Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device is described. The device includes a receptacle arranged to receive at least a portion of an article including an aerosol-generating material. The receptacle has a heating element defining a heating zone arranged to receive a first portion of the portion of the article receivable in the receptacle, and a base member at an end of the heating element. The base member defines an end zone arranged to receive at least a second portion of the portion of the article receivable in the receptacle. The base member does not include a material heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol supply system including an aerosol supply device and an article including the aerosol supply device and an aerosol generating 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 some embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol supply device comprising a receptacle arranged to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material, the receptacle comprising a heating element defining a heating zone arranged to receive a first portion of a portion of the article receivable within the receptacle, and a base member at an end of the heating element, the base member defining an end zone arranged to receive at least a second portion of a portion of the article receivable within the receptacle, the base member comprising no material that can be heated by the penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0004] The base member can include an air passage extending through the base member.

[0005] The base member can define an end wall of the receptacle.

[0006] The air passage extends through the end wall.

[0007] The base member can comprise a peripheral wall.

[0008] The surrounding wall can define a cavity arranged to receive at least a second portion of a part of an article.

[0009] The peripheral wall can extend from the heating element.

[0010] The surrounding wall can partially overlap with the heating element.

[0011] The peripheral wall may include a first portion that overlaps the heating element and a second portion that extends from the heating element. The second portion may define an end zone.

[0012] The axial length of the heating zone may be longer than the axial length of the end zone.

[0013] The axial length of the heating zone may be at least four times greater than the axial length of the end zone.

[0014] The cross-sectional profile of the end zone can correspond to the cross-sectional profile of the heating zone.

[0015] The diameter of the end zone can correspond to the diameter of the heating zone.

[0016] The heating element may be a tubular member.

[0017] The base member can be an end support positioned to support the end of the heating element.

[0018] The end support may be a first end support at a first end of the heating element, and the device may include a second end support at a second end of the heating element.

[0019] The base member may be formed from an insulating material. The insulating material may be a thermal insulating material.

[0020] The second end support may be provided with an article insertion opening.

[0021] The base member may include shoulders positioned to restrict the insertion of at least a portion of the article into the receptacle.

[0022] The base member may include a retaining feature. The retaining feature may be an article retaining feature. The retaining feature may protrude into the end zone. The retaining feature may include at least one rib.

[0023] The length of the end zone may be greater than 0.5 mm, and optionally greater than 1 mm. The length of the end zone may be between 0.5 mm and 6 mm, and optionally between 1 mm and 4 mm. The length of the end zone may be greater than 4 mm.

[0024] The aerosol supply device may include an inductor coil.

[0025] The inductor coil can surround at least a portion of the heating element.

[0026] The heating element may form part of the aerosol generator.

[0027] The aerosol generator may include a fluid-sealed cavity adjacent to the heating element. The aerosol supply device may include a sensor within the fluid-sealed cavity. The sensor may be a thermocouple. The thermocouple may be located on the heating element.

[0028] During use, the inductor coil may be configured to heat the heating element to a temperature of approximately 200°C to 300°C, for example, approximately 240°C to 300°C, or approximately 250°C to 280°C. When the outer cover is at least this distance away from the susceptor, the temperature of the outer cover remains at a safe level, such as below approximately 60°C, below approximately 50°C, below approximately 48°C, or below approximately 43°C. During use, the inductor coil may be configured to heat the heating element to a temperature of approximately 350°C.

[0029] The inductor coil may be substantially helical. The inductor coil may be a spiral coil. For example, the inductor coil may be formed from a wire such as a Litz wire wound helically around a coil support. The wire may be a solid wire.

[0030] References to the "outer surface" of the entity mean the surface positioned farthest from the axis of the heating element in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Similarly, references to the "inner surface" of the entity mean the surface positioned closest to the axis of the heating element in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

[0031] The end member may be formed from polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK has good insulating properties and is well-suited for use in an aerosol supply device.

[0032] The end member may have a thermal conductivity of less than about 0.5 W / mK, or less than about 0.4 W / mK. For example, the thermal conductivity may be about 0.3 W / mK. PEEK has a thermal conductivity of about 0.32 W / mK.

[0033] The end member may have a melting point of greater than about 320 °C, for example, greater than about 300 °C, or greater than about 340 °C. PEEK has a melting point of 343 °C.

