Aerosol generator equipped with a heater operating mechanism

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (3) comprises an axially extending heating chamber (15) configured to at least partially receive an aerosol-generating article (5). The aerosol generating device (3) further comprises a heater actuation mechanism (47) configured to move between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The heater actuation mechanism (47) is configured to act on the heater (7) in the engaged configuration to activate the heater (7) to generate heat. The heater actuation mechanism (47) is configured not to act on the heater (7) in the disengaged configuration to stop the heater (7) from generating heat. The heater actuation mechanism (47) comprises an operating element (57). The operating element (57) is configured to operate to move the heater actuation mechanism (47) from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration. The aerosol generating device (3) further comprises an blocking mechanism (59). The blocking mechanism (59) is configured to temporarily block movement of the heater actuation mechanism (47) from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration or from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the heating of aerosol-generating articles in an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure relates to the management of heat in an aerosol-generating device.

Background Art

[0002] European Patent Publication No. 0858744A1 describes a flavor-generating component having a heat-conducting tube provided with a molded body of a solid material for generating flavors inhaled by a user. The flavor-generating component may be inserted into a flavor-generating heater such that the heat-conducting tube is provided above a gas nozzle that supplies a flame. The inner surface of the heat-conducting tube is covered with a heat storage material layer. The heat storage material layer enables the temperature of the main body formed by the heat-conducting tube to be maintained at the flavor-generating temperature for a longer time.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device having a heating space extending in the axial direction. The heating space is configured to at least partially accommodate an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device includes a heat-receiving surface provided outside the heating space. The aerosol-generating device includes a heat storage body and an inner heat conductor. The heat storage body is provided between the heat-receiving surface and the heating space. The inner heat conductor is provided between the heat storage body and the heating space. The material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor. The material of the inner heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.

[0004] The heat storage material can function as a thermal buffer. When the heat receiving surface is heated, the heat storage material can absorb heat from the heat receiving surface. The heat absorbed by the heat storage material is supplied to the heated space over time, and can heat the aerosol generating article placed within it. The heat storage material can absorb a certain amount of heat over a first time period and release a longer amount of heat over a second time period. For example, the second time period may be at least 20 times the first time period, or at least 15 times the first time period, or at least 10 times the first time period, or at least 5 times the first time period, or at least 2 times the first time period. Due to the buffering function of the heat storage material, if the heat receiving surface is heated to a high temperature, overheating of the heated space can be prevented. In addition, the heat storage material allows the heated space to maintain the aerosol generating temperature for a longer period of time even after heating of the heat receiving surface has stopped.

[0005] The internal heat conductor can facilitate the transfer of heat stored in the heat storage body towards the heating space, and therefore to the aerosol-generating article at least partially contained within the heating space. The internal heat conductor can efficiently distribute heat to a desired region of the aerosol-generating article. The internal heat conductor can guide the flow of heat from the heat storage body.

[0006] The material for the heat storage body can have a specific heat of 300 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1500 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 500 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1200 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 1000 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin per kilogram to 800 joules / kelvin per kilogram.

[0007] The material of the heat storage body may be, for example, glass or metal. The material of the heat storage body may include, for example, glass or metal.

[0008] One or both of the materials for the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may have a melting temperature exceeding 800°C, 900°C, 1000°C, 1100°C, 1300°C, or 1500°C. Considering such melting temperatures can prevent the heat storage body and inner heat conductor from melting when the heat receiving surface is heated. In particular, when the heat receiving surface is heated by one or more flames, such as the flames generated by a typical cigarette lighter, it can prevent the heat storage body and inner heat conductor from melting.

[0009] One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space circumferentially. If the heat storage body surrounds the heating space circumferentially, the heat storage body can store heat circumferentially around the heating space. If the inner heat conductor surrounds the heating space, heat can be distributed throughout the heating space by the inner heat conductor. One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space all the way around. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space over at least 50 percent, or at least 60 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 90 percent of the heating space's circumference. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space over 90 percent or less, or 80 percent or less, or 70 percent or less, or 60 percent or less, or 50 percent or less of the heating space's circumference.

[0010] The internal heat conductor may include projections extending into the heating space. The projections may be configured to be embedded within the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating space. In particular, the projections may be configured to be embedded within the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article. The projections can conduct heat into the aerosol generating article, heating it from the inside. The projections can promote homogeneous heating of the aerosol generating article. The projections may have, for example, the form of pins or blades. The projections may be integral parts of the internal heat conductor. The projections may extend into the heating space along the axial direction. The projections may have axial lengths of 5 to 50 mm, or 5 to 40 mm, or 5 to 30 mm, or 5 to 25 mm, or 5 to 20 mm, or 5 to 15 mm, or 5 to 10 mm, or 2 to 5 mm, or 10 to 15 mm, or 10 to 20 mm.

[0011] The inner heat conductor can form at least a portion of the wall defining the heated space. The surface of the inner heat conductor can at least partially define the heated space. If there are no elements of an aerosol generator between the inner heat conductor and the aerosol generating article contained within the heated space, the inner heat conductor can efficiently supply heat to the heated space.

[0012] The inner heat conductor may be in contact with the heat storage body. Contact between the inner heat conductor and the heat storage body can promote efficient heat transfer between the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor. The inner heat conductor may be in circumferential contact with the heat storage body around the heating space.

[0013] The aerosol generator may be equipped with an outer heat conductor. The outer heat conductor may be placed between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body. The outer heat conductor can promote heat transfer from the heat receiving surface to the heat storage body.

[0014] The material of the outer heat conductor may have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.

[0015] The material of the heat storage body may have a higher specific heat than the material of the outer heat conductor.

[0016] The outer heat conductor may be made of the same material as the inner heat conductor.

[0017] The specific heat of the heat storage material may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the specific heat of at least one of the specific heats of the inner heat conductor material and the outer heat conductor material.

[0018] The thermal conductivity of the inner heat conductor material and the thermal conductivity of the outer heat conductor material may be at least 500 times, or at least 400 times, or at least 300 times, or at least 200 times, or at least 100 times, or at least 50 times, or at least 30 times, or at least 10 times, or at least 5 times, the thermal conductivity of the heat storage material. The thermal conductivity of the inner heat conductor material and the thermal conductivity of the outer heat conductor material may be at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent, the thermal conductivity of the heat storage material.

[0019] To facilitate heat transfer between the outer heat conductor and the heat storage body, the outer heat conductor may be in contact with the heat storage body.

[0020] The heat-receiving surface may be the surface of the outer heat conductor. The heat-receiving surface may be the outer surface of the outer heat conductor with respect to the heating space. The heat-receiving surface may be the radially outer surface of the outer heat conductor. The heat-receiving surface may be the surface of the outer heat conductor spaced apart from the heating space in the axial direction.

[0021] The outer heat conductor may surround the heating space in the circumferential direction. The outer heat conductor may surround the heat storage body in the circumferential direction. The outer heat conductor may be provided at least partially on the radially outer side of the heat storage body. The outer heat conductor may be provided at least partially on the surface of the heat storage body opposite to the heating space in the axial direction.

