JP2024514828A - Movement of an aerosol generating device between intake and storage positions - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol generating device (3) includes an axially extending heating chamber (15), an axially extending storage chamber (17), and a positioning mechanism (81). The storage chamber (17) is arranged coaxially with the heating chamber (15). The aerosol generating device (3) is configured to store the aerosol-generating article (5) in an intake position. In the intake position, the aerosol-generating portion (9) of the aerosol-generating article (5) is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber (15). The aerosol generating device (3) is configured to store the aerosol-generating article (5) in a storage position. In the storage position, the aerosol-generating portion (9) of the aerosol-generating article (5) is at least partially disposed within the storage chamber (17). The positioning mechanism (81) is configured to move the aerosol-generating article (5) from the storage position to the intake position. The positioning mechanism (81) is configured to move the aerosol-generating article (5) from the intake position to the storage position. [Selected Figure] FIG.

Description

This disclosure relates to heating an aerosol generating article in an aerosol generating device. This disclosure relates to managing heat in an aerosol generating device.

European Patent Publication No. 0858744A1 describes a flavor generating component having a heat transfer tube provided with a molded body of solid material for generating a flavor etc. that is inhaled by the user. The flavor generating component may be inserted into the flavor generating heater such that a heat transfer tube is provided above the gas nozzle supplying the flame. The inner surface of the heat transfer tube is covered with a layer of heat storage material. The heat storage material layer makes it possible to maintain the temperature of the body formed by the heat transfer tubes at the flavor generation temperature for a longer time.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an axially extending heating space. The heating space is configured to at least partially accommodate an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device comprises a heat receiving surface provided outside the heating space. The aerosol generating device comprises a heat storage body and an inner heat conductor. The heat storage body is provided between the heat receiving surface and the heating space. The inner heat conductor is provided between the heat storage body and the heating space. The material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor. The material of the inner heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.

The heat storage body can function as a thermal buffer. The heat storage body can absorb heat from the heat receiving surface when the heat receiving surface is heated. The heat absorbed by the heat storage body can be provided to the heating space over time to heat an aerosol-generating article disposed therein. The heat storage body can absorb a certain amount of heat over a first period of time and release the amount of heat over a second, longer period of time. For example, the second time is at least twenty times the first time, or at least fifteen times the first time, or at least ten times the first time, or at least five times the first time, or It may be at least twice the first time. Due to the buffering function of the heat storage body, when the heat receiving surface is heated to a high temperature, overheating of the heating space can be prevented. Furthermore, the heat storage body allows the heating space to maintain the aerosol generation temperature for a longer period of time even after the heating of the heat receiving surface is stopped.

The inner heat conductor can facilitate the transfer of heat stored in the heat store toward the heating space and thus to the aerosol-generating article at least partially contained in the heating space. The inner heat conductor can efficiently distribute heat to a desired area of the aerosol-generating article. The inner heat conductor can guide the flow of heat from the heat store.

The material of the heat storage body is 300 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram to 1500 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram, or 500 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram to 1200 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram, or 600 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram to 1 kilogram. It can have a specific heat of 1000 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram, or from 600 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram to 800 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram.

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

One or both of the material of the heat storage body and the material of the inner heat conductor exceeds 800°C, or exceeds 900°C, or exceeds 1000°C, or exceeds 1100°C, or exceeds 1300°C, or 1500°C. It may have a melting temperature in excess of °C. Considering such a melting temperature, it is possible to prevent the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor from melting when the heat receiving surface is heated. In particular, it is possible to prevent the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor from melting if the heat receiving surface is heated by one or more flames, for example flames generated by a common cigarette lighter.

One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may circumferentially surround the heating space. When the heat storage body circumferentially surrounds the heating space, the heat storage body can store heat around the heating space in the circumferential direction. If the inner heat conductor surrounds the heating space, heat can be distributed throughout the heating space by the inner heat conductor. One or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor may surround the heating space all around the heating space. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor surround the heating space over at least 50 percent, or at least 60 percent, or at least 70 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 90 percent of the circumference of the heating space. be able to. One or more of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor surround the heating space over no more than 90 percent, or no more than 80 percent, or no more than 70 percent, or no more than 60 percent, or no more than 50 percent of the circumference of the heating space. be able to.

