CN117202804A - Non-combustible sol supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-combustible sol supply device (100) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable, the non-combustible sol supply device (100) comprising: a receiver for receiving a consumable; and an adapter (206) configured to adjust the non-combustible sol supply device (100) by changing an effective length of the receiver such that each of a plurality of consumables having different lengths can be received individually in the receiver and protrude from the non-combustible sol supply device (100) by substantially equal amounts when received in the receiver for use.

Description

Non-combustible sol supply device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a non-combustible aerosol provision device for heating an aerosol-generating material in a consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material.

Background

Articles such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by making products that release the compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called heated but not combusted products, also called tobacco heating products or tobacco heating devices, which release compounds by heating but not combusting a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products or combinations (such as blends) that may or may not contain nicotine.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a non-combustible sol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable, the non-combustible sol supply device comprising: a receiver for receiving a consumable; and an adapter configured to adjust the non-combustible sol supply device by changing an effective length of the receiver such that each of the plurality of consumables having different lengths can be received individually in the receiver and protrude from the non-combustible sol supply device by substantially equal amounts when received in the receiver for use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustible sol supply system comprising: the non-combustible sol supply device according to the first aspect; a first consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material, the first consumable having a first width; and a second consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material, the second consumable having a second width, the second width being less than the first width.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a non-combustible sol supply system comprising: the non-combustible sol supply device according to the first aspect; a first consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material, the first consumable having a first length; and a second consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material, the second consumable having a second length, the second length being greater than the first length.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material comprised in a consumable;

fig. 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional block diagram of a second non-combustible sol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material comprised in a consumable;

fig. 3A shows a schematic side view of a first consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material;

fig. 3B shows a schematic side view of a second consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material;

fig. 4A shows a first schematic side cross-section of a second non-combustible sol supply according to a first example;

fig. 4B shows a second schematic side cross-sectional view of a second non-combustible sol supply device according to the first example;

fig. 5A shows a first schematic perspective view of a second non-combustible sol supply according to a second example;

fig. 5B shows a second schematic perspective view of a second non-combustible sol supply device according to a second example;

fig. 6A shows a first schematic perspective view of a side section of a second non-combustible sol supply device according to a third example;

fig. 6B shows a second schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of a second non-combustible sol supply device according to a third example;

Fig. 6C shows a first side cross-sectional view of a second non-combustible sol supply according to a third example;

fig. 6D shows a third schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of a second non-combustible sol supply device according to a third example;

fig. 6E shows a second schematic side cross-section of a second non-combustible sol supply according to a third example;

fig. 6F shows a first schematic perspective view of a second non-combustible sol supply according to a third example; and

fig. 6G shows a second schematic perspective view of a second non-combustible sol supply device according to a third example.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a non-combustible sol supply device 100. The non-combustible sol supply means 100 comprises a receptacle, such as a chamber, cavity or holder. The receptacle is for receiving a consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material. For example, the receiver may be the heating chamber 102. The following description is in the context of an example in which the receiver is a heating chamber.

An aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, irradiated or energized in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may for example be in solid, liquid or gel form, which may or may not contain an active substance and/or a flavour. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) within their interior. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, from about 50wt%, 60wt%, or 70wt% amorphous solids to about 90wt%, 95wt%, or 100wt% amorphous solids.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which in use releases heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may for example comprise a combustible material, a material which is heatable by electrical conduction or a susceptor.

The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 is for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material in a consumable. The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 comprises an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol-supplying device 100 is used to heat an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable to volatilize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material. In such an example, the aerosol generator is used to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material. In other examples, the aerosol generator is configured such that the aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, pressurization, electrostatic energy, or through the use of ultrasonic energy. In some such examples, the aerosol generator comprises one or more piezoelectric elements that subject the aerosol-generating material to vibration.

The non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 may be configured to deliver an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol-generating material. The consumable may be a Tobacco Heating Product (THP) product. The non-combustible aerosol supply device 100 may for example be a hand-held device for providing an inhalable aerosol.

Hereinafter, the non-combustible sol supply device 100 is referred to as the device 100. The following description is in the context of an example in which the device 100 is configured to heat an aerosol-generating material.

The device 100 is configured to heat aerosol-generating material in a consumable received in the heating chamber 102 as described. The apparatus 100 comprises a heating device 104 configured to provide energy for heating the aerosol-generating material received in the consumable in the heating chamber 102. In some examples, the heating device 104 includes one or more resistive heating elements disposed in thermal contact with the heating chamber 102. The flow of current against the resistance of the one or more resistive heating elements generates heat. This process is known as joule heating, ohmic heating or resistive heating.

A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material such that it is penetrated by a varying magnetic field to cause inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that it is penetrated by a varying magnetic field causing hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be electrically conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor may be heated by two heating mechanisms. The device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

In some examples, the heating device 104 is a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field to inductively heat the susceptor. The magnetic field generator may comprise one or more inductors through which an alternating current is passed to generate the varying magnetic field. In some examples, the magnetic field generator includes one or more susceptors. In other examples, the magnetic field generator may not include susceptors, and one or more susceptors may alternatively be provided as part of/with a consumable intended for use with the device 100.

The apparatus 100 includes a power source 106. The power supply 106 supplies power to the various components of the device 100. In some examples, the power source 106 is a battery. In some examples, the power source 106 includes a battery and a DC-DC converter, and power is supplied from the battery through the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter may allow the power supply 106 to supply power at a voltage different from the voltage of the battery. In some examples, the apparatus 100 may include a DC-to-AC converter for converting DC current from, for example, a battery to AC current, e.g., to supply power to one or more inductors of the heating device 104 where the heating device 104 is an induction heating device. In the following examples, the power source 106 is simply referred to as a battery 106.