[0022] The thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor may differ at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor. For example, the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor at a first location on the outer heat conductor may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor at a second location on the outer heat conductor. The thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions. The heterogeneous thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor can enable directional heat transport through the outer heat conductor.

[0023] The thickness of the outer heat conductor may differ at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor. For example, the thickness of the outer heat conductor at a first location may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the thickness of the outer heat conductor at a second location. Varying the thickness of the outer heat conductor may result in different thermal resistances to radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may be thickest at the heat receiving surface. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may decrease with distance from the heat receiving surface along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions.

[0024] The outer heat conductor may be provided with one or more channels. These channels may affect the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor. Heated air can flow through these channels. Each channel may have one or more openings. These openings may be provided on the heat receiving surface.

[0025] The thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor can be highest at the heat-receiving surface. This prevents the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating articles placed in the heating chamber from being overheated at the location corresponding to the heat-receiving surface. The high thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor at the heat-receiving surface may allow heat from the heat-receiving surface to be distributed more uniformly throughout the heating space. The thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor may increase with distance from the heat-receiving surface, particularly along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions.

[0026] The outer heat conductor may include two or more different materials having different thermal conductors. The two or more different materials can be arranged to obtain a desired heat conduction profile. The two or more different materials can be arranged to obtain a desired distribution of thermal resistance for heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor. The outer heat conductor may, for example, comprise two or more layers, each layer being made of a different material. The layers may be arranged, for example, front to back with respect to the axial direction or the radial direction (or both axial and radial directions).

[0027] The aerosol generating device can further include a heater configured to heat the heat receiving surface. The heater can include, for example, an electric resistance heater or an induction heater. The heater can be configured to generate one or more flames to heat the heat receiving surface. The heater can be configured to burn gas to generate one or more flames. The one or more flames may include at least two flames. The heater may be integrally formed with the main body of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be provided as a separate component, either completely or partially. The heater may be, for example, a conventional cigarette lighter.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article can have an aerosol generating portion. The aerosol generating portion can include a material configured to generate an aerosol when heated. When the aerosol generating article is at least partially housed in a heating space, the aerosol generating portion can be at least partially housed in the heating space.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of generating an aerosol is provided. The method includes heating a heat receiving surface of an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device at least partially houses an aerosol generating article. Heat from heating the heat receiving surface is stored in a heat storage body provided between the heat receiving surface and the aerosol generating article. The heat is distributed to the aerosol generating article by an inner heat conductor provided between the heat storage body and the aerosol generating article. The material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor.

[0030] The material of the inner heat conductor can have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.

[0031] The heat-receiving surface may be heated by two or more flames simultaneously. For example, the heat-receiving surface may be heated by two or more flames simultaneously. By heating the heat-receiving surface with two or more flames simultaneously, a specific amount of heat can be transferred to the heat-receiving surface using smaller flames compared to using only one flame. Furthermore, using two or more flames simultaneously allows for efficient spatial distribution of heat.

[0032] The aerosol-generating article may extend along the axial direction if it is at least partially housed in the aerosol generator. The axial direction may correspond to the direction in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generator.

[0033] At least two of the flames can be generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. Thus, heat can be supplied from different inscribed angles around the axial direction.

[0034] At least two of the flames can be spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Therefore, heat can be supplied to different positions along the axial direction.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for generating an aerosol is provided. The method includes heating the heat-receiving surface of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator contains at least partially an aerosol-generating article that extends along the axial direction. The heat-receiving surface is heated simultaneously by two or more flames.

[0036] At least two of the flames can be generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction.

[0037] At least two of the flames can be spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a tube is provided for the use of an axially extending tube circumferentially surrounding an aerosol-generating substance in order to achieve substantially uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substance, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube varies along at least one of the axial direction and the outer circumference of the tube.

[0039] For example, the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions of the tube by at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 100 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 50 percent, or at least 30 percent, or at least 20 percent, or at least 10 percent of the minimum thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube.

[0040] The thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube can vary along at least one of the axial direction and the outer circumference of the tube, such that the effect of heat transport on the aerosol-generating material is substantially uniform. For example, the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube may be highest at the position closest to the heat source. From that position, the thermal resistance can decrease along at least one of the axial direction and the outer circumference of the tube.

[0041] Substantially uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substance can be achieved if the temperature difference between the two parts of the aerosol-generating substance during heating is 100°C or less, 75°C or less, 50°C or less, 25°C or less, or 10°C or less.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generator is provided comprising an axially extending heating chamber configured to contain at least partially an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generator further comprises a heater operating mechanism configured to move between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The heater operating mechanism is configured to act on a heater in the engaged configuration to operate the heater and generate heat. The heater operating mechanism is configured not to act on a heater in the disengaged configuration and to stop the heater from generating heat. The heater operating mechanism comprises an operating element, which is configured to move the heater operating mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration. The aerosol generator further comprises a blocking mechanism, which is configured to temporarily block the movement of the heater operating mechanism from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration, or from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration.

[0043] The heater can be activated by moving the operating element using the heater operating mechanism.

[0044] If the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily prevent the heater operating mechanism from moving from an engaged configuration to an unengaged configuration, the blocking mechanism can delay the heater operating mechanism from moving from an engaged configuration to an unengaged configuration. Delaying the heater operating mechanism's movement to the unengaged configuration may delay the cessation of heat generation. This ensures that the heater generates sufficient heat before heat generation stops.

[0045] If the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily prevent the heater operating mechanism from moving from an unengaged configuration to an engaged configuration, the generation of heat by the heater may be delayed. This can be useful, for example, in preventing the generation of excessive heat that could lead to overheating of the heating chamber or aerosol-generating article. By delaying the generation of heat by the heater, it is possible to prevent a rise in temperature that could lead to combustion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0046] The blocking mechanism may affect the heating time (the time the heater generates heat). By controlling the heating time with the blocking mechanism, the aerosol-generating article can be reliably heated according to the specified specifications or the specified temperature profile.

[0047] The operation of an operating element to move the heater operating mechanism from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration may be performed by the user. The operating element can be configured to be moved by the user to move the heater operating mechanism from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration. The operating element can be configured to be engaged and moved by the user. The operating element can be configured to be moved by a drive means, such as a motor or a spring. The drive means can be configured to be actuated by the user to move the operating element.

[0048] The blocking mechanism may be configured to temporarily block the movement of the heater operating mechanism and then automatically release the movement of the heater operating means. The blocking mechanism may be configured to temporarily block the movement of the heater operating mechanism for a blocking time. The blocking time may be a predetermined time. The blocking time may be determined in advance by the configuration of the blocking mechanism. The blocking time may be determined by one or more operating parameters of the aerosol generator, for example, the operating temperature or the operating mode.

[0049] The heater operating mechanism includes a restoring element that provides a mechanical force configured to move the heater operating mechanism to a disengaged configuration. After moving the operating element to move the heater operating mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration, the user can release the operating element. The heater operating means can automatically return to the disengaged configuration by the restoring element. However, the heater operating mechanism does not immediately return to the disengaged configuration, and a delay may occur due to a blocking mechanism. The delay caused by the blocking mechanism can define the operating time of the heater after the operating element has been released by the user.