[0034] The device may be a tobacco heating device, also known as a non-combustion heating device.

[0035] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising a receptacle arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, wherein the receptacle includes a heating element defining a heating zone arranged to receive a first portion of the portion of the article receivable within the receptacle, and a base member at the end of the heating element, wherein the base member defines an end zone arranged to receive at least a second portion of the portion of the article receivable within the receptacle, and the base member is formed of an insulating material and does not contain a heating material.

[0036] According to some embodiments described herein, an aerosol supply system is provided comprising an aerosol supply device as described above and an article containing an aerosol generating material, wherein the article is sized to be at least partially received within a receptacle.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below as merely examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of the aerosol generator of the device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the airflow channel of the aerosol generator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” refers to a material that can generate an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or energized by any other means. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. The aerosol-generating material may contain any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing material, and may contain one or more of the following: tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also contain other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. The aerosol-generating material may also be a combination or blend of materials, for example. The aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smoked material.”

[0040] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an active substance and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0041] The aerosol-generating material may contain, 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 it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may contain, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight to about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of an amorphous solid.

[0042] The aerosol-generating material may include an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may include a sheet, or may be a sheet, which may be optionally shredded to form shredded sheets. The aerosol-generating sheet or the shredded sheet may not substantially contain tobacco.

[0043] According to this disclosure, a “non-flammable” aerosol supply system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or its components) are not flammable or combustible in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0044] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heating non-combustion system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0047] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0048] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0049] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol supply devices. These consumables may also be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0050] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system (such as the non-flammable aerosol supply device) may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power source or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon substrate that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat transfer material adjacent to the heat source.

[0051] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0052] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material transfer component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, wrapper, filter, suction nozzle, and / or aerosol modifier.

[0053] An aerosol generating device can accept an article containing an aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that includes or contains an aerosol generating material that is heated during use to volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components during use. The user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, after which the user inhales the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to accept the article.

[0054] Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. Broadly speaking, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 110 containing an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by the user of the device 100.

[0055] The device 100 comprises a main body 102. The housing configuration 120 surrounds and accommodates various components of the main body 102. An article opening 104 is formed at one end of the main body 102 into which an article 110 can be inserted for heating by the aerosol generator 200 (see Figure 3). During use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 200 and may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 200. The article 110 and the device 100 together form an aerosol supply system 101.

[0056] Device 100 may also include user-operable control elements 150, such as buttons or switches, that operate Device 100 when pressed. For example, a user can turn on Device 100 by operating the switch 150.

[0057] The main body 102 has the end face of the device 100. The end of the device 100 closest to the article opening 104 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth-side end) 106 of the device 100, as it is closest to the user's mouth during use. During use, the user inserts the article 110 into the opening 104, activates the aerosol generator 200 to begin heating the aerosol-generating material, and aspirates the aerosol generated in the device. As a result, the aerosol flows through the device 100 along the flow path toward the proximal end of the device 100.

[0058] The other end of the device furthest from the opening 104 may be known as the distal end 108 of the device 100, as it is the end furthest from the user's mouth during use. When the user inhales aerosols generated within the device, the aerosols flow toward the proximal end of the device 100. The terms proximal and distal, as applied to the features of the device 100, will be explained by referring to the relative positioning of such features toward each other in the proximal-distal direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0059] As used herein, a single component refers to a component of device 100 that is not separable into two or more components after the assembly of device 100. "Integratedly formed" refers to two or more feature parts formed on a single component during the manufacturing stage of the component.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 200 defines a longitudinal axis, and the article 110 can extend along the longitudinal axis when inserted into the device 5. The opening 104 is aligned on the longitudinal axis.

[0061] The air passage 210 extends through the aerosol generator 200. The air passage 210 extends to an opening 211 (see Figure 3). The opening 211 functions as an air inlet. An outer cover (not shown) covers the opening 211. In this embodiment, the outer cover is ventilated to allow air to flow into the air passage 210.

