JP2024504768A - Aerosol generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generation device is provided for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming consumable. The aerosol generation device includes a housing, a heater element, and a system for causing heating of the heater element. The heater element is movable relative to the housing. The heater element at least partially defines a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming consumable. The heater element is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable as the aerosol-forming consumable is received into the heating chamber during use of the heating element, thereby transmitting communication from the heater element to the consumable. is configured to control the amount of heat generated. [Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol generation devices and heater elements for aerosol generation devices.

background

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigars, produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide an alternative to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning.

[0003] An example of such an article is a heating device that releases compounds by heating the material rather than burning it. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, and may or may not contain nicotine. A heated tobacco or non-tobacco product vaporizes at least one component of the tobacco or non-tobacco product without burning or combusting the tobacco or non-tobacco product, typically producing an aerosol that can be inhaled. be able to.

[0004] Heating devices that heat tobacco or non-tobacco products are sometimes referred to as "non-combustion heating" devices, or "tobacco heating products" (THPs), or "tobacco heating devices." Various configurations have been attempted to volatilize at least one component of tobacco or non-tobacco products.

overview

[0005] A first aspect of the invention provides an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming consumable. The aerosol generation device includes a housing, at least one heater element movable relative to the housing, and a system for causing heating of the heater element, the heater element having a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol forming consumable. and the heater element is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable when the aerosol-forming consumable is received in the heating chamber during use of the heater element. , configured to control the amount of heat transferred from the heater element to the consumable. An aerosol generation device may have any of the example features described herein.

[0006] Use of the heater element may be, for example, during a heating session of the aerosol generation device. In certain examples, a heating session of an aerosol generating device may include a period in which the heating element is not actually heated. In certain examples, a heating session of an aerosol generating device may include a period during which a heating element is heated. In certain examples, the heater element is configured to be movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable when the aerosol-forming consumable is received into the heating chamber during heating of the heater element. ing.

[0007] In certain examples, a system for causing heating of a heater element is configured to maintain the heater element at a substantially constant or constant temperature during use.

[0008] In certain examples, the heater element is configured to move toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable in response to an input.

[0009] In certain examples, an aerosol-generating device comprises a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of an aerosol-forming consumable, and the input is the sensed temperature of the aerosol-forming consumable.

[0010] In certain examples, the heater element is configured to be moved away from the aerosol-forming consumable to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the aerosol-forming consumable.

[0011] In certain examples, the input is received from a user and is at least one of a representation of a desired temperature set by the user and an indication of the user's inhalation at the aerosol generating device.

[0012] In certain examples, the heater element is configured to move toward or away from the aerosol-generating consumable by an amount that corresponds to the magnitude of the input.
[0013] In certain examples, the heating chamber is substantially tubular.

[0014] In certain examples, the heating chamber is configured to have a variable internal cross-sectional area such that the heater element is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. .

[0015] In certain examples, the heating chamber is configured to have a changeable inner circumferential surface such that the heater element is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. .

[0016] In certain examples, the heater element comprises an elongated hollow tube.

[0017] In certain examples, an elongated hollow tube is defined by a tube wall, and the elongated hollow tube includes a tear in the tube wall of the elongated hollow tube. In certain examples, the tear portion extends longitudinally along the elongated hollow tube.

[0018] In certain examples, the elongated hollow tube has a substantially circular cross section.

[0019] In certain examples, the elongated hollow tube has a tube wall end defined by a split section, and when the heater element moves toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. , the tube wall end is movable in the circumferential direction of the elongated hollow tube. In certain examples, the tube wall ends overlap in the circumferential direction of the elongated hollow tube.

[0020] In certain examples, at least one of the tube wall ends of the elongated hollow tube comprises a flange that projects from the tube wall end in a substantially radial direction of the elongated hollow tube.

[0021] In certain examples, the aerosol generation device, in use, circumferentially drives the overlapping tube wall ends to move the heater element toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. Equipped with a worm drive.

[0022] In certain examples, the elongated hollow tube is defined by a tube wall, the elongated hollow tube comprises two tube wall sections, and the tube wall section is one longitudinal gap in the tube wall of the elongated hollow tube. separated by a tube wall portion forming two jaws, at least one of which is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable in use.

[0023] In certain examples, the elongated hollow tube is defined by a tube wall, the elongated hollow tube comprises two tube wall portions, and the tube wall portion spans two longitudinal gaps in the tube wall of the elongated hollow tube. separated by a tube wall portion forming two jaws, at least one of which is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable in use.

[0024] In certain examples, the elongated hollow tube is defined by a tube wall, the elongated hollow tube comprises three tube wall sections, and the tube wall sections include three longitudinal gaps in the tube wall of the elongated hollow tube. separated by, the tube wall portions forming three jaws, at least one of which is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable in use.

[0025] In certain examples, the heater element portions are integrally formed with each other.

[0026] In certain examples, the elongated hollow tube has a substantially circular cross section, and the elongated hollow tube includes a root that joins the tube wall portions together.

[0027] In certain examples, the elongated hollow tube comprises a flexible wall, the flexible wall being longitudinally compressible and extensible, and in use, the flexible wall is movable in the radial direction of the elongated hollow tube. It is.

[0028] In certain examples, the heater element comprises a twistable coiled member having a radially inner surface defining a heating chamber.

[0029] In certain examples, the heater element includes a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous material.

[0030] In certain examples, the heater element includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of electrically conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetically conductive materials.

[0031] In certain examples, the heater element includes a metal or metal alloy.

[0032] In certain examples, the heater elements include aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and one or more materials selected from the group consisting of bronze;

[0033] In certain examples, the at least one heater element comprises a plurality of heater elements, each of which, in use, is directed toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable, independently of each other. can be moved to

[0034] In certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element is an induction heating system. In certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element is a resistive heating system.

[0035] A second aspect of the invention is an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to the first aspect and at least one aerosol forming consumable, wherein the at least one aerosol forming consumable is located in a heating chamber. Provided is an aerosol generation system that is shaped and sized such that it can be accommodated in an aerosol generation system. An aerosol generation device may have any of the example features described herein. The aerosol-forming consumable may have any of the exemplary features described herein.

[0036] A third aspect of the invention provides a method of heating an aerosol-forming consumable. The method includes the steps of receiving an aerosol-forming consumable into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device, the heating chamber being at least partially defined by a heater element movable relative to a housing of the aerosol-generating device. , during use of the heater element, moving the heater element toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable to control the amount of heat transferred from the heater element to the consumable.

[0037] In certain examples, the temperature of the heater element is maintained at a constant temperature as the heater element is moving toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable.

[0038] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific examples, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Specific examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol generation device. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol generation device. FIG. 2 illustrates an example heater element from an example aerosol generation device. FIG. 2 illustrates an example heater element from an example aerosol generation device. 5A and 5B are illustrations of an example heater element from an example aerosol generation device. 6A and 6B are illustrations of an example heater element from an example aerosol generation device. FIG. 2 illustrates an example heater element from an example aerosol generation device. 8A and 8B are illustrations of an example heater element from an example aerosol generation device. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an aerosol generation device.

detailed description

[0049] Tobacco and/or non-tobacco products in which at least one component is volatilized may also be referred to as aerosol-generating material(s). An aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of producing an aerosol when energized, for example by heating, irradiation, or any other method. An "aerosol-generating material" is any suitable material capable of producing an aerosol. In certain examples, an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material may be generated by applying heat to the aerosol-generating material.

[0050] The aerosol-generating material may be in solid, liquid, or gel form, for example, and may or may not contain active agents and/or flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include 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 dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold some kind of fluid inside, such as a liquid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material ranges from, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solids to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solids. It may also contain up to solid solids.

[0051] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active agents and/or fragrances, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials. .

[0052] In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may be a solid. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may comprise a foam. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may comprise a thin film.

[0053] In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may be tobacco material. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may include a source of nicotine and no tobacco material. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may include tobacco material and a separate source of nicotine. In certain examples, the aerosol generating material may not include a source of nicotine. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may include a fragrance.