[0050] The engagement configuration may include multiple engagement subconfigurations of the heater operating mechanism. An operating element allows the user to selectively switch the heater operating mechanism to any one of the engagement subconfigurations. Multiple engagement subconfigurations can provide the user with a means to operate the heater to different degrees.

[0051] The blocking mechanism is configured to delay the heater operating mechanism from returning from each engaged subconfiguration to the disengaged configuration by a different amount of time for each different engaged subconfiguration. Therefore, depending on the engaged subconfiguration to which the user transitions the heater operating mechanism, the heater can continue to operate and generate heat for different periods of time.

[0052] The blocking mechanism may include a movable part. The movable part may be configured to move between a released position and a blocked position. In the released position, the movable part can allow the thermal operating mechanism to move to at least one of a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration. In the blocked position, the movable part can prevent the heater operating mechanism from moving to at least one of a disengaged configuration and an engaged configuration. In particular, the blocking mechanism can, in the released position, allow the heater operating mechanism to move to a disengaged configuration, and in the blocked position, prevent the heater operating mechanism from moving to a disengaged configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the movable part can, in the released position, allow the heater operating mechanism to move to an engaged configuration, and in the blocked position, prevent the heater operating mechanism from moving to an engaged configuration.

[0053] The movable part can automatically move between the release position and the locked position. The movable part can also be configured to be moved between the release position and the locked position by the user.

[0054] The movable part can be configured to move between a release position and a blocked position depending on the temperature. This makes it possible for the movable part to delay the operation of the heater or stop the operation of the heater depending on the temperature. When the movable part is configured to move between a release position and a blocked position depending on the temperature, temperature feedback control by the heater can be performed.

[0055] The temperature that depends on the movement of the movable part between the release position and the locking position may be, for example, the temperature of a part of the aerosol generator, or the temperature inside the heating chamber, or the temperature of the walls of the heating chamber, or the temperature of the aerosol generating article.

[0056] The blocking mechanism may include a thermal expansion element. The thermal expansion element can be configured to move a movable part between a release position and a blocking position depending on the temperature of the thermal expansion element.

[0057] The movable part is configured to periodically move between a released position and a blocked position in order to delay the movement of the heater operating mechanism to a disengaged configuration or to an engaged configuration. The periodic movement between the released position and the blocked position can delay the movement of the heater operating mechanism by periodically releasing and blocking its movement.

[0058] The heater operating mechanism and the blocking mechanism may together form a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism can be configured to allow movement of the heater operating mechanism in one direction and selectively block movement of the heater operating mechanism in the opposite direction. For example, the ratchet mechanism can allow movement of the heater operating mechanism to an engaged configuration and block movement of the heater operating mechanism to an unengaged configuration when the movable part is in the blocked position. Alternatively, the ratchet mechanism can allow movement of the heater operating mechanism to an unengaged configuration and block movement of the heater operating mechanism to an engaged configuration when the movable part is in the blocked position.

[0059] The heater operating mechanism may include a sliding element configured to slide by an operating element. The sliding element may be configured to slide, for example, within the body of the aerosol generator. The sliding element may be connected to the operating element.

[0060] The heater operating mechanism may include an engaging element configured to act on the heater in the engaging configuration of the heater operating mechanism. The engaging element may be slidably guided on a sliding element. When the engaging element is slidably guided on a sliding element, the engaging element does not directly follow all movements of the operating element. This may result in a delay between the movement of the operating element and the operation of the heater by the engaging element.

[0061] The heater operating mechanism includes a spring element configured to bias the engaging element toward the heater. The spring element ensures that the engaging element acts reliably toward the heater within the range of the heater operating mechanism configuration (the range of the non-engaging configuration).

[0062] The sliding element may have multiple teeth. The blocking element may have one or more blocking parts configured to engage with the teeth. By engaging with the teeth of the sliding element, the blocking parts can allow or block the movement of the heater operating mechanism. The one or more blocking parts may be one or more movable parts.

[0063] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device and a heater. The heater may be configured to generate heat when acted upon by a heater operating mechanism. The heater may be configured not to generate heat when not acted upon by a heater operating mechanism.

[0064] Activating the heater by engaging the heater mechanism may be the only action required to initiate heat generation by the heater. Alternatively, other actions may be required to initiate heat generation by the heater. A heater may require two or more actions to initiate heat generation. When the heater mechanism is engaged, one or more of these actions can be performed by the heater mechanism. One or more additional actions can be performed independently of the heater mechanism.

[0065] To stop the heat generation by the heater, it may be necessary to change the heater operating mechanism from an engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration. There may be one or more other methods to stop the heat generation by the heater, but this is not necessarily required.

[0066] The heater may include a gas tank. The gas tank may be configured to release gas when the heater is being acted upon by a heater operating mechanism. The gas tank may be configured to prevent the release of gas when the heater is not being acted upon by a heater operating mechanism.

[0067] The gas tank can be detachably connected to the main body of the aerosol generator.

[0068] The aerosol generation system may further include an ignition mechanism configured to ignite the gas. The ignition mechanism may operate independently of the heater operating mechanism.

[0069] The gas tank and / or ignition mechanism may be an integral part of the aerosol generator. The gas tank or / or ignition mechanism may be separate from the aerosol generator.

[0070] In particular, the gas tank and ignition mechanism may be part of a separate heater. The heater may be a lighter. The heater may be, for example, a conventional cigarette lighter.

[0071] The heater may be connected to the aerosol generator.

[0072] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for generating an aerosol is provided. An operating element is moved along a path in the operating direction, thereby acting on a heater by a heater operating mechanism. The heater generates heat in response to being acted upon by the heater operating mechanism. The operating element is returned along the path in the opposite direction to the operating direction. One or more movable parts of a blocking mechanism act to delay the return of the operating element. In response to no longer being acted upon by the heater operating mechanism, the heater stops generating heat.

[0073] In response to the operating element being moved in the operating direction, the restoring element accumulates a restoring force in the opposite direction to the movement of the operating element. This restoring force can bias the operating element in the opposite direction to the operating direction, causing the operating element to return along its path in the opposite direction to the operating direction.

[0074] In response to the heater being acted upon by the heater operating mechanism, gas can be released from the gas tank. This gas can maintain a flame that heats the heat-receiving surface of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator can contain, at least partially, an aerosol-generating article.

[0075] According to another aspect of the present invention, the use of a change in the length of a thermal expansion element caused by a temperature change is provided for extinguishing a flame after an aerosol generator containing at least partially an aerosol generating article is heated by a flame.

[0076] The thermal expansion element allows the flame to be extinguished according to the temperature. A feedback control system can be implemented to control the temperature.

[0077] The aerosol generating articles referred to herein may be at least substantially rod-shaped. When the aerosol generating articles are at least partially inserted into an aerosol generating device, they may extend parallel to the axial direction.