In the example of fig. 1, the non-combustible sol supply 100 includes a processor 108 in data communication with a computer readable memory 110. The processor 108 is configured to control the operation of aspects of the apparatus 100. The processor 108 controls aspects by executing instructions stored on the computer-readable memory 110. For example, the processor 108 may control the operation of the heating device 104. For example, the processor may control the delivery of power from the battery 106 to the heating device 104 by controlling various electrical components, such as a switch or the like (not shown in fig. 1).

In the example of fig. 1, the apparatus 100 includes a retention device 112. The retention device 112 is configured to hold consumables intended for use with the apparatus 100 in place one at a time. For example, the retention device 112 holds the consumable received in the heating chamber 102 in place.

It will be appreciated that the device 100 may include other components not shown in fig. 1, such as ventilation inlet/outlet, control interface, charging port, etc. It should be noted that fig. 1 is merely a schematic sketch showing a number of components that may be included in the device 100. Fig. 1 is not intended to convey the particular location of various components. For example, the retaining device 112 may be provided at any location within/within the apparatus 100 as long as the retaining device is used to hold the consumable received in the heating chamber 102 in place.

The device 100 also includes a housing 114 in which the components described above may be housed. More specific examples of the apparatus 100 will be described below.

Fig. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional block diagram of a device 100 according to an example. In fig. 2, reference numeral 202 represents the proximal end of the device 100, and reference numeral 204 represents the distal end of the device 100. Proximal end 202 is the end that the user holds closer to the user's mouth (e.g., points toward the user's mouth) than distal end 204 when aerosol is inhaled using device 100 as intended. On the other hand, the distal end 204 of the device 100 is the end that the user holds farther from the user's mouth than the proximal end 202 when aerosol is inhaled using the device 100 as intended.

Not all of the components that may be part of the apparatus 100 are shown in fig. 2. The device 100 includes an adapter 206 configured to adapt the device 100 by varying the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 such that each of a plurality of consumables of different lengths that may be individually received in the heating chamber 102 protrudes from the device 100 by a substantially equal amount when received in the heating chamber 102 for use.

As used herein, different dimensions do not refer to variations in consumable dimensions due to manufacturing tolerances. As used herein, different sizes refer to different expected sizes of consumables. For example, consumables have different expected lengths for fitting into differently sized receptacles. Consumables of different desired lengths may be referred to as different types of consumables. Different types of consumables differ only in their intended length or may additionally differ in other respects such as internal construction, internal structure, etc.

As used herein, the effective length 201 is the length of the heating chamber 102 plus the amount that is added to the length of the heating chamber 102 by including the adapter 206. As used herein, the amount a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of the given consumable that is not covered by the housing 114 or any other element, such as the described adapter. In other words, the amount by which a given consumable protrudes from the device 100 is the amount (e.g., length) of the given consumable that is exposed outside the effective length 201. Thus, when a consumable is received in the heating chamber 102, the effective length 201 of the heating chamber defines the extent to which the consumable protrudes from the device 100.

In some examples, the consumable may have an airflow structure (e.g., an opening or a section of material that allows airflow) disposed toward a proximal end of the consumable. For example, the airflow structure is used to control the resistance to drawing out the consumable and/or to control the extent to which the aerosol is diluted by air. It may be desirable that the airflow structure is at least partially covered to inhibit airflow during use. This may be desirable, for example, to enable the consumable in question to function with the device 100 in a desired manner. The airflow structure may be disposed at a particular distance from a respective proximal end of each of the plurality of consumables. Thus, if the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 are not caused to protrude from the device 100, for example, by substantially equal amounts, then consumables of different lengths may not be used with the device 100 in the manner in which the consumables are intended for use. Ensuring that consumables of different lengths protrude the same amount from one another may ensure that airflow structures located at a particular distance from the respective proximal ends of the consumables are at least partially covered by the housing 114 and/or the adapter 206 as intended.

In some instances, for example, it may be advantageous to ensure that only a predetermined length of consumable protrudes from the device 100 to reduce the likelihood of the consumable being inadvertently removed from the device 100 when the device 100 is bumped or the like. In some examples, the adapter 206 may enable cleaning of the heating chamber 102 (e.g., when one or more adapters are inserted into and removed from the heating chamber 102). In some examples, adapter 206 may support the proximal end of the consumable in use to reduce the risk of damaging the consumable in use.

Fig. 2 is merely a schematic diagram and should not be construed as designating a particular structure, location, arrangement, etc. for adapter 206. Fig. 2 only shows the device 100 including the adapter 206.

The airflow structure may be disposed at a particular distance from a respective proximal end of each of the plurality of consumables. Thus, without the described adapter (because consumables of different lengths will stand out by different amounts), consumables of different lengths may not be used with the device 100 in the manner in which they are intended for use. Ensuring that consumables of different lengths protrude the same amount from one another may ensure that airflow structures located a particular distance from the respective proximal ends of the consumables are at least partially covered by the housing 114 and/or the adapter 206 as intended.

Hereinafter, various examples of the device 100 having the adapter 206 will be described. The following examples describe more specific features of the adapter 206.

Fig. 3A shows a first consumable 300 of a plurality of consumables and fig. 3B shows a second consumable 302 of the plurality of consumables. The first consumable 300 has a first length that is less than a second length of the second consumable 302. In other words, the second consumable 302 is longer than the first consumable 300.

In the example of fig. 3A and 3B, the first consumable 300 has a first width and the second consumable 302 has a second width. In the example of fig. 3A and 3B, the width of the first consumable 300 is greater than the width of the second consumable 302. In instances where the consumable is rod-shaped (e.g., similar to a conventional cigarette), the width of the consumable may be considered the outer diameter of the consumable.