[0054] In instances where the aerosol-generating material includes a gel, the gel may include a source of nicotine. In some examples, the gel may include tobacco material. In some cases, the gel may include tobacco material and a separate source of nicotine. For example, the gel may further include powdered tobacco and/or nicotine and/or tobacco extract.

[0055] In certain instances where the aerosol-generating material includes a gel, the gel may include a gelling agent. The gelling agent may include hydrocolloids. In certain instances where the aerosol-generating material includes a gel, the gel may include a hydrogel. The gel may further contain a solvent.

[0056] In certain instances where an aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material may be heated to a temperature between about 50°C and about 250°C or 300°C.

[0057] Note that, in general, a vapor is a substance in the gas phase below its critical temperature. This means, for example, that the vapor can condense into a liquid by increasing the pressure of the vapor without reducing its temperature. Aerosols, on the other hand, are generally colloids of fine solid particles or droplets in air or another gas. A colloid is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

[0058] For convenience, as used herein, the term "aerosol" should be construed to mean an aerosol, vapor, or a combination of an aerosol and vapor.

[0059] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" may, in certain instances, include "aerosol-forming agent material," where an aerosol-forming agent material represents a promoter of aerosol production. . For example, if the aerosol-generating material includes a gel, the gel may include an aerosol former material. Aerosol former materials can promote aerosol production by promoting initial evaporation of the gas and/or condensation of the gas into an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol.

[0060] The aerosol former material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. Suitable aerosol former materials include, but are not limited to, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillaate, ethyl laurate, Included are one or more of diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, propylene carbonate. The aerosol former material may suitably have a composition that does not dissolve menthol. The aerosol former material may suitably contain, consist essentially of, or consist of glycerol.

[0061] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" may include, in certain instances, "flavoring", which is a material that adds flavor to the aerosol that is produced. As used herein, the term "flavor" refers to materials that can be used to create a desired taste or aroma in products intended for adult consumers, where local regulations permit.

[0062] As used herein, the terms "fragrance" and "flavoring agent" refer to the term "flavoring" and "flavoring agent" to impart a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in products intended for adult consumers, as permitted by local regulations. Represents materials that can be used to create. They include naturally occurring flavoring substances, botanical substances, extracts of botanical substances, synthetically obtained substances, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, magnolia). Leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spice, Asian spice, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple , orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint , lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, hut, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, Cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, green pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, peppermint oil of all species of Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, Rooibos, flax, ginkgo, hazel, hibiscus, bay, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, teas such as green and black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, Lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, pimento, mace, damian, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chives, short ribs, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol) , or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath fresheners. They may be imitations, synthetic or natural components, or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example liquids such as oils, solids such as powders, or gases.

[0063] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint, and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises cucumber, blueberry, citrus, and/or red berry flavor ingredients. In some embodiments, the fragrance includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises flavoring ingredients extracted from cannabis.

[0064] In some embodiments, the flavor enhances the somatosensation that is typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or instead of the aromatic or gustatory nerves. The sensory substances intended to be achieved may also be included, and these may include agents that produce heating, cooling, tingling or numbing effects. A suitable thermal effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable coolant may be, but is not limited to, eucalyptol or WS-3.

[0065] As used herein, the term "tobacco material" refers to any material that includes tobacco or derivatives thereof. The term "tobacco material" may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, recycled tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may include one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stems, regenerated tobacco, and/or tobacco extract.

[0066] The tobacco used to manufacture the tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as single grade or blend, cut rag or whole leaf, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental. It may also be "fine powder" or dust of tobacco particles, expanded tobacco, stalks, expanded stalks, and other processed stalk materials, such as cut and rolled stalks. The tobacco material may be ground tobacco material or recycled tobacco material. The recycled tobacco material may include tobacco fibers and may be formed by molding, Fourdrinier-based papermaking type techniques with back-loading of tobacco extract, or extrusion.

[0067] Aerosol-generating materials including any of the features and properties described above, or any combination thereof, may be provided as a consumable item. A consumable item is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable is sometimes referred to as an aerosol-forming consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material capable of generating an aerosol. In some examples, aerosol-forming consumables may include other materials and components in addition to the aerosol-generating material. The consumable includes one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. It's okay to stay. Additionally, the consumable may include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol during use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a conductively heatable material, or a susceptor. For example, an aerosol-forming consumable may include a substrate on which an aerosol-generating material is supported. For example, the aerosol-forming consumable may include a handling mechanism that allows a user to handle the aerosol-forming consumable without touching the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-forming consumable.

[0068] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an exemplary aerosol generation device 10 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming consumable 100. Aerosol-forming consumable 100 may be an example of an aerosol-forming consumable that includes the aerosol-generating materials described above. Aerosol-forming consumable 100 may be housed within device 10.

[0069] Aerosol generation device 10 may include a housing 12 for supporting and retaining various components of device 10. In certain examples, aerosol generation device 10 may include a mouthpiece 20 that allows a user of device 10 to inhale the aerosol generated by device 10. In certain examples, aerosol generation device 10 may include an inlet port 30 through which air is drawn when a user inhales the aerosol generated by device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, when a user inhales, he or she may draw in air in the direction of arrow A, and the user may inhale an aerosol in the direction of arrow B. In other examples, aerosol generation device 10 may not include a mouthpiece. For example, a user of device 10 may inhale the aerosol generated by device 10 from aerosol-forming consumable 100 itself.

[0070] Aerosol generation device 10 may include a heating chamber 50. The heating chamber 50, in use, may be configured to receive an aerosol-forming consumable 100, such as the examples described above. Heating chamber 50 may include an opening for receiving an aerosol-forming consumable 100. Aerosol forming consumable 100 may be shaped to fit within heating chamber 50 . In certain examples, aerosol-forming consumable 100 may be a rod, stick, or pod that corresponds to the internal shape of heating chamber 50. Heating chamber 50 may be configured to allow air to exit from inlet 30 through heating chamber 50 and into mouthpiece 20 when a user inhales with mouthpiece 20 . When a user inhales, air passing through heating chamber 50 can collect any generated aerosol from aerosol-forming consumable 100 before entering the user's mouth.

[0071] Aerosol generation device 10 may include one heater element 40 or multiple heater elements 40. In certain examples, a heater element may include multiple heater element sections. In some examples, heater element portions may be integrally formed with each other. In some examples, the heater element portions may not be integrally formed with each other and may be separate components of the aerosol generation device. In certain examples where aerosol generation device 10 includes one heater element 40 , heating chamber 50 may be at least partially defined by heater element 40 . In certain instances where aerosol generation device 10 includes multiple heater elements, heating chamber 50 may be at least partially defined by multiple heater elements 40. In other examples where aerosol generation device 10 includes multiple heating elements, multiple heating chambers 50 may be provided and at least partially defined by multiple heating elements 40.

[0072] Heater element(s) 40 may be configured to heat aerosol-forming consumable 100 during use of device 10. By applying heat to the aerosol-forming consumable 100, the aerosol-generating material contained therein can be heated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. Activation of heater element 40 may be triggered by a user inhaling air through device 10, or may be triggered by another means, such as a switch.

[0073] In certain examples, heating chamber 50 may include a lid 60. The lid 60 may be a closable lid. Lid 60 may seal aerosol-forming consumable 100 within device 10 when closed. When closed, the lid 60 may enclose the heating chamber 50 to create an enclosed space in which air is drawn into the mouthpiece 20 from the air inlet 30 by the user. Lid 60 may be configured to allow aerosol generated from aerosol-forming consumable 100 to escape and be drawn into mouthpiece 20 when closed.

[0074] Device 10 may include other components not shown in FIG. 1. Aerosol generation device 10 may include a system for causing heating of heater element 40. In certain examples, device 10 may have a power supply unit that holds a power source, which may be, for example, a battery, for supplying electrical energy to device 10. Device 10 may have electrical circuitry connected to a power source for conducting electrical energy to other components within device 10. In certain examples, circuitry may connect a power source to the system to cause heating of heater element 40.