The inner thermal conductor can include a protrusion extending into the heating space. The protrusion can be configured to be embedded within the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating space. In particular, the protrusion can be configured to be embedded within the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article. The protrusions can conduct heat into the aerosol-generating article to heat the aerosol-generating article from the inside. The protrusions can promote homogeneous heating of the aerosol-generating article. The protrusion may have the form of a pin or a blade, for example. The protrusion may be an integral part of the inner thermal conductor. The protrusion may extend into the heating space along the axial direction. The projection is 5 to 50 mm, or 5 to 40 mm, or 5 to 30 mm, or 5 to 25 mm, or 5 to 20 mm, or 5 to 15 mm, or 5 to 10 mm, or 2 to 5 mm. , or 10-15 mm, or 10-20 mm.

The inner thermal conductor may form at least part of a wall defining the heating space. A surface of the inner thermal conductor can at least partially define a heating space. If there are no elements of an aerosol generating device between the inner thermal conductor and the aerosol generating article contained within the heating space, the inner thermal conductor can efficiently supply heat to the heating space.

The inner heat conductor may be in contact with the heat store. Contact between the inner heat conductor and the heat store may promote efficient heat transfer between the heat store and the inner heat conductor. The inner heat conductor may be in circumferential contact with the heat store around the heating space.

The aerosol generating device may include an outer thermal conductor. The outer heat conductor may be provided between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body. The outer thermal conductor can promote heat transfer from the heat receiving surface to the heat storage body.

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

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

The outer thermal conductor may be formed of the same material as the inner thermal conductor.

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

At least one of the thermal conductivity of the material of the inner thermal conductor and the thermal conductivity of the material of the outer thermal conductor is at least 500 times, or at least 400 times, or at least 300 times the thermal conductivity of the material of the heat storage body. or at least 200 times, or at least 100 times, or at least 50 times, or at least 30 times, or at least 10 times, or at least 5 times. At least one of the thermal conductivity of the material of the inner thermal conductor and the thermal conductivity of the material of the outer thermal conductor is at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent of the thermal conductivity of the material of the heat storage body. percent, or at least 110 percent.

The outer heat conductor may be in contact with the heat store to facilitate heat transfer between the outer heat conductor and the heat store.

The heat receiving surface may be a surface of the outer heat conductor. The heat receiving surface may be the outer surface of the outer heat conductor relative to the heating space. The heat receiving surface may be a radially outer surface of the outer heat conductor. The heat receiving surface may be a surface of the outer heat conductor that is axially spaced apart from the heating space.

The outer thermal conductor may circumferentially surround the heating space. The outer heat conductor may circumferentially surround the heat storage body. The outer heat conductor may be provided at least partially radially outward of the heat store. The outer heat conductor may be provided at least partially on the side of the heat store axially opposite the heating space.

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

The thickness of the outer heat conductor may be different at at least two different positions of the outer heat conductor. For example, the thickness of the outer heat conductor at a first position of the outer heat conductor may be at least 300 percent, or at least 250 percent, or at least 200 percent, or at least 150 percent, or at least 130 percent, or at least 110 percent of the thickness of the outer heat conductor at a second position of the outer heat conductor. A change in thickness of the outer heat conductor may result in a different thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may vary along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may be thickest at the heat receiving surface. The thickness of the outer heat conductor may decrease with distance from the heat receiving surface along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions.

The outer heat conductor may be provided with one or more channels. The one or more channels may affect the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor. Heated air may flow through the one or more channels. The one or more channels may comprise one or more openings. The one or more openings may be provided in the heat receiving surface.

The thermal resistance of the heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor may be highest at the heat receiving surface. This can prevent excessive heating of the heating chamber and the aerosol-generating article disposed therein at a position corresponding to the position of the heat receiving surface. The high thermal resistance of the heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor at the heat receiving surface may distribute the heat from the heat receiving surface more uniformly throughout the heating space. The thermal resistance of the heat transport along the radial direction through the outer heat conductor may increase with distance to the heat receiving surface, particularly along at least one of the axial and circumferential directions.

The outer thermal conductor may include two or more different materials with different thermal conductivities. Two or more different materials can be arranged to obtain the desired heat transfer profile. The two or more different materials can be arranged to obtain a desired distribution of thermal resistance for radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor. The outer thermal conductor may, for example, comprise two or more layers, each layer being formed of a different material. The layers may, for example, be arranged one after the other with respect to the axial or radial direction (or both axially and radially).