In examples 1, 2, and 3 described below, the adapter 206 may be configured to adopt either the first operational configuration or the second operational configuration with respect to the housing 114 of the device 100, and the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 in the first operational configuration of the adapter 206 is less than the effective length of the heating chamber 102 in the second configuration of the adapter 206. When the adapter 206 is in the first operational configuration, the adapter is configured to adjust the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 such that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount when received in the heating chamber 102 for use. When the adapter 206 is in the second configuration, the adapter is configured to adjust the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 such that a second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount when received in the heating chamber 102 for use.

Example 1

Fig. 4A to 4B show the described device and adapter according to example 1. Fig. 4A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a particular consumable inserted into the heating chamber 102. Fig. 4B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of another consumable inserted into heating chamber 102 and an example of the described adapter. The solid line at the proximal end 202 represents the boundary of the housing 114 of the device 100. The adapter of example 1 is labeled with reference numeral 206 a. In example 1, the adapter 206a is a removable adapter configured to be installed at the proximal end 202.

An adapter 206a is mounted at the proximal end 202 of the device 100. The adapter 206a may be removable from the proximal end 202. For example, the user can remove the adapter 206a by pulling it out of the proximal end 202. In the first operating configuration, the adapter is not mounted at the proximal end 202. In a second operating configuration, the adapter is mounted at the proximal end 202. The effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 is longer when the adapter 206a is mounted at the proximal end 202 than the effective length 201 of the heating chamber 102 when the adapter 206a is not mounted at the proximal end 202. In fig. 4A, the adapter 206a is removed, while in fig. 4B, the adapter 206a is mounted at the proximal end 202. The effective length in fig. 4A is smaller than that in fig. 4B.

When the adapter 206a is not installed at the proximal end 202 (as shown in fig. 4A), a first length of the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end by substantially the first amount 402 when the first length is inserted into the device 100 for use. In the example of fig. 4A, the protruding portion of the first consumable 300 is the portion of the first consumable 300 not covered by the device 100. In this example, the protruding portion has a length of substantially the first amount 402.

When the adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end 202 (as shown in fig. 4B), a second length of the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount 402 when the second length of the second consumable is inserted into the device 100 for use. In the example of fig. 4B, the proximal end 202 is defined by the adapter 206a, because the adapter 206a is the outermost peripheral portion of the user's mouth that is held closer to the user of the device 100 than the distal end 204. When the second consumable 302 is inserted for use, the portion of the second consumable 302 not covered by the device 100 or the adapter 206a is a protruding portion. The length of the protruding portion is substantially a first amount 402. Thus, when adapter 206a is installed at proximal end 202, second consumable 302 protrudes by the same amount as first consumable 300 protrudes when adapter 206a is not installed.

The adapter 206a may be a cylindrical element having a side cross section as shown in fig. 4B. For example, the adapter 206a may be a cylindrical element having a first portion 404 and a second portion 406, wherein the outer diameter of the first portion 404 is greater than the outer diameter of the second portion 406 and the inner diameter is always the same. The second portion 406 may be sized to be inserted into an opening to the heating chamber 102. Thus, the adapter 206a can be installed in the device 100 by inserting the second portion 406 into the opening to the heating chamber 102.

Among the plurality of consumables described, consumables of different widths may be present. Not all of the plurality of consumables may have the same width. For example, in the example of fig. 3A and 3B, the width of the first consumable 300 is greater than the width of the second consumable 302. In instances where the consumable is rod-shaped (e.g., similar to a conventional cigarette), the width of the consumable may be considered the outer diameter of the consumable.

In some examples, when removable adapter 206a is installed at proximal end 202, the removable adapter is sized and positioned relative to heating chamber 102 such that adapter 206a defines a centrally aligned insertion opening into heating chamber 102. Thus, when the adapter 206s is installed at the proximal end 202 and the second consumable 302 is received in the heating chamber 102, the second consumable 302 is centered in the heating chamber when inserted into the device 100 for use. In this example, this ensures that the second consumable is centered, although the second consumable has a smaller width than the first consumable 300.

For example, when the adapter 206a is a cylindrical element as described above, the adapter 206a may be disposed such that a central axis of the adapter 206a substantially coincides with a central axis of the heating chamber 102 when it is mounted at the proximal end 202. In this manner, when the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 via the adapter 206a, the second consumable 302 is centered within the heating chamber 102.

The device 100 of example 1 has a stop element 408 located within the heating chamber that defines a depth to which the first consumable and the second consumable can be inserted. The stop element 408 prevents the consumable from being inserted farther than a particular point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stop element 408 may prevent further movement of the distal end of the consumable at a given distance from the distal end 204, regardless of the length and/or width of the consumable in question. In some examples, stop element 408 may be configured to prevent further movement of the distal end of the consumable at different distances from distal end 204 (e.g., by having a stepped structure that allows finer consumables to move more, etc.) depending on the physical size of the consumable in question. In either case, the adapter 206a of example 1 can compensate for the extra length of the second consumable 302 as needed so that the second consumable protrudes by substantially the first amount just as the shorter first consumable 300.

In some examples, when adapter 206a is installed at the proximal end as shown in fig. 4B, adapter 206a is configured to maintain an auxiliary heating switch (not shown in fig. 4A or 4B) in an on state. For example, the auxiliary heating switch may be a mechanical switch provided at a portion where the adapter 206a of the housing 114 is engaged with the housing 114. As described above, the apparatus 100 includes a heating device 104. In this example, the heating device 104 includes different heating portions that provide heat to the respective portions substantially along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating device 104 includes two or more heating portions for substantially providing heat to corresponding portions of the heating chamber 102. When the adapter is in the second operating configuration, the adapter is configured to hold the auxiliary heating switch in an on state to actuate at least one of the two or more heating portions that is not actuated in the first operating configuration to provide heat.

