Aerosol generation device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material is provided. The device has a magnetic field generator having an inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field. The device has a heating element heatable by penetration by the varying magnetic field. The heating element defines a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the aerosol generating material. The heating element is fixed relative to the inductor coil. The inductor coil surrounds a first portion of the heating zone such that the first portion is heated at least primarily by inductive heating. A second portion of the heating zone is not surrounded by any inductor coil, and the second portion of the heating zone is heated primarily by conductive heating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and an article comprising an aerosol generation material.

Background Art

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

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect, an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation material, the device comprising a magnetic field generator comprising an inductor coil configured to generate a variable magnetic field, and a heating element heatable by penetration by the variable magnetic field, the heating element defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the aerosol generation material, the heating element being fixed relative to the inductor coil, the inductor coil surrounding a first portion of the heating zone such that the first portion is heated at least mainly by inductive heating, and a second portion of the heating zone not being surrounded by any inductor coil, such that the second portion of the heating zone is heated mainly by conductive heating, is provided.

[0004] The heating element may define an opening at one end, and at least a portion of the article may be receivable through the opening. The first portion of the heating zone may be proximal to the opening.

[0005] The heating element may have an opening defined at one end and be capable of receiving at least a portion of an article through the opening. A second portion of the heating zone may be distal to the opening.

[0006] The pitch of an inductor coil can be at least substantially constant along the length of the coil. An inductor coil may have a constant pitch along its length.

[0007] The heating zone may have a first end and a second end, and the inductor coil is disposed between the first end and the second end.

[0008] The magnetic field generator may include a first connector portion at a first end of the inductor coil and a second connector portion at a second end of the inductor coil, and at least one of the first and second connector portions may extend at least partially in the axial direction of the aerosol generating device.

[0009] At least one of the first and second connector portions may at least partially overlap the second portion of the heating zone.

[0010] At least one of the first and second connector portions may be linear.

[0011] At least one of the first and second connector portions may include an angled bend.

[0012] The angled bend can define a junction between the inductor coil and at least one of the first and second connector portions.

[0013] The angled bends can include angles ranging from 45 to 135 degrees.

[0014] The axial range of the second portion may be 10% to 80% of the axial range of the heating element.

[0015] An inductor coil may have 2 to 20 turns.

[0016] The heating element may be substantially tubular in shape.

[0017] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising an aerosol generation device according to a previous embodiment and an article comprising an aerosol generation material.

[0018] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material is provided, the device comprising: a receptacle defining a heating zone and having a length along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle; and an inductor coil extending around the receptacle and extending along at least a portion of the length of the receptacle, wherein the inductor coil comprises a first end portion disposed closest to a first end of the heating zone and a second end portion disposed closest to a second end of the heating zone, the first end portion of the inductor coil having a first number of turns per unit length such that at least a portion of a heating element received in the heating zone is heated mainly by induction heating, and the second end portion having a second number of turns per unit length, wherein the second number of turns per unit length is less than the first number of turns per unit length such that at least a portion of a heating element received in the heating zone is heated mainly by conduction.

[0019] The device may include a heating element that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0020] The heating element can be erected within the receptacle.

[0021] The receptacle may include a heating element. The heating element may be tubular. The heating element may define a heating zone.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a system is provided comprising an aerosol generating device of the previous embodiment and an article comprising an aerosol generating material, wherein the article comprises a heating element that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0023] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material is provided, the device comprising: a receptacle defining a heating zone and having a length along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle; and an inductor coil extending around the receptacle and extending along at least a portion of the length of the receptacle, wherein the inductor coil comprises a first portion disposed closest to a first end of the heating zone and a second portion disposed closest to a second end of the heating zone, the pitch of turns of the first portion of the inductor coil being at least substantially constant and the pitch of turns of the second portion of the inductor coil being variable.

[0024] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material is provided, the device comprising: an inductor coil configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field; and a heating element that can be heated by the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field, the heating element defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising the aerosol generating material, and an opening at a first end, through which at least a portion of the article can be received, wherein the heating element is fixed to the inductor coil, and the inductor coil surrounds the first portion of the heating zone closest to the opening such that the proximal portion is heated at least primarily by induction heating, and the second portion of the heating zone is not surrounded by any inductor coil.

