damage to the consumable during use.

[0028] FIG. 2 is merely a schematic diagram and should not be considered as specifying a particular structure, position, configuration, etc. of the adapter 206. FIG. 2 merely shows that the device 100 includes the adapter 206.

[0029] The airflow structure may be provided at a specific distance from each proximal end of various consumables in a plurality of consumables. Thus, without the above-described adapter (assuming consumables of different lengths protrude by different amounts), in the intended manner of using the consumables, it may not be possible to use consumables of different lengths with the device 100. By making the consumables of different lengths protrude by the same amount from each other, the airflow structure arranged at a specific distance from each proximal end of the consumables can be at least partially covered by the housing 114 and / or the adapter 206 as intended.

[0030] Various examples of the device 100 with the adapter 206 will be described below. In the following examples, more specific features of the adapter 206 will be described.

[0031] FIG. 3A shows a first consumable 300 among a plurality of consumables, and FIG. 3B shows a second consumable 302 among the plurality of consumables. The first consumable 300 has a first length that is smaller than a second length of the second consumable 302. In other words, the second consumable 302 is longer than the first consumable 300.

[0032] In the examples of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a first width, and the second consumable 302 has a second width. In the examples of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a width that is larger than that of the second consumable 302. In an example where the consumable is rod-shaped (similar to a conventional cigarette, for example), the width of the consumable may be obtained as the outer diameter of the consumable.

[0033] In Examples 1, 2, and 3 described below, the adapter 206 can be configured to adopt a first operating configuration or a second operating configuration with respect to the housing 114 of the device 100, and the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 in the first operating configuration of the adapter 206 is smaller than the effective length of the heating chamber 102 in the second configuration of the adapter 206. In the case of the first operating configuration, the adapter 206 is configured to adapt the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 such that when the first consumable 300 is received in the heating chamber 102 for use, the first consumable 300 protrudes substantially by the first amount from the proximal end 202. In the case of the second configuration, the adapter 206 is configured to adapt the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 such that when the second consumable 302 is received in the heating chamber 102 for use, the second consumable 302 protrudes substantially by the first amount from the proximal end 202.

[0034] Example 1 Figures 4A and 4B show the above-described device and adapter according to Example 1. Figure 4A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a particular consumable inserted into the heating chamber 102. Figure 4B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of another consumable inserted into the heating chamber 102 and an example of the above-described adapter. The solid line at the proximal end 202 represents the boundary of the housing 114 of the device 100. The adapter of Example 1 is labeled with reference numeral 206a. In Example 1, the adapter 206a is a removable adapter configured to be installed at the proximal end 202.

[0035] The adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 of the device 100. The adapter 206a is removable from the proximal end 202. For example, the user can remove the adapter 206a by pulling it out from the proximal end 202. In a first operating configuration, the adapter is not installed at the proximal end 202. In a second operating configuration, the adapter is installed at the proximal end 202. The effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 is greater when the adapter 206a is set at the proximal end 202 than when the adapter 206a is not installed at the proximal end 202. In FIG. 4A, the adapter 206a is removed, while in FIG. 4B, the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202. The effective length in FIG. 4A is smaller than the effective length in FIG. 4B.

[0036] When the adapter 206a is not installed at the proximal end 202 (as shown in FIG. 4A), when the first consumable 300 of the first length is inserted into the device 100 for use, it protrudes substantially only by the first amount 402 from the proximal end. In the example of FIG. 4A, the protruding portion of the first consumable 300 is the portion of the first consumable 300 that is not covered by the device 100. In this example, the protruding portion has a length of substantially the first amount 402.

[0037] When the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 (as shown in FIG. 4B), when the second consumable 302 of the second length is inserted into the device 100 for use, it protrudes substantially only by the first amount 402 from the proximal end 202. In the example of FIG. 4B, the proximal end 202 is defined by the adapter 206a. This is because the adapter 206a becomes the outermost end of the device 100 that the user holds closer to the mouth than the distal end 204. When inserted for use, the protruding portion is the portion of the second consumable 302 that is not covered by either the device 100 or the adapter 206a. The length of the protruding portion is substantially the first amount 402. Therefore, when the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202, the second consumable 302 protrudes by the same amount as the first consumable 300 when the adapter 206a is not installed.