In this example, the heating device 104 includes a first heating portion and a second heating portion. The first heating portion provides heat to a first region of the heating chamber 102 and the second heating portion provides heat to a second region of the heating chamber. The auxiliary heating switch in an on state enables actuation of one of the first heating portion and the second heating portion. For example, when the auxiliary heating switch is in an off state, only the first heating portion can be actuated. On the other hand, when the auxiliary heating switch is in the on state, both the first heating portion and the second heating portion may be actuated. Therefore, the auxiliary heating switch in the on state can cause a larger area of the heating chamber 102 to be heated.

For example, the length of the aerosolizable material present in the second consumable 302 is greater than the first consumable 300. To maximize the amount of heated aerosolizable material in the second consumable 302, the second heating portion can be actuated to increase the length along which heat is supplied to the chamber.

In the example of fig. 4B, the heating device 104 is shown to include a first heating portion 410 and a second heating portion 412. In this example, holding the auxiliary heating switch in an on state enables the second heating portion 412 to be actuated. For example, maintaining the auxiliary heating switch in the on position may cause power to be delivered from the power source 106 to the second heating portion 412. Actuating the second heating portion 412 increases the length along which heat is supplied to the heating chamber 102. In the case of the use of the second consumable 302, this causes a greater length of the aerosolizable material present in the second consumable 302 to be directly heated.

In the specific example of fig. 4A and 4B, the heating device 102 includes an induction coil for induction heating. The susceptor may be provided as part of the device 100 (e.g., to surround an inserted consumable) and/or as part of a consumable intended for use with the device 100. In the example of fig. 4B, the second heating portion 412 may be a coil to which a varying current is supplied independently of the first heating portion 410. In the example related to the auxiliary heating switch, a varying current can be supplied to the coil of the second heating portion 412 only when the auxiliary heating switch is maintained in an on state.

The auxiliary heating switch may be in the form of a depressible button provided on the housing 114, for example, with the adapter 206a contacting the housing 114. For example, when adapter 206a is installed at proximal end 202, it presses a depressible button to maintain the auxiliary heating switch in an on state. In some examples, the adapter 206a may include a conductive material that forms a circuit to hold the auxiliary heating switch in an on state. There may be a variety of different mechanisms by which the adapter 206a maintains the auxiliary heating switch in an on state when installed at the proximal end 202 as intended, and the mechanisms described are merely some illustrative examples.

The adapter 206a may have an inner diameter such that the adapter acts as a retention element to contact and hold in place the second consumable 302 due to friction. In some examples, adapter 206 may include other components that contact and hold second consumable 302 in place.

Example 2

Fig. 5A to 5B show the described device and adapter according to example 2. Fig. 5A is a schematic perspective view of device 100 including adapter 206b according to example 2.

More specifically, in example 2, adapter 206b is pivotally attached to proximal end 202. In this example, the proximal end 202 is defined by the adapter 206B, as the adapter 206B is the outermost peripheral portion of the user's mouth that is held closer to the user than the distal end 204 (see fig. 5A and 5B). The adapter 206b transitions between the first and second operating configurations by pivoting relative to the housing 114 of the device 100.

More specifically, adapter 206b includes a first opening 502 and a second opening 504. When in the first operating configuration, the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. In the example of fig. 5A, the adapter 206b is configured in a first operational configuration relative to the housing 114 because the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 as shown. When in the second configuration, the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 of the apparatus 100.

As used herein, an opening aligned with the heating chamber 102 refers to a properly sized consumable that may be inserted into the chamber 102 through the opening. For example, the first opening 502 is aligned with the heating chamber 102 when the central axis of the first opening 502 substantially coincides with the central (i.e., longitudinal) axis of the heating chamber 102. Similarly, the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102, for example, when the central axis of the second opening 504 substantially coincides with the center (i.e., longitudinal axis) of the heating chamber 102.

In example 2, the second opening 504 is formed to begin toward the proximal end 202 at a greater distance from the heating chamber 102 when aligned with the heating chamber 102 than the first opening 502. The distance from the heating chamber 102 at which any opening starts is the distance between the position at which the opening in question starts and the heating chamber 102 when the opening in question is aligned with the heating chamber 102. As shown in fig. 5A, a second opening 504 is formed in a raised region 506 of the proximal face of adapter 206 b. In another aspect, the first opening 502 is not formed in a raised region of the proximal face of the adapter 206 b. Thus, when the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102, the second opening starts at a greater distance from the heating chamber 102 than the first opening 502.

As described, the adapter 206b transitions between the first and second operating configurations by pivoting relative to the housing 114. For example, a user of device 100 twists adapter 206b as shown by arrow 508 (and/or in a direction opposite to that shown by arrow 508) in order to switch between operating configurations.

The adapter 206b may be pivotally attached to the housing 114 by means of, for example, a rod or cylindrical element extending out of the adapter 206b and configured to be inserted into an opening in the housing 114 so as to be pivotable relative to the housing 114. A variety of mechanisms are contemplated to pivotally attach the adapter 206b to the housing 114.

In order to facilitate the first configuration and the second configuration and/or to hold the adapter 206b in place in the selected configuration, a securing mechanism may be provided. For example, the adapter 206b may be provided with a grip portion that grips onto the housing 114 in two different positions corresponding to the two operating configurations. A variety of mechanisms are contemplated to secure the adapter 206b to the housing 114 in a desired operating configuration.

As discussed above, fig. 3A shows a first consumable 300 of a plurality of consumables and a second consumable 302 of the plurality of consumables. The first length of the first consumable 300 is less than the second length of the second consumable 302. In other words, the second consumable 302 is longer than the first consumable 300.

Fig. 5B is another schematic perspective view of device 100 including adapter 206B in a first operational configuration according to example 2.