[0078] An aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-generating unit. The aerosol-generating unit may include an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be configured to release an aerosol when heated. The aerosol-generating material may include, for example, a herbaceous plant material. The aerosol-generating material may also include, for example, a tobacco material.

[0079] The aerosol generating article may include a filter section. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the filter section may protrude at least partially from the aerosol generating device for use by the user.

[0080] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the embodiments, aspects, or examples described herein. The aerosol generating system also comprises an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate, which may be an aerosol generating material. As used herein, the term “aerosol generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols.

[0081] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more powders, granules, pellets, fragments, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and puffed tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also comprise additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also comprise capsules containing, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or additionally, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

[0082] If the tobacco plug contains homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglutinating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming content greater than 5 percent by dry weight. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming content of 5 to 30 percent by weight by dry weight. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by agglutinating particulate tobacco obtained by crushing one or both of tobacco leaf laminas and tobacco leaf stems, or by other means of fine crushing, and alternatively, or additionally, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may contain one or more of the following: tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during tobacco processing, handling, and transport. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may contain one or more intrinsic binders (i.e., endogenous tobacco binders), one or more exogenous binders (i.e., exogenous tobacco binders), or a combination thereof, to assist in agglutinating particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may contain other additives, including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. The homogenized tobacco material sheet is preferably formed by a casting process of a type that generally includes casting a slurry containing particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet, and removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the support surface.

[0083] The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of approximately 30 mm to approximately 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 mm to approximately 13 mm.

[0084] The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the cigarette plug. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The mouthpiece is preferably about 7 millimeters in length, but can be about 5 to 10 millimeters in length.

[0085] The cigarette plug may have a length of approximately 10 millimeters. The cigarette plug may have a length of approximately 12 millimeters.

[0086] The diameter of the cigarette plug may be approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 12 millimeters.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating article has a total length of approximately 40 mm to approximately 50 mm. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has a total length of approximately 45 mm. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm.

[0088] This disclosure includes various aspects, embodiments, and examples. Features, advantages, and descriptions disclosed in any one of these aspects, embodiments, and examples may be combined with or transferred to any one of the remaining aspects, embodiments, and examples. The aerosol generators or systems described herein may be preferred, adapted, and configured to perform the aerosol generating methods described herein.

[0089] Where this disclosure refers to the material of an article having a specific specific heat, and the article is composed of different individual materials (e.g., different material layers), the specific heat of the material of the article should be understood to correspond to the weighted average of the specific heats of the individual materials constituting the article. The weighting is understood to be performed according to the mass percentage of the individual materials constituting the article.

[0090] Where this disclosure refers to a material of an article having a particular thermal conductivity, and the article is composed of different individual materials (e.g., different material layers), the thermal conductivity of the material of the article should be understood to correspond to a weighted average of the thermal conductivity of the individual materials constituting the article. The weighting is understood to be performed according to the mass percentage of the individual materials constituting the article.

[0091] As used herein, the expression “rod-shaped” includes, but is not limited to, rod-shaped objects having a circular cross-section. As used herein, “rod-shaped” may also include rod-shaped objects having other cross-sections, e.g., rectangular, elliptical, triangular, irregular, or any other cross-section. The expression “rod-shaped” may also include cylindrical shapes, in which case the bottom surface of the cylinder may be a circular surface, or a surface of any other shape, e.g., a rectangular, elliptical, triangular, irregular, or any other surface.

[0092] When a first article is embedded within a second article, the first article can be at least partially contained within the volume of the second article. After being embedded within the second article, at least a portion of the first article can be surrounded by the second article. For example, a first article can be embedded within a second article by being pushed into it. [Examples]