[0038] The adapter 206a may be a cylindrical element having a side cross-section as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, the adapter 206a may be a cylindrical element having a first portion 404 and a second portion 406, where the first portion 404 has a larger outer diameter than the second portion 406 and the inner diameter is the same throughout. The second portion 406 may be dimensioned to be inserted into an opening leading to the heating chamber 102. Thus, the adapter 206a can be installed in the device 100 by inserting the second portion 406 into the opening leading to the heating chamber 102.

[0039] Among the plurality of consumables described above, there may be consumables of different widths. Not all of the consumables in the plurality of consumables have the same width. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a larger width than the second consumable 302. In an example where the consumable is rod-shaped (similar to a conventional cigarette, for example), the width of the consumable may be obtained as the outer diameter of the consumable.

[0040] In some examples, the removable adapter 206a is dimensioned to define an insertion opening centered with respect to the heating chamber 102 and is positioned relative to the heating chamber 102 when installed at the proximal end 202. Thus, when the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 and the second consumable 302 is received in the heating chamber 102, the second consumable 302 is centered within the heating chamber when inserted into the device 100 for use. In this example, this causes the second consumable to be centered even though it has a smaller width than the first consumable 300.

[0041] For example, when the adapter 206a is a cylindrical element as described above, it may be arranged such that when installed at the proximal end 202, the central axis of the adapter 206a substantially coincides with the central axis of the heating chamber 102. In this way, when the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the adapter 206a, the center is aligned within the heating chamber 102.

[0042] The device 100 of Example 1 has a stopper element 408 in the heating chamber that defines the depth to which the first and second consumables can be inserted. The stopper element 408 prevents the consumable from being inserted deeper than a specific point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stopper element 408 causes the distal end not to move further at a given distance from the distal end 204 of the consumable, regardless of the length and / or width of the consumable. In some examples, the stopper element 408 may be configured to cause the distal end not to move further at various distances from the distal end 204 of the consumable (e.g., by having a stepped structure that allows thinner consumables to move more) according to the physical dimensions of the consumable. In any case, the adapter 206a of Example 1 compensates for the additional length of the second consumable 302 as needed so that, similar to the shorter first consumable 300, it protrudes by substantially the same first amount.

[0043] In some examples, when the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end as shown in FIG. 4B, it is configured to keep an auxiliary heating switch (not shown in FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B) in an on state. The auxiliary heating switch may be, for example, a mechanical switch provided at a portion of the housing 114 where the adapter 206a engages with the housing 114. As described above, the device 100 includes a heating assembly 104. In this example, the heating assembly 104 includes different heating parts that substantially supply heat to each part along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating assembly 104 includes two or more heating parts that substantially supply heat to each part of the heating chamber 102. When the adapter is in the second operating configuration, by keeping the auxiliary heating switch in the on state, at least one of two or more heating parts that are not activated in the first operating configuration is activated to supply heat.

[0044] In this example, the heating assembly 104 includes a first heating part and a second heating part. The first heating part supplies heat to a first area of the heating chamber 102, and the second heating part supplies heat to a second area of the heating chamber. When the auxiliary heating switch is in the on state, it enables one of the first and second heating parts to be activated. For example, when the auxiliary heating switch is in the off state, only the first heating part can be activated. On the other hand, when the auxiliary heating switch is in the on state, both the first and second heating parts can be activated. Therefore, when the auxiliary heating switch is in the on state, a larger area of the heating chamber 102 can be heated.

[0045] For example, the second consumable 302 has a greater length in which the aerosolizable material is present compared to the first consumable 300. To maximize the amount of the aerosolizable material heated in the second consumable 302, the activation of the second heating part may be used to increase the length along the chamber to which heat is supplied.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 4B, the heating assembly 104 is shown as including a first heating portion 410 and a second heating portion 412. In this example, by holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on state, the second heating portion 412 can be activated. For example, by holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on position, power can be delivered from the power source 106 to the second heating portion 412. When the second heating portion 412 is activated, the length along the heating chamber 102 to which heat is supplied increases. In the case of using the second consumable 302, this can increase the length of the second consumable 302 in which the aerosolizable material is directly heated.

[0047] In the specific examples of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the heating assembly 102 includes an inductor coil for inductive heating. A susceptor may be provided as part of the device 100 (e.g., surrounding the inserted consumable) and / or as part of the consumable intended for use with the device 100. In the example of FIG. 4B, the second heating portion 412 may be a coil to which an alternating current is supplied separately from the first heating portion 410. In an example related to the auxiliary heating switch, when the auxiliary heating switch is held in the on state, an alternating current can be supplied only to the coil of the second heating portion 412.