The arrangement described is such that when the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 in the first operating configuration, the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by the same amount (i.e., a first amount) as the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end when the device 100 and adapter 206b are in the second operating configuration. Because there is a raised area 506 for the second opening 504 of the second consumable 302 to be located, a greater portion of the second consumable 302 is covered (i.e., not protruding) in the second operating configuration. Raised area 506 compensates for the greater length of second consumable 302 such that the second consumable protrudes by the same first amount as first consumable 300 protrudes in the first configuration.

The device 100 of example 2 may have a stop element within the heating chamber that defines a depth to which the first consumable and the second consumable may be inserted.

In some examples, the stop element may prevent the consumable from being inserted farther than a particular point within the heating chamber 102. For example, the stop element may prevent further movement of the distal end of the consumable at a given distance from the distal end 204, regardless of the length and/or width of the consumable in question. In some examples, the stop element may be configured to prevent further movement of the distal end of the consumable at different distances from the distal end 204 (e.g., by having a stepped structure that allows for finer consumables to move more, etc.) depending on the physical size of the consumable in question. In either case, the adapter 206b of example 2 can compensate for the extra length of the second consumable 302 as needed so that the second consumable protrudes by substantially the first amount just as the shorter first consumable 300.

The first opening 502 and the second opening 504 may each have an inner diameter such that the respective consumable is in contact with the inner portion of the opening and held in place due to friction.

Among the plurality of consumables described, consumables of different widths may be present. Not all of the plurality of consumables may have the same width.

The first opening 502 is positioned in the first operating configuration such that the first opening 502 is centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102. This means that in the first operating configuration, the consumable 300 is aligned centrally within the heating chamber 102 when inserted into the device 100 for use. The second opening 504 is positioned in the second operating configuration such that the second opening 504 is aligned with the heating chamber 102. This means that in the second operating configuration, the second consumable 302 is aligned centrally within the heating chamber 102 when inserted into the device 100 for use. The first opening 502 has a first inner diameter and the second opening 504 has a second inner diameter different from the first inner diameter.

For example, the first opening has an inner diameter that holds the first consumable 300 in place, and the second opening 504 has an inner diameter that holds the second consumable 302 in place. In some examples, there may be other forms of retention devices that may be disposed toward the proximal end 202 to hold consumables in place one at a time. For example, a retention device may be disposed within the heating chamber 102 toward the proximal end 202. The retention device may be configured to hold at least the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302 in place.

In some examples, adapter 206B is configured to maintain an auxiliary heating switch (not shown in fig. 5A or 5B) in an on state when adapter 206B is configured with device 100 such that second consumable 302 of a second length protrudes from proximal end 202 by substantially a first amount during insertion into device 100 for use. In other words, the auxiliary heating switch may remain in an on state when the adapter 206b is in the second operating configuration. As described above, the apparatus 100 includes a heating device 104. The heating device 104 may include various heating portions that provide heat to corresponding portions substantially along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating device 104 includes two or more heating portions for substantially providing heat to corresponding portions of the heating chamber 102. When the adapter is in the second operating configuration, the adapter is configured to hold the auxiliary heating switch in an on state to actuate at least one of the two or more heating portions that is not actuated in the first operating configuration to provide heat. The auxiliary heating switch in the on state may actuate the specific heating section.

In this example, the length of the aerosolizable material present in the second consumable 302 is greater than the first consumable 300. To maximize the amount of heated aerosolizable material in the second consumable 302, the heating portion can be actuated to increase the length along which heat is supplied to the chamber.

For example, an additional heating portion may be provided toward the proximal end 202 that is positioned to heat an additional length of the second consumable 302 that includes the aerosolizable material as compared to the first consumable 300. Maintaining the auxiliary switch in an on state enables the additional heating portion to be actuated. For example, maintaining the auxiliary heating switch in the on position may enable power to be delivered from the power source 106 to the additional heating portion. In such an instance, actuating the additional heating portion increases the length along which heat is supplied to the heating chamber 102. In the case of the use of the second consumable 302, this causes a greater length of the aerosolizable material present in the second consumable 302 to be directly heated.

Example 3

Fig. 6A to 6G show a device and an adapter according to example 3. Fig. 6A is a schematic perspective view of device 100 including adapter 206c according to example 3.

More specifically, in example 3, adapter 206c is slidably attached to proximal end 202. Adapter 206c is slidably attached to housing 114 at proximal end 202. The adapter 206c is configured to transition between the first and second operating configurations by sliding relative to the housing 114 of the device 100.

The adapter 206c includes an insertion opening 602 aligned with the heating chamber 102. The insertion opening 602 is positioned closer to the heating chamber 102 in the first configuration than in the second configuration.

In fig. 6A, the adapter 206c is in a second operational configuration. In this example, the adapter 206c includes an outer cover 604, and an inner surface 606 of the outer cover 604 slides along a coverable surface 608 of the housing 114 (the coverable surface 608 is a surface of the housing 114 extending longitudinally along the housing 114 in a region toward the proximal end 202). In this way, the cover 604 slides along the coverable surface 608 toward and away from the distal end 204 (e.g., upward and downward relative to the orientation in fig. 6B) to transition between the first and second operational configurations. To transition to the second configuration, the adapter 206c is slid away from the housing 114 (toward the proximal end of the coverable surface 608), and to transition to the first configuration, the adapter 206c is slid toward the housing 114 (toward the distal end of the coverable surface 608).

In some examples, the outer cover 604 may be sized such that it is in close physical contact with the coverable surface 608 such that there is sufficient friction between the inner surface 606 and the coverable surface 608 to hold the outer cover 604 in place (e.g., prevent the outer cover from sliding downward due to gravity) without the user applying an external force attempting to transition between the first configuration and the second configuration. In some examples, bearings or the like may be provided between the outer cover 604 and the coverable surface 608 to facilitate sliding of the outer cover 604 between the first configuration and the second configuration.

