Aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (101) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material is provided. A container (212) is arranged to receive at least a portion of an article (110) containing the aerosol-generating material. The container (212) defines a heating region (215) in which a portion of the article (110) is heated. A stopper (300) is arranged to abut an edge of the portion of the article (110) received in the container (212) to limit an extent of insertion of the portion of the article (110) into the heating region (215). The stopper (300) is arranged to move between a first stopper position for providing a first usable depth (D1) of the heating region (215) and a second stopper position for providing a second, different usable depth (D2) of the heating region (215).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The present invention further relates to an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco have been made by creating products that release compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a container configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing the aerosol-generating material, the container defining a heating region where a portion of the article is heated; and a stopper arranged to abut against an end of the portion of the article received in the container, in order to limit an insertion range of the portion of the article into the heating region, wherein the stopper is arranged to move between a first stopper position for providing a first usable depth of the heating region and a second stopper position for providing a second different usable depth of the heating region.

[0004] The container may comprise a tubular element.

[0005] The device may include a heating element configured to heat a heating region, wherein a stopper provides a first usable range of the heating element at a first stopper position, and the stopper provides a second different usable range of the heating element at a second stopper position.

[0006] The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating material to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol.

[0007] The heating element can be long and thin.

[0008] The axial range of overlap between the heating element and the article in contact with the stopper may differ between the first stopper position and the second stopper position.

[0009] The stopper may slide against the heating element. The stopper may surround at least a portion of the heating element.

[0010] The stopper may be movable within the container.

[0011] The container and heating element may be fixedly attached.

[0012] The stopper may define an end wall. The end wall may abut against the article.

[0013] The container may have end walls, and the stopper may protrude from the end walls.

[0014] The stopper may include a movable member that rises from the end wall.

[0015] The container may include a surrounding wall and a movable member. The movable member may protrude from the surrounding wall in the second stopper position, or at least one of being retracted into the surrounding wall and / or retracted from the surrounding wall in the first stopper position.

[0016] The stopper may comprise at least one of a movable piston, a movable rod, and a movable sleeve. The stopper may also be a telescopic pick.

[0017] The device may include an actuator configured to actuate a stopper.

[0018] The actuator may include a rotating collar.

[0019] The actuator may be equipped with a sliding button.

[0020] The actuator may include a slider.

[0021] The actuator may be configured to achieve linear motion of the stopper.

[0022] The device may include a heating assembly, the heating assembly may include an inductor coil, and the inductor may be configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0023] The coil may extend around the container.

[0024] The inductor coil and heating element may be fixedly mounted.

[0025] The heating element may protrude into the heating region. The heating element may also be part of the wall of the heating region.

[0026] The device may comprise: a main body including a container and a stopper; a first auxiliary member removably mountable to the main body, the first auxiliary member comprising a first chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material; and a second auxiliary member removably mountable to the main body, the second auxiliary member comprising a second chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, wherein the first auxiliary member and the second auxiliary member are configured to be exchangeably attached to the main body, the first chamber has a first configuration, the second chamber has a second configuration, and the first configuration differs from the second configuration such that the portion of the article receivable by the first chamber is different from the portion receivable by the second chamber.

[0027] The first auxiliary member may be a mouthpiece, and the second auxiliary member may be a mouthpiece.

[0028] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a heating chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material; a heating element arranged to axially overlap with at least a portion of the article received in the heating chamber; and a stopper arranged to abut against an end of the portion of the article received in the heating chamber, wherein the stopper is movable to adjust a range of axial overlap between the article received in the heating chamber and the heating element.

[0029] According to an aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising: an article comprising an aerosol-generating material; and an aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a container arranged to receive at least a portion of the article containing the aerosol-generating material, the container defining a heating region in which a portion of the article is heated; and a stopper arranged to abut an end of the portion of the article received in the container to limit the extent of insertion of the portion of the article into the heating region, the stopper being arranged to move between a first stopper position for providing a first usable depth of the heating region and a second stopper position for providing a second, different usable depth of the heating region.

[0030] The article may be a consumable.