[0048] The auxiliary heating switch may be in the form of a push-button provided on the housing 114, for example, at a location where the adapter 206a contacts the housing 114. For example, when the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202, the push-button is pressed to hold the auxiliary heating switch in the on state. In some examples, the adapter 206a may include a conductive material that completes a circuit for holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on state. There may be various different mechanisms for holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on state when the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 as intended, but these mechanisms are only some illustrative examples.

[0049] The adapter 206a may have an inner diameter that acts as a retaining element that contacts the second consumable 302 and holds it in place by friction. In some examples, the adapter 206 may include other components that contact the second consumable 302 and hold it in place.

[0050] Example 2 Figures 5A and 5B show the device and adapter described above according to Example 2. Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 including the adapter 206b according to Example 2.

[0051] More specifically, in Example 2, the adapter 206b is rotatably attached to the proximal end 202. In this example, the proximal end 202 is defined by the adapter 206b. This is because the adapter 206b is the outermost end of the device 100 that the user holds closer to the mouth than the distal end 204 (see Figures 5A and 5B). The adapter 206b transitions between a first operating configuration and a second operating configuration by rotating relative to the housing 114 of the device 100.

[0052] More specifically, the adapter 206b includes a first opening 502 and a second opening 504. In the case of the first operating configuration, the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. In the example of Figure 5A, the adapter 206b is set to the first operating configuration relative to the housing 114. This is because, as shown, the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. In the case of the second configuration, the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 of the device 100.

[0053] As used herein, aligning an opening with the heating chamber 102 means that a consumable of a suitable size can be inserted into the chamber 102 through the opening. For example, when the central axis of the first opening 502 substantially coincides with the central (i.e., longitudinal) axis of the heating chamber 102, the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. Similarly, for example, when the central axis of the second opening 504 substantially coincides with the central (i.e., longitudinal) axis of the heating chamber 102, the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102.

[0054] In Example 2, the second opening 504 is formed such that when aligned with the heating chamber 102, it starts at a greater distance from the heating chamber 102 than the first opening 502, towards the proximal end 202. The distance from the heating chamber 102 at which either opening starts is the distance between the start position of the opening and the heating chamber 102 when the opening is aligned with the heating chamber 102. As shown in FIG. 5A, the second opening 504 is formed in the raised region 506 of the proximal surface of the adapter 206b. On the other hand, the first opening 502 is not formed in the raised region of the proximal surface of the adapter 206b. Thus, the second opening 504 starts at a greater distance from the heating chamber 102 than the first opening 502 when aligned with the heating chamber 102.

[0055] As described above, the adapter 206b transitions between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration by rotating with respect to the housing 114. For example, a user of the device 100 can change the operating configuration by turning the adapter 206b as shown by the arrow 508 (and / or in the direction opposite to that shown by the arrow 508).

[0056] The adapter 206b may be rotatably attached to the housing 114 by, for example, a rod or cylindrical element extending from the adapter 206b, inserted into the opening of the housing 114, and configured to be rotatable relative to the housing 114. Various mechanisms may be considered for rotatably attaching the adapter 206b to the housing 114.

[0057] For facilitating the realization of the first and second configurations and / or for holding the adapter 206b in place in the selected configuration, a fixing mechanism may be provided. For example, the adapter 206b may have clips that fasten to two different positions of the housing 114 corresponding to the two operating configurations. Various mechanisms may be considered for fixing the adapter 206b to the housing 114 in the desired operating configuration.

[0058] As described above, FIG. 3A shows the first consumable 300 among the plurality of consumables and the second consumable 302 among the plurality of consumables. The first consumable 300 has a first length that is smaller than the second length of the second consumable 302. In other words, the second consumable 302 is longer than the first consumable 300.

[0059] FIG. 5B is another schematic perspective view of the device 100 provided with the adapter 206b in the first operating configuration according to the second embodiment.

[0060] According to the described configuration, when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 in the first operating configuration, the device 100 and the adapter 206b can protrude from the proximal end 202 by the same amount (i.e., the first amount) as the second consumable 302 in the case of the second operating configuration. In the second operating configuration, since the second opening 504 for the second consumable 302 exists in the raised region 506, more of the second consumable 302 is covered (i.e., does not protrude). The raised region 506 compensates for the larger length of the second consumable 302 so as to protrude by the same first amount as the first consumable 300 in the first configuration.