[0075] The heater element 40 may be configured to heat, but not combust, the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol-forming consumable 100. In certain examples, heater element 40 may heat aerosol-forming consumable 100 by conducting heat to aerosol-forming consumable 100. In certain examples, heater element 40 may heat aerosol-forming consumable 100 by radiating heat to aerosol-forming consumable 100. In certain examples, heater element 40 may heat aerosol-forming consumable 100 by convection of heat into aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0076] In certain examples, heater element 40 may be or include a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous material. In certain examples, heater element 40 may include a mixture of materials. In certain examples, the heater element may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of electrically conductive materials, magnetic materials, and magnetically conductive materials.

[0077] In certain examples, heater element 40 may be made from a metallic material. For example, the heater element may include a metal or metal alloy.

[0078] In certain examples, the heater elements include aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and It may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of bronze.

[0079] In certain examples, heater element 40 may include ceramic. In some examples, heater element 40 may be made from a mixture of metallic and non-metallic materials. For example, heater element 40 may be made from a metallic material embedded in a ceramic material. The ceramic material may be any suitable ceramic material, such as, but not limited to, at least one of alumina, zirconia, yttria, calcium carbonate, and calcium sulfate.

[0080] In use, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 may heat, or increase the temperature of, the heater element 40. Heating of heater element 40 may be provided by any suitable heating arrangement.

[0081] In certain examples, the system for causing heating of heater element 40 may include heating heater element 40 by conduction. For example, a heat source may be placed in contact with heater element 40 and activated during use of device 10.

[0082] In certain examples, the system for causing heating of heater element 40 may include an induction heating system to heat heater element 40.

[0083] Induction heating is the process of heating electrically conductive objects by electromagnetic induction. The process involves penetrating a conductive object with a changing magnetic field that causes heating. This process is explained by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. When an electrically conductive object is used to heat another element, the electrically conductive object is sometimes referred to as a "susceptor." A susceptor is a material that can be heated by the penetration of a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, so that when a changing magnetic field enters the susceptor, induction heating of the heating material occurs. The heating material may be a magnetic material, so that a changing magnetic field penetrating the heating material causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor is both electrically conductive and magnetic, and can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator. The susceptor material may be any suitable susceptor material such as the materials specified above, for example at least one of iron, ferrous alloys such as stainless steel, mild steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminum, gold, and copper; It can be formed by any combination thereof. In certain examples, as used herein, heater element 40 can be a "susceptor" in that it is heated by induction heating and can further heat aerosol-forming consumable 100. Heating of the aerosol-forming consumable 100 may be accomplished primarily by conducting or radiating heat from the heater element 40 to the aerosol-forming consumable 100, for example.

[0084] Positioning heater element 40 as a susceptor can provide effective heating of aerosol-forming consumable 100, which may be substantially non-conductive. Furthermore, arranging heater element 40 as a susceptor may allow controlling the thermal pattern of heat directed to aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0085] The induction heating system may include an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. A changing current in the electromagnet produces a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field penetrates a conductive object properly positioned relative to the electromagnet, creating eddy currents inside the object. The object has an electrical resistance to eddy currents, and therefore the flow of eddy currents against this resistance heats the object by Joule heating. Joule heating is sometimes called ohmic heating or resistance heating. It has been found that when the conductive object is in the form of a closed electrical circuit, the magnetic coupling between the object and the electromagnet in use is enhanced and Joule heating is increased or improved.

[0086] Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a changing magnetic field. Magnetic materials can be thought of as comprising many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such a material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Thus, when a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipole changes in response to the changing applied magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles generates heat within the magnetic material.

[0087] When an object is both electrically conductive and magnetic, both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating may occur in the object when a changing magnetic field enters the object. Additionally, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the magnetic field, which can enhance Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating. When the heater element 40 includes a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, magnetic hysteresis losses in the heater element 40 cause the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material to change due to alignment with a changing magnetic field. Heat may also be generated.

[0088] In each of the above processes, heat is generated within the object itself, rather than by heat conduction from an external heat source, and therefore requires particular attention to appropriate object materials and geometries, as well as appropriate varying magnetic field magnitudes for the object. By selecting the height and orientation, a rapid temperature rise of the object and a more uniform heat distribution can be achieved. Induction heating may therefore enable rapid heating of the heater element 40 (susceptor), as heat is generated within the heater element 40 (susceptor), compared to heating by conduction, for example. Furthermore, induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require that a physical connection be provided between the source of the changing magnetic field and the object, allowing greater design freedom and control over the heating profile. can be done and costs can be lowered. Therefore, no physical contact is required between the induction heating system and the heater element 40, increasing the structural flexibility, versatility, and reliability of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0089] An example of an aerosol generation device 10 is shown in FIG. 2, in which a system for causing heating of a heater element 40 includes an induction heating system 70 for heating the heater element 40. FIG. 2 shows only one example of a system for causing heating of heater element 40. FIG. For convenience and clarity, the system for causing heating of heater element 40 is not shown in the other figures. Similar to device 10 shown in FIG. 1, aerosol generation device 10 includes a mouthpiece 20 and an inlet 30. For the device 10 of FIG. 2, the inlet 30 may also function as a lid 60 that covers the user access to the heating chamber 50 and allows the user to insert the aerosol-forming consumable 100 into the aerosol-generating device 10. In certain examples, an inlet/lid may not be present on device 10 and air may be drawn through the open end of device 10. In the exemplary device 10 shown in FIG. 2, a heating chamber 50 is defined by an elongated heater element 40 that is open at one end to allow insertion of an aerosol-forming consumable 100 into the heating chamber 50. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the induction heating system 70 comprises an induction coil wrapped around the heater element 40. The heater element 40 and induction coil are shown as a cross-section through the axis of the coil. Elongated heater element 40 may be elongated, e.g., tubular in shape, such as one of the exemplary heater elements 40 described below. When the induction coil is energized with an alternating current, the resulting changing magnetic field heats the heater element 40, thereby heating the aerosol-forming consumable inserted into the heating chamber 50.

[0090] In certain examples, the system for causing heating of heater element 40 may include heater element 40 arranged as an electrical resistance heater. Accordingly, a system for causing heating of heater element 40 may include circuitry for connecting heater element 40 to a power source. In use, electrical current from a power source can be passed through heater element 40 to cause Joule heating of heater element 40. Heater element 40 may be any suitable material that forms an electrical conductor, such as a metallic material. In one example, a system for causing heating of heater element 40 may include a controller that can control the electrical current passing through the heater element, and thus the amount of heat generated by heater element 40.

[0091] In certain examples, the system for causing heating of heater element 40 may comprise a thermal radiant heating system. In one example, a thermal radiant heating system may include a heat lamp that radiates thermal energy to heater element 40. For example, a thermal radiant heating system may include an infrared light source directed at heater element 40. For example, a thermal radiant heating system may include a radiant heat source such as an LED or a laser.

[0092] In certain examples, the system for causing heating of heater element 40 may comprise a chemical heating system. For example, the system for causing heating of heater element 40 may include a chemical heat source that undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat during use.

[0093] When aerosol generation device 10 comprises multiple heater elements 40, in certain examples each heater element 40 may be provided with a respective system for causing heating of the heater element. In other examples, a system for causing heating of heater elements may heat multiple heater elements 40. For example, as discussed below, if multiple heater elements 40 are arranged in a line, a single system such as an induction heating coil surrounding all heater elements 40 may be provided.

[0094] Heater element 40 may be configured to be movable relative to the housing of aerosol generation device 10. The heater element 40 may be configured to be movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable when the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is received in the heating chamber during use of the heater element. . The use of the heating element may be during a heating session of the aerosol generation device 10, for example. A heating session of aerosol generating device 10 may include periods in which heating element 40 is not actually heated. A heating session of aerosol generation device 10 may include a period during which heating element 40 is heated. In certain examples, the heater element 40 is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable when the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is received in the heating chamber during heating of the heater element. may be configured. For example, the heater element 40 may be configured to be movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable when the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is received in the heating chamber during heating. In this manner, the amount of heat transferred from the heater element to the aerosol forming consumable 100 can be controlled.
[0095] In certain examples, heater element 40 may be maintained at a constant temperature as heater element 40 is moved toward or away from aerosol-forming consumable 100. Thus, in certain examples, the system for causing heating of heater element 40 may be configured to maintain heater element 40 at a substantially constant or constant temperature during use. In certain examples, the temperature of the heater element 40 may change as the heater element 40 is moved toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100. Thus, in certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element may be configured to vary the temperature of the heater element 40 during use.