[0031] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] [Figure 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an aerosol generation system including an aerosol-generating device and an article inserted into the device. [Figure 2A] Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a part of the aerosol generation system of Fig. 1 including the aerosol-generating device in a first configuration. [Figure 2B] Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a part of the aerosol generation system of Fig. 1 including the aerosol-generating device in a second configuration. [Figure 3A] Fig. 3A is a diagram schematically showing a part of an aerosol generation system including an aerosol-generating device in a first configuration. [Figure 3B] Fig. 3B is a diagram schematically showing a part of the aerosol generation system of Fig. 3A including the aerosol-generating device in a second configuration. [Figure 4A] Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a part of an aerosol generation system including an aerosol-generating device in a first configuration. [Figure 4B] This figure schematically shows a part of the aerosol generation system of Figure 4A, which has an aerosol generation device in the second configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” refers to a material capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials may include any plant-based material, such as tobacco-containing materials, and may include one or more of the following: tobacco, tobacco derivatives, extended tobacco, re-tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may further include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, or wax. Aerosol-generating materials may further include, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as “smoking materials.”

[0034] The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. 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-derived materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco-free.

[0035] The aerosol-generating material comprises an "amorphous solid" or may be an "amorphous solid." The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid." In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some fluid, such as a liquid, inside itself. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of an amorphous solid, or about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of an amorphous solid.

[0036] The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a sheet, or be a sheet, which may optionally be cut into small pieces to form shredded sheets. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheets may be substantially tobacco-free.

[0037] Typically, devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material in order to form an inhalable aerosol without burning or combustion of the aerosol-generating material. Such devices may be described as “aerosol-generating devices,” “aerosol-supplying devices,” “non-combustion heating devices,” “tobacco heating product devices,” or “tobacco heating devices,” or similar. Similarly, there are so-called e-cigarette devices that typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device, or may be provided as part of a rod, cartridge, or cassette that can be inserted into the device. A heater for heating and volatilizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a “permanent” part of the device.

[0038] An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, “article” refers to a component that contains or is contained in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally, other components in use. The user inserts the article into the aerosol supply device before the article is heated to produce an aerosol, and the user can then inhale the aerosol. The article may be of a predetermined or specific size, for example, configured to be placed in the heating chamber of a device sized to receive the article.

[0039] Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol generation system 100. The system 100 comprises an aerosol generation device 101 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generation material, and a replaceable article 110 containing the aerosol generation material. The device 101 may be used to heat the replaceable article 110 containing the aerosol generation material in order to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material that can be inhaled by a user of the device 101. The article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 101 for heating by the device 101.

[0040] Device 101 defines a longitudinal axis 102, and article 110 may extend along the longitudinal axis 102 when inserted into device 101. During use, the user inhales the aerosol generated by the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through article 110 along the flow path toward the proximal end 103 of device 101. The proximal end (or mouth end) 103 of device 101 is closest to the user's mouth when device 101 is in use. The other end of device 101, furthest from the proximal end 103, is called the distal end 104 of device 101 because, during use, that end is the furthest from the user's mouth.

[0041] When a user inhales the aerosol generated by the device, the aerosol flows toward the proximal end of the device 101. When applied to the mechanism of the device 101, the terms proximal and distal are explained by referring to the relative positions of such mechanisms with respect to each other in the proximal-distal direction along the axis 102.

[0042] The device 101 comprises a main body 105 and an auxiliary body 106. The auxiliary body 106 is removablely attachable to the main body 105. In embodiments, the main body 105 and the auxiliary body 106 form a single unit. The main body 105 comprises a housing that encloses and accommodates various components of the device 101. The housing is elongated. The device 101 defines an article receiving chamber 109. The article receiving chamber 109 is positioned to receive at least a portion of an article 110. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the article receiving chamber 109 is sized to enclose the article 110. In embodiments, the article 110 is positioned to protrude from the article receiving chamber 109. The article receiving chamber 109 is defined in both the main body 105 and the auxiliary body 106. In embodiments, the article receiving chamber 109 is defined in only the main body 105.