In some examples, some structure may be provided to prevent the outer cover 604 from disengaging from the housing 114. For example, a first feature (e.g., an outwardly extending lip) may be provided toward the proximal end of the coverable surface 608 that engages a second feature (e.g., an inwardly extending lip) formed toward the distal end of the outer cover 604 to resist disengagement.

In use, a user manipulates the adapter 206c to transition between the first and second operating configurations.

Among the plurality of consumables described, consumables of different widths may be present. Not all of the plurality of consumables may have the same width.

As discussed above, fig. 3A illustrates an example of a first consumable 300 of the plurality of consumables and an example of a second consumable 302 of the plurality of consumables. The first length of the first consumable 300 is less than the second length of the second consumable 302. In other words, the second consumable 302 is longer than the first consumable 300.

The adapter 206c includes a first retention element 610 and a second retention element 612. The first retention element 610 includes a first resilient opening having a first initial dimension. The second retention element 612 includes a second resilient opening having a second initial dimension that is less than the first initial dimension. In other words, the first elastic opening is larger than the second elastic opening. The resilient opening is intended to receive and hold in place the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302.

In the example of fig. 6A, adapter 206c includes a post element 614 extending from the proximal end of adapter 206c in the direction of distal end 204. The post element 614 is hollow. The first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612 are disposed within a hollow post element 614. The post element 614 is aligned with the insertion opening 602 and thus also with the heating chamber 102. The post member 614 serves as an access passage into the heating chamber 102.

In the example of fig. 6A, when the adapter 206c is in the second configuration, the post element 614 extends partially into an opening 616 that leads to the heating chamber 102. As the adapter 206c slides down the coverable surface 608, the post element 614 is further inserted into an opening 616 leading to the heating chamber 102.

In the example of fig. 6A, both the first retaining element 610 and the second retaining element 612 are aligned with the heating chamber 102 such that when a consumable is inserted into the heating chamber 102 (by being inserted into the insertion opening 602 of the adapter 206c and then into the opening 616 leading to the heating chamber 102), the consumable also passes through the first resilient opening of the first retaining element 610 and the second resilient opening of the second retaining element 612.

As described above, in this example, the first elastic opening is larger than the second elastic opening. The first resilient opening is primarily intended to receive and hold in place the first consumable 300. The first dimension of the first resilient opening is smaller than the width of the first consumable 300. The first resilient opening is biased toward the first dimension. When the first consumable 300 is inserted, the first resilient opening increases in size to accommodate the first consumable 300. However, the first resilient opening presses against the first consumable 300 due to its bias to hold the first consumable in place.

Similarly, the second resilient opening is primarily for receiving and holding in place the second consumable 302. The second dimension of the second resilient opening is less than the width of the second consumable 302. The second resilient opening is biased to return to the second dimension. When the second consumable 302 is inserted, the second resilient opening increases in size to accommodate the second consumable 302. However, the second resilient opening presses against the second consumable 302 due to its bias to hold the second consumable in place.

For example, the elastic openings may be defined by respective elastic arms with gaps formed therebetween corresponding to the respective elastic openings. The resilient arm may deflect away from the position towards which it is biased to accommodate and hold in place consumables of the respective widths. In the example of fig. 6A, both the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612 are aligned with the heating chamber 102. Thus, consumables received in the heating chamber 102 pass through both the first retaining element 610 and the second retaining element 612.

The first elastic opening is configured to allow a size of the first elastic opening to become greater than a first initial size against a bias of the first elastic opening, and the second elastic opening is configured to allow a size of the second elastic opening to become greater than the first initial size against a bias of the second elastic opening. At least the second resilient opening is configured to allow the second resilient opening to become larger in size than the second initial size against the bias of the second resilient opening.

When the first consumable 300 is inserted into the insertion opening 602, the dimensions of the first and second resilient openings become greater than the first dimension (which is the initial dimension of the first resilient opening and is less than the width of the first consumable 300) such that the first consumable 300 is received and held in place by both the first and second retaining elements 610, 612.

Fig. 6B is a schematic perspective view of a side section of the device 100 with the first consumable 300 inserted therein and an enlarged view of the first consumable 300 held by the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612 according to example 3. Fig. 6C is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the device 100 with the first consumable 300 inserted according to example 3. In the example of fig. 6B and 6C, the adapter 206C and the device 100 are in the first configuration.

As can be seen by the downwardly pointing arrow (relative to the orientation in the schematic view), the adapter 206c slides downwardly (in the direction of the distal end 204) to place it in the first operational configuration. The device 100 of example 3 may have a stop element 618 located within the heating chamber that defines a depth to which the first consumable and the second consumable may be inserted. In some examples, stop element 618 may prevent consumables from being inserted farther than a particular point within heating chamber 102. For example, the stop element 618 may prevent further movement of the distal end of the consumable at a given distance from the distal end 204, regardless of the length and/or width of the consumable in question. In some examples, stop element 618 may be configured to prevent further movement of the distal end of the consumable at different distances from distal end 204 (e.g., by having a stepped structure that allows for finer consumables to move more, etc.) depending on the physical size of the consumable in question. In either case, the adapter 206c of example 3 can compensate for the extra length of the second consumable 302 as needed so that the second consumable protrudes by substantially the first amount just as the shorter first consumable 300. The following discussion is made with stop element 618 preventing further distal movement of the consumable at a given distance from distal end 204, regardless of the length and/or width of the consumable in question.