[0096] Moving the heater element 40 toward or away changes the rate of heat transfer to the aerosol-forming consumable. This is because the heat transfer rate depends on the distance between the heater element 40 and the surface of the aerosol-forming consumable 100 that is exposed to the heater element 40. The greater the distance between heater element 40 and the surface of aerosol-forming consumable 100, the lower the rate of thermal energy transfer that occurs. For example, at a larger distance, a greater proportion of the heat radiated from the heater element 40 may be dissipated than at a smaller distance, and at a smaller distance, a greater proportion of the heat radiated from the heater element 40 may be dissipated. impinges on the exposed surface of the aerosol-forming consumable 100. Further, for example, a larger distance may increase the insulation gap, which reduces the conductive heat transfer rate between the heater element 40 and the exposed surface of the aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0097] Because the heat transfer rate depends on the proximity of the heater element 40 to the aerosol-forming consumable 100, moving the heater element 40 toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100 may cause the heater element 40 and the aerosol-forming consumable to 100 increases the rate of thermal energy transfer between heater element 40 and aerosol-forming consumable 100. This may further increase the temperature of the aerosol forming consumable 100.

[0098] Conversely, moving the heater element 40 away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100 increases the distance between the heater element 40 and the surface of the aerosol-forming consumable 100, thereby increasing the distance between the heater element 40 and the aerosol-forming consumable 100. The rate of transfer of thermal energy to and from the forming consumable 100 is reduced. This may further reduce the temperature of the aerosol forming consumable 100.

[0099] Thus, moving heater element 40 toward or away from aerosol-forming consumable 100 changes the distance between heater element 40 and the surface of aerosol-forming consumable 100; For example, the rate of heat transfer from heater element 40 can be controlled during heating.

[0100] In certain examples, heater element 40 may be moved toward aerosol-forming consumable 100 to the extent that heater element 40 intimately mates with an exposed surface of aerosol-forming consumable 100. In certain examples, heater element 40 may apply a force to the surface of aerosol-forming consumable 100. For example, heater element 40 may be moved toward aerosol-forming consumable 100 to an extent that compresses aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0101] In addition, the amount of heat transferred from heater element 40 to aerosol-forming consumable 100 can be controlled by moving heater element 40 toward and away from aerosol-forming consumable 100. Thus, moving the heater element 40 toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100 improves the transfer of thermal energy between the heater element 40 and the aerosol-forming consumable 100 to reduce aerosol production from the aerosol-forming consumable 100. It can also increase the efficiency of Improving the transfer of thermal energy between heater element 40 and aerosol-forming consumable 100 can also increase the energy efficiency of device 10 by reducing the energy that device 10 can consume. In some cases, compression of the aerosol-forming consumable 100 may also affect the density of the aerosol-forming consumable 100 (at least in the vicinity of the heater element 40). This can further improve heat transfer through the consumable.

[0102] An aerosol-forming consumable, such as any one of the aerosol-forming consumables described above, may be heated according to the following method. The method includes receiving an aerosol-forming consumable within a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. The heating chamber may be at least partially defined by a heater element that is movable relative to the housing of the aerosol generation device. The method also includes moving the heater element toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable during use of the heater element to control the amount of heat transferred from the heater element to the consumable. In certain examples, the method includes moving the heater element toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable during heating of the heater element to control the amount of heat transferred from the heater element to the consumable. May contain. In certain examples, the method may include maintaining the temperature of the heater element at a constant temperature as the heater element moves toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. good. In certain examples, the method may include changing the temperature of the heater element as the heater element moves toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable.

[0103] During operation of the aerosol generation device 10, the heater element 40 is first moved toward the aerosol forming consumable 100 to rapidly heat the aerosol forming consumable 100 and efficiently generate aerosol. I can do it. Heater element 40 may then be moved away from aerosol-forming consumable 100 once the temperature within the consumable reaches a predetermined initial temperature. Heater element 40 may then be moved toward and away from aerosol-forming consumable 100, as necessary, to generate an aerosol while maintaining a predetermined operating temperature. good. The predetermined operating temperature may be, for example, the same as or different from the predetermined initial temperature. In certain examples, the predetermined operating temperature may be changed as the user inhales the aerosol. For example, the predetermined operating temperature may be varied over one inhalation or over several inhalations of the aerosol. In certain examples, the predetermined operating temperature may be changed as the aerosol-forming consumable is consumed.

[0104] In certain examples, heater element 40 may be configured to move toward or away from aerosol-forming consumable 100 in response to an input. For example, during operation of the aerosol generation device 10, the heater element may move in response to input to a controller, such as, for example, a system controller to cause heating of the heater element 40 as described above. In certain examples, heater element 40 may be configured to move toward or away from the aerosol-generating consumable by an amount corresponding to the magnitude of the input. For example, the magnitude of the input may depend on the temperature change required of the aerosol-forming consumable 100 necessary to return the aerosol-forming consumable to a desired temperature or temperature tolerance range.

[0105] A temperature and/or heat transfer sensor may be provided on the aerosol generation device to monitor the temperature of the aerosol forming consumable and/or the heat transferred to the aerosol forming consumable 100. For example, a temperature sensor monitor may be installed within the heating chamber 50. The temperature sensor may provide a signal indicative of the temperature of the aerosol-forming consumable 100 as an output of the sensor, which signal may be received as an input to a control circuit or the like. For example, the output of the temperature sensor may be received as an input to the system's controller to cause heating of the heater element 40.

[0106] In certain examples, heating chamber 50 may be substantially tubular. As briefly discussed above, heating chamber 50 may be defined at least in part by heater element 40. For example, heater element 40 may form one wall or a portion of a wall of heating chamber 50 and the remaining walls or portions of a wall of the heating chamber are not formed by heater element 40 . In certain examples, tubular heating chamber 50 may be defined by a tube wall that is partially formed by heater element 40 .

[0107] In certain examples, heating chamber 50 may be substantially defined by heater element 40. In other words, in certain examples, heating chamber 50 may be defined in large part by heater element 40. In certain examples, tubular heating chamber 50 may be defined by a tube wall that is substantially formed by heater element 40 . For example, heater element 40 may surround aerosol-forming consumable 100 when aerosol-forming consumable 100 is inserted into heating chamber 100. In such cases, some parts of the heating chamber 50 may be defined by other components of the aerosol generation device 10, which may be present for functional or structural reasons.

[0108] Tubular heating chamber 50 may be substantially hollow. In one such example, tubular heating chamber 50 may be open at one end to allow insertion of aerosol-forming consumable 100. In certain examples, the tubular heating chamber 50 is closed or partially closed at the other end to form a support for the aerosol-forming consumable 100 such that the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is completely enclosed in the heating chamber 50. Haptic feedback can be provided to indicate to the user that it has been inserted.

[0109] The tubular heating chamber 50 may have a cross-section defined by a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tubular heating chamber 50, ie, along the length of the tubular heating chamber 50. In certain examples, tubular heating chamber 50 may have a substantially circular cross-section. Thus, the tubular heating chamber 50 may be substantially cylindrical longitudinally, ie along the length of the tubular shape. In other examples of tubular heating chambers 50, the cross-section may be, for example, square, rectangular, oval, or any suitable regular or irregular shape, forming a tubular heating chamber 50 of any suitable shape.