[0043] The auxiliary body 106 comprises an auxiliary receiving chamber 107 positioned to receive at least a portion of the article 110. The article 110 is sized to be received by the auxiliary receiving chamber 107. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 forms part of the article receiving chamber 109. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 is generally cylindrical in shape; however, other shapes are possible. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 is aligned along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The auxiliary body 106 is positioned at the proximal end 103 of the device 101.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the auxiliary body 106 is a mouthpiece. An opening 108 is formed in the mouthpiece at the proximal end 103 of the device 101. The opening 108 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 102. The opening 108 is fluidly connected to the auxiliary receiving chamber 107 so that the aerosol flows through the article 110, which is partially received in the auxiliary receiving chamber 107, and through the opening 108 towards the proximal end 103 of the device 101. In use of the device 101, the mouthpiece is removed from the body 105 before the article 110 is inserted into the auxiliary receiving chamber 107. In some embodiments, the article 110 is inserted into the auxiliary receiving chamber 107 through the opening 108. In embodiments, the auxiliary body is omitted or formed integrally with the body 105.

[0045] Device 101 is configured such that various different auxiliary bodies 106 can be used interchangeably with device 101. In this embodiment, the device comprises a first auxiliary body 106 (shown in Figure 1) and a second auxiliary body 106 (not shown). The first auxiliary body comprises a first auxiliary chamber positioned to receive at least a portion of an article 110. The second auxiliary comprises a second auxiliary chamber positioned to receive at least a portion of an article 110. The first auxiliary chamber has a first configuration, and the second auxiliary chamber has a second configuration, the first configuration differing from the second configuration such that the portion of the article 110 that can be received by the first auxiliary chamber is different from the portion that can be received by the second auxiliary chamber. Such different configurations may include one or more of the chamber depth, chamber width, and chamber shape.

[0046] Device 101 includes a device 200 for heating an aerosol-generating material. The device 200 includes a heating assembly 201, a controller (control circuit) 202, and a power supply 204. The device 200 forms part of the main body 110. The device 200 may also include a chassis and other components that form part of device 101. The heating assembly 201 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of an article 110 inserted into device 101, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. The power supply 204 supplies power to the heating assembly 201, which converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power supply 204 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.

[0047] The power supply 204 may be electrically coupled to the heating assembly 201 to supply power under the control of the controller 202 when needed to heat the aerosol-generating material. The control circuit 202 may be configured to activate and deactivate the heating assembly 201 based on user input.

[0048] The heating assembly 201 may comprise various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of article 110 by an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may comprise 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 results in a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned with respect to the induction element, generating eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to eddy currents, and therefore, the flow of eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. If the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis loss in the susceptor, in other words, by the fluctuating orientation of the magnetic dipole in the magnetic material as a result of the matching of its magnetic dipole with the fluctuating magnetic field. In induction heating, compared to heating by conduction, for example, 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 allows for greater flexibility in structure and application.

[0049] The apparatus 200 includes a dimensionally defined heating chamber 211 configured to receive an article 110 to be heated. The heating chamber defines at least a portion of the article receiving chamber 109. The heating chamber 211 defines a heating area 215. In this example, the article 110 is generally cylindrical, and the heating chamber 211 is correspondingly generally cylindrical in shape. However, other shapes are possible. The heating chamber 211 is formed by a container 212. The container 212 includes a surrounding wall 214. In this embodiment, the container 212 is a single, integrated component.

[0050] The heating chamber 211 is defined by a container 212, which acts as a support member. The container 212 generally comprises a tubular member. The container 212 extends along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101, around the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101, and substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. However, other shapes are possible. The container 212 (and thus the heating region 215) is open at its proximal end so that the article 110 can be received by the heating chamber 211 through the opening 104. The container 212 may comprise one or more conduits that form part of the air passage.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, the auxiliary receiving chamber 107 and heating chamber 211 of the auxiliary body 106 are aligned axially. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 is continuous with the heating chamber 211 when the auxiliary body 106 is attached to the main body 105. The internal dimensions of the auxiliary receiving chamber 107 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 substantially correspond to the internal dimensions of the chamber 211 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102. The auxiliary receiving chamber 107 can guide the insertion of the article 110 into the heating chamber 211.