[0025] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising an aerosol generation device according to the above embodiment and an article comprising an aerosol generation material. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the induction heating assembly of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another induction heating assembly of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another induction heating assembly of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" is a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized by any other method, for example. The aerosol generating material can be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain, for example, an active substance and / or a flavorant. The aerosol generating material can include any plant-based material such as a tobacco-containing material, and can include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol generating material can also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. The aerosol generating material can be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. The aerosol generating material can also be, for example, a combination or blend of materials. The aerosol generating material can also be known as a "smokable material".

[0028] The aerosol generating material can include a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active agent and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material substantially does not include a plant-based material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material substantially does not include tobacco.

[0029] The aerosol-generating material may include, or may be, an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a monolithic solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, within the amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid, or about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0030] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a sheet that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets, or may be a sheet that can be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0031] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to vaporize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically thereby forming an aerosol that can be inhaled without burning or igniting the aerosol-generating material. Such devices may be described as “aerosol-generating devices,” “aerosol-supplying devices,” “non-combustion heating devices,” “tobacco heating product devices,” or “tobacco heating devices.” Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarettes that typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part thereof. A heater for heating and vaporizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a “permanent” part of the device.

[0032] An aerosol generating device may receive an article comprising an aerosol-generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that contains or is contained in use an aerosol-generating material, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally, other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol and the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be positioned within a heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating medium / material. Schematically, the device 100 can be used to heat a replaceable article 300 (see Figure 2) containing an aerosol generating medium to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that can be inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0034] The device 100 includes a main body or housing assembly 101. The housing assembly 101 comprises a housing 102 that surrounds and houses an aerosol generating assembly 200, which has various components for generating an aerosol from a received article. In one example, the article 300 is heated by a heater assembly to generate an aerosol. The housing 102 has a housing opening 103 at one end, through which the article can be inserted for heating. When in use, the article 300 can be fully or partially inserted into the device, where the article 300 can be heated by one or more components.

[0035] Referring primarily to Figure 2, the housing 102 of the device 100 encloses the aerosol generation assembly 200. That is, the housing 102 surrounds the aerosol generation assembly 200 so as to prevent access to the aerosol generation assembly 200 when the housing is present, except for the opening 103 for inserting the article 300. The housing 102 defines a component cavity 201 into which the aerosol generation assembly 200 is received. The housing 102 acts as a barrier to the component cavity 201 so as to enclose the aerosol generation assembly 200 and provide protection from the environment. The housing 102 protects the user from the aerosol generation assembly, preventing contact with, for example, electrical components and / or providing insulation from heated components. The housing 102 substantially encloses the device 100 and the aerosol generation assembly 200. The aerosol generation assembly 200 defines an article receiving chamber 202 extending from the opening 103. The article receiving chamber 202 is isolated from the component cavity 201. A cup and / or tubular member 203 may define the article receiving chamber 202. In this example, the cup and / or tubular member is a susceptor 206. The housing 102 may function as a fluid barrier. In this embodiment, the housing 102 fluidly isolates the outside of the aerosol generation assembly. The housing 102 functions as a shell.

[0036] Device 100 defines a proximal end 104, also known as the mouth end, which is the end from which the user can inhale the generated aerosol, and a distal end 106, which is the end of the device opposite to the proximal end 104. The device opening 103 is located at the proximal end 104. Device 100 is elongated. Device 100 defines a longitudinal axis X that extends in the direction from the proximal end 104 to the distal end 106. The housing 102 surrounds device 100 so as to form a continuous layer in the circumferential direction around axis X.

[0037] Device 100 also includes a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch, which operates Device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on Device 100 by operating a switch. The switch may form part of the housing 102.

[0038] Device 100 also includes electrical components such as connectors / ports that can receive a cable for charging the device's battery. For example, the connector could be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples, the connector may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

[0039] Device 100 includes a power supply 170 (see Figure 2), which comprises a battery such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0040] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation assembly 200. In one example, the aerosol generation assembly 200 includes an inductive heater including a magnetic field generator 214. The magnetic field generator 214 includes an inductor coil 204. The aerosol generation assembly 200 also includes a heating element 206, also known as a susceptor 206.

[0041] The inductor coil 204 is in communication with a power supply that energizes the coil to generate a fluctuating magnetic flux. The magnetic flux generates a current in the susceptor 206, which in turn heats the susceptor 206. The susceptor is in thermal communication with the article 300, heating the article 300 and generating an aerosol. The heating element 206 is tubular. The heating element 206 is roughly cylindrical. The heating element 206 is hollow. The heating element 206 functions as a receptacle.