[0110] In one example where heating chamber 50 is substantially tubular, aerosol-forming consumable 100 may have a shape that corresponds to the internal shape of heating chamber 50. For example, if the tubular heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical in its longitudinal direction, the aerosol-forming consumable 100 may have a substantially circular cross-section in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the length of the consumable 100. It has a substantially cylindrical shape along its length. In certain examples, aerosol-forming consumable 100 may be a rod, stick, or pod that corresponds to the internal shape of heating chamber 50.

[0111] In one example where heating chamber 50 is substantially tubular, the interior cross-sectional area of heating chamber 50 is such that heater element 40 can move toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. It may be changeable. For example, the interior cross-sectional area of heating chamber 50 may be reduced to move heating element 40 toward aerosol-forming consumable 100. Conversely, the interior cross-sectional area of heating chamber 50 may be enlarged to move heating element 40 away from aerosol-forming consumable 100. The internal cross-sectional area of heating chamber 50 may be defined as the hollow area of the cross-section through heating chamber 50. A hollow region can also be further described as an empty region defined by the internal boundary of a cross section. The cutting plane defining the cross section may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber 50, ie along the length of the tubular heating chamber 50. In one example where the heater element 40 forms part of a wall of the heating chamber 50, the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 is reduced so that the wall containing the heater element 40 may be moved toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100. good. In another example where the heater element 40 substantially defines a heating chamber 50, the interior cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 is reduced to allow the heater element 40 to connect to the aerosol-forming consumable 100 received in the heating chamber 50. You can also move it towards you.

[0112] In one example where heating chamber 50 is substantially tubular, the inner peripheral surface of heating chamber 50 is configured such that heater element 40 can move toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. It may be changeable. The inner circumferential surface of heating chamber 50 may be defined by the inner boundary of a cross-section through heating chamber 50 . The cutting plane defining the cross section may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, ie along the length of the tubular heating chamber 50. For example, the inner peripheral surface of heating chamber 50 may be reduced to move heating element 40 toward aerosol-forming consumable 100. Conversely, the inner peripheral surface of heating chamber 50 may be enlarged to move heating element 40 away from aerosol-forming consumable 100. In one example where tubular heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical, the inner peripheral surface of tubular heating chamber 50 may be reduced or shortened to move heating element 40 toward aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0113] In one example where the tubular heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical, the heating element 40 may be moved radially toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0114] Examples of particular heater elements 40 will now be described with respect to FIGS. 3-8.

[0115] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary heater element 40 comprising an elongated hollow tube. The elongated hollow tube may be defined by a tube wall. The elongated hollow tube may have a longitudinal direction, ie, a direction along the length of the elongated hollow tube. The elongated hollow tube may have a cross section defined by a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hollow tube. The elongated hollow tube has a substantially circular cross section in the example of FIG. Thus, the elongate hollow tube may be substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction. In other heater element 40 examples, the cross-section of the elongated hollow tube may be, for example, square, rectangular, oval, or any suitable shape, forming an elongated hollow tube of any suitable shape.

[0116] Heating chamber 50 is defined by the interior volume of the elongated hollow tube. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and thus can receive a suitably sized substantially cylindrical aerosol-forming consumable 100. Aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X.

[0117] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the heater element 40 defines the majority of the heating chamber 50, except for the open end that allows the consumable 100 to be inserted into the heating chamber 50. Thus, heater element 40 substantially surrounds aerosol-forming consumable 100. Further, the heating chamber 50 may be defined in part by a surface opposite the opening, which surface positions the consumable 100 when the consumable 100 is inserted into the heating chamber 50 and It serves to form a resting position for the item 100.

[0118] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the elongated hollow tube includes a tear 42 in the tube wall that defines the elongated hollow tube. The split portion 42 allows the heater element 40 to move toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100 when the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is inserted into the heating chamber 50. Heater element 40 may be moved in the direction of arrow M relative to housing 12 in which heater element 40 is retained.

[0119] The elongated hollow tube may have a tube wall end defined by a tube wall split 42 that defines the elongated hollow tube. In the example shown in FIG. 3 where the elongated hollow tube is cylindrical, the elongated hollow tube may have a circumferential direction and a radial direction. Thus, the tube wall end can also be represented as moving circumferentially of the elongated hollow tube. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the split portion 42 results in an elongated hollow tube with a C-shaped cross section.

[0120] In certain examples, one or both of the tube wall ends may be provided with a projection or flange 43, as shown in FIG. The flange 43 may project substantially radially from the tube wall end. Flange(s) 43 may provide an actuation mechanism that can engage an initiation mechanism to drive movement of heater element 40. For example, a push rod driven by a cam and relying on the inherent elasticity of the heater element 40 directs the heater element 40 toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100 by driving the flange 43 back and forth in the direction of arrow M. It can be moved away from 100. In another example, a linear actuator may drive the movement of flange 43. For example, a lead screw may drive a lead nut attached to flange 43.

[0121] In certain examples, the actuation mechanism may drive both flanges (if present) simultaneously. In other examples, the actuation mechanism may drive one flange 43. In certain examples, the actuation mechanism may drive one flange 43 and a second flange 43 at the opposite tear end of the tube wall is attached to the housing of the aerosol generation device 10.

[0122] In other examples, flange(s) 43 may not be provided and other actuation systems may be provided. It should be appreciated that the movement of heater element 40 shown in FIG. 3 may be initiated in a variety of ways. For example, a set of jaws located above and below heater element 40 in FIG. 3 may be actuated to compress heater element 40, thereby moving the heater element closer to aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0123] As can be seen from FIG. 3, during heating, the heater element 40 is brought close to the cylindrical shaped aerosol-forming consumable 100 inserted into the heating chamber 50, so that the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is first inserted into the heating chamber 50. When aerosol forming consumable 100 is used, a gap may exist around the aerosol forming consumable 100. This may allow easy insertion of aerosol-forming consumable 100 by a user of aerosol-generating device 10.

[0124] In FIG. 3, the tear section 42 can be depicted as being located at a point on the circumference of the circular cross-section of the elongate hollow tube and extending linearly longitudinally along the tube. In other examples where the cross-section is not circular, the tear can be described as being located at a point around the cross-section of the elongated hollow tube.

[0125] In the example shown in FIG. 3, tear section 42 extends longitudinally along the elongated hollow tube. However, in other examples, the tear may extend straight and be angled relative to the longitudinal direction. In another example, the dehiscence may be helical in shape, which twists (applies some torque) the tubular heater element 40 to cause the heater element 40 to move toward and away from the aerosol-forming consumable. movement can be made possible. For example, the split may be a shallow spiral ending in less than one turn along the length of the elongated hollow tube.
[0126] FIG. 4 depicts another exemplary heater element 40 comprising an elongated hollow tube. Again, the elongated hollow tube may be defined by a tube wall. Similar to the example in FIG. 3, the elongated hollow tube may have a longitudinal direction and a cross section defined by a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hollow tube. In FIG. 4, the elongated hollow tube has a substantially circular cross-section and is substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction and has circumferential and radial directions. Again, the heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and thus can receive a suitably sized substantially cylindrical aerosol-forming consumable 100. Aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X.

[0127] Similar to the example shown in FIG. 3, the elongated hollow tube of FIG. 4 includes a split 42 in the tube wall of the heater element 40. The split portion 42 allows the heater element 40 to move toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100 when the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is inserted into the heating chamber 50. The elongated hollow tube may have a tube wall end defined by a split 42 . The elongated hollow tube of FIG. 4 also includes an overlapping section 44 where the tube wall ends overlap so that they are circumferentially adjacent to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the elongated hollow tube may have a helical cross-section due to the split portion 42 and the overlapping portion at the end of the tube wall. The tube wall ends may be radially offset from each other to allow relatively friction-free movement of the tube wall ends relative to each other. In some examples, a suitable clearance distance may be provided between the tube wall ends.

[0128] The split portion 42 shown in FIG. 4 allows the heater element 40 to move toward and away from the aerosol-forming consumable as the aerosol-forming consumable is received into the heating chamber 50. You will be able to do this. Heater element 40 may be moved in the direction of arrow M relative to housing 12 in which heater element 40 is retained. The tube wall end can be depicted as moving circumferentially of the elongated hollow tube. The overlapping tube wall ends may move past each other to increase the overlap as heater element 40 moves. The overlapping tube wall ends may move past each other to reduce the overlap as heater element 40 moves.