[0052] The container 212 is formed without any material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The container 212 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the container 212 may be formed from a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. The container 212 may be formed from such a material to ensure that the assembly remains rigid / solid when the heating assembly 201 is operated. Using a non-metallic material for the container 212 can help regulate the heating of other components of the device 101. The container 212 may be formed from a rigid material to assist in supporting the other components. However, in embodiments, the container 212 comprises a material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the heating assembly 201 includes a heating element 220. The heating element 220 is configured to heat a heating region 215. The heating region 215 is defined in a heating chamber 211. In the embodiment, the heating chamber 211 defines a portion of the heating region 215 or an area of ​​the heating region 215.

[0054] The heating element 220 is capable of heating the heating region 215. The heating element 220 is an induction heating element. That is, the heating element 220 comprises a susceptor capable of heating by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The susceptor comprises a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the susceptor may be formed from carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials, such as ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, may be used.

[0055] The heating assembly 201 includes a magnetic field generator 240. The magnetic field generator 240 is configured to generate one or more fluctuating magnetic fields that penetrate the susceptor to cause heating in the susceptor. The magnetic field generator 240 includes an inductor coil configuration 241. The inductor coil configuration 241 includes an inductor coil 242 that acts as an inductor element. The inductor coil 242 is a helical coil, but other configurations are conceivable. In embodiments, the inductor coil configuration 241 includes two or more inductor coils 242. The two or more inductor coils in embodiments are arranged adjacent to each other and may be coaxially aligned along the axis.

[0056] In some examples, during use, the inductor coil is configured to heat the heating element 220 to a temperature between approximately 200°C and approximately 350°C, such as between approximately 240°C and approximately 300°C, or between approximately 250°C and approximately 280°C.

[0057] The heating element 220 extends into the heating region 215. The heating element 220, acting as a protruding element, protrudes into the heating region 215. The heating element 220 rises from the distal end of the container 212. In the embodiment, the distal end of the container 212 is defined by the end wall 213. The heating element 220 is spaced apart from the surrounding wall 214. The heating assembly 201 is configured such that when the article 110 is received by the heating chamber 211, a portion of the heating element 220 extends to the distal end of the article 110. The portion of the heating element 220 extending to the distal end of the article 110 defines the axial range of overlap between the heating element 220 and the article 110. During use, the heating element 220 is positioned within the article 110. The heating element 220 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 from the inside, and for this reason, it is called an internal heating element.

[0058] The heating element 220 extends into the heating chamber 211 from the distal end of the heating chamber 211 along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device (axially). In embodiments, the heating element 220 extends into the heating chamber 211 spaced away from the axis 102. The heating element 220 may be off-axial or non-parallel to the axis 102. Although one heating element 220 is shown, in embodiments it will be understood that the heating assembly 201 comprises multiple heating elements 220. Such heating elements in embodiments are spaced apart from each other but parallel to each other.

[0059] The inductor coil 241 is located outside the heating chamber 211. The inductor coil 241 surrounds the heating region 215. The inductor coil 241 extends around at least a portion of the heating element 220. The helical inductor coil 241 is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 220. The heating element 220 acts as a susceptor. The helical inductor coil 241 is positioned coaxially with the heating chamber 211 and the longitudinal axis 102.

[0060] The inductor coil 242 is a helical coil made of a conductive material, such as copper. The coil is formed from wire, such as Litz wire, which is helically wound around a support member. The support member is formed by a container 212 or by another component. In some embodiments, the support member is omitted. The support member is tubular. The coil 242 generally defines a tubular shape. The inductor coil 242 generally has a circular contour. In other embodiments, the inductor coil 242 may generally have a different shape, such as a square, rectangular, or elliptical. The coil width may increase or decrease along the length of the coil.