[0062] The aerosol generator 200 includes various components for generating an aerosol from a received article. In one example, an article 110 is heated by a heater assembly 201 to generate an aerosol. An opening 104 is located at one end through which an article can be inserted for heating. During use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the device, where it may be heated by one or more components. The device includes a heating assembly 201, a controller, and a power supply (not shown). The heating assembly 201 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 inserted into the device 100 so that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The power supply provides power to the heating assembly 201, which converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power supply may be 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. The power supply is electrically coupled to the heating assembly 201 and can heat the aerosol-generating material by supplying power under the control of the controller when needed. The control circuit may be configured to start and stop the heating assembly 201 based on the user's operation of the control element 150. For example, the controller can activate the heating assembly 201 in response to the user operating a button.

[0063] The aerosol generator 200 includes an induction heater containing a magnetic field generator. The magnetic field generator includes an inductor coil 212. The aerosol generator 200 also includes a heating element, which is also known as a susceptor.

[0064] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, penetration of the susceptor by the fluctuating magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, penetration of it by the fluctuating magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic so that it can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0065] The heating assembly 201 comprises various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of article 110 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element by electromagnetic induction. In this embodiment, the heating element is a tubular member. The induction heating assembly may comprise an inductor coil 212 acting as an induction element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a fluctuating current, such as an alternating current, through the induction element. The fluctuating current in the induction element generates a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field passes through a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the induction element, generating eddy currents inside the susceptor. Since the susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, the susceptor is Joule-heated as the eddy currents flow against this resistance. If the susceptor contains a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses within the susceptor, i.e., by the changing orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of alignment with the fluctuating magnetic field. In induction heating, compared to, for example, conduction heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, enabling rapid heating. Furthermore, there is no need for any physical contact between the induction element and the susceptor, which increases the flexibility of structure and application.

[0066] The heating assembly 201 includes a receptacle 215. The receptacle 215 acts to receive at least a portion of the article 110. The receptacle 215 includes a heating element 220 and a base member 230. The base member 230 is located at the distal end of the heating element 200. The receptacle 215 includes a heating chamber 222. The heating element 220 is a tubular member. The heating element 220 defines a heating zone 223.

[0067] The heating element 220 can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The heating element 220 contains a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the heating element 220 in this configuration is made of carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials, such as ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, may also be used.

[0068] In other embodiments, the feature acting as the heating element 220 is not limited to induction heating. Therefore, the feature acting as the heating element may be heated by electrical resistance. Accordingly, the aerosol generator 200 may be equipped with electrical contacts for electrical connection to a device for electrically activating the heating element by passing an electrical energy flow through it.

[0069] The inductor coil 212 is a helical coil, but other configurations are also possible. As shown in the figure, the induction heating assembly comprises a single inductor coil. In embodiments, the number of inductor coils varies. In embodiments, the induction heating assembly comprises two or more coils. In embodiments, the two or more coils may be arranged adjacent to each other and coaxially aligned along the axis.

[0070] In some examples, the inductor coil 212 is configured to heat the heating element 220 to a temperature of approximately 200°C to 350°C, for example, approximately 240°C to 300°C, or approximately 250°C to 280°C, when in use.

[0071] The inductor coil 212 is located outside the heating chamber 222. The inductor coil 212 surrounds the heating chamber 222. The inductor coil 212 is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 220. The inductor coil 212 is located coaxially with the heating chamber 222. The inductor coil assembly also includes a coil support 214. The coil support 214 is tubular. The coil support 214 includes a guide for the coil 212. The guide has a channel on the outside of the coil support 214.

[0072] During use, alternating current is supplied to the inductor coil 212 by the power supply. The alternating current in the inductor coil 212 generates a changing magnetic flux adjacent to the heating element 220. The magnetic flux generates a current within the heating element 220, which in turn heats the heating element.

[0073] In this embodiment, article 110 is substantially cylindrical, and the heating chamber 222 is sized to receive article 110. The heating element 220 in this example is hollow and thus defines at least a portion of the receptacle 222 in which the aerosol-generating material is received. For example, article 110 can be inserted into the heating element 220. The heating element 220 is tubular with a circular cross-section. The heating element 220 has a diameter that is substantially constant along its axial length. Article 110 may also comprise other components such as a filter, packaging material, and / or a cooling structure.

[0074] The heating chamber 222 is defined by the side wall 225 of the heating element 220, the base side wall 232, and the base end wall 233. The base side wall 232 and the base end wall 233 are formed by the base member 230. The side wall 225 of the heating element 220 extends axially and stands upright from the base member 230. The base side wall 232 extends from the distal end of the side wall 225. The side wall 225 and the base side wall 232 extend coaxially.