[0093] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0094] Example 1: Aerosol generator, An axially extending heating space configured to contain at least partially an aerosol-generating article, A heat receiving surface provided on the outside of the heating space, A heat storage body is provided between the heat receiving surface and the heating space, It comprises an inner heat conductor provided between the heat storage body and the heating space, The material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor. An aerosol generator in which the material of the internal heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body. Example 2: The aerosol generator according to Example 1, wherein the heat storage material has a specific heat of 300 joules / kelvin to 1500 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 500 joules / kelvin to 1200 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin to 1000 joules / kelvin per kilogram, or 600 joules / kelvin to 800 joules / kelvin per kilogram. Example 3: The aerosol generator according to Example 1 or 2, wherein one or both of the heat storage material and the inner heat conductor material have a melting temperature of over 800°C, or over 900°C, or over 1000°C, or over 1100°C, or over 1300°C, or over 1500°C. Example 4: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein one or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor surround the heating space in a circumferential direction. Example 5: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the internal heat conductor extends into the heating space and has a projection that is configured to be embedded in the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating space. Example 6: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the inner heat conductor forms at least a portion of the wall defining the heating space. Example 7: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the inner heat conductor is in contact with the heat storage body. Example 8: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising an outer heat conductor provided between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body. Example 9: The aerosol generator according to Example 8, wherein the material of the outer heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body. Example 10: An aerosol generator according to Example 8 or 9, wherein the heat storage material has a higher specific heat than the outer heat conductor material. Example 11: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor differs at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor. Example 12: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 11, wherein the thickness of the outer heat conductor differs at at least two different locations on the outer heat conductor. Example 13: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, wherein one or more channels are provided in the outer heat conductor. Example 14: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 13, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor is highest at the heat receiving surface. Example 15: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 8 to 14, wherein the outer thermal conductor comprises at least two different materials having different thermal conductivity. Example 16: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, further comprising a heater configured to generate one or more flames to heat a heat receiving surface. Example 17: Aerosol generation system, an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Aerosol generating article, The aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating section containing a material configured to generate aerosols when heated, An aerosol generating system in which, when an aerosol generating article is at least partially contained within a heated space, the aerosol generating unit is at least partially contained within a heated space. Example 18: The aerosol generating system according to Example 17, comprising a mouthpiece configured to protrude from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is at least partially contained in a heated space. Example 19: An aerosol generating system according to Example 17 or 18, further comprising a heater configured to heat a heat receiving surface. Example 20: A method for generating aerosols, The aerosol generator is equipped with a heat receiving surface that heats the heat receiving surface, The aerosol generator contains, at least partially, an aerosol generating article, and heats it. The heat storage material, placed between the heat receiving surface and the aerosol generating article, stores heat by heating the heat receiving surface, The method involves dispersing heat to the aerosol-generating article via an inner heat conductor provided between the heat storage body and the aerosol-generating article, A method comprising dispersing a heat storage material having a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor. Example 21: The method according to Example 20, wherein the heat receiving surface is heated by two or more flames simultaneously. Example 22: The method according to Example 21, wherein, when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially housed within the aerosol generator, the aerosol-generating article extends along the axial direction, and at least two flames are generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. Example 23: The method according to Example 21, wherein, when the aerosol generating article is at least partially housed within the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article extends along the axial direction, and at least two of the flames are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Example 24: A method for generating aerosols, The aerosol generator is equipped with a heat receiving surface that heats the heat receiving surface, The aerosol generator contains, at least partially, an aerosol generating article that extends along the axial direction. A method in which a heat-receiving surface is heated simultaneously by two or more flames. Example 25: The method according to Example 24, wherein at least two flames are generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction. Example 26: The method according to Example 24 or 25, wherein at least two flames are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction. Example 27: The method according to any one of Examples 20 to 26, wherein the aerosol generator is the aerosol generator described in any one of Examples 1 to 16, or the aerosol generator of the aerosol generation system described in any one of Examples 17 to 19. Example 28: The use of a tube that surrounds an aerosol-generating substance circumferentially and extends axially, in order to achieve substantially uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substance, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the tube varies along at least one of the axial direction and the outer circumference of the tube. Example 29: Aerosol generator, An axially extending heating chamber configured to contain at least partially an aerosol-generating article, A heater operating mechanism configured to move between an engaged configuration and an unengaged configuration is provided. The heater operating mechanism is configured to act on the heater in an engaging configuration to operate the heater and generate heat. The heater operating mechanism is configured not to act on the heater in the non-engaged configuration, thereby stopping the generation of heat by the heater. The heater operating mechanism includes an operating element configured to move the heater operating mechanism from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration. Aerosol generator further comprising a blocking mechanism configured to temporarily prevent the heater operating mechanism from moving from an engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration, or from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration. Example 30: The aerosol generator according to Example 29, wherein the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily prevent the heater operating mechanism from moving from an engaged configuration to an unengaged configuration, thereby delaying the heater operating mechanism from moving from an engaged configuration to an unengaged configuration. Example 31: The aerosol generator according to Example 29 or 30, wherein the heater operating mechanism comprises a restoring element that provides a mechanical force configured to move the heater operating mechanism to a disengaged configuration. Example 32: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 29 to 31, wherein the engagement configuration comprises a plurality of engagement subconfigurations of the heater operating mechanism, and an operating element allows the user to selectively set the heater operating mechanism to one of the engagement subconfigurations. Example 33: The aerosol generator according to Example 32, wherein the blocking mechanism is configured to delay the heater operating mechanism from returning from each engaged sub-configuration to a non-engaged configuration by a different amount of time for each different engaged sub-configuration. Example 34: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 29 to 33, wherein the blocking mechanism includes a movable part configured to move between a release position in which the heater operating mechanism can move to at least one of a non-engaged configuration and an engaged configuration, and a blocking position that prevents the heater operating mechanism from moving to at least one of the non-engaged configuration and the engaged configuration. Example 35: The aerosol generator according to Example 34, wherein the movable part is configured to move between a release position and a blocked position depending on the temperature. Example 36: The aerosol generator according to Example 35, wherein the temperature is the temperature of a part of the aerosol generator, or the temperature inside the heating chamber, or the temperature of the wall of the heating chamber, or the temperature inside the aerosol generating article. Example 37: The blocking mechanism comprises a thermal expansion element configured to move a movable part between a release position and a blocking position according to the temperature of the thermal expansion element, as described in any one of Examples 34 to 36. Example 38: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 34, wherein the movable part is configured to periodically move between a disengaged position and a blocked position to delay the movement of the heater operating mechanism to a disengaged configuration or to an engaged configuration. Example 39: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 29 to 38, wherein the heater operating mechanism and the blocking mechanism together form a ratchet mechanism. Example 40: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 29 to 39, wherein the heater operating mechanism includes a sliding element configured to slide by an operating element. Example 41: The aerosol generating article according to Example 40, wherein the heater operating mechanism comprises an engaging element configured to act on a heater in the engagement configuration of the heater operating mechanism, and the engaging element is slidably guided on a sliding element. Example 42: The aerosol generating article according to Example 41, wherein the heater operating mechanism comprises a spring element configured to bias the engaging element in the direction of the heater. Example 43: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 40 to 42, wherein the sliding element comprises multiple teeth, and the blocking mechanism comprises one or more blocking components configured to engage with the teeth. Example 44: Aerosol generation system, An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 29 to 43, An aerosol generating system comprising a heater configured to generate heat when acted upon by a heater operating mechanism, and not generate heat when not acted upon by a heater operating mechanism. Example 45: The aerosol generating system according to Example 44, comprising a heater and a gas tank configured to release gas when the heater is acted upon by a heater operating mechanism, and to prevent gas release when the heater is not acted upon by a heater operating mechanism. Example 46: The aerosol generating system according to Example 45, wherein the gas tank is detachably connected to the main body of the aerosol generating device. Example 47: The aerosol generating system according to Example 45 or 46, further comprising an ignition mechanism configured to ignite a gas. Example 48: A method for generating aerosols, The operating element is moved along the path in the operating direction, thereby acting on the heater by the heater operating mechanism. The heater generates heat in response to the action of the heater operating mechanism. The operating element is returned along the path with movement in the opposite direction to the direction of operation. One or more movable parts of the blocking mechanism move, delaying the return of the operating element. A method by which a heater stops generating heat in response to no longer being affected by the heater operating mechanism. Example 49: The method according to Example 48, wherein the restoring element increases the restoring force in the opposite direction to the movement of the operating element in response to the operating element being moved in the operating direction. Example 50: The method according to Example 48 or 49, wherein the gas is released from a gas tank in response to the heater being acted upon by a heater operating mechanism, and the gas maintains a flame that heats the heat receiving surface of an aerosol generator that at least partially contains an aerosol generating article. Example 51: Utilizing the change in length of a thermal expansion element caused by a temperature change to extinguish a flame after the flame has heated an aerosol generating device that contains at least partially an aerosol generating article.

[0095] Here, the embodiments will be further described with reference to the following figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0096] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment in which the heat receiving surface is located radially outward of a heating space that extends in the axial direction. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment in which the heat receiving surface is provided in alignment with the heating space that extends in the axial direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an aerosol generating article of an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment using a conventional cigarette lighter. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment, which has a heating space extending in the axial direction and a heat receiving surface aligned in the axial direction. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generating system having heaters that generate multiple flames. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generation system using a conventional cigarette lighter. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the heater operating mechanism of the system shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates a blocking mechanism that can be used in the aerosol generation system of Figures 10 and 11 according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows another blocking mechanism that can be used in the aerosol generation system of Figures 10 and 11 according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0097] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation system 1 according to one embodiment. The aerosol generation system 1 comprises an aerosol generating device 3, an aerosol generating article 5, and a heater 7.

[0098] Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating article 5 that can be used with the aerosol generating device 3. The aerosol generating article 5 comprises parts arranged front to back along the axial direction. The parts are connected to each other by one or more wrappers that span one or more of the parts. These parts consist of an aerosol generating section 9, a spacer section 11, and a filter section 13. The aerosol generating section 9 comprises an aerosol generating material configured to generate an aerosol when heated. The aerosol generating material may include a herbaceous material, specifically a tobacco material. The filter section 13 may comprise a filter through which the aerosol passes before reaching the user's mouth. The spacer section 11 may be positioned between the aerosol generating section 9 and the filter section 13. The aerosol generated in the aerosol generating section 9 is cooled as it passes through the spacer section 11, allowing the temperature of the aerosol to be reduced before ingestion.

