Aerosol generator including gripping element

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber (31) arranged to receive a consumable (6) and a heater (30) configured to heat the consumable (6) to emit an aerosol. The aerosol generating device (1) further comprises a gripping element (7) configured to grip and eject the consumable (6) from the heating chamber (31) when required.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] An aerosol generating device enables aerosolization of an aerosolizable material. An aerosol generating device can also be called an e-cigarette or a vapor generating device.

Background Art

[0003] An aerosol generating device or a heat-not-burn device generally includes a battery-driven vapor generating unit that generates an inhaled aerosol. This type of device typically generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate containing moist tobacco leaves or other suitable aerosolizable material to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C.

[0004] <� In such a device, the aerosol substrate is typically contained in a consumable held in a heating chamber and heated by a heater. Most commonly, such a heating chamber is heated from the outside, and a heat-conductive outer shell housing transfers heat to the internal volume. Often, the heater is arranged along the length of the heating chamber.

[0005] One problem with prior art devices is that it is difficult to remove the consumable from the heating chamber at the end of use. The bottom of the consumable generally remains in the heating chamber and is difficult for the user to remove.

[0006] There are aerosol generating devices that address other problems, such as the device disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 102051205, which aims to improve the fixation of the consumable, but in existing devices, easy removal of the consumable from the heating chamber is not possible.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to enable the easy discharge of consumables from the heating chamber as needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention relates to an aerosol generator comprising a heating chamber arranged for receiving consumables and a heater configured to heat the consumables in order to release an aerosol.

[0009] According to the present invention, the aerosol generator further includes a gripping element configured to grip consumables as needed and discharge them from the heating chamber.

[0010] The gripping element allows for easy removal of consumables as needed, for example, when the consumables have finished being used.

[0011] This improves the user experience by allowing for easy replacement of consumables when needed.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the gripping element is a claw device including a drive member and jaws attached to the drive member, wherein the drive member is configured to move the jaws inward so that they move closer together and outward so that they move away from each other.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the drive member is an extendable cylinder configured to extend, thereby moving the jaw outward, and to retract, thereby moving the jaw inward.

[0014] Therefore, the gripping element can be a claw device that is easy to manufacture and operate.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each jaw portion is hinged to a drive member at a first point and a second point different from the first point, and each jaw portion is articulated to the telescopic cylinder at the first point using a connecting rod and at the second point using a ring attached to the end of the telescopic cylinder, the ring being configured to move in the direction of extension and retraction of the telescopic cylinder.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the telescopic cylinder is configured to extend when discharging consumables, thereby moving the jaw outward and pressing the ring against the consumables.

[0017] Therefore, the ring can push the consumables out of the heating chamber.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the telescopic cylinder is configured to contract during heating of the consumables, thereby moving the jaw portion inward and the ring away from the consumables.

[0019] Depending on the degree to which the cylinder is retracted, the jaws can easily grasp the consumable or compress it with sufficient force.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the telescopic cylinder is configured to extend when the heating of the consumables is complete, thereby moving the arm outward to release the consumables.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generator further includes a microcontroller configured to automatically move a drive member depending on whether the consumables should be heated, the heating of the consumables should be stopped, or the consumables should be discharged from the heating chamber.

[0022] Therefore, the gripping element is automatically operated by the microcontroller depending on whether the smoking session has started, is in progress, or has ended.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a heating chamber, a heater, and a housing in which a gripping element extends internally. The housing includes a through-hole through which a drive member extends such that a part of the drive member protrudes from the housing.

[0024] By manually moving the drive member, the gripping element can be easily manipulated, particularly using the protrusion.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a heating chamber, a heater, and a housing in which a gripping element extends internally. The aerosol generating device further includes a slide extending on an outer wall of the housing. The slide is attached to a drive member of the gripping element such that the drive member is driven by the movement of the slide.

[0026] The slide is an alternative to manual driving of the gripping element. Similar to the protrusion, the slide is easy to use and simple to manufacture.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the heater and the gripping element are positioned relative to each other such that the jaws are conductively heated by the heater. The gripping element is configured to compress the consumable when the consumable is being heated.