[0061] Other types of inductor coils, such as flat helical coils, may be used. Using a helical coil allows for the definition of an elongated inductor region for receiving a susceptor, which ensures that a susceptor of elongated length is supported within the elongated inductor region. The length of the susceptor subjected to a fluctuating magnetic field can be maximized. Providing a helical coil configuration in the enclosed inductor region can assist in concentrating the magnetic flux of the magnetic field.

[0062] Litz wire comprises multiple individual wires, each individually insulated and twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wire is designed to reduce skin effect losses in the conductor. Other wire types, such as solid wire, may be used. The configuration of a helical inductor coil may vary along the axial length of the helical inductor coil. For example, the inductor coil, or each inductor coil, may have substantially the same or different values ​​such as inductance, axial length, radius, pitch, and number of turns.

[0063] Figure 1 shows an article 110 received in device 101. The article 110 is sized to be received by container 212. The external dimensions of the article 110 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis substantially correspond to the internal dimensions of the chamber 211 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of device 101, in order to allow the article 110 to be inserted into container 212.

[0064] In the embodiment, the gap 216 is defined between the outside 111 of the article 110 and the inside 217 of the container 212. The gap 216 can function as an air passage along at least a portion of the axial length of the chamber 211. The axial length of the article is the distance between the insertion end 112 of the article 110 and the proximal end of the article 110. The insertion end 112 of the article 110 is positioned to contact the base when the article is inserted into the container 212.

[0065] The heating assembly 201 further comprises a stopper 300. The stopper 300 is movable in the container 212. The stopper 300 is located in the container 212. In embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 1, 2A and 2B, the stopper 300 defines an end wall 213. The end wall 213 defines a base. The stopper 300, acting as an end wall 213, is movable relative to the container 212. In embodiments, for example as shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B, the container 212 comprises an end wall 213 and the stopper 300 defines a base. The stopper 300 is movable relative to the end wall.

[0066] The stopper 300 is formed without any material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The stopper 300 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the stopper 300 may be formed from a plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. Using a non-metallic material for the stopper 300 can help regulate the heating of other components of the device 101 and / or prevent the combustion of aerosol-generating materials.

[0067] The device 101 includes an actuation assembly 400. The actuation assembly 400 comprises a user-operable actuation element 410 and an actuation mechanism 420. The actuation element 410 is configured to adjust the device 101 for use with the dimensions of a selected article 110 to be received by the device. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the actuation element 410 comprises a rotating collar 411. In other embodiments, the actuation element 410 may have a different configuration and may comprise, for example, at least one of a button, a sliding button, a slider, and a switch. The actuation mechanism 420 is mechanically or electrically connected to the actuation element 410. The actuation mechanism 420 may be an actuator or an electric motor. The actuation mechanism 420 is configured to move a stopper 300 relative to the container 212 in response to the actuation element 410 being operated. The actuation mechanism 420 is configured to move the stopper 300 to adjust the usable range of the heating region 215, that is, to adjust the range in which an article can be inserted into the heating region 215.

[0068] The operating assembly 400 further comprises an indicator element 402. In some embodiments, the indicator element may be omitted. The indicator element 402 provides the user with visual indication of the position of the stopper 300 relative to the container 212. The indicator element 402 is shown as a raised element, but may instead comprise a notch, marking or light.

[0069] As shown in Figure 2A, the stopper 300 is generally tubular. The stopper 300 protrudes into the container 212. The stopper 300 acts as an end wall 213. The stopper 300 has a stopper surface 310. The stopper surface 310 acts as a base. The stopper surface 310 faces the open proximal end of the container 212. The stopper 300 closes the container 212 at its distal end. The stopper 300 has an inner surface 303 and an outer surface 304. The stopper surface 310 is configured to abut against the insertion end 112 of the article 110. The stopper 300 limits the range of insertion of the article 110 into the heating region 215.

[0070] The stopper 300 is sized to fit within the container 212. The outer dimensions of the stopper 300 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the container 212. The outer surface 304 of the stopper 300 and the inner surface 217 of the container 212 form a slide fit.