[0099] As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generator 3 comprises a heating chamber 15 extending in the axial direction and a storage chamber 17 provided coaxially with the heating chamber 15. The aerosol generating article 5 may be inserted into the aerosol generator 3 in the insertion direction 19. In Figure 1, the aerosol generating article 5 is housed in the intake position of the aerosol generator 3. In the intake position, the aerosol generating unit 9 is housed in a heated space 21 defined by the heating chamber 15.

[0100] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the heater 7 is a conventional cigarette lighter. The aerosol generator 3 may include a heater housing 23 configured to house the heater 7. Alternatively, the heater 7 may be an integral part of the aerosol generator 3, or the heater 7 may not be combined with the aerosol generator 3, nor housed within the aerosol generator 3, but may be a separate heater 7. Preferably, the heater 7 is configured to generate one or more flames 8.

[0101] The heater 7 is configured to heat the heat receiving surface 25 of the heating chamber 15. By heating the heat receiving surface 25, the heating space 21 within the heating chamber 15 is heated, thereby heating the aerosol generating section 9 of the aerosol generating article 3. When the aerosol generating section 9 is heated, it generates an aerosol. When the user inhales air through the filter section 13, an airflow (see arrow in Figure 1) can be generated through the aerosol generating article 5. The airflow can carry the aerosol generated in the heating space 21 towards the user.

[0102] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the heat receiving surface 25 is located radially outward from the heating space 21. The direction in which the heater 7 emits a flame 8 to heat the heat receiving surface 25 is essentially perpendicular to the axial direction (the direction in which the heating chamber 15 and the storage chamber 17 extend).

[0103] Figure 2 shows another embodiment in which the heat receiving surface 25 is aligned axially with the heating space 21. The heater 7 essentially emits a flame 8 in a direction along the axial direction.

[0104] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the aerosol generating system 1. Each aerosol generator 3 comprises a tube extending axially and defining a heating chamber 15 having a heating space 21 inside. An aerosol generating article 5 can be inserted into the heating space 21 along an insertion direction 19 parallel to the axial direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the aerosol generating article 5 comprises essentially only an aerosol generating section 9. However, the aerosol generating article 5 may comprise additional parts, such as a spacer section 11 and a filter section 13. The aerosol generator 3 is equipped with a thermal protection sleeve 27 that allows the user to hold the aerosol generator 3 without risking injury or inconvenience due to the high temperature of the aerosol generator 3. As indicated by the bidirectional arrows at the bottom of Figure 4, the thermal protection sleeve 27 can slide relative to the tube defining the heating chamber 15. A heater 7, such as a conventional cigarette heater, may be used to heat the heat receiving surface 25. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the heat receiving surface 25 is located radially outward from the heating space 21 that houses the aerosol generating unit 9. In Figure 4, the heater 7 is neither inserted into nor attached to the aerosol generating device 3.

[0105] Figures 5, 6, and 7 show cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the heating chamber 15. The left portions of Figures 5, 6, and 7 show cross-sectional views of the heating chamber 15 with a cross-section parallel to the axial direction. The right portions of Figures 5, 6, and 7 show cross-sectional views of each heating chamber 15 with a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. The heating chambers in Figures 5, 6, and 7 may be, for example, part of the aerosol generator 3 in Figures 1 and 4.

[0106] In Figures 5, 6, and 7, the heating chamber 15 comprises multiple layers surrounding the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction. The outer heat conductor 29 forms the outer layer of the heating chamber 15. The heat receiving surface 25 is a part of the radially outer surface of the outer heat conductor 29. A heat storage body 31 is provided radially inside the outer heat conductor 29, forming a layer that surrounds the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction. An inner heat conductor 33 is provided radially inside the heat storage body 31, surrounding the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction.

[0107] The material of the heat storage body 31 has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor 33 and the material of the outer heat conductor 29. The material of the outer heat conductor 29 and the material of the inner heat conductor 33 have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body 31. The material of the heat storage body 31 may be, for example, glass or metal. One or both of the materials of the inner heat conductor 33 and the outer heat conductor 29 may be metals, such as copper, brass, or aluminum.

[0108] When the heat receiving surface 25 is heated, the heat is efficiently guided radially inward toward the heat storage body 31 by the outer heat conductor 29. Because the heat storage body 31 has a high specific heat, it can absorb a relatively large amount of heat and, over time, release that heat, functioning as a buffer to heat the heating space 21 and the aerosol generating section 9 located inside it. The inner heat conductor 33 forms the inner surface of the heating chamber 15 that defines the heating space 21. The inner heat conductor 33 efficiently conducts heat from the heat storage body 31 toward the heating space 21 and the aerosol generating section 9 located inside it.

[0109] In Figure 5, the outer heat conductor 29, the heat storage body 31, and the inner heat conductor 33 are symmetrical with respect to the axial direction. The outer heat conductor 29, the heat storage body 31, and the inner heat conductor 33 form a concentric sleeve that surrounds the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction.

[0110] In Figure 6, the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 correspond to the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 in Figure 5. However, the outer heat conductor 29 is not symmetrical with respect to the axial direction. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 varies along both the circumferential and axial directions. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is thickest at the heat receiving surface 25. In particular, the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is thickest in the center of the heat receiving surface 25. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 decreases along both the axial and circumferential directions as you move away from the center of the heat receiving surface 25.

[0111] Because the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 differs at different locations, the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor 29 and therefore through the walls of the heating chamber 15 differs at different locations. Since the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is greatest at the heat receiving surface 25, particularly at the center of the heat receiving surface 25, the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor layer 29 is highest at the heat receiving surface 25. This prevents an uneven temperature distribution within the heating space 21 by reducing the thermal resistance of heat transport at locations further away from the heat receiving surface 25 and therefore where less heat is typically received.

[0112] In Figure 7, the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 correspond to the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 in Figures 5 and 6. The outer heat conductor 29 includes channels 35 formed within the outer heat conductor 29. The channels 35 can form a flow path for heated air. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the channels 35 may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions. The flow cross-sectional area of ​​the channels 35 is larger in regions further away from the center of the heat receiving surface 25, which can promote the flow of hot air to these regions.

[0113] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system 1, substantially consistent with the embodiment in Figure 2, in which the heat receiving surface 25 is axially aligned with the heating space 21. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the heat storage body 31 is axially aligned with the heating space 21. The heat storage body 31 is located downstream of the heating space 21 with respect to the insertion direction 19. The outer surface of the heat storage body 31 forms the heat receiving surface 25. In the embodiment of Figure 8, the outer heat conductor 29 is not provided. However, instead, the outer heat conductor 29 can be provided downstream of the heat storage body 25 with respect to the insertion direction 19.