[0061] The device 100 of Example 2 may have a stopper element within the heating chamber that defines the depth to which the first and second consumables can be inserted. In some examples, the stopper element may prevent the consumable from being inserted deeper than a particular point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stopper element may prevent the distal end 204 of the consumable from moving further at a given distance from the distal end 204 of the consumable, regardless of the length and / or width of the consumable. In some examples, the stopper element may be configured to prevent the distal end 204 of the consumable from moving further at various distances from the distal end 204 of the consumable (e.g., by having a stepped structure that allows thinner consumables to move more) depending on the physical dimensions of the consumable. In either case, the adapter 206b of Example 2 compensates for the additional length of the second consumable 302 as needed so that, like the shorter first consumable 300, it protrudes by substantially the first amount.

[0062] The first opening 502 and the second opening 504 may each have an inner diameter such that the interior of the opening contacts each consumable and holds it in place by friction.

[0063] Among the plurality of consumables described above, there may be consumables of different widths. Not all of the consumables in the plurality of consumables have the same width.

[0064] The first opening 502 is arranged to be centered with the heating chamber 102 in the first operating configuration. This means that in the first operating configuration, when the consumable 300 is inserted into the device 100 for use, it is centered within the heating chamber 102. The second opening 504 is arranged to be aligned with the heating chamber 102 in the second operating configuration. This means that in the second operating configuration, when the second consumable 302 is inserted into the device 100 for use, it is centered within the heating chamber 102. The first opening 502 has a first inner diameter, and the second opening 504 has a second inner diameter different from the first inner diameter.

[0065] For example, the first opening has an inner diameter for holding the first consumable 300 in place, and the second opening 504 has an inner diameter for holding the second consumable 302 in place. In some examples, other forms of holding devices may exist that hold the consumables in place one at a time by being provided on the proximal end 202 side. For example, a holding device may be provided on the proximal end 202 side within the heating chamber 102. The holding device may be configured to hold at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place.

[0066] In some examples, the adapter 206b is configured to hold an auxiliary heating switch (not shown in either FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B) in an on state when the second consumable 302 of the second length is inserted into the device 100 for use and is set in the device 100 to protrude substantially by the first amount from the proximal end 202. In other words, the auxiliary heating switch may be configured to be held in an on state when the adapter 206b is in the second operating configuration. As described above, the device 100 includes a heating assembly 104. The heating assembly 104 may include different heating parts that substantially supply heat to each part along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating assembly 104 may include two or more heating parts that substantially supply heat to each part of the heating chamber 102. The adapter is configured to activate at least one of two or more heating parts that are not activated in the first operating configuration and supply heat by holding the auxiliary heating switch in an on state when in the second operating configuration. The auxiliary heating switch may enable a specific heating part to be activated when in the on state.

[0067] In this example, the second consumable 302 has a greater length with aerosolizable material present compared to the first consumable 300. To maximize the amount of aerosolizable material heated in the second consumable 302, the length along the chamber where heat is supplied may be increased by activating the heating part.

[0068] For example, compared to the first consumable 300, an additional heating part arranged to heat an additional length containing aerosolizable material in the second consumable 302 may be provided on the proximal end 202 side. By holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on state, the additional heating part can be activated. For example, by holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on position, power can be delivered from the power supply 106 to the additional heating part. In such an example, when the additional heating part is activated, the length along the heating chamber 102 to which heat is supplied increases. In the case of using the second consumable 302, this can increase the length of the second consumable 302 in which the aerosolizable material is directly heated.

[0069] Example 3 Figures 6A - 6G show a device and an adapter according to Example 3. Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of a device 100 equipped with an adapter 206c according to Example 3.

[0070] More specifically, in Example 3, the adapter 206c is slidably attached to the proximal end 202. The adapter 206c is slidably attached to the housing 114 at the proximal end 202. The adapter 206c is configured to transition between a first operating configuration and a second operating configuration by sliding with respect to the housing 114 of the device 100.

[0071] The adapter 206c includes an insertion opening 602 aligned with the heating chamber 102. The insertion opening 602 is disposed closer to the heating chamber 102 in the first configuration than in the second configuration.