[0071] The stopper 300 surrounds a portion of the heating element 220. The inner surface of the stopper 300 defines a hole 302. The hole 302 extends along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The hole 302 is sized to receive the heating element 220. The hole 302 and the heating element 220 are complementary sized to form a slide fit. The inner surface 303 may be in contact with the outer surface of the heating element 220. The stopper 300 surrounds a portion of the heating element 220 to reduce the usable depth D1 of the heating region 215. The usable depth of the heating region 215 is defined as the portion of the heating region 215 that is available to receive the portion of the article 110 to be heated by the heating element 220.

[0072] The stopper 300 is positioned to move between a first stopper position for providing a first usable depth D1 of the heating region 215 and a second stopper position for providing a second different usable depth D2 of the heating region 215. Adjusting the usable depth of the heating region 215 is advantageous because it allows articles of various lengths to be used with the device 101, and / or portions of aerosol-generating material of different lengths in an article to be used with the device 101.

[0073] The stopper 300 is movable relative to the container 212 and the heating element 220. The container 212 and the heating element 220 are in fixed positions. The stopper 300 slides on the outer surface of the heating element 220. In the examples of Figures 2A and 2B, the stopper 300 moves from a first stopper position to a second stopper position along the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The first stopper position and the second stopper position are different axial positions of the stopper 300.

[0074] Figure 2A shows a device 101 receiving an article 110 having a first predetermined dimension. The first predetermined dimension may correspond to a first axial length L1 of the article 110. A stopper 300 is shown in a first stopper position. In the first stopper position, the stopper 300 provides a first usable depth D1 of the heating region 215. In the first stopper position, the stopper 300 overlaps a first portion of the heating member 220.

[0075] Figure 2B shows a device 101 receiving an article 110 having a second predetermined dimension. The second predetermined dimension may correspond to a second axial length L2 of the article 110. The stopper 300 is shown in a second stopper position. In the second stopper position, the stopper 300 provides a second usable depth D2 of the heating region 215. The second usable depth D2 of the heating region 215 is different from the first usable depth D1. In the second stopper position, the stopper 300 overlaps a second portion of the heating element 220. The second portion of the heating element 220 is different in length from the first portion. The axial range of overlap between the heating element 220 and the article 110 in contact with the stopper 300 is different between the first stopper position and the second stopper position.

[0076] The rotating collar 411, which acts as an actuator, is shown to have a first circumferential position and a second circumferential position. Figure 2A shows the rotating collar 411 in the first circumferential position, and Figure 2B shows the rotating collar 411 in the second circumferential position. When the rotating collar 411 is in the first circumferential position, the stopper 300 is in the first stopper position. When the rotating collar 411 is in the second circumferential position, the stopper 300 is in the second stopper position. Moving the rotating collar 411 from the first circumferential position to the second circumferential position causes the stopper 300 to move from the first stopper position to the second stopper position. Moving the rotating collar 411 from the second circumferential position to the first circumferential position causes the stopper 300 to move from the second stopper position to the first stopper position. In this embodiment, the rotating collar 411 is shown to have two circumferential positions. In other embodiments, the rotating collar 411 may have three or more circumferential positions, each corresponding to a stopper position of the stopper 300. The actuator in the embodiment is arranged to adjust the stopper between a predetermined number of individual positions, or is continuously variable over the range of movement of the stopper 300.

[0077] The first stopper position of the stopper 300 is predetermined to configure the device 101 to receive an article 110 having a first length L1. The second stopper position of the stopper 300 is predetermined to configure the device 101 to receive an article 110 having a second length L2 different from the first length L1. In some embodiments, the first stopper position of the stopper 300 is predetermined to provide a first axial range of overlap between the heating element 220 and the article 110 in contact with the stopper 300. The second stopper position of the stopper 300 is predetermined to provide a second axial range of overlap between the heating element 220 and the article 110 in contact with the stopper 300. The first axial range of overlap is different from the second axial range of overlap.