[0129] In certain examples, the outer tube wall end may be provided with a projection or flange 43, as shown in FIG. The flange 43 may project substantially radially from the tube wall end. Similar to the flange mechanism described in the example above with respect to FIG. 3, flange 43 may provide an actuation mechanism that can engage an actuation mechanism to drive movement of heater element 40. Any of the actuation configurations described above with respect to FIG. 3 may be used with the heater element 40 shown in FIG. 4, such as a push rod or linear actuator.

[0130] In certain examples, flange 43 may not be provided and other actuation systems may be provided. In one example, the aerosol generation device 10 may include a worm drive for circumferentially driving overlapping tube wall ends of an elongated hollow tube. For example, the worm drive may include a worm screw that engages a worm gear disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the exterior of the elongated hollow tube. The worm gear may, for example, consist of gear teeth cut into an elongated hollow tube or gears arranged in an elongated hollow tube. The worm screw may be attached to any suitable location on the aerosol generation device 10, such as the heater element 40. When the worm screw is rotated, it drives the worm gear, which causes the overlapping tube wall ends to move past each other. The tube wall end can be driven by a worm gear to increase or decrease the overlap. In this manner, heater element 40 can be moved toward or away from aerosol-forming consumable 100. For example, when the worm screw is rotated to increase the overlap, the inner peripheral surface of the elongated hollow tube is reduced, thereby moving the heater element 40 toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100. Conversely, when the worm screw is rotated to reduce the overlap, the inner peripheral surface of the elongated hollow tube is enlarged, thereby moving the heater element 40 away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100. As shown in FIG. 4, when heater element 40 has a substantially circular cross-section, rotating the worm screw causes heater element 40 to move toward or away from aerosol-forming consumable 100; The diameter of the elongated hollow tube changes.

[0131] As discussed above, in certain examples, heater element 40 may include multiple heater element portions. 5A and 5B illustrate an exemplary heater element 40 in which heater element 40 includes two heater element sections. In the example shown in Figures 5A and 5B, heater element 40 comprises an elongated hollow tube. The elongated hollow tube may be defined by a tube wall. The elongated hollow tube may include two tube wall sections 40a, 40b. The tube wall sections 40a, 40b may correspond to two heater element sections. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the elongated hollow tube may have a longitudinal direction and a cross-section defined by a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hollow tube. In Figures 5A and 5B, the elongate hollow tube has a substantially circular cross-section and is substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction. The cylindrical elongated hollow tube may have a circumferential direction and a radial direction. The heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and may receive a suitably sized substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. Aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X.

[0132] The two tube wall sections 40a, 40b are separated by two longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b in the tube wall that define an elongated hollow tube. In this example, the longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b are configured such that the elongated hollow tube is split to form two symmetrical halves. In other examples, the longitudinal gap may divide the elongated hollow tube into unequal parts rather than halves. The longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b allow the tube wall portions 40a, 40b to form jaws, at least one of which is capable of forming aerosols when the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is inserted into the heating chamber 50. It is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100 . As FIG. 5B shows, one or both of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b may be moved in the direction of arrow M relative to each other. Thus, one or both of the tube wall sections 40a, 40b move relative to the housing in which the heater element 40 is held.

[0133] The longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b cause one or both of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b to be moved toward each other, thereby reducing the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50, as shown in FIG. 5B. The heater element 40 moves toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100 . One or both of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b may then be moved away from each other to enlarge the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50, such that the heater element 40 is moved away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100. move to. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, movement of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b may be represented as being toward or away from a plane passing through the central axis of the cylindrical elongated hollow tube. The movement shown in FIG. 5B shows the cylindrical aerosol-forming consumable 100 both before and after the tube wall portions 40a, 40b are moved towards the aerosol-forming consumable 100. FIG. 5B shows aerosol-forming consumable 100 inserted into heating chamber 50 end-first.

[0134] The tube wall sections 40a, 40b may have tube wall section ends defined by longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b of the tube wall. In certain examples, a projection or flange 43 may be provided at the end of the tube wall section, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. For example, each tube wall section end of each tube wall section 40a, 40b may be provided with a flange, or only one tube wall section end may be provided with a flange 43. Each flange 43 may project substantially radially from the end of the respective tube wall section. The flange 43 may provide an actuation mechanism that can engage an actuation mechanism to drive movement of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b. For example, a linear actuator may be attached to one or both of the tube wall sections 40a, 40b to actuate one or both of the tube wall sections 40a, 40b together or individually. For example, a linear actuator may be attached to the housing to move one tube wall section 40a toward and away from another tube wall section 40b fixed to the housing. In another example, a linear actuator may be fixed to one tube wall section 40a and drive the other tube wall section 40b toward and away from the other tube wall section 40b. . Other actuation mechanisms for driving the movement of the tube wall sections 40a, 40b are also contemplated.

[0135] Here, the heater element 40 comprises an elongated hollow tube defined by a tube wall comprising two tube wall portions 40a, 40b, the tube wall portions 40a, 40b corresponding to the two heater element portions. Here is another example where this can be done. In this example, the two tube wall sections 40a, 40b are separated by one longitudinal gap in the tube wall defining an elongated hollow tube. The longitudinal gap may be configured such that the elongated hollow tube is split to form two symmetrical halves. The longitudinal gap allows the tube wall portions 40a, 40b to form two jaws, at least one of which is configured to generate an aerosol-forming consumable when the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is inserted into the heating chamber 50. is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100 . The longitudinal gap causes one or both of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b to be moved toward each other, thereby reducing the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 and directing the heater element 40 toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100. move to. One or both of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b may then be moved away from each other to enlarge the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50, such that the heater element 40 is moved away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100. move to.

[0136] In certain instances where the tube wall is provided with one longitudinal gap, deflecting the tube wall of the elongated tube may move the two tube wall portions relative to the housing. In certain examples, tube wall portions 40a, 40b may be secured together such that one or both of tube wall portions 40a, 40b can rotate relative to the housing. In certain examples, a recess or groove may be provided in the tube wall to form a living hinge that allows one or both of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b to rotate relative to the housing.

[0137] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another exemplary heater element 40, where heater element 40 includes multiple heater element portions. In the example of Figures 6A and 6B, the heater element comprises an elongated hollow tube. The elongated hollow tube may be defined by a tube wall. The elongated hollow tube may include three tube wall sections 40a, 40b, 40c. In other examples, any suitable number of tube wall sections may be provided, such as two, or four, or more than five tube wall sections. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the elongated hollow tube may have a longitudinal direction and a cross-section defined by a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hollow tube. In Figures 6A and 6B, the elongated hollow tube has a substantially circular cross section and is substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction. The cylindrical elongated hollow tube may have a circumferential direction and a radial direction. Heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and may receive a suitably sized substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. Aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X, as shown in FIG. 6B.

[0138] The three tube wall sections 40a, 40b, 40c are separated by three longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c in the tube wall that define an elongated hollow tube. In other examples where different numbers of tube wall sections are provided, a corresponding number of longitudinal gaps may separate the heater element sections. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c are equidistantly spaced and the elongated hollow tube is divided to form three equally sized tube wall sections. In other examples, the longitudinal gaps may be arranged to form unevenly sized tube wall sections. The longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c allow the heater element portions 40a, 40b, 46c to form three jaws, at least one of which allows the aerosol-forming consumable 100 to be inserted into the heating chamber 50. It is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100 when the aerosol-forming consumable 100 is used. As FIG. 6A shows, one, two, or all three of tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c may be moved in the direction of arrow M relative to each other. Thus, one, two or all three of the tube wall sections 40a, 40b, 40c also move relative to the housing in which the heater element 40 is held.