[0028] Compressing the consumable during its use is an important feature because this compression causes heat to concentrate at the center of the consumable, achieving a faster temperature rise time. The faster temperature rise time is made possible by the conductive heating of the jaws. Additionally, since the consumable shrinks as vaping occurs in the consumable, compression maintains high heat transfer, and thus good heating efficiency, throughout the use of the consumable.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the gripping element is configured to stop compressing the consumable when heating is stopped.

[0030] The configuration of this device is particularly advantageous in that it compresses consumables for optimal heating during use, but stops compressing them as needed (for example, when consumables need to be replaced). This avoids unnecessary compression and the friction that may occur between the gripping element and the consumable or between the heating chamber and the consumable as a result of compression. In practice, it is necessary to overcome this friction when handling consumables, which can lead to deterioration of the consumables. Such friction can make it difficult, for example, to remove consumables from the heating chamber.

[0031] In conclusion, the configuration of the aerosol generator with a gripping element allows for easy removal of consumables from the heating chamber as needed, while ensuring rapid and efficient heating of the consumables.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the heater includes a resistance heating element attached to the jaw portion of the gripping element.

[0033] This configuration improves the heating of consumables. In fact, the jaw portion is in direct contact with the consumables during heating.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the heater includes a fixed heater that extends along the wall of the heating chamber.

[0035] Therefore, the consumables can be heated by conduction. This is a simple and efficient solution for heating the consumables and converting them into aerosols.

[0036] Preferably, the heater extends along the entire length of the wall of the heating chamber. This provides a large heating area, which allows consumables to be heated quickly.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the heating chamber includes a slot shaped to receive a gripping element, the gripping element being configured to move within the slot to compress or release a consumable.

[0038] Other special features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

[0039] The attached drawings, given by non-limiting examples, are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] A schematic three-dimensional diagram shows an aerosol generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator, including the gripping element. [Figure 3] Examples of gripping elements usable in the present invention, in both open and closed positions, are shown in a three-dimensional diagram. [Figure 4] The heating chambers of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 2 are individually depicted in schematic cross-sectional views. [Figure 5] A partial cross-sectional view shows an example of an aerosol generator including a gripping element according to two other embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] The gripping element shown in Figure 2 in its open and closed positions within the heating chamber is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view. [Figure 7] The gripping element shown in Figure 2 in the open and closed positions within the heating chamber is shown in a top view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] As used herein, the terms “aerosol” and “vapor” are interchangeable and refer to suspended particles or droplets of any size. Similarly, the term “vaporize” means to change into vapor or to change into vapor, and the term “aerosolize” means to make into an aerosol and / or disperse into an aerosol.

[0042] Figure 1 shows an exemplary aerosol generator 1. The aerosol generator 1 includes an outer housing 2 having a bottom portion and an upper portion. The upper portion of the housing 2 is provided with an opening 20 into which aerosol generating consumables can be inserted.

[0043] The aerosol generator 1 includes a heating assembly 3, a printed circuit board (PCB) 4, and a battery 5 within a housing 2, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 1. For clarity, some components have been omitted from Figures 1 and 2.

[0044] The battery 5 or power supply unit is adapted to supply power to the electronic components of the device.

[0045] The heating assembly 3 is operably connected to the PCB 4 and the battery 5. Power is selectively supplied to the heating assembly 3 to heat it to a controlled temperature.

[0046] The heating assembly 3 includes a heater 30 and a tubular heating chamber 31 having an opening 310. In this example, the opening 310 is provided by the open end of the heating chamber 31. In alternative examples of the apparatus, the opening 310 may be located elsewhere in the heating chamber 31.

[0047] The tubular heating chamber 31 includes a closed end 311 on the opposite side of the opening 310 and a side wall 312 extending between the opening 310 and the closed end 311 to define the internal volume of the heating chamber 31. The opening 310 is aligned with the opening 20 so that the internal volume of the heating chamber 31 can be accessed through the opening 20 and the opening 310 when the apparatus 1 is fully assembled.

[0048] The heating chamber 31 is configured to receive the consumables 6. The consumables 6 are inserted through the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 310 of the heating chamber 31.

[0049] Consumable 6 includes an aerosol substrate adapted to transform into an aerosol when heated.