[0078] In using device 101, before inserting article 110 into device 101, the user moves the rotating collar 411 to a first circumferential position or a second circumferential position so as to configure device 101 for use with a first article having a first length L1 or a second article having a second length L2, respectively. As a result, the operating mechanism 420 moves the stopper 300 to a first stopper position or a second stopper position, respectively. The user then inserts the corresponding first or second article into the device until the insertion end 112 abuts against the stopper 300. In some embodiments, the total lengths of the first and second articles may be substantially the same, but the first article may have aerosol-generating material of a first length, and the second article may have aerosol-generating material of a second different length.

[0079] The stopper 300 in the embodiments has a different configuration. In the embodiments described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, the stopper 300 is a pin or a protruding member. Other configurations such as sleeves, rods, and tubular members may be used. The configuration of device 101 is generally the same as that described above, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. The stopper 300 extends from the end wall 213 of the container 212. The stopper comprises an outer surface 304 and a stopper surface 310. The stopper surface 310 is configured to abut against the insertion end 112 of the article 110. The stopper 300 is spaced apart from the inner surface 217 of the container 212 and from the heating element 220. The stopper 300 is positioned to move between a first stopper position for providing a first usable depth D1 of the heating region 215 and a second stopper position for providing a second different usable depth D2 of the heating region 215. In the examples of Figures 3A and 3B, the stopper 300 is shown as a single component, but other configurations are conceivable. For example, the stopper 300 may comprise a plurality of pins arranged circumferentially around the heating element 220. In the embodiment, one of the stopper positions of the stopper 300 is such that the insertion end 112 of the article 110 abuts against the end wall 213, and therefore the end wall 213 acts to restrict the insertion of the article 110, by retracting the stopper into or out of the end wall 213. In other words, when the stopper 300 is retracted into or out of the end wall 213 of the container 212, the end wall 213 acts as a base.

[0080] In embodiments described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B, the stopper 300 comprises a movable element 301 configured to move radially with respect to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device. The configuration of the device 101 is generally the same as that described above, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. The stopper 300 protrudes from the surrounding wall 214 of the container 212. The stopper 300 moves between a first stopper position and a second stopper position along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. The first stopper position and the second stopper position are different radial positions of the stopper 300. The stopper 300 moves with respect to the container 212 and the heating element 220.

[0081] Figure 4A shows the stopper 300 in a first position, and Figure 4B shows the stopper 300 in a second position. When in the first stopper position, the stopper 300 provides a first usable depth D1 of the heating region 215. When in the second stopper position, the stopper 300 provides a second different usable depth D2 of the heating region 215. In the second stopper position, the stopper 300 abuts against the insertion end 112 of the article 110. In the first stopper position, the stopper 300 is retracted from the container 212. In the first stopper position, the insertion end 112 of the article 110 abuts against the end wall 213 of the container 212.

[0082] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the heating chamber 211 includes a recess 230. The recess 230 is formed in the inner surface 217 of the container 212. The recess 230 is sized to receive a stopper 300. In the second stopper position, the stopper 300 is received in the recess 230 such that the stopper 300 does not restrict the range of insertion of the article 110. The stopper surface 310 of the stopper 300 does not come into contact with the insertion end 112 of the article 110.

[0083] In the embodiments of Figures 4A and 4B, the stopper 300 is a blade. However, it will be understood that other configurations such as one or more of pins, protrusions, and tabs may be used. Although the stopper 300 is shown as a single element, in embodiments the stopper 300 may comprise multiple elements. For example, the stopper 300 may comprise multiple pins arranged circumferentially around the heating element 220.

[0084] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the surrounding wall 214 of the container 212 is defined by a heating element. The heating element is configured to receive the article 110. The heating element is generally tubular. The stopper 300 is sized to be received by the heating element. The outer dimensions of the stopper 300 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device may substantially correspond to the inner dimensions of the heating element 220. The heating element is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 110 from the outside, and for this reason is referred to as an external heating element.

[0085] In the embodiment, the device 101 is generally the same as that described with respect to Figures 2A and 2B. However, the stopper surface 310 of the stopper 300 is retracted into or from the end wall 213 of the container 212 in the first stopper position. In the first stopper position, the end wall 213 defines the usable range of the heating area 215. When the stopper 300 is moved to the second stopper position, the stopper 300 defines the usable range of the heating area 215.