[0075] The heating element 220 is elongated. The heating element 220 and the base 230 are made of different materials. The base member 230 is attached to the distal end 226 of the heating element 220 to form the heating chamber 222.

[0076] The side wall 225 of the heating element 220 extends axially within the device from the base member 230 at the distal end 226 toward the opening 104 of the device 100 at the proximal end 227. The heating chamber 222 is open at the proximal end 227 to receive the article 110. The heating element 220 extends around and substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the device 100.

[0077] Figure 3 shows the air passage 210 of the aerosol generator 200. The heating element 220 has a first open end 220a and a second open end 220b. The base member 230 is located at the first open end 220a. The second end 220b defines an opening into which the article 110 is inserted into the heating zone 223. The side wall 225 of the heating element 220 has at least one inner surface 228.

[0078] The base member 230 functions as a first end support for the heating element 220. The base member 230 supports the heating element 220 at its first distal end. The collar 240 is provided at the second proximal end. The collar 240 functions as a second end support for the heating element 220. The base member 230 and the collar 240 act as a receptacle support. The collar 240 defines the opening 104.

[0079] The heating element 220 extends between the base member 230 and the collar 240. The barrier member 242 extends between the base member 230 and the collar 240. The barrier member 242, together with the base member 230 and the collar 240, surrounds the heating element 220. This acts to help thermally isolate the heating element 220 from other components of the device 100. The barrier member 242 is a hollow tubular member. The barrier member 242 is fixedly attached to the base member 230 and the collar 240. The base member 230 closes the distal end of the barrier member 242. The collar 240 closes the proximal end of the barrier member 242. The barrier member 242 partially overlaps with the base member 230 and the collar 240. The barrier member 242, together with the base member 230 and the collar 240, forms a fluid seal. In this embodiment, the barrier member 242 is formed from a non-metallic material to help limit interference with magnetic induction. In this particular example, the barrier member 242 is made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The base member 230 is made of PEEK. The collar 240 is made of PEEK. Other suitable materials are also possible. Components formed from such materials help ensure that the components remain rigid / solid when the heating element is heated.

[0080] The base member 230 and the collar 240 support the coil support 214. The insulating layer 244 is positioned between the barrier member 242 and the coil support 214. The ferrite shield 246 extends around the inductor coil 212. The ferrite shield acts as an electromagnetic shield. Other suitable materials may be used. The ferrite shield 246 is attached to the coil support 214. The insulating layer 244 functions as an inner insulating layer. The outer insulating layer 248 extends around the inductor coil assembly. The outer insulating layer 248 forms a tubular structure.

[0081] The air passage 210 extends through the base member 230. The air passage 210 is defined by the base member 230, the heating element 220, and the collar 240. The air passage 210 extends from the opening 211 to the opening 104. The base member 230 includes a flow path member 234. The flow path member 234 extends from the base end wall 233. In this embodiment, the base member 230 and the flow path member 234 are separate components. In this embodiment, the flow path member 234 is an integral component of the base member 230.

[0082] The flow channel member 234 consists of a tubular member. The flow channel member 234 includes a bore. The flow channel member 234 extends from the base end wall 233 to the opening 211. The flow channel member 234 extends axially along its longitudinal direction. A shoulder 235 is formed on the base member 230. The shoulder acts as a stopper to restrict the insertion of the article 110. The base member 230 defines an end zone 236. The end zone 236 extends from the heating zone 223 defined by the heating element 220. The end zone 236 extends from the heating zone 223. The end zone 236 extends from the distal end 226 of the heating element 220. The end zone 235 is defined by the base side wall 232. The base side wall 232 functions as a circumferential wall. The base wall 233 defines the end of the end zone 235. The flow opening 237 within the base wall 233 defines the flow path into the end zone 236.

[0083] In the embodiment, the airflow through the channel through the device is different. As described above, the channel is defined as a through-hole along the channel member that passes through the device to the receptacle so that air is drawn in through the article. In the embodiment, the base member defines the closed end of the receptacle. The air path is defined from the open proximal end of the receptacle at the opening 104 between the receptacle and the article to the closed end, then within the article at the closed end, and flows back through the article towards the proximal end.