[0050] Aerosol substrates may contain tobacco, for example, in a dried or cured form, and may have additional components for flavor or to provide a smoother or more satisfying experience. In some examples, aerosol substrates such as tobacco may be treated with vaporizers. Vaporizers may improve vapor generation from the aerosol substrate. Vaporizers may include, for example, polyols such as glycerol or glycols such as propylene glycol. In some cases, aerosol substrates may not contain tobacco or even nicotine, but instead may contain natural or artificially derived components to provide flavor, volatility, smoothness, and / or other satisfying effects. Aerosol substrates may be supplied as solid or paste-type materials in the form of shredded, pelletized, powdered, granular, stripped or sheeted forms, or optionally combinations thereof. Similarly, aerosol substrates may be liquids or gels. In fact, in some examples, both solid and liquid / gel portions may be included.

[0051] The heater 30 is configured to heat the heating chamber 31 to a temperature sufficient to release aerosols onto the aerosol-generating substrate without burning the consumables 6. In particular, the heater is configured to heat the aerosol substrate to a maximum temperature of 150°C to 350°C.

[0052] The heater 30 can be any type of heater known from the prior art that is capable of heating the heating chamber 31.

[0053] The heater 30 is, for example, a fixed heater extending on the side wall 312 of the heating chamber 31.

[0054] The heater 30 can be, for example, a thin-film heater wrapped around the heating chamber 31. The thin-film heater is configured to supply heat to the internal volume of the heating chamber 31. In particular, the thin-film heater can be wrapped around the outer surface of the heating chamber 31 to heat the side walls 312 and the internal volume of the chamber 10.

[0055] The thin-film heater may include a thin-film circuit having a resistive heating element. The circuit including the heating element is arranged such that the heating element covers a larger proportion of the surface of the wrapped surface of the chamber 10.

[0056] By arranging the heater 30 around the outer surface of the heating chamber 31, it is possible to heat the consumables 6 while protecting the heater 30 from damage caused by contact with the consumables 6.

[0057] The side walls 312 of the heating chamber 31 preferably include a thermally conductive material such as metal to conduct heat from the heater 30 to the chamber 10.

[0058] The exemplary apparatus 1 shown in Figure 2 includes a heater 30 extending around the outer surface of the heating chamber 31, but in another example, the heater 30 may be located inside the heating chamber 31.

[0059] By arranging the heater 30 in this manner, the heater 30 can directly heat the internal volume of the heating chamber 31, and the energy lost due to conduction to the side wall 312 is reduced, thus potentially providing more efficient heating of consumables.

[0060] Preferably, the heating chamber 31 includes an insulating material to reduce heat loss.

[0061] During use, the user holds the device 1 by the housing 2 and places the smokeable aerosol-generating consumable in or near the heating assembly 3 of the device 1 through the opening 20. The device 1 is then operated by a switch or by the user's puffing action to turn on the power supply from the battery 5 to the heating assembly 3 in order to heat the consumable in or near the heating assembly 3. The heat generated in the heating assembly 3 heats the consumable and releases vapor that forms an aerosol. The user can then inhale the aerosol.

[0062] The aerosol generator 1 further includes a gripping element 7, shown in Figure 2 and individually in Figure 3, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] As shown in Figure 2, the gripping element 7 is configured to grip the consumable 6.

[0064] The gripping element 7 is a claw device. The gripping element 7 includes a drive member 70 and a jaw portion 71. The jaw portion 71 is attached to the drive member 70.

[0065] The drive member 70 is configured to drive the jaw portion 71. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the drive member 70 is configured to move the jaw portion 71 inward so that it moves toward each other and outward so that it moves toward each other.

[0066] The drive member 70 is a telescopic cylinder, that is, a cylinder whose length can be changed. In other words, the drive member 70 is configured to extend and retract. For example, the drive member 70 includes an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder slidably engaged within the outer cylinder.

[0067] The drive member 70 has a fully extended position where the drive member 70 is at its maximum length and a fully retracted position where the drive member 70 is at its minimum length.

[0068] In the extended position, the drive member 70 is preferably configured to press against the consumable 6 when it is at its maximum length. This makes it possible to discharge the consumable 6 from the heating chamber 31.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the jaw portion 71 is substantially perpendicular to the ring 73. The jaw portion 71 is substantially parallel to the consumable 6.