When in the first configuration, the first consumable 300 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 to a depth defined by the consumable stop element 618. The position of the adapter 206c relative to the housing 114 defines the extent to which a given consumable protrudes from the proximal end 202. In the example of fig. 6B and 6C, the distal end of the first consumable 300 rests on the consumable stop element 618 and the adapter 206C is in the first configuration such that the first consumable 300 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount 620.

When the second consumable 302 is inserted into the insertion opening 602, at least the second resilient opening increases in size such that the second consumable 302 is received and held in place by at least the second retaining element 612. In some examples, the width of the second consumable 302 can be less than the first dimension of the first elastic opening. In this case, although the second consumable 302 passes through both the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612, the second consumable is held in place only by the second retention element 612. This is because, in such an example, the width of the second consumable is only sufficient to force the second resilient opening to increase in size and be retained due to the bias of the second resilient opening.

In some examples, the width of the second consumable 302 can be greater than both the first size and the second size. In such a case, the second consumable 302 forces both the first elastic opening and the second elastic opening to increase in size and to be retained by both the first retention element 610 and the second retention element 612.

Both the first retaining element 610 and the second retaining element 612 are centrally aligned with the heating chamber 102. Thus, regardless of the width of the first consumable 300 and the second consumable 302, when they are inserted into the device 100 for use, the first and second consumables may be held such that they are aligned centrally within the heating chamber.

Fig. 6D is a schematic perspective view of a side cross-section of device 100 with second consumable 302 inserted and an enlarged view of second consumable 302 held by at least second retaining element 612 according to example 3. Fig. 6E is a schematic side cross-sectional view of device 100 with second consumable 302 inserted according to example 3. In the example of fig. 6D and 6E, the adapter 206c and the device 100 are in a second configuration. In the example of fig. 6D and 6E, the adapter 206c and the device 100 are in a second configuration.

When in the second configuration, the second consumable 302 is inserted into the heating chamber 102 to a depth defined by the stop element 618. The position of the adapter 206c relative to the housing 114 defines the extent to which a given consumable protrudes from the proximal end 202. In the example of fig. 6D and 6E, the distal end of the second consumable 302 rests on the stop element 618 and the adapter 206c is in the second configuration such that the second consumable 302 protrudes from the proximal end 202 by substantially the first amount 620.

Fig. 6F is a schematic perspective view of the device 100 with the adapter 206 c. The arrow in fig. 6F indicates the manner in which the adapter 206c slides along the coverable surface 608 to transition between the first and second operating configurations.

Referring again to fig. 6A, the stop element 618 may include a guide structure 622. The guide structure 622 may be configured to position the distal end of the inserted consumable such that the consumable is substantially centrally aligned throughout the length of the heating chamber 102. For example, the guide structure 622 may include a tapered region having a smaller cross-section toward the distal end 204 in order to guide the distal end of the narrower second consumable 302 into centered alignment within the heating chamber 102.

In the example of fig. 6A, the device 100 further includes a bottom cover 624 disposed toward the distal end 204. The bottom cover 624 may be used to remove the stop member 618 to enable cleaning of the heating chamber 102, as shown in the schematic perspective view shown in fig. 6G.

In some examples, adapter 206c is configured to maintain an auxiliary heating switch (not shown in fig. 6A-6G) in an on state when adapter 206c is configured with device 100 such that a second consumable of a second length protrudes from proximal end 202 by substantially first amount 620 during insertion into device 100 for use. As described above, the apparatus 100 includes a heating device 104. The heating device 104 may include various heating portions that provide heat to corresponding portions substantially along the heating chamber 102. For example, the heating device 104 includes two or more heating portions for substantially providing heat to corresponding portions of the heating chamber 102. When the adapter is in the second operating configuration, the adapter is configured to hold the auxiliary heating switch in an on state to actuate at least one of the two or more heating portions that is not actuated in the first operating configuration to provide heat. The auxiliary heating switch in the on state may actuate the specific heating section.

For example, the length of the aerosolizable material present in the second consumable 302 is greater than the first consumable 300. To maximize the amount of heated aerosolizable material in the second consumable 302, the heating portion can be actuated to increase the length along which heat is supplied to the chamber.

In the example of fig. 6C and 6E, a first heating portion 626 and a second heating portion 628 are shown. In this example, holding the auxiliary heating switch in an on state enables actuation of the second heating portion 628. For example, maintaining the auxiliary heating switch in the on position may cause power to be delivered from the power source 106 to the second heating portion 628. Actuating the second heating portion increases the length along which heat is supplied to the heating chamber 102. In the case of the use of the second consumable 302, this causes a greater length of the aerosolizable material present in the second consumable 302 to be directly heated.

In the example of fig. 6C, the adapter 206C is in the first configuration, the auxiliary heating switch is not held in an on state, and only the first heating portion 626 is actuated. In the example of fig. 6E, on the other hand, the adapter 206c is in the second configuration, the auxiliary heating switch remains in the on state, and both the first heating portion 626 and the second heating portion 628 are actuated to generate heat.

In the specific example of fig. 6A-6G, the heating device 104 includes an induction coil for induction heating. The susceptor may be provided as part of the device 100 (e.g., to surround an inserted consumable) and/or as part of a consumable intended for use with the device 100. In this example, the second heating portion 628 may be a coil to which varying current is supplied independently of the first heating portion 626. In an example related to the auxiliary heating switch, a varying current can be supplied to the coil of the second heating portion 628 only when the auxiliary heating switch is maintained in an on state.

The auxiliary heating switch may be in the form of a depressible button provided on the housing 114, for example. For example, when the adapter 206c is in the second operating configuration, the adapter may press a depressible button to maintain the auxiliary heating switch in an on state. In some examples, the adapter 206c may include a conductive material that forms an electrical circuit to maintain the auxiliary heating switch in an on state when the adapter is in the second operating configuration. There may be a variety of different mechanisms by which the adapter 206c maintains the auxiliary heating switch in an on state when in the second configuration, and the mechanisms described are merely some illustrative examples.