[0084] The base wall 233 and the base side wall 232 are formed as a single integrated component. The base member 230 does not contain any material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0085] The base member 230 and the heating element 220 intersect at a joint 229. The base member 230 partially overlaps the heating element 220. As shown in Figure 2, the base member 230 comprises a first section 238 having a first inner diameter and a second section 239 having a second inner diameter. The diameter of the first section 238 is greater than the diameter of the second section 239. A step is defined between the first section 238 and the second section 239. The step forms a positioning feature 260. The base member 230 separates the distal end 226 of the heating element 220 from the base wall 233. The distal end 226 of the heating element 220 is positioned relative to the positioning feature 260. The inner cross-sectional area of ​​the end zone 236 corresponds at least substantially to the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the heating zone 223. Therefore, when article 110 is inserted, the distal end of article 110 is received within the end zone 236.

[0086] It will be understood that the cross-sectional profiles of the end zone 236 and the heating zone 223 may differ. For example, the diameter of the end zone 236 may be larger than the diameter of the heating zone 223. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the distal end 226 of the heating element 220 defines a portion with a reduced diameter. The distal end 226 of the heating element 220 is slightly tapered inward so as to be received within the proximal end of the base member 230. The end of the base member 230 functions as a positioning feature 260. With this configuration, the distal end 226 of the heating element 220 can function as a holding feature. In the embodiment, the base member 230 acts as a holding feature.

[0087] The base member 230 overlaps the heating element 220 by approximately 1 mm to 3 mm. In this particular example, the overlap is 2 mm. In the example, there is no overlap. The joint 229 helps to form a fluidly sealed path. The end zone 236 extends only a distance greater than 1 mm from the heating element 220. The projection range of the peripheral wall is greater than 0.5 mm and optionally greater than 1 mm. The length of the end zone may be 0.5 mm to 6 mm, optionally 1 mm to 4 mm. The length of the end zone may be greater than 4 mm.

[0088] The base member 230 is formed from an insulating material and does not contain any heating material. Therefore, the distal portion of the article 110 received in the end zone 235 is not heated or receives reduced heating compared to the portion of the article received in the heating zone 223. By providing a portion of the article that is reduced heating or not heated, this portion can act as a liquid collector. Condensation in the air channel 210 can be minimized. In the inductive configuration, the base member 230 does not contain any material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The peripheral wall of the base member 230 defines a cavity arranged to receive at least a portion of the article 110.

[0089] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or to equivalents thereof, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A receptacle is provided to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, The receptacle comprises a heating element that defines a heating zone, which is arranged to receive a first portion of the part of the article that can be received within the receptacle, and a base member at the end of the heating element, The base member defines an end zone that is positioned to receive at least a second portion of the part of the article that can be received in the receptacle, The end zone extends from the heating zone, The base member does not contain any material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. Aerosol supply device.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the base member comprises an air path extending through the base member.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 2, wherein the base member defines the end wall of the receptacle.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein the air path extends through the end wall.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a peripheral wall.

6. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral wall defines a cavity disposed to receive at least the second portion of the part of the article.

7. The aerosol supply device according to claim 6, wherein the peripheral wall extends from the heating element.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 5, wherein the peripheral wall partially overlaps with the heating element.

9. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the axial length of the heating zone is longer than the axial length of the end zone.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein the axial length of the heating zone is at least four times the axial length of the end zone.

11. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the end zone corresponds to the cross-sectional profile of the heating zone.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the base member is an end support arranged to support the end of the heating element.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein the end support is a first end support located at the first end of the heating element, and the device comprises a second end support located at the second end of the heating element.

14. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the base member is formed from an insulating material.

15. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the base member comprises an article-holding feature configured to hold the article.

16. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the end zone is greater than 1 mm and optionally greater than 4 mm.

17. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, comprising an inductor coil.

18. The aerosol supply device according to claim 17, wherein the inductor coil surrounds at least a portion of the heating element.

19. A receptacle is provided to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, The receptacle comprises a heating element that defines a heating zone, which is arranged to receive a first portion of the part of the article that can be received within the receptacle, and a base member at the end of the heating element, The base member defines an end zone that is positioned to receive at least a second portion of the part of the article that can be received in the receptacle, The end zone extends from the heating zone, The base member is formed from an insulating material and does not contain a heating material. Aerosol supply device.

20. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, wherein the article is sized such that it is at least partially received within the receptacle, Aerosol supply system.

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