[0042] The heating element 206, which functions as a receptacle, includes an opening for receiving an article. The opening is located at the proximal end. The receptacle defined by the heating element 206 is configured to receive at least a portion of the article 300. In embodiments, the heating element 206 defines the entire receptacle. In embodiments described below, the heating element and the receptacle are different components. The heating element 206 defines a heating zone 208. The heating zone 208 occupies the same space as the receiving chamber 202. The length of the susceptor 206 extends in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis X of the device 100.

[0043] The inductor coil 204 is a helical coil. The coil 204 extends around the coil support 205. The coil support 205 acts to keep the coil in place. The coil support 205 extends in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis X. The coil has several turns. The turns extend around the coil support 205. The coil support 205 is tubular. The heating element extends within the coil support 205. The heating element 206 is surrounded by the coil support 205. The heating element 206 is partially surrounded by the inductor coil 204.

[0044] The magnetic field generator includes first and second connector portions 210 and 212. The first connector portion 210 electrically connects the proximal end of the inductor coil 204 to the power supply 170. The second connector portion 212 electrically connects the distal end of the inductor coil 204 to the power supply 170. The inductor coil 204 and the connector portions 210 and 212 form a continuous conductive element. The inductor coil 204 and the connector portions 210 and 212 form an integrated component.

[0045] The inductor coil 204 surrounds a first portion of the heating element 206. The first portion of the heating element 206 is located at the proximal end. The proximal end of the heating element 206 is located proximal to the proximal end 104 of the device. By placing the inductor coil 204 at the proximal end of the heating element, it is possible to heat the proximal end before the distal end of the heating zone. This minimizes the time required to provide the desired amount of aerosol to the user, as the aerosol is first generated close to the opening.

[0046] The inductor coil 204 has 4 turns. It will be understood that the number of turns may vary. In some embodiments, the inductor coil may have up to 20 turns. In one embodiment, the inductor coil has 10 turns. The pitch of the inductor coil 204 is constant along the length of the inductor coil 204. The pitch can be defined by the spacing between consecutive turns of the coil. In this embodiment, the pitch is 2.8 mm, i.e., the spacing between consecutive turns of the inductor coil is 2.8 mm. In some embodiments, the pitch may be between 1.5 mm and 4.5 mm.

[0047] In other embodiments, the pitch varies along the length of the inductor coil 204. The pitch may gradually decrease along at least a portion of the length of the inductor coil 204 from proximal to distal with respect to the device opening. In embodiments, the pitch may gradually increase along at least a portion of the length of the inductor coil 204 from proximal to distal with respect to the device opening.

[0048] The first connector portion 210 includes an angled bend 210a (see Figure 5). The angled bend has an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The angled bend 210a defines the junction between the inductor coil 204 and the first connector portion 210. In other embodiments, the angled bend may have a different angle. In embodiments, the angled bend is between 45 and 135 degrees. The angled bend allows the inductor coil 204 to be connected to the power supply while minimizing the length of the inductor coil 204, thereby ensuring that the inductor coil 204 overlaps only the susceptor. This helps to minimize energy usage. It will be understood that the entire inductor coil overlaps the susceptor in the axial direction X; that is, there is no portion of the inductor coil that is not adjacent to the susceptor. The susceptor defines a first end 206a and a second end 206b, and the inductor coil is positioned between the first and second ends.

[0049] The second connector portion 212 includes a first section 212a that extends axially from the device 100. The first section 212a of the second connector portion 212 is at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first section 212a of the second connector portion 212 is at least substantially parallel to the axis of the inductor coil 204. The first section 212a of the second connector portion 212 is adjacent to the second portion of the susceptor 206. The second portion of the susceptor 206 is not enclosed by the inductor coil 204. The second connector portion 212 extends from the inductor coil 204 toward the distal end 106 of the device. The second connector portion 212 includes an angled bend to extend at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. The second section 210b of the second connector portion 212 is at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of the inductor coil 204. This helps to allow the first connector section to connect to the power supply 170 with a connector of minimal length. The angled bend connects the first section 212a and the second section 210b.

[0050] The inductor coil 204 extends along 10% to 80% of the longitudinal range of the susceptor 206. In this embodiment, the inductor coil extends along 20% ​​to 40% of the longitudinal range of the susceptor 206. In this embodiment, the inductor coil extends along 30% of the longitudinal range of the susceptor.