[0072] In FIG. 6A, the adapter 206c is in a second operating configuration. In this example, the adapter 206c includes a shell 604, and the inner surface 606 of the shell 604 slides along the coverable surface 608 of the housing 114 (the coverable surface 608 is the surface of the housing 114 that extends longitudinally along the housing 114 in a region toward the proximal end 202). Thus, the shell 604 slides along the coverable surface 608 in a direction of approaching and separating from the distal end 204 (e.g., up and down with respect to the orientation in FIG. 6B) to transition between the first and second operating configurations. The adapter 206c slides away from the housing 114 (toward the proximal end of the coverable surface 608) to transition to the second configuration and slides toward the housing 114 (toward the distal portion of the coverable surface 608) to transition to the first configuration.

[0073] In some examples, the shell 604 may be dimensioned such that sufficient friction is obtained between the inner surface 606 and the coverable surface 608 to hold the shell 604 in place (e.g., prevent it from sliding downward by gravity) without the user applying an external force when attempting to transition between the first and second configurations. In some examples, a bearing or the like may be provided between the shell 604 and the coverable surface 608 to facilitate sliding of the shell 604 between the first and second configurations.

[0074] In some examples, a specific structure may be provided to prevent the shell 604 from detaching from the housing 114. For example, a first structure (e.g., an outwardly extending lip) that engages with a second structure (e.g., an inwardly extending lip) formed on the distal end side of the shell 604 to prevent detachment may be present on the proximal end side of the coverable surface 608.

[0075] In use, the user operates the adapter 206c to transition between the first and second operating configurations.

[0076] Among the plurality of consumables described above, there may be consumables of different widths. Not all of the plurality of consumables have the same width.

[0077] As described above, FIG. 3A shows an example of a first consumable 300 among the plurality of consumables and an example of a second consumable 302 among the plurality of consumables. The first consumable 300 has a first length that is smaller than a second length of the second consumable 302. In other words, the second consumable 302 is longer than the first consumable 300.

[0078] The adapter 206c includes a first holding element 610 and a second holding element 612. The first holding element 610 includes a first elastic opening of a first initial size. The second holding element 612 includes a second elastic opening of a second initial size that is smaller than the first initial size. In other words, the first elastic opening is larger than the second elastic opening. The elastic openings are intended to receive and hold the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place.

[0079] In the example of FIG. 6A, the adapter 206c includes a column element 614 that extends in a direction from the proximal end of the adapter 206c toward the distal end 204. The column element 614 is hollow. The first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612 are disposed inside the hollow column element 614. The column element 614 is aligned with the insertion opening 602 and thus the heating chamber 102. The column element 614 functions as an access channel to the heating chamber 102.

[0080] In the example of FIG. 6A, when the adapter 206c is in the second configuration, a part of the column element 614 extends into an opening 616 that leads to the heating chamber 102. When the adapter 206c slides downward along the coverable surface 608, the column element 614 further enters into the opening 616 that leads to the heating chamber 102.

[0081] In the example of FIG. 6A, when the consumable is inserted into the heating chamber 102 (by being inserted into the opening 616 leading to the heating chamber 102 after being inserted into the insertion opening 602 of the adapter 206c), both the first elastic opening of the first holding element 610 and the second elastic opening of the second holding element 612 are also passed through, so that both the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612 are aligned with the heating chamber 102.

[0082] As described above, in this example, the first elastic opening is larger than the second elastic opening. The first elastic opening is mainly intended to accommodate and hold the first consumable 300 in place. The first size of the first elastic opening is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300. The first elastic opening is biased to have the first size. When the first consumable 300 is inserted, the size of the first elastic opening becomes larger to accommodate the first consumable 300. However, due to its biasing, the first elastic opening holds the first consumable 300 in place by pushing it toward the first consumable 300 side.

[0083] Similarly, the second elastic opening is mainly intended to accommodate and hold the second consumable 302 in place. The second size of the second elastic opening is smaller than the width of the second consumable 302. The second elastic opening is biased to return to the second size. When the second consumable 302 is inserted, the size of the second elastic opening becomes larger to accommodate the second consumable 302. However, due to its biasing, the second elastic opening holds the second consumable 302 in place by pushing it toward the second consumable 302 side.

[0084] For example, the elastic opening may be defined by respective elastic arms with a gap formed therebetween corresponding to each elastic opening. The elastic arms may be configured to bend in a direction away from the position biased to accommodate and hold consumables of each width in place. In the example of FIG. 6A, both the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612 are aligned with the heating chamber 102. Therefore, the consumable received in the heating chamber 102 passes through both the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612.