The device 100 including the adapter 206c of example 3 may be provided as a non-combustible aerosol-supplying system with a first consumable and a second consumable, wherein the first consumable comprises aerosol-generating material and has a first width and the second consumable comprises aerosol-generating material and has a second width, the second width being less than the first width. In these examples, when the first consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of the first resilient opening and the size of the second resilient opening become greater than the first initial size such that the first consumable is received and held in place by both the first retention element and the second retention element; and when the second consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of at least the second resilient opening becomes greater than the second initial size such that the second consumable is received and held in place by at least the second retention element.

The device 100 comprising the adapter according to any of examples 1-3 works as a non-combustible sol supply system with a first consumable comprising aerosol generating material and having a first length and a second consumable comprising aerosol generating material and having a second length, the second length being greater than the first length.

The above examples should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Other examples of the invention are contemplated. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one example may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples, or any combination of any other of the examples. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims (13)

1. A non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material included in a consumable, the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprising:

a receiver for receiving the consumable; and

an adapter configured to adjust the non-combustible sol supply device by changing an effective length of the receiver such that each of a plurality of consumables having different lengths can be received individually in the receiver and protrude from the non-combustible sol supply device by a substantially equal amount when received in the receiver for use.

2. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 1, wherein:

the non-combustible sol supply device includes a housing;

the adapter is configurable to adopt a first operational configuration or a second operational configuration relative to a housing of the non-combustible sol supply device; and is also provided with

An effective length of the receiver in the first configuration of the adapter is less than an effective length of the receiver in the second configuration of the adapter.

3. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 2, wherein:

the adaptor being pivotably attached to a proximal end of the non-combustible sol supply means, the proximal end being the end of the non-combustible sol generating means closest to the user's mouth when the user inhales an aerosol provided by the non-combustible sol supply means in use; and is also provided with

The adapter is switched between the first and second operating configurations by pivoting relative to the housing of the non-combustible sol supply device.

4. A non-combustible sol supply device according to claim 3 wherein:

the adapter includes a first opening and a second opening;

The first opening is aligned with the receiver when in the first operational configuration;

the second opening is aligned with the receiver when in the second operational configuration; and is also provided with

The second opening is formed to begin toward the proximal end at a greater distance from the receiver when aligned with the receiver than the first opening.

5. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 4, wherein:

the first opening is positioned in the first configuration such that the first opening is centrally aligned with the receiver;

the second opening is positioned in the second configuration such that the second opening is centrally aligned with the receiver; and is also provided with

The first opening has a first inner diameter and the second opening has a second inner diameter different from the first inner diameter.

6. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 2, wherein:

the adaptor being slidably attached to a proximal end of the non-combustible sol supply means, the proximal end being the end of the non-combustible sol generating means closest to the user's mouth when the user inhales an aerosol provided by the non-combustible sol supply means in use; and is also provided with

The adapter is switched between the first and second operating configurations by sliding relative to the housing of the non-combustible sol supply device.

7. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 6, wherein:

the adapter includes an insertion opening aligned with the receiver;

the insertion opening is positioned closer to the receiver in the first operational configuration than in the second operational configuration.

8. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 7, wherein:

the adapter includes a first retention element and a second retention element;

the first retention element includes a first resilient opening having a first initial dimension;

the second retention element includes a second resilient opening having a second initial dimension, the second initial dimension being smaller than the first initial dimension;

the first resilient opening is configured to allow a size of the first resilient opening to become greater than a first initial size against a bias of the first resilient opening, and the second resilient opening is configured to allow a size of the second resilient opening to become greater than the first initial size against a bias of the second resilient opening; and is also provided with

At least the second resilient opening is configured to allow a size of the second resilient opening to become greater than the second initial size against a bias of the second resilient opening.

9. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 2, wherein:

the adaptor is configured to be mounted at a proximal end of the non-combustible sol supply device, wherein the adaptor is removable from the proximal end of the device, the proximal end being the end of the non-combustible sol generating device closest to the user's mouth when the user inhales an aerosol provided by the non-combustible sol supply device in use;

in the first operating configuration, the adapter is not mounted at the proximal end; and is also provided with

In the second operating configuration, the adapter is mounted at the proximal end.

10. The non-combustible sol supply device of claim 9, wherein:

the adapter is sized and positioned relative to the receiver when mounted at the proximal end such that the adapter defines a centrally aligned insertion opening to the receiver.

11. The non-combustible sol supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein:

The non-combustible sol supply means comprises heating means for heating aerosol-generating material in a consumable received in the receptacle, wherein the heating means comprises two or more heating portions for providing heat substantially to respective portions of the receptacle;

when the adapter is in the second operating configuration, the adapter is configured to hold an auxiliary heating switch in an on state to actuate at least one of the two or more heating portions that is not actuated in the first operating configuration to provide heat.

12. A non-combustible sol supply system comprising:

the non-combustible sol supply device of claim 8;

a first consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material, the first consumable having a first width; and

a second consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material, the second consumable having a second width, the second width being less than the first width, wherein:

when the first consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, the size of the first resilient opening and the size of the second resilient opening become greater than the first initial size such that the first consumable is received and held in place by both the first retention element and the second retention element; and is also provided with

When the second consumable is inserted into the insertion opening, at least a dimension of the second resilient opening becomes greater than the second initial dimension such that the second consumable is received and held in place by at least the second retention element.

13. A non-combustible sol supply system comprising:

a non-combustible sol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a first consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material, the first consumable having a first length; and

a second consumable comprising aerosol-generating material, the second consumable having a second length, the second length being greater than the first length.