[0114] An inner heat conductor 33 is provided between the heat storage body 31 and the heating space 21. The inner heat conductor 33 includes a plate that extends substantially perpendicular to the axial direction between the heat storage body 31 and the heating space 21. Furthermore, the inner heat conductor 33 includes a cylindrical sleeve portion 37 that surrounds the heating space 21 in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the inner heat conductor 33 includes a projection 39 that extends into the heating space 21. The projection 39 is configured to be embedded in the aerosol generating portion 9 of the aerosol generating article 5.

[0115] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the heater 7 is incorporated into the aerosol generator 3. The heater 7 includes a gas tank 41 that supplies gas for the flame 8 that heats the heat receiving surface 25.

[0116] Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the aerosol generation system 1. The left side of Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the system 1 parallel to the axial direction. The right side of Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the system 1 perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0117] The heater 7 of system 1 in Figure 9 is configured to generate multiple flames 8 for heating the heat receiving surface 25. As shown in the left portion of Figure 9, some of the flames 8 are spaced apart along the axial direction, improving the heat distribution along the axial direction. As shown in the right portion of Figure 9, some of the flames 8 are generated at positions spaced apart along the circumferential direction, distributing the heating along the circumferential direction. The heater 7 may be an integral part of the aerosol generator 3. The heater 7 may be combined with the aerosol generator 3. The heater 7 may be housed in the heater housing 23 of the aerosol generator 3.

[0118] Figure 10 shows an aerosol generation system 1 according to an embodiment substantially similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the heat receiving surface 25 is located radially outward from the heating space 21. Alternatively, the heat receiving surface 25 can be aligned with the heating space 21 along the axial direction, for example, as shown in Figure 2.

[0119] The heater 7 in Figure 10 is a conventional cigarette lighter that is detachably housed in the heater housing 23 of the aerosol generator 3. Alternatively, the heater 7 can be fixed and incorporated into the aerosol generator 3.

[0120] The aerosol generator 3 includes an ignition mechanism 45 configured to ignite the gas released from the heater 7's gas tank 41. The ignition mechanism 45 is an integral part of the aerosol generator 3. The ignition mechanism 45 is externally accessible to provide a convenient way to ignite the gas, even when the heater 7 is housed in the heater housing 23. The heater 7 itself may have a separate ignition mechanism, which may not be available when the heater 7 is housed in the heater housing 23. The ignition mechanism 45 of the aerosol generator 3 can function similarly to the ignition mechanism of a conventional cigarette lighter.

[0121] In Figure 10, the aerosol generator 3 further includes a heater operating mechanism 47 configured to act on the gas release button 50 of the heater 7. The heater operating mechanism 47 allows the user to press the gas release button 50 of the heater 7 even when the heater 7 is housed in the heater housing 23 and the gas release button 50 is not directly accessible. The heater operating mechanism 47 can be pressed down by the user to press the gas release button 50 and release gas. When the pressure is released, the gas release button 50 of the heater 7 returns to its initial position and the release of gas stops.

[0122] Figure 11 shows the heater operating mechanism 47 in more detail. The heater operating mechanism 47 includes an engaging element 49 configured to slide up and down along a sliding element 51 in the form of a rod or bar. A spring element 53 biases the engaging element 49 toward the gas release button 50. A stopper 53 is provided on the sliding element 51 to restrict the movement of the engaging element 49 toward the gas release button 50. The sliding element 51 itself is guided to slide within the aerosol generator 3. In Figure 11, the sliding element 51 can slide up and down. A restoring element 55 biases the sliding element 51 upward. In the operating state shown in Figure 11, the sliding element 51 is in the upper position, which corresponds to the unengaged configuration of the heater operating mechanism 47. In the unengaged configuration of the heater operating mechanism 47, the engaging element 49 does not press the gas release button 50 (due to the stopper 53).

[0123] To operate the heater 7 and generate heat, the user can move the sliding element 51 downward by moving the operating element 57 connected to the sliding element 51. As shown by the arrow in Figure 11, when the operating element 57 is moved downward, the sliding element 51 moves downward. This causes the stopper 53 to move downward, and the force generated from the spring element 53 also allows the engaging element 49 to move downward, pressing the gas release button 50.

[0124] When the engaging element 49 presses the gas release button 50 and releases gas, the heater operating mechanism 47 enters an engaged configuration. When the user releases the operating element 57 again, the restoring element 55 moves the sliding element 51 upward. At some point, the stopping part 53 comes into contact with the engaging element 49, moving the engaging element 49 upward, thereby releasing the gas release button 50 and stopping the release of gas. When the engaging element 49 does not press the gas release button 50, the heater operating mechanism 47 is in an unengaged configuration.

[0125] The return of the heater operating mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration after the operating element 57 is released is delayed by a blocking mechanism 59, which is shown schematically only in Figure 11.

[0126] Figure 12 shows one embodiment of the locking mechanism 59. The left side of Figure 12 shows what happens when the heater operating mechanism 47 moves into the engagement configuration by pushing down the sliding element 51. The locking mechanism 59 comprises a first wheel 61 and a second wheel 63 having a larger diameter than the first wheel 61. The first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63 are rotatable about a common axis. When the sliding element 51 is pushed down, the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 engage with the teeth of the first wheel 61, causing the first wheel 61 to rotate counterclockwise in Figure 12.

[0127] The second wheel 63 is connected to the first wheel 61, thereby rotating counterclockwise in Figure 12. An arbitrary spring 67 is loaded by the rotation of the first wheel 61. The teeth on the outer circumference of the second wheel 63 abut against the rocker arm 69, which does not obstruct the second wheel 63 as it rotates counterclockwise, in the direction given by the downward movement of the sliding element 51. Thus, the blocking mechanism 59 does not prevent the heater operating mechanism 47 from moving into the engagement configuration.

[0128] The right-hand diagram of Figure 12 shows the state when the sliding element 51 moves upward after the operating element 57 has been released. The sliding element 51 can be moved upward by at least one of the restoring element 55 and the helical spring 67. For the sliding element 51 to move upward, the engagement of the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 with the teeth of the first wheel 61 must cause the first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63 to rotate clockwise. The clockwise rotation of the second wheel 63 is periodically blocked and released by a rocker arm 69 that reciprocates between the position shown on the right side of Figure 12 and the position shown on the left side of Figure 12. Thus, the rocker arm 69 periodically blocks the movement of the sliding element 51. Each position of the rocker arm 69 briefly blocks the second wheel 63 before moving to the other position. The numerous teeth of the second wheel 63 allow for many reciprocating motions of the rocker arm 69. Therefore, the upward movement of the sliding element 51 and, consequently, the return of the heater operating mechanism 47 to its disengaged configuration are delayed. The delay time depends on the layout of the blocking mechanism 59, specifically the number of teeth on the second wheel 63.

[0129] When the heater operating mechanism 47 is engaged to activate the release of gas, if the sliding element 51 is pushed down further, the first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63 rotate further, and the return of the heater operating mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration is further delayed. Therefore, the degree to which the sliding element 51 is moved downward by moving the operating element 57 determines the various engagement subconfigurations of the heater operating mechanism 47, which correspond to various delays for returning to the disengaged configuration when the operating element 57 is released.