[0085] The first elastic opening is configured such that the size of the first elastic opening can be larger than a first initial size in response to biasing of the first elastic opening, and the second elastic opening is configured such that the size of the second elastic opening can be larger than the first initial size in response to biasing of the second elastic opening. At least the second elastic opening is configured such that the size of the second elastic opening can be larger than a second initial size in response to biasing of the second elastic opening.

[0086] When the first consumable 300 is inserted into the insertion opening 602, the sizes of the first elastic opening and the second elastic opening become larger than a first size (the initial size of the first elastic opening and smaller than the width of the first consumable 300) so as to be received and held in place by both the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612.

[0087] FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of the device 100 with the first consumable 300 inserted according to Example 3 and an enlarged view of the first consumable 300 held by the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612. FIG. 6C is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the device 100 with the first consumable 300 inserted according to Example 3. In the examples of FIGS. 6B and 6C, the adapter 206c is in a first configuration with the device 100.

[0088] (Regarding the orientation of the figure), it can be seen that from the downward arrow, when the adapter 206c slides downward (in the direction of the distal end 204), the first operating configuration is achieved. The device 100 of Example 3 may have a stopper element 618 in the heating chamber that defines the depth to which the first and second consumables can be inserted. In some examples, the stopper element 618 may prevent the consumable from being inserted deeper than a specific point in the heating chamber 102. For example, the stopper element 618 may prevent the distal end from moving further at a given distance from the distal end 204 of the consumable, regardless of the length and / or width of the consumable. In some examples, the stopper element 618 may be configured to prevent the distal end from moving further at various distances from the distal end 204 of the consumable (such as by having a stepped structure that allows thinner consumables to move more, etc.) according to the physical dimensions of the consumable. In any case, the adapter 206c of Example 3 compensates for the additional length of the second consumable 302 as needed so that, similar to the shorter first consumable 300, it protrudes by substantially the first amount. The following discussion is based on a stopper element 618 that prevents the distal end from moving further at a given distance from the distal end 204 of the consumable, regardless of the length and / or width of the consumable.

[0089] In the first configuration, the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 to the depth defined by the consumable stopper element 618. The position of the adapter 206c relative to the housing 114 defines the amount of a given consumable that protrudes from the proximal end 202. In the examples of FIGS. 6B and 6C, the distal end of the first consumable 300 abuts against the consumable stopper element 618, and since the adapter 206c is in the first configuration, the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount 620.

[0090] When the second consumable 302 is inserted into the insertion opening 602, the size of at least the second elastic opening increases so that it is received and held in place by at least the second holding element 612. In some examples, the width of the second consumable 302 may be smaller than the first size of the first elastic opening. In this case, although the second consumable 302 passes through both the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612, it is held in place only by the second holding element 612. In such an example, it is because the second consumable increases the size of the second elastic opening and has only a width sufficient for holding by the biasing of the second elastic opening.

[0091] In some examples, the width of the second consumable 302 may be larger than both the first size and the second size. In such a case, the second consumable 302 increases the sizes of both the first elastic opening and the second elastic opening and is held by both the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612.

[0092] Both the first holding element 610 and the second holding element 612 are aligned with the central heating chamber 102. Accordingly, the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 can be held so that their centers are aligned within the heating chamber when inserted into the device 100 for use, regardless of their respective widths.

[0093] FIG. 6D is a schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of the device 100 with the second consumable 302 inserted according to Example 3, and an enlarged view of the second consumable 302 held by at least the second holding element 612. FIG. 6E is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the device 100 with the second consumable 302 inserted according to Example 3. In the examples of FIGS. 6D and 6E, the adapter 206c is a second configuration with the device 100. In the examples of FIGS. 6D and 6E, the adapter 206c is a second configuration with the device 100.

[0094] In the second configuration, the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 to a depth as defined by the stopper element 618. The amount of a given consumable protruding from the proximal end 202 is defined by the position of the adapter 206c relative to the housing 114. In the example of FIGS. 6D and 6E, the distal end of the second consumable 302 abuts against the stopper element 618, and since the adapter 206c is in the second configuration, the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount 620.

[0095] FIG. 6F is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 with the adapter 206c. The arrows in FIG. 6F show how the adapter 206c slides along the coverable surface 608 to transition between the first and second operating configurations.