[0139] An internal cross-section of the heating chamber 50 by causing one, two, or all three of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c to be moved toward each other by the longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c. The area is reduced and the heater element 40 is moved toward the aerosol forming consumable 100 . Movement of one, two, or all three of tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c also changes the inner diameter of the elongated hollow tube forming heater element 40. Movable tube wall portion(s) 40a, 40b, 40c can then be moved apart from each other to enlarge the internal cross-sectional area of heating chamber 50, causing heater element 40 to move away from aerosol-forming consumable 100. Move away. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the movement of the tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c can be represented as radial movement relative to a cylindrical elongated hollow tube. FIG. 6A shows the cylindrical aerosol-forming consumable 100 after the tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c have been moved toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100. FIG. 6A shows aerosol-forming consumable 100 inserted end-first into heating chamber 50.

[0140] Figure 6B illustrates how tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c can be integrally formed with each other. In other heater element 40 examples, including those described herein, the tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c may be integrally formed with each other, or may not be integrally formed with each other and are separate parts of the aerosol generating device 10. It should be understood that it may be a component of The examples described above with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B may or may not be integrally formed with each other. Further, regardless of whether the heater element portions described herein are integrally formed, each heater element portion with respect to any of the examples described herein may move independently of other heater element portions. It is also to be understood that the heating elements may move toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100, or in other examples, may move in concert to move the heater elements toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0141] In the exemplary heater element 40 shown in FIG. 6B, the elongate hollow tube includes a root 48 that joins the tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c together. The root portion may, for example, be placed at one end of an elongated hollow tube forming the heater element 40. Thus, the elongated hollow tube may be a single piece, and the longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c are slits formed only partially along the length of the elongated hollow tube. In this way, the inherent elasticity of a single piece elongated hollow tube can be used to drive the movement of the tube wall sections 40a, 40b, 40c. For example, the outer surface of the elongated hollow tube may be conical and a complementary tapered block may be slid longitudinally in one direction to direct the tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100. It may be driven. The complementary tapered blocks may be longitudinally slid in the other direction to release the tube wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c from the aerosol-forming consumable 100 due to the inherent resiliency of the single piece. In one example, the elongated hollow tube may be formed from spring steel or a similar material that provides suitable resiliency. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are other possible actuation mechanisms for driving movement of the tube wall sections 40a, 40b, 40c.

[0142] FIG. 7 shows another example of a heater element 40, where the heater element 40 comprises a coiled member. The coil formed by the coiled member is generally cylindrical in shape and may have a longitudinal direction along the length of the cylinder and a radial direction. The coiled member has a radially inner surface that defines a heating chamber 50 that can receive an aerosol-forming consumable 100. Heating chamber 50 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and thus may receive a suitably sized substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. The coiled member may be twistable so that the diameter of the radially inner surface can be changed. By twisting the coiled member in one direction, the diameter of the radially inner surface can be reduced. By twisting the coiled member in the other direction, the diameter of the radially inner surface can be reduced.

[0143] The coiled member may be a torsion coil spring. The torsion coil spring may be provided with a starting member 49a. The torsion coil spring may be provided with a fixing member 49b at the other end of the spring. The fixing member 49b may be fixed to the housing of the aerosol generation device 10. For example, a constant torque may be applied to the torsion coil spring via the starting member 49, causing the torsion coil spring to twist about its central axis. By twisting the torsion coil spring in one direction, the heater element 40 can be moved toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100. By twisting the torsion coil spring in the other direction, heater element 40 can be moved away from aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0144] Arrow T in FIG. 7 indicates the direction of twist of the torsion coil spring. The fixing member 49b may remain fixed at a predetermined position. When a torsion coil spring is twisted in one direction, the inner diameter of the spring narrows as the coil is stretched or strained. In this manner, heater element 40 is moved toward aerosol-forming consumable 100. When a torsion coil spring is twisted in the other direction, the inner diameter of the spring expands when the coil is loosened. In this manner, heater element 40 is moved away from aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0145] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another example heater element 40, where heater element 40 comprises an elongated hollow tube. The elongated hollow tube may include a flexible wall. The elongated hollow tube has a longitudinal direction and may have a cross section defined by a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hollow tube. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the elongate hollow tube has a substantially circular cross-section and is substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction and has circumferential and radial directions. The flexible wall has a radially inner surface that defines a heating chamber 50 that can receive an aerosol-forming consumable 100. Heating chamber 50 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and may receive a suitably sized substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. Aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X, as shown in FIG. 8A. The flexible wall of the elongate hollow tube may be formed from a braided braid. The braided braid may be a metal braid. The braided braid is capable of deflecting laterally when compressed or stretched longitudinally.

[0146] The flexible walls of the elongated hollow tubes shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be compressed and stretched longitudinally to cause the heater elements 40 to move toward and from the aerosol-forming consumable 100. May be moved away. Figures 8A and 8B illustrate how the flexible wall of the elongated hollow tube is longitudinally compressible and extensible such that in use the flexible wall is movable radially of the elongated hollow tube. The flexible wall of the elongated hollow tube may be compressed and expanded in the direction of arrow M such that the flexible wall moves outward and inward, respectively, in the radial direction of the elongated hollow tube.

[0147] In FIG. 8A, the flexible wall of the elongated hollow tube is longitudinally compressed and radially moved away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100. When the flexible wall is moved radially away from the aerosol-forming consumable 100, the inner diameter of the flexible elongate hollow tube narrows, thus reducing the inner cross-sectional area of the heater element 40. This configuration provides a large gap between the heater element 40 and the aerosol-forming consumable 100 so that the aerosol-forming consumable 100 can be easily inserted into the heating chamber 50. In FIG. 8B, the flexible wall of the elongated hollow tube is stretched longitudinally and moved radially toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100. When the flexible wall is moved radially toward the aerosol-forming consumable 100, the inner diameter of the flexible elongated hollow tube expands, thus enlarging the internal cross-sectional area of the heater element 40. As discussed above, by compressing and stretching the flexible wall along the length of the elongated hollow tube, the heat transferred to the aerosol-forming consumable 100 can be controlled.
[0148] The flexible elongate hollow tube may be provided with an activation member 49a. The flexible elongated hollow tube may be provided with a fixing member 49b at the other end of the tube. The fixing member 49b may be fixed to the housing of the aerosol generation device 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the securing member 49b may be located at the same end of the heater element 40 where there is an opening for receiving the aerosol-forming consumable 100 into the heating chamber 50. In other examples, the activation member 49a may be located at the end of the heater element 40 with an opening for receiving the aerosol-forming consumable 100 into the heating chamber 50.

[0149] The actuation member 49a may be driven longitudinally back and forth so that the flexible elongated hollow tube can be compressed and expanded longitudinally. By driving actuation member 49a in one direction, heater element 40 can be moved toward aerosol-forming consumable 100. By driving actuation member 49a in the other direction, heater element 40 can be moved away from aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0150] As discussed above, in certain examples, heater element 40 may be one of a plurality of heater elements 40. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary aerosol generation device 10 in which two heater elements 40 are provided. In other examples, any suitable number of heater elements 40 may be provided.

[0151] In the example of FIG. 9, the heater elements 40 are arranged in series within the aerosol generation device 10 such that the elongate aerosol forming consumable 100 resides in a heating chamber defined at least in part by the respective heater element 40. 50 may be accepted. It should be understood that multiple heater elements, such as the examples described herein, may be arranged in other ways in an aerosol generation device. For example, a plurality of heater elements may be arranged in a radial array and configured to receive a corresponding plurality of aerosol-forming consumables.