[0070] The jaw portion 71 is made of a thermally conductive material. The jaw portion 71 is in direct or indirect contact with the heater 30 so that it is heated by conduction.

[0071] In particular, when the heater 30 extends onto the side wall 312 of the heating chamber 31, the jaw portion 71 contacts or becomes flush with the heating chamber 31 that is heated by the heater 30, and is therefore heated by conduction. When the heater 30 extends into the heating chamber 31, the jaw portion 71 is in direct contact with the heater 30 and is therefore directly heated by conduction.

[0072] In the example shown in Figure 3, each jaw portion 71 is hinged to the drive member 70 at a first point P1 and a second point P2 that is different from the first point P1.

[0073] Each jaw portion 71 is articulated and connected to the telescopic cylinder 70 at a first point P1 using a connecting rod 72.

[0074] Each jaw portion 71 is articulated and connected at a second point P2 using a ring 73 attached to the end portion 700 of the telescopic cylinder.

[0075] The ring 73 is configured to move in the direction of extension and retraction of the telescopic cylinder. In other words, the ring 73 is configured to move parallel to the longitudinal axis A0 of the drive member 70.

[0076] As the ring 73 moves in parallel with the connecting rod 72, inward and outward movement of the jaw portion 71 occurs.

[0077] When the drive member 70 extends, the jaw portion 71 moves outward, and the ring 73 comes into contact with the consumable 6 (as seen in Figure 6a). In a particular illustrated example, the outward movement means moving away from the longitudinal axis A0 of the drive member 70.

[0078] When the drive member 70 contracts, the jaw portion 71 moves inward, and the ring moves away from the consumable 6 (as seen in Figure 6b). In a particular illustrated example, inward movement means moving toward the longitudinal axis A0 of the drive member 70.

[0079] The heating chamber includes a slot 313 (shown in Figure 4) shaped to receive the gripping element 7.

[0080] In particular, the slot 313 is shaped and sized to allow the jaw portion 71 to move within the slot 313. Preferably, the slot 313 has a shape similar to that of the jaw portion 71. The slot 313 is larger in dimensions than the jaw portion 71 in order to allow the jaw portion 71 to move inward and outward within the slot 313.

[0081] The number of slots 313 is equal to the number of jaw portions 71 of the gripping element 7.

[0082] In the illustrated example, the heating chamber 31 includes four slots 313 that extend in a rectangular arrangement relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. A rectangular arrangement means that the four slots 313 extend at 90° angles to each other around the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 31. The gripping element 7 similarly includes four jaws 71 that extend in a rectangular arrangement relative to each other, that is, in other words, at 90° angles to each other around the longitudinal axis A0 of the drive member 70.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generator further includes a microcontroller 40. The microcontroller 40 is mounted on a PCB 4. The microcontroller is configured to automatically move the drive member 70. In particular, the microcontroller is configured to automatically extend and retract the drive member 70.

[0084] In another embodiment, the gripping element 7 can be operated manually. An example is shown in Figure 5a, where the housing of the aerosol generator includes a through-hole 21. The drive member 70 extends through the through-hole 21 of the housing such that a portion of the drive member 70 protrudes from the housing. Thus, the user can move the drive member 70 by pulling or pressing the protruding portion 701 of the drive member 70.

[0085] In particular, when the protruding portion 701 is pulled, the drive member 70 is retracted. When the protruding portion 701 is pressed, the drive member is extended.

[0086] In another embodiment of the manual operation of the gripping element 7 shown in Figure 5b, the aerosol generation may include a slide 23 extending on the outer wall of the housing. The slide 23 can be attached to the drive member 70 of the gripping element 7 such that the drive member 70 is driven by the movement of the slide.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5b, the slide extends along a wall 22 parallel to the drive member 70 and is configured to slide along the wall 22. The slide 23 is attached to the drive member 70 such that the parallel movement of the slide 23 causes the drive member to move in parallel. In particular, when the slide 23 moves along the wall 22 away from the opening 20 of the housing 2, the drive member 70 is retracted. When the slide 23 moves along the wall 22 toward the opening 20, the drive member 70 is extended.