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a heater configured to heat the heat receiving surface. The heater may comprise, for example, an electrical resistance heater or an induction heater. The heater may be configured to generate one or more flames for heating the heat receiving surface. The heater may be configured to combust a gas to generate one or more flames. The one or more flames may include at least two flames. The heater may be integrally formed with the body of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be provided as a separate component, fully or partially. The heater may be, for example, a conventional cigarette lighter.

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

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of generating an aerosol is provided. The method includes heating a heat receiving surface of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generating device at least partially contains an aerosol generating article. Heat generated by heating the heat receiving surface is stored in a heat storage body provided between the heat receiving surface and the aerosol generating article. Heat is distributed to the aerosol generating article by an inner thermal conductor disposed between the heat storage and the aerosol generating article. The material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner heat conductor.

The material of the inner heat conductor may have a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat store.

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

The aerosol-generating article may extend along an axial direction when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially contained in the aerosol generating device. The axial direction may correspond to a direction in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device.

At least two of the flames can be generated at different circumferential positions about the axial direction. Thus, heat can be supplied from different circumferential angles about the axial direction.

At least two of the flames may be spaced apart along an axially parallel direction. Therefore, heat can be supplied to different positions along the axial direction.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of generating an aerosol is provided. The method includes heating a heat receiving surface of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generating device at least partially houses an axially extending aerosol generating article. The heat receiving surface is heated by two or more flames simultaneously.

At least two of the flames may occur at different circumferential positions about the axial direction.

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

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of an axially extending tube circumferentially surrounding the aerosol generating material to achieve substantially uniform heating of the aerosol generating material, the thermal resistance of heat transport along a radial direction through the tube varying along at least one of the axial direction and the circumference of the tube.

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

The thermal resistance of heat transport radially through the tube can vary along at least one of the axial direction and circumference of the tube such that the effect of the heat transport on the aerosol generating material is substantially uniform. For example, the thermal resistance of heat transport radially through the tube can be highest at a location closest to the heat source. The thermal resistance can decrease from that location along at least one of the axial direction and circumference of the tube.

Substantially uniform heating of the aerosol-generating material can be achieved if the temperature difference between the two portions of the aerosol-generating material during heating is not more than 100°C, not more than 75°C, or not more than 50°C, or not more than 25°C, or not more than 10°C.

According to another aspect of the invention, an aerosol generation device is provided that includes an axially extending heating chamber configured to at least partially house an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator further includes a heater actuation mechanism configured to move between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration. The heater activation mechanism is configured to act on the heater in the engaged configuration to activate the heater and generate heat. The heater activation mechanism is configured to not act on the heater in the disengaged configuration and to stop the heater from producing heat. The heater actuation mechanism includes an operating element. The operating element is configured to be moved to move the heater actuation mechanism from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration. The aerosol generator further includes a blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily prevent movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration or from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration.

The heater actuation mechanism allows the heater to be activated by moving the operating element.

When the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily block the heater operating mechanism from moving from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration, the blocking mechanism can delay the movement of the heater operating mechanism from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration. Delaying the movement of the heater operating mechanism to the disengaged configuration can delay the cessation of heat generation. This ensures that sufficient heat is generated by the heater before heat generation is halted.

If the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily prevent movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration, heat production by the heater may be delayed. This can be useful, for example, to prevent excessive heat generation that could lead to overheating of the heating chamber or aerosol-generating article. By slowing the generation of heat by the heater, an increase in temperature that could lead to combustion of the aerosol-generating article can be prevented.

The blocking mechanism can affect the heating time (the time the heater generates heat). Controlling the heating time through the blocking mechanism can ensure that the aerosol-generating article is heated to a predetermined specification or according to a prescribed temperature profile.

Moving the operating element to move the heater actuation mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration may be performed by a user. The operating element can be configured to be moved by a user to move the heater actuation mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration. The operating element can be configured to be engaged and moved by a user. The operating element can be configured to be moved by a drive means, e.g. a motor or a spring. The drive means can be configured to be actuated by a user to move the operating element.

The blocking mechanism can be configured to automatically release the movement of the heater actuation means after temporarily blocking the movement of the heater actuation mechanism. The blocking mechanism can be configured to temporarily block the movement of the heater actuation mechanism for a blocking time. The blocking time can be a predetermined time. The blocking time can be predetermined by the configuration of the blocking mechanism. The blocking time can be determined by one or more operating parameters of the aerosol generating device, for example, the operating temperature or the operating mode.