[0051] During use, alternating current is supplied to coil 204 by power supply 170. The alternating current in inductor coil 204 generates a fluctuating magnetic flux adjacent to the first part of the susceptor. The magnetic flux generates a current in the first part of susceptor 206, which in turn heats up the first part of susceptor 206. If the usage session continues, the heat is conducted from the first part of the susceptor to the second part of the susceptor. It will be understood that the first part of the susceptor is heated before the second part of the susceptor. The second part of the susceptor receives only minimal direct heating because of its proximity to the second connector 212.

[0052] During use, the first part of the susceptor is heated primarily by induction heating because the inductor coil 204 is in close proximity. The second part of the susceptor is heated primarily by conductive heating because it is spaced further away from the inductor coil. The second connector does not produce a significant induction heating effect. Therefore, it will be understood that the first part of the susceptor will heat up faster than the second part. That is, the first part of the susceptor will reach a higher temperature than the second part at some point during the usage session. The susceptor heats up gradually along its length as heat is conducted to and along the second part.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generation assembly of another embodiment of the aerosol generation device. This embodiment differs from the embodiment described with reference to Figure 3 in that the inductor coil 404 includes a fixed-pitch first portion 404a and a variable-pitch second portion 404b. The first portion 404a is closer to the proximal end of the device, and the second portion 404b is closer to the distal end of the device. That is, the first portion 404a is closer to the opening 103 than the second portion 404b. The second embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment and uses the same reference numerals. The inductor coil 404 in this embodiment extends along a larger longitudinal range of the susceptor 206 compared to the embodiment described with reference to Figure 3. In this embodiment, the inductor coil 404 extends over 80% of the longitudinal range of the susceptor. In other embodiments, the inductor coil may extend over 60% to 100% of the longitudinal range of the susceptor.

[0054] The inductor coil 404 includes a first fixed-pitch portion 404a; that is, the distance between consecutive turns of the coil 404 is constant along the longitudinal range of the first portion 404a. The inductor coil 404 includes a second variable-pitch portion 404b; that is, the distance between consecutive turns of the coil 404 varies along the longitudinal range of the second portion 404b. The first portion 404a comprises 50% of the longitudinal range of the coil 404. The second portion 404b comprises 50% of the longitudinal range of the coil. The entire longitudinal range of the coil is comprised of the first and second portions 404a and 404b.

[0055] The first section 404a has a narrower pitch than the second section 404b. That is, the consecutive turns of the coil are closer together in the first section 404a than in the second section 404b. The pitch of the second section 404b is narrower at the end connected to the first section 404a than at the other end. That is, the consecutive turns of the coil are closer together at the end of the second section 404b connected to the first section 404a compared to the other end of the second section 404b. The pitch of the first section 404a is narrower than the maximum pitch of the second section 404b. That is, the interval between the next turns is smaller in the first section 404a.

[0056] The region of the susceptor adjacent to the first portion 404a is heated primarily by induction. At least a portion of the region of the susceptor adjacent to the second portion 404b is heated primarily by heat conduction from the region of the susceptor adjacent to the first portion 404a. In some embodiments, the entire region of the susceptor adjacent to the second portion 404b is heated primarily by conduction. In other embodiments, only the portion adjacent to the distal end of the second portion 404b is heated primarily by conduction. It will be understood that an intermediate region may exist between the portion of the susceptor heated primarily by induction and the portion heated primarily by conduction.

[0057] The first portion 404a includes a 7.5-turn coil. The spacing between consecutive turns is 2.8 mm. In other embodiments, the first portion 404a may include a coil of 1 to 20 turns. The spacing between consecutive turns may be 0.5 mm to 10 mm. The second portion 404b includes a 2.25-turn coil. In other embodiments, the second portion 404b may include a coil of 1 to 20 turns.

[0058] The first part 404a allows one end of the susceptor 206 to heat relatively quickly, minimizing the time to reach operating temperature. The second part 404b allows for continuous heating of the susceptor along its longitudinal range, resulting in gradual heating of the smoking material. When the coil is controlled in the "first part," the amount of direct heating achieved in the "second part" is determined by the ratio of turns in the first part to turns in the second part.

[0059] Compared to the first embodiment, the portion of the susceptor adjacent to the second portion 404b of the coil undergoes progressive heating. This will be understood to mean that the balance between induction heating and conductive heating changes smoothly over the longitudinal range of the susceptor. This ensures that the operating temperature is achieved in all portions along the longitudinal range of the susceptor during a heating session. This avoids the possibility that some parts of the smokeable material may be exposed to temperatures above or below the operating temperature.