[0088] The automatic and manual operation embodiments of the gripping element 7 can be combined. For example, the aerosol generator may include a microcontroller 40, a protrusion 701 of the drive member 70, and / or a slide 23.

[0089] The gripping element 7 is configured to discharge consumables from the heating chamber as needed. This is desirable, for example, when the consumables have finished being used.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 70 extends to discharge the consumable 6, thereby bringing the ring 73 into contact with the consumable 6. The ring 73 then presses against the consumable 6 under the action of the drive member 70. Thus, at least a portion of the consumable 6 is pushed out of the heating chamber 31. As the drive member 70 extends, the jaw portion 71 moves outward, so that the user can remove the consumable 6 from the heating chamber 31. The consumable is pushed out of the heating chamber through the opening 310 of the heating chamber 31 and the opening 20 of the housing 2.

[0091] The gripping element 7 is also configured to compress the consumable when it is heated. To compress the consumable, the jaw portion 71 can be moved inward to apply a constant force to the consumable. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive member 70 contracts, thereby moving the jaw portion 71 inward.

[0092] Compression helps concentrate heat in the center of the consumable, which allows for more rapid heating of the consumable. In practice, the jaw portion 71 is conductively heated by the heater 30, and therefore the jaw portion 71 can then heat the consumable 6.

[0093] If the heater extends outward along the wall of the heating chamber, the gripping element 7 is in the open position, and therefore the jaw portion 71 can be heated first while it is in contact with or flush with the heated side wall 312 of the heating chamber 31. When the gripping element 7 is in the closed position, the jaw portion 71 is hot, thus intensifying the heating of the consumable 6 during compression of the consumable 6.

[0094] If the heater extends into the heating chamber, the jaw portion 71 can directly contact the heater. When the consumable is compressed, the heated jaw portion 71 can similarly increase the heating of the consumable.

[0095] In all cases, compressing the consumables maintains a high heat transfer rate and good heating efficiency of the consumables.

[0096] The more important contact surfaces the jaw portion 71 has with the consumable, the more efficient the compression becomes. Each jaw portion 71 may have a flat wall configured to contact the consumable 6 when moved inward. The flat wall may extend along the entire length of the jaw portion 71, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

[0097] Compression of consumables means applying a force greater than necessary to grip the consumable. Typically, compression of a consumable leaves an indentation at the point where the force was applied.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, compression of the consumable 6 is made possible by the jaw portion 71 of the gripping element 7. Of course, the gripping element 7 can also be configured to compress the consumable 6 in another way. The gripping element 7 may, for example, include a short-direction rod for compressing the consumable 6.

[0099] The gripping element 7 stops compressing the consumable when heating is stopped.

[0100] Figures 6 and 7 show the gripping element 7 in the open and closed positions. In particular, Figures 6a and 7a show the gripping element 7 in the open position, i.e., the position in which the consumable 6 is released. Figures 6b and 7b show the gripping element 7 in the closed position, i.e., the position in which the consumable 6 is compressed. As seen in these figures, the jaw portion 71 slides through the slot 313 of the heating chamber 31 to move from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.

[0101] In the illustrated example, the telescopic cylinder is retracted while the consumable is being heated. The telescopic cylinder is extended when heating of the consumable is complete, moving the arm outward to release the consumable and finally discharge it. The gripping element 7 is configured to move within the slot 313 of the heating chamber to compress, release, or discharge the consumable.

[0102] In embodiments where a microcontroller is used, the microcontroller is configured to automatically move the drive member 70 depending on whether the consumables are being heated, the heating of the consumables is being stopped, or the consumables are being discharged from the heating chamber. Therefore, no action from the user is required other than using the aerosol generator as in the conventional manner.

[0103] In this embodiment, the heater 30 may include a resistance heating element 300 attached to the jaw portion 71 of the gripping element 7 (as shown in Figures 6a and 6b). The resistance heating element 300 can be used in combination with a main heater, such as those described above. Combined with the main heater 30's ability to conductionally heat the jaw portion 71, the resistance element 300 further enhances the heating efficiency of the consumables 6.