The heater actuation mechanism includes a return element that provides a mechanical force configured to move the heater actuation mechanism to a disengaged configuration. After moving the operating element to move the heater actuation mechanism from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration, the user can release the operating element. The heater actuation means can be automatically returned to the disengaged configuration by the return element. However, the heater actuation mechanism may not return to the disengaged configuration immediately, but rather there may be a delay imposed by the blocking mechanism. The delay imposed by the blocking mechanism can define the time the heater is operational after the operating element is released by the user.

The engagement configuration may include multiple engagement sub-configurations of the heater actuation mechanism. A control element allows a user to selectively transition the heater actuation mechanism into one of the engagement sub-configurations. The multiple engagement sub-configurations may provide a user with a means to activate the heater to different degrees.

The blocking mechanism is configured to delay the heater operating mechanism from returning from the respective engaged sub-configuration to the disengaged configuration for different amounts of time for different engaged sub-configurations. Thus, depending on the engaged sub-configuration to which the user transitions the heater operating mechanism, the heater can continue to operate and generate heat for different periods of time.

The blocking mechanism may comprise a movable part. The movable part may be configured to move between a release position and a blocking position. In the release position, the movable part may allow the thermal actuation mechanism to move to at least one of the disengaged and engaged configurations. In the blocking position, the movable part may block the heater actuation mechanism from moving to at least one of the disengaged and engaged configurations. In particular, in the release position, the blocking mechanism may allow the heater actuation mechanism to move to the disengaged configuration and in the blocking position, block the heater actuation mechanism from moving to the disengaged configuration. Alternatively or additionally, in the release position, the movable part may allow the heater actuation mechanism to move to the engaged configuration and in the blocking position, block the heater actuation mechanism from moving to the engaged configuration.

The movable part can be automatically moved between the release position and the blocking position. The movable part can be configured to be moved by a user between a released position and a blocked position.

The movable part can be configured to move between a release position and a blocking position in response to temperature. This allows the movable part to delay operation of the heater or stop operation of the heater in response to temperature. When the movable part is configured to move between a release position and a blocking position in response to temperature, feedback control of temperature can be performed by the heater.

The temperature on which the movable part is moved between the release position and the blocking position depends, for example, on the temperature of the part of the aerosol-generating device, or the temperature inside the heating chamber, or the temperature of the walls of the heating chamber, or the temperature of the aerosol-generating article. It may be at a temperature of

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

The movable portion is configured to periodically move between the release position and the blocking position to delay movement of the heater operating mechanism to the disengaged configuration or to the engaged configuration. The periodic movement between the release position and the blocking position can delay movement of the heater operating mechanism by periodically releasing and blocking movement of the heater operating mechanism.

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

The heater actuation mechanism may comprise a sliding element configured to slide with the operating element. The sliding element may be configured to slide, for example, within the body of the aerosol generating device. The sliding element may be coupled to the operating element.

The heater actuation mechanism may include an engagement element configured to act on the heater in an engaged configuration of the heater actuation mechanism. The engagement element can be slidably guided on the sliding element. When the engagement element is slidably guided on the sliding element, the engagement element does not directly follow every movement of the operating element. This may result in a delay between movement of the operating element and actuation of the heater by the engagement element.

The heater actuation mechanism includes a spring element configured to bias the engagement element towards the heater. The spring element allows the engagement element to act reliably on the heater within the range of configurations of the heater actuation mechanism (range of non-engaged configurations).

The sliding element may include a plurality of teeth. The blocking element may include one or more blocking portions configured to engage with the teeth. By engaging with the teeth of the sliding element, the blocking portions may allow or block movement of the heater actuation mechanism. The blocking portion or portions may be one or more movable portions.

According to another aspect of the invention, an aerosol generation system is provided. The aerosol generation system can include an aerosol generator and a heater. The heater can be configured to generate heat when acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism. The heater can be configured so that it does not generate heat when not acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism.

Placing the heater actuation mechanism in an engaged configuration and actuating the heater may be the only action required to initiate heat generation by the heater. Alternatively, another action may be required to initiate heat generation by the heater. A heater may require more than one action to initiate heat generation. One or more of these actions may be performed by the heater actuation mechanism when the heater actuation mechanism is in an engaged configuration. One or more additional actions may be performed independently of the heater actuation mechanism.

To stop the generation of heat by the heater, it may be necessary to move the heater actuation mechanism from an engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration. There may be, but need not be, one or more alternative ways to stop the heater from producing heat.