[0152] In the example shown in FIG. 9, heater elements 40 may be moved toward or away from aerosol-forming consumable 100 independently of each other. FIG. 9 schematically shows that one of the heater elements 40 is closer to the aerosol-forming consumable 100 than the other heater element 40. In this manner, different parts of the aerosol-forming consumable 100 can be temperature-controlled independently. For example, a portion of the aerosol-forming consumable 100 may be heated before another portion of the aerosol-forming consumable 100, with the first portion being consumed by the user before the second portion. In another example, aerosol-forming consumable 100 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature profile for its length as it is heated and consumed by a user of device 10. For example, a portion of aerosol-forming consumable 100 may be maintained at a higher temperature than another portion of aerosol-forming consumable 100. This may, for example, release flavor aerosol from one portion of aerosol-forming consumable 100 while simultaneously releasing nicotine-loaded aerosol from another portion of aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0153] As discussed above, the examples of heater elements 40 described herein may be provided with starting mechanisms, several examples of which are described herein. The actuation mechanism may be activated by a starting mechanism, some examples of which are also described herein. To control the starting mechanism, the aerosol generation device 10 may be equipped with a starting system, such as an electrical circuit, to activate the starting mechanism to direct the heater element 40 to and from the aerosol-forming consumable 100. Move it away from 100.

[0154] As mentioned above, the initiation system itself may be activated based on input. The input may be based on an indication of the temperature of the aerosol-generating consumable (e.g., sensed by a temperature sensor), or a command from the controller, such as a user-initiated switch (such as a power button or detecting when the user inhales with the device). (e.g., by selecting a temperature at which the consumable should be heated, or by providing an indication of the temperature) or manually by the user (e.g., by selecting the temperature at which the consumable is to be heated, or by providing an indication of the temperature). For example, the input may be received from a user and may be at least one of a representation of a desired temperature set by the user and an indication of the user's inhalation at the aerosol generating device. For example, the user can set the temperature. In another example, the user can set the desired amount of aerosol per puff. In some such situations, the desired amount of aerosol per puff may be approximately proportional or proportional to the temperature to which the aerosol-forming consumable is heated. In some implementations, the activation system may be activated as soon as a user inserts the aerosol-forming consumable 100 into the heating chamber 50. For example, the actuation system may be triggered by a user closing a lid 60 covering heating chamber 50. The lid 60 can, for example, exert a biasing force on or press an electrical switch within the heating chamber 60 when closed. In one example, the actuation system may be triggered by a user inhaling with the mouthpiece 20 and the aerosol generating device 10 detecting the user's inhalation action. In one example, the activation system may be activated by a user activating a function switch on the aerosol generation device 10.

[0155] The activation system may be released to move the heater element 40 and bring the heating chamber 50 into a state where the aerosol-forming consumable 100 can be released from the heating chamber 50.

[0156] In certain examples, the initiation system may be synchronized with the user's inhalation cycle. For example, after each inhalation of the user is determined to have ended, the activation mechanism is released such that the heating element 40 returns to the position for initially heating the aerosol-forming consumable, e.g. when the aerosol-forming consumable is cold. It's okay. This can reduce the heat delivered to the aerosol-forming consumable 100 when the user is not inhaling with the device 10, and thus can extend the life of the aerosol-forming consumable 100.

[0157] The aerosol generation device may be provided to the user as an aerosol generation system that includes at least one aerosol forming consumable for use with the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation system may include a plurality of similar aerosol forming consumables for use with the aerosol generation device. The at least one aerosol-forming consumable is receivable in the aerosol-generating device heater element such that the aerosol-generating device heater element at least partially defines a heating chamber for receiving at least one aerosol-forming consumable. Shaped and sized.

[0158] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, features, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or limitations on the equivalents of the claims. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention suitably include suitable combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein. or may consist of, or consist essentially of. Additionally, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (31)

An aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming consumable, the device comprising:
housing and
at least one heater element movable relative to the housing;
a system for causing heating of the heater element;
Equipped with
the heater element at least partially defines a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol-forming consumable;
the heater element being movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable when the aerosol-forming consumable is received in the heating chamber during use of the heater element; configured to control the amount of heat transferred from the heater element to the consumable;
Aerosol generation device. 2. The aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the system for causing heating of the heater element is configured to maintain the heater element at a substantially constant or constant temperature during use. 3. The aerosol generation device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the heater element is configured to move towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable in response to an input. 4. The aerosol generation device of claim 3, further comprising a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of the aerosol forming consumable, the input being the sensed temperature of the aerosol forming consumable. Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heater element is configured to be moved away from the aerosol-forming consumable to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the aerosol-forming consumable. The aerosol generation device described in. 4. The aerosol generation of claim 3, wherein the input is at least one of: a representation of a desired temperature received from and set by the user; and an indication of user inhalation at the aerosol generation device. device. Any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the heater element is configured to move toward or away from the aerosol-generating consumable by an amount corresponding to the magnitude of the input. The aerosol generation device described in. An aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating chamber is substantially tubular. 10. The heating chamber is configured to have a variable internal cross-sectional area such that the heater element is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. The aerosol generation device described in. 9. The heating chamber is configured to have a variable inner circumferential surface such that the heater element is movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. Or the aerosol generation device according to 9. Aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the heater element comprises an elongated hollow tube. 12. The aerosol generation device of claim 11, wherein the elongated hollow tube is defined by a tube wall, the elongated hollow tube comprising a tear in the tube wall of the elongated hollow tube. 13. The aerosol generation device of claim 12, wherein the tear section extends longitudinally along the elongated hollow tube. 14. An aerosol generation device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the elongated hollow tube has a substantially circular cross section. The elongated hollow tube has a tube wall end defined by the split and when the heater element moves toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable, the tube 15. The aerosol generation device of claim 14, wherein a wall end is movable circumferentially of the elongate hollow tube. 16. The aerosol generation device of claim 15, wherein the tube wall ends overlap in a circumferential direction of the elongated hollow tube. Aerosol generation according to claim 15 or 16, wherein at least one of the tube wall ends of the elongate hollow tube comprises a flange projecting from the tube wall end in a substantially radial direction of the elongate hollow tube. device. 17. In use, the worm drive comprises a worm drive for driving the overlapping tube wall ends in the circumferential direction to move the heater element toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable. Aerosol generation device. the elongate hollow tube is defined by a tube wall, the elongate hollow tube comprising two tube wall portions, the tube wall portions being separated by a longitudinal gap in the tube wall of the elongate hollow tube; 12 , wherein the tube wall portion forms two jaws, at least one of the jaws being movable towards or away from the aerosol-forming consumable in use. The aerosol generation device described. the elongate hollow tube is defined by a tube wall, the elongate hollow tube comprising two tube wall portions, the tube wall portions being separated by two longitudinal gaps in the tube wall of the elongate hollow tube; 12 , wherein the tube wall portion forms two jaws, at least one of the jaws being movable towards or away from the aerosol-forming consumable in use. The aerosol generation device described. the elongate hollow tube is defined by a tube wall, the elongate hollow tube comprising three tube wall sections, the tube wall sections being separated by three longitudinal gaps in the tube wall of the elongate hollow tube; 12 , wherein the tube wall portion forms three jaws, at least one of the jaws being movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable in use. The aerosol generation device described. Aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the tube wall portions are integrally formed with each other. 23. The aerosol generation device of claim 22, wherein the elongated hollow tube has a substantially circular cross-section, and wherein the elongated hollow tube includes a root joining the tube wall portions together. Claim: the elongated hollow tube comprises a flexible wall, the flexible wall being longitudinally compressible and extensible, and in use the flexible wall is movable in the radial direction of the elongated hollow tube. Item 12. The aerosol generation device according to Item 11. An aerosol generation device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heater element comprises a twistable coiled member having a radially inner surface defining the heating chamber. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heater element comprises a homogeneous or substantially homogeneous material. the at least one heater element comprises a plurality of heater elements, each of the heater elements being movable toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable, independently of each other in use; Aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 26. Aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system for causing heating of the heater element is an induction heating system or a resistive heating system. 28. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 27 and at least one aerosol forming consumable, the at least one aerosol forming consumable being housed in the heating chamber. An aerosol generation system of any shape and size as possible. A method of heating an aerosol-forming consumable, the method comprising:
receiving an aerosol-forming consumable in a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device, the heating chamber being at least partially defined by a heater element movable relative to a housing of the aerosol-generating device;
during use of the heater element, moving the heater element toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable to control the amount of heat transferred from the heater element to the consumable;
method including. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the temperature of the heater element is maintained at a constant temperature as the heater element is moving toward or away from the aerosol-forming consumable.

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