[0096] Referring again to FIG. 6A, the stopper element 618 may comprise a guide structure 622. The guide structure 622 may be configured to position the distal end of the inserted consumable such that the consumable is substantially centered over the length of the heating chamber 102. For example, the guide structure 622 may include a tapered region with a cross-section that decreases towards the distal end 204 to guide the distal end of the narrow second consumable 302 to be centered within the heating chamber 102.

[0097] Also, in the example of FIG. 6A, the device 100 includes a bottom cover 624 provided on the distal end 204 side. The bottom cover 624 may be used to remove the stopper element 618 and enable cleaning of the heating chamber 102, as shown in the schematic perspective view of FIG. 6G.

[0098] In some examples, when a second consumable of a second length is inserted into the device 100 for use and the device 100 is set so as to protrude substantially only by the first amount 620 from the proximal end 202, the auxiliary heating switch (not shown in FIGS. 6A - 6G) is configured to be held in the on state. As described above, the device 100 includes a heating assembly 104. The heating assembly 104 may include different heating parts that substantially supply heat to each part along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating assembly 104 includes two or more heating parts that substantially supply heat to each part of the heating chamber 102. When the adapter is in the second operating configuration, by holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on state, at least one of two or more heating parts that are not activated in the first operating configuration is activated to supply heat. The auxiliary heating switch, when in the on state, may enable a specific heating part to be activated.

[0099] For example, the second consumable 302 may have a greater length with the aerosolizable material present compared to the first consumable 300. To maximize the amount of aerosolizable material heated in the second consumable 302, the length along the chamber to which heat is supplied may be increased by activating the heating part.

[0100] In the examples of FIGS. 6C and 6E, a first heating part 626 and a second heating part 628 are shown. In this example, by holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on state, the second heating part 628 can be activated. For example, by holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on position, power can be delivered from the power source 106 to the second heating part 628. When the second heating part is activated, the length along the heating chamber 102 to which heat is supplied increases. In the case of using the second consumable 302, this can increase the length of the second consumable 302 in which the aerosolizable material is directly heated.

[0101] In the example of FIG. 6C, the adapter 206c is in the first configuration, the auxiliary heating switch is not held in the on state, and only the first heating unit 626 is activated. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 6E, the adapter 206c is in the second configuration, the auxiliary heating switch is held in the on state, and heat is generated by activating both the first heating unit 626 and the second heating unit 628.

[0102] In the specific examples of FIGS. 6A to 6G, the heating assembly 104 includes an inductor coil for induction heating. A susceptor may be provided as part of the device 100 (e.g., surrounding the inserted consumable) and / or as part of the consumable intended for use with the device 100. In this example, the second heating unit 628 may be a coil to which an alternating current is supplied separately from the first heating unit 626. In an example related to the auxiliary heating switch, when the auxiliary heating switch is held in the on state, an alternating current can be supplied only to the coil of the second heating unit 628.

[0103] The auxiliary heating switch may be in the form of, for example, a push button provided on the housing 114. For example, in the case of the second operation configuration, the adapter 206c presses the push button to hold the auxiliary heating switch in the on state. In some examples, the adapter 206c may include a conductive material that completes a circuit for holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on state in the case of the second operation configuration. When the adapter 206c is in the second configuration, there may be various different mechanisms for holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on state, but these mechanisms are only some illustrative examples.

[0104] The device 100 comprising the adapter 206c of Example 3 may be provided as a non-combustible aerosol supply system, together with a first consumable containing an aerosol-generating material of a first width and a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material of a second width smaller than the first width. In these examples, when the first consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of the first elastic opening and the size of the second elastic opening become larger than the first initial size so as to be accommodated and held in place by both the first holding element and the second holding element. Also, when the second consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of at least the second elastic opening becomes larger than the second initial size so as to be accommodated and held in place by at least the second holding element.

[0105] The device 100 comprising an adapter according to any of Examples 1 to 3 may be provided as a non-combustible aerosol supply system, together with a first consumable containing an aerosol-generating material of a first length and a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material of a second length greater than the first length.