The heater may include a gas tank. The gas tank may be configured to release gas when the heater is actuated by the heater actuation mechanism. The gas tank may be configured to prevent the release of gas when the heater is not actuated by the heater actuation mechanism.

The gas tank can be removably connected to the body of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating system may further include an ignition mechanism configured to ignite the gas. The ignition mechanism may be operated independently of the heater actuation mechanism.

The gas tank and/or ignition mechanism may be an integral part of the aerosol generating device. The gas tank and/or ignition mechanism may be separate from the aerosol generating device.

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

The heater may be coupled to an aerosol generator.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol. An operating element is moved along a path in an actuation direction, thereby acting on a heater by a heater actuation mechanism. The heater generates heat in response to being acted on by the heater actuation mechanism. The operating element is returned along the path in a direction opposite to the actuation direction. One or more movable parts of the blocking mechanism are operated to retard return of the operating element. In response to no longer being acted on by the heater actuation mechanism, the heater ceases to generate heat.

In response to the operating element being moved in the actuation direction, the restoring element accumulates a restoring force in a direction opposite to the movement of the operating element. The restoring force can urge the operating element in a direction opposite to the actuation direction, causing the operating element to return along the path in a direction opposite to the actuation direction.

In response to the heater being actuated by the heater actuation mechanism, gas can be released from the gas tank. The gas can sustain a flame that heats a heat-receiving surface of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can at least partially contain the aerosol-generating article.

According to another aspect of the invention, a change in length of a thermal expansion element caused by a change in temperature is used to extinguish a flame after the flame has heated an aerosol generating device at least partially containing an aerosol generating article. Use provided.

The thermal expansion element allows the flame to be extinguished depending on the temperature. A feedback control scheme can be implemented to control temperature.

According to another aspect of the invention, an aerosol generation device is provided that includes an axially extending heating chamber, an axially extending storage chamber, and a positioning mechanism. The storage chamber is provided coaxially with the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device is configured to receive an aerosol generating article in an ingestion position. In the ingestion position, the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device is configured to store an aerosol generating article in a storage position. In the storage position, the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article is at least partially disposed within the storage chamber. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating article from the storage position to the ingestion position. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating article from the ingestion position to the storage position.

In the ingestion position, the aerosol generator can be heated in a heating chamber and emit an aerosol for ingestion by a user. The heating chamber may be heated to a heating temperature. The heating temperature can be the temperature at which the aerosol generator releases the aerosol for ingestion. The heating temperature may be, for example, 50 to 350°C, 80 to 300°C, or 100 to 250°C. To cease or interrupt ingestion, the positioning mechanism can move the aerosol-generating article into the storage position. In the storage position, the aerosol generator can be stored in the storage chamber. By removing the aerosol generating part from the heating chamber between intake periods, unnecessary emissions from the aerosol generating part between the intake periods can be reduced compared to leaving the aerosol generating part in the heating chamber. Aerosol emissions can be reduced.

In the storage chamber, suitable conditions for storing the aerosol-generating unit between intake periods can be obtained. For example, the temperature of the storage chamber can be a storage temperature. The storage temperature can be lower than the heating temperature. The storage temperature can be lower than the temperature at which a large amount of aerosol is released by the aerosol-generating unit. The storage temperature can be between 30°C and 70°C. The storage temperature can be above the ambient temperature. The storage temperature can be sufficiently high to prevent condensation of the aerosol on cold parts of the aerosol-generating unit and to prevent negative perceptions of humidity.

The positioning mechanism allows the aerosol-generating article to be conveniently moved between a storage position and an ingestion position. The positioning mechanism allows the aerosol-generating article to be moved between the ingestion position and the storage position without touching the aerosol-generating article. The positioning mechanism allows for easy and accurate positioning of the aerosol-generating article.

At the ingestion position, at least 75 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 90 percent, or 100 percent (referring to the mass percentage or referring to the percentage of the length of the aerosol generator along the axial direction) of the aerosol generator is heated. It may be placed indoors. Preferably, the aerosol generator is located completely in the uptake position of the heating chamber.

In the storage position, at least 75 percent, or at least 80 percent, or at least 90 percent, or 100 percent (referring to mass percentage, or to percentage of the length of the aerosol-generating portion along the axial direction) of the aerosol-generating portion may be located within the storage chamber. Preferably, the aerosol-generating portion is completely located in the storage position of the storage chamber.