[0060] In another embodiment shown in Figure 5, the configuration of the heating element is different. In the embodiments described above, the heating element functions as a receptacle and simultaneously defines a heating zone. In this embodiment, the heating element and the receptacle are separate. As shown in Figure 5, the receptacle 500 defines a heating zone. The heating element 506 extends within the heating zone. The heating element 506 protrudes into the heating zone. The heating element is formed from a material that is susceptible to heating by a magnetic field. The receptacle does not contain a material that is susceptible to heating by a magnetic field. The heating element 506 stands upright within the receptacle 500. The receptacle is tubular and includes end walls 516. In this embodiment, the receptacle is formed from a polyetheretherketone material (PEEK). The heating element 506 is in the form of an elongated element such as a blade or pin. The heating element 506 is configured to penetrate an article containing aerosol-generating material when the article is received within the heating zone. In other respects, the embodiment shown in Figure 5 is the same as the embodiment shown in Figure 3, and the same reference numerals are used.

[0061] The configuration in Figure 5 may also be used in conjunction with the induction coil according to the embodiment in Figure 4. That is, the induction coil may include a first fixed-pitch portion and a second variable-pitch portion, the pitch of the second portion becoming less narrow towards the distal end of the device.

[0062] In further embodiments, the heating element 506 may be provided within the article 300. In such embodiments, the device does not include a heating element. In one example, the heating element is provided by a member made of a material that can be heated by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field, embedded in the aerosol-generating material. In this example, the member is a three-dimensional coil or a planar member. In another example, the heating element is provided by particles of a material that can be heated by penetration by a fluctuating magnetic field, dispersed over the aerosol-generating material.

[0063] The aerosol generation device described above can be operated in a first mode and a second mode.

[0064] In the first mode, the inductor coil is energized, causing the temperature of the heating zone adjacent to the coil portion of the inductor coil to reach the following temperature.

[0065] [Table 1]

[0066] In the second mode, the inductor coil is energized, causing the temperature of the heating zone adjacent to the coil portion of the inductor coil to reach the following temperature.

[0067] [Table 2]

[0068] The embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are conceivable. It should be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, or in combination with any one or more other features of the embodiments, or any other combination of features of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating material, wherein the device is A magnetic field generator equipped with an inductor coil configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field, A heating element capable of being heated by penetration due to the aforementioned fluctuating magnetic field, wherein the heating element defines a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material, Equipped with, The heating element is fixed to the inductor coil, The inductor coil surrounds the first portion of the heating zone such that the first portion is heated at least primarily by induction heating. The second portion of the heating zone is not surrounded by any inductor coil, and as a result, the second portion of the heating zone is heated mainly by conductive heating. The inductor coil is provided with a first connector portion at the first end of the inductor coil and a second connector portion at the second end of the inductor coil. At least one of the first and second connector portions adjacent to the second portion of the heating zone extends at least partially in the axial direction of the aerosol generating device and at least partially overlaps the second portion of the heating zone. Aerosol generation device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating element defines an opening at one end and is capable of receiving at least a portion of the article through the opening, and the first portion of the heating zone is located proximal to the opening.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating element defines an opening at one end and is capable of receiving at least a portion of the article through the opening, and the second portion of the heating zone is distal to the opening.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the pitch of the inductor coil is at least substantially constant along the length of the coil.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating zone comprises a first end and a second end, and the inductor coil is disposed between the first end and the second end.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second connector portions is linear.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second connector portions comprises an angled bent portion.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the angled bend defines a joint between the inductor coil and at least one of the first and second connector portions.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is substantially tubular.

10. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to claim 1 and an article comprising an aerosol generation material.

11. An aerosol generating device for generating aerosols from an aerosol generating material, wherein the device is An inductor coil configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field, A heating element capable of being heated by the penetration of the fluctuating magnetic field, wherein the heating element defines a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, and an opening at a first end, and is capable of receiving at least a portion of the article through the opening, Equipped with, The heating element is fixed to the inductor coil, The inductor coil surrounds the first portion of the heating zone closest to the opening such that the proximal portion is heated at least primarily by induction heating, and the second portion of the heating zone is not surrounded by any inductor coil. The inductor coil is provided with a connector portion in the second portion of the heating zone, the connector portion extending at least partially in the axial direction of the aerosol generating device and at least partially overlapping the second portion of the heating zone. Aerosol generation device.

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