[0086] In the embodiments described above, the heating component is an induction heating component. Other types of heating components, such as resistive heating, are used in embodiments. The configuration of the device is generally as described above, and therefore a detailed description is omitted. In such configurations, the heating assembly comprises a resistive heating generator which includes components for heating a heating element by a resistive heating process. In this case, a current is applied directly to the resistive heating component, and the resulting current flow in the heating component causes the heating component to be heated by Joule heating. The resistive heating component comprises a resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through the resistive heating component, and the heating assembly comprises electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistive material.

[0087] In the embodiment, the heating element forms the resistive heating component itself. In the embodiment, the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heating element, for example, by conduction.

[0088] The embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Further embodiments of the present invention are conceivable. Any mechanism described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other mechanisms described, and further, in combination with one or more mechanisms from any other embodiment, or in any combination of any other embodiment. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials, A container arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, the container defining a heating region in which the portion of the article is heated, A stopper, which is positioned to contact the end of the portion of the article received in the container, in order to limit the range of insertion of the portion of the article into the heating region, and which is movable in the container, A heating element configured to heat the aforementioned heating region, Equipped with, The stopper is positioned to move between a first stopper position for providing a first usable depth of the heating region and a second stopper position for providing a second different usable depth of the heating region. The stopper defines the end wall of the container, The stopper overlaps with the first portion of the heating element at the first stopper position. The stopper overlaps with the second portion of the heating element at the second stopper position. The second portion of the heating element has a different length from the first portion. Aerosol generation device.

2. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating element configured to heat the heating region, The stopper provides a first usable range of the heating element at the first stopper position. The stopper provides a second usable range for the heating element at the second stopper position. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. The axial range of overlap between the heating element and the article in contact with the stopper differs between the first stopper position and the second stopper position. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

4. The stopper slides against the heating element. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

5. The stopper surrounds at least a portion of the heating element. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

6. The heating element defines at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the container. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

7. The stopper closes the container at its distal end. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

8. The stopper is formed from an insulating material. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

9. The stopper comprises at least one of a movable piston, a movable rod, and a movable sleeve. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

10. The aerosol generating device comprises an actuator configured to actuate the stopper. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

11. The actuator comprises a rotating collar, The aerosol generating device according to claim 10.

12. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating assembly, The heating assembly comprises an inductor coil, The inductor coil is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

13. The inductor coil extends around the container. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

14. The stopper is formed without containing any material that can be heated by the intrusion of a fluctuating magnetic field. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

15. The aerosol generating device is A main body comprising the container and the stopper, A first auxiliary body comprising a first chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, the first auxiliary body being detachably attached to the main body, A second auxiliary body comprising a second chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, the second auxiliary body being detachably attached to the main body, Furthermore, The first auxiliary body and the second auxiliary body are configured to be interchangeably attached to the main body, The first chamber has a first configuration, and the second chamber has a second configuration. The first configuration differs from the second configuration in that the portion of the article that can be received by the first chamber is different from the portion of the article that can be received by the second chamber. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

16. The aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein the first auxiliary body is a mouthpiece, and the second auxiliary body is a mouthpiece.

17. An aerosol generating device for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials, A heating chamber arranged to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol-generating material, comprising a heating chamber formed by a container, A heating element is positioned in the heating chamber so as to overlap axially with at least a portion of the article received, A stopper positioned to contact the end of a portion of an article received in the heating chamber, the stopper being movable in the container, Equipped with, The stopper is movable to adjust the range of axial overlap between the article received in the heating chamber and the heating element, The stopper defines the end wall of the container, The stopper overlaps with the first portion of the heating element at the first stopper position. The stopper overlaps with the second portion of the heating element at the second stopper position. The second portion of the heating element has a different length from the first portion. Aerosol generation device.

18. An article comprising an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, An aerosol generation system equipped with the following features.

19. The aforementioned item is a consumable item. The aerosol generation system according to claim 18.

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