[0130] Figure 13 shows another embodiment of the blocking mechanism 59. In this case as well, the sliding element 51 is provided with teeth 65. The blocking mechanism 59 includes a pivot section 71 that can pivot about an axis 73. The blocking mechanism 59 further includes a thermal expansion element 75 attached to a fixed point 77 on one side and to the pivot section 71 on the other side. The pivot section 71 is provided with teeth 79. The teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 and the teeth 79 of the blocking mechanism 59 are shaped such that downward movement of the sliding element 51 (bringing the heater operating mechanism 47 to the engaged position) is always possible (see the left portion of Figure 13). However, upward movement of the sliding element 51 (to disengage the heater operating mechanism 47) is permitted or prevented depending on the pivot position of the pivot section 71.

[0131] The central part of Figure 13 shows the state after the heater operating mechanism 47 is brought into the engaged configuration by moving the operating element 57 downward, thereby moving the sliding element 51 downward. The heater 7 is activated and generates a flame 8. The restoring element 55 biases the sliding element 51 upward to the disengaged configuration of the heater operating mechanism 47. However, the upward movement of the sliding element 51 is prevented by the engagement between the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 and the teeth 79 of the swivel part 71. Therefore, the heater operating mechanism 47 maintains the engaged configuration, and the heater 7 continues to generate heat.

[0132] The heat generated by the heater 7 heats the thermal expansion element 75, causing it to expand in length. As a result, the swivel section 71 rotates around the axis 73, as shown on the right side of Figure 13. When the thermal expansion element 75 reaches a predetermined temperature, its length becomes sufficient to swivel the swivel section 71, and the teeth 79 of the swivel section 71 disengage from the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51. As a result, the sliding element 51 moves upward, returning the heater operating mechanism 47 to its disengaged configuration. Consequently, the gas release button 50 is no longer pressed by the engaging element 49, and the heater 7 is stopped.

[0133] Therefore, the blocking mechanism 59 can hold the heater operating mechanism 47 in the engaged configuration until the thermal expansion element 75 is heated to a predetermined temperature, and then return the heater operating mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration. The predetermined temperature can be set by appropriately selecting the arrangement of the thermal expansion element 75 and the blocking mechanism 59.

[0134] The thermal expansion element 75 may be provided in the heater housing 23 of the aerosol generator 3. Therefore, the thermal expansion element 75 reacts to the temperature inside the heater housing 23. Alternatively, the thermal expansion element 75 may be provided in another location, for example, in the heating space 21 or the heating chamber 15. If necessary, one or more mechanical connections may be provided between the thermal expansion element 75 and the swivel section 71.

[0135] In the embodiments shown in Figures 12 and 13, the sliding element 51 and the blocking mechanism 59 of the heater operating mechanism 47 together form a ratchet mechanism, allowing the heater operating mechanism 47 to move freely into the engaged configuration and selectively preventing it from moving into the disengaged configuration.

[0136] Alternatively, the blocking mechanism 59 can be configured to selectively block the movement of the heater operating mechanism 47 from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the orientation of the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51. The blocking mechanism 59 can delay the movement of the heater operating mechanism 47 from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration in order to prevent overheating of the heating space 21. For example, the blocking mechanism 59 can prevent the user from immediately returning the heater operating mechanism 47 to the engaged configuration immediately after the heater operating mechanism 47 has returned to the disengaged configuration. The blocking mechanism 59 can be configured so that the heater operating mechanism 47 moves to the engaged configuration only when the temperature of the thermal expansion element 75 of the blocking mechanism 59 is below a predetermined temperature, for example, to prevent overheating.

[0137] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., should be understood in all cases as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, number A is understood as 5 percent of A ± A. In this context, number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error of the measurement of the characteristic modified by number A. Number A may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that in some cases, such as those used in the appended claims, the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the fundamental and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therewith, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, An axially extending heating chamber configured to contain at least partially an aerosol-generating article, A heater operating mechanism configured to move between an engaged configuration and an unengaged configuration is provided. The heater operating mechanism is configured to act on the heater in an engaging configuration to operate the heater and generate heat. The heater operating mechanism is configured not to act on the heater in the non-engaged configuration, thereby stopping the generation of heat by the heater. The heater operating mechanism includes an operating element configured to move the heater operating mechanism from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration. Aerosol generator further comprising a blocking mechanism configured to temporarily prevent the heater operating mechanism from moving from an engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration, or from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration.

2. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily prevent the heater operating mechanism from moving from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration, thereby delaying the heater operating mechanism from moving from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heater operating mechanism comprises a restoring element that provides a mechanical force configured to move the heater operating mechanism to the disengaged configuration.

4. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement configuration comprises a plurality of engagement subconfigurations of the heater operating mechanism, the operating element allows the user to selectively bring the heater operating mechanism to any one of the engagement subconfigurations, and the blocking mechanism is configured to delay the return of the heater operating mechanism from each of the engagement subconfigurations to the non-engagement configuration by different amounts of time for each of the different engagement subconfigurations.

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blocking mechanism comprises a movable part configured to move between a release position in which the heater operating mechanism can move to at least one of the non-engaged configuration and the engaged configuration, and a blocking position that prevents the heater operating mechanism from moving to at least one of the non-engaged configuration and the engaged configuration.

6. The aerosol generator according to claim 5, wherein the movable part is configured to move between the release position and the blocking position in accordance with the temperature.

7. The aerosol generator according to claim 5, wherein the blocking mechanism includes a thermal expansion element configured to move the movable part between the release position and the blocking position in accordance with the temperature of the thermal expansion element.

8. The aerosol generator according to claim 5, wherein the movable part is configured to periodically move between the release position and the blocking position in order to delay the movement of the heater operating mechanism to the disengaged configuration or to the engaged configuration.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heater operating mechanism and the blocking mechanism together form a ratchet mechanism.

10. Aerosol generation system, an aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, an aerosol generating system comprising: a heater configured to generate heat when acted upon by the heater operating mechanism, and not generate heat when not acted upon by the heater operating mechanism.

11. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein the heater is configured to release gas when the heater is acted upon by the heater operating mechanism, and a gas tank is configured to prevent the release of gas when the heater is not acted upon by the heater operating mechanism.

12. A method for generating aerosols, The operating element is moved along the path in the operating direction, thereby acting on the heater by the heater operating mechanism. The heater generates heat in response to the action of the heater operating mechanism. The operating element is returned along the path in a movement opposite to the operating direction. One or more movable parts of the blocking mechanism move to delay the return of the operating element, A method wherein the heater stops generating heat in response to no longer being affected by the heater operating mechanism.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the restoring element increases the restoring force that opposes the movement of the operating element in response to the operating element being moved in the operating direction.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the gas is released from a gas tank in response to the heater being acted upon by the heater operating mechanism, and the gas maintains a flame that heats the heat receiving surface of an aerosol generator that at least partially contains an aerosol generating article.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the blocking mechanism utilizes a change in the length of a thermal expansion element caused by a temperature change to extinguish a flame after the flame has heated an aerosol generating device that contains at least a portion of an aerosol generating article.

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