[0106] The above examples are to be understood as illustrative examples serving to explain the present invention. Other examples of the present invention are also conceivable. It is to be understood that any feature described with respect to any one example can be used alone or in combination with other described features, and also in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or any combination thereof. Furthermore, equivalents and improvements not described above as defined in the appended claims may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A non-combustible aerosol supply device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material contained in a consumable, a receptacle for receiving the consumable, an adapter configured to adapt the non-combustible aerosol supply device by changing an effective length of the receptacle such that when received in the receptacle for use, a plurality of consumables of different lengths, each individually receivable in the receptacle, protrude from the non-combustible aerosol supply device by substantially equal amounts, comprising: the non-combustible aerosol supply device includes a housing, the adapter is configurable to adopt a first operating configuration or a second operating configuration with respect to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol supply device, a non-combustible aerosol supply device, wherein an effective length of the receptacle in the first operating configuration of the adapter is smaller than an effective length of the receptacle in the second operating configuration of the adapter.

2. the adapter is rotatably attached to a proximal end of the non-combustible aerosol supply device, which is an end of the non-combustible aerosol generating device closest to a user's mouth, when the user inhales an aerosol supplied by the non-combustible aerosol supply device during use, the non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter rotates with respect to the housing of the non-combustible aerosol supply device to transition between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration.

3. the adapter includes a first opening and a second opening, in the first operating configuration, the first opening is aligned with the receptacle, in the second operating configuration, the second opening is aligned with the receptacle, the non-combustible aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the second opening is formed to start at a greater distance from the proximal end than the first opening when aligned with the receptacle.

4. the first opening is arranged such that its center is aligned with the receptacle in the first operating configuration, the second opening is arranged such that its center is aligned with the receptacle in the second operating configuration, The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the first opening has a first inner diameter and the second opening has a second inner diameter different from the first inner diameter.

5. The adapter is slidably attached to the proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol supply device, which is the end of the non-flammable aerosol generating device closest to the user's mouth when the user inhales the aerosol supplied by the non-flammable aerosol supply device during use. The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter is configured to transition between the first operating configuration and the second operating configuration by sliding with respect to the housing of the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

6. The adapter includes an insertion opening aligned with the receptacle. The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the insertion opening is disposed closer to the receptacle in the first operating configuration than in the second operating configuration.

7. The adapter includes a first retaining element and a second retaining element. The first retaining element includes a first elastic opening having a first initial size. The second retaining element includes a second elastic opening having a second initial size smaller than the first initial size. The first elastic opening is configured such that the size of the first elastic opening can be larger than the first initial size with respect to the biasing of the first elastic opening, and the second elastic opening is configured such that the size of the second elastic opening can be larger than the first initial size with respect to the biasing of the second elastic opening. The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to claim 6, wherein at least the second elastic opening is configured such that the size of the second elastic opening can be larger than the second initial size with respect to the biasing of the second elastic opening.

8. The adapter is configured to be installed at the proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol supply device, which is the end of the non-flammable aerosol generating device closest to the user's mouth when the user inhales the aerosol supplied by the non-flammable aerosol supply device during use, and the adapter is removable from the proximal end of the non-flammable aerosol supply device. In the first operating configuration, the adapter is not installed at the proximal end. In the first operating configuration, the adapter is not installed at the proximal end. The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein in the second operation configuration, the adapter is installed at the proximal end.

9. The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein the adapter is dimensioned to define an insertion opening centered with respect to the receptacle and is arranged with respect to the receptacle when installed at the proximal end.

10. The non-flammable aerosol supply device includes a heating structure that heats the aerosol generating material in the consumable received in the receptacle, and the heating structure includes two or more heating parts that substantially supply heat to each part of the receptacle. The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when the adapter is in the second operation configuration, at least one of the two or more heating parts that are not activated in the first operation configuration is activated by holding the auxiliary heating switch in the on state to supply heat.

11. The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to claim 7, A first consumable containing an aerosol generating material and having a first width, A second consumable containing an aerosol generating material and having a second width smaller than the first width, A non-flammable aerosol supply system comprising: When the first consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the sizes of the first elastic opening and the second elastic opening become larger than the first initial size so that the first consumable is received and held in a predetermined position by both the first holding element and the second holding element. A non-flammable aerosol supply system, wherein when the second consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of at least the second elastic opening becomes larger than the second initial size so that the second consumable is received and held in a predetermined position by at least the second holding element.

12. The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A first consumable containing an aerosol generating material and having a first length, A second consumable containing an aerosol generating material and having a second length larger than the first length, A non-flammable aerosol supply system comprising.

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