[0104] Various changes and modifications to the currently preferred embodiments described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure and without diminishing its associated advantages. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0105] Accordingly, the present invention provides an aerosol generator equipped with a gripping element advantageously configured to allow for the discharge of consumables as needed, thereby enabling easy replacement of consumables by the user. The gripping element further improves the heating of the consumables. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1. Aerosol generator 2 Housing 20 Housing opening 21 Through-holes in the housing 22 Side walls of the housing 23 slides 3. Heating Assembly 30 Heater 300 resistance heating element 31 Heating Chamber 310 Opening of the heating chamber 311 Closure end of heating chamber 312 Side wall of heating chamber 313 slots 4. Printed circuit board (PCB) 40 Microcontrollers 5 batteries 6 Consumables 7 Grasping elements 70 Drive Member 700 End of drive member 701 Protruding part of the drive member 71. Jaw 72 connecting rods 73 Rings A0 Longitudinal axis of the drive member

Claims

1. A heating chamber (31) is positioned to receive consumables (6), A heater (30) configured to heat the consumable (6) to release an aerosol and Includes, The system further includes a gripping element (7) configured to grip the consumable (6) as needed and discharge it from the heating chamber (31), The gripping element (7) is configured to be movable between an open position in which the consumable (6) is released and a closed position in which the consumable (6) is compressed. Aerosol generator.

2. A heating chamber (31) arranged to receive consumables (6), A heater (30) configured to heat the consumable (6) to release an aerosol and Includes, The system further includes a gripping element (7) configured to grip the consumable (6) as needed and discharge it from the heating chamber (31), The gripping element (7) is a claw device including a drive member (70) and a jaw portion (71) attached to the drive member (70). The drive member (70) is configured to move the jaw portions (71) inward so that they move closer together, and outward so that they move away from each other, in an aerosol generating device.

3. The drive member (70) is an extendable cylinder configured to extend, thereby moving the jaw portion (71) outward, and to retract, thereby moving the jaw portion (71) inward. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2.

4. Each jaw portion (71) is hinged to the drive member (70) at a first point (P1) and a second point (P2) different from the first point (P1). Each jaw portion (71) is articulated to the telescopic cylinder at the first point (P1) using a connecting rod (72) and at the second point (P2) using a ring (73) attached to the end (700) of the telescopic cylinder. The ring (73) is configured to move in the extension and retraction direction of the telescopic cylinder. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The telescopic cylinder is configured to extend when the consumable (6) is discharged, thereby moving the jaw portion (71) outward and pressing the ring (73) against the consumable (6). The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The telescopic cylinder is configured to contract during the heating of the consumable (6), thereby moving the jaw portion (71) inward and the ring (73) away from the consumable (6). The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The telescopic cylinder is configured to extend when the heating of the consumable (6) is complete, thereby moving the jaw outward to release the consumable (6). The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

8. The aerosol generator further includes a microcontroller (40) configured to automatically move the drive member (70) depending on whether the consumable (6) should be heated, the heating of the consumable (6) should be stopped, or the consumable (6) should be discharged from the heating chamber. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

9. The aerosol generating device includes the heating chamber, the heater (30), and the housing (2) in which the gripping element (7) extends. The housing includes a through hole (21) through which the drive member (70) extends, such that a portion of the drive member (70) protrudes from the housing. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

10. The aerosol generating device includes the heating chamber, the heater (30), and the housing (2) in which the gripping element (7) extends. The aerosol generator further includes a slide (23) extending on the outer wall (22) of the housing (2), The slide is attached to the drive member (70) of the gripping element (7) such that the drive member (70) is driven by the movement of the slide (23). The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

11. The heater (30) and the gripping element (7) are positioned relative to each other so that the jaw portion (71) is conductively heated by the heater (30). The gripping element (7) is configured to compress the consumable (6) when it is heated. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

12. The gripping element (7) is configured to stop compressing the consumable (6) when the heating is stopped. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11.

13. The heater (30) includes a resistance heating element (300) attached to the jaw portion (71) of the gripping element (7). The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

14. The heater (30) includes a fixed heater that extends on the wall of the heating chamber. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

15. The heating chamber (31) includes a slot (313) shaped to receive the gripping element (7), The gripping element (7) is configured to move within the slot (313) to compress or release the consumable (6). An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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