The aerosol-generating article may be configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating device along an insertion direction. The insertion direction may correspond to an axial direction. The heating chamber may be located downstream of the storage chamber along the insertion direction. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted, the aerosol-generating article may first enter the storage chamber and then enter the heating chamber.

The positioning mechanism may include a stop. The stop may be configured to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol-generating article beyond the storage position and away from the intake position. The stop may ensure that the positioning mechanism accurately positions the aerosol-generating article in the storage chamber. The stop may prevent the positioning mechanism from completely ejecting the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol generating device.

The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article along a direction parallel to the axial direction. The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article parallel to a direction corresponding to movement of the aerosol-generating device between the intake position and the storage position. The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The positioning mechanism may be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article from inside the aerosol-generating device. In one or both of the intake and storage positions of the aerosol-generating article, the positioning mechanism may engage the aerosol-generating article at a position not visible from outside the aerosol-generating device.

The positioning mechanism can be configured to engage the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article.

The positioning mechanism may include a spring element that biases the positioning mechanism in a direction to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position. The spring element may facilitate moving the aerosol-generating article into the storage position between intake periods.

The positioning mechanism can include a locking mechanism that has a locked state and an unlocked state. The locking mechanism can be configured to, in the locked state, prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol-generating article from the ingestion position to the storage position. The locking mechanism can be configured to, in the unlocked state, release the positioning mechanism for moving the aerosol-generating article from the ingestion position to the storage position. The locking mechanism can be configured to move between a locked state and an unlocked state.

In the locked state, the locking mechanism may act against the spring element to prevent the spring element from causing the positioning mechanism to move the aerosol-generating article from the ingestion position to the storage position. When the locking mechanism is unlocked, the spring element allows the positioning mechanism to move the aerosol-generating article from the ingestion position to the storage position.

The positioning mechanism may comprise a hook structure. The hook structure may be configured to be driven into the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may be configured to be embedded into the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may be configured to be driven into an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may facilitate movement of the aerosol-generating article by the positioning mechanism. The hook structure may be driven into the aerosol-generating article parallel to the axial direction. The hook structure may be configured to be driven into the aerosol-generating article in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. Driving the hook structure into the aerosol-generating article may include relative movement between the hook structure and the aerosol-generating article. The relative movement may include one or both of movement of the hook structure and movement of the aerosol-generating article.

The heating chamber can be configured to be heated by a flame from a heater.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a heater. The heater may be configured to actively heat the heating chamber. The heater may, for example, comprise an electric heater, such as an induction heater or a resistance heater, or may be configured to heat the heating chamber by a flame. The heater may comprise a lighter. The heater may comprise a gas tank and an ignition mechanism for igniting gas released from the gas tank.

The storage chamber may be in thermal contact with the heating chamber. The storage chamber may be heated by heat transfer from the heating chamber. The storage chamber may be heated to a lower temperature than the heating chamber.

The storage chamber can be configured to be heated only by heat transfer from the heating chamber. The aerosol generator may not have any heater that directly heats the storage chamber.

The positioning mechanism can be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article at the same position to move the aerosol-generating article from the storage position to the intake position and to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position. The positioning mechanism can be configured to engage the aerosol-generating article at only one position. By engaging the aerosol-generating article at only one position, the risk of damage to the aerosol-generating article is reduced.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article having an aerosol generating portion.

The aerosol generator may include herbaceous material, specifically tobacco material.

The aerosol-generating article may include a filter portion. The filter portion may be configured to protrude from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol-generating article is in the ingested position. The filter portion may be available to the user's mouth when the aerosol-generating article is in the ingested position.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of generating an aerosol is provided. The method includes generating an aerosol by exposing an aerosol generating portion of an aerosol generating article to a heating temperature within a heating space of an axially extending heating chamber. The method further includes engaging an aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article with a positioning mechanism. The method includes axially moving the aerosol-generating article using a positioning mechanism such that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters a storage space of a storage chamber that extends coaxially with the heating chamber. The method further includes axially moving the aerosol-generating article using the positioning mechanism such that the aerosol-generating portion exits the storage space and enters the heating space.

The storage temperature of the storage space can be lower than the heating temperature but higher than the ambient temperature.

The hook structure of the positioning mechanism is embedded in the aerosol generating part of the aerosol generating article and moves the aerosol generating article.

The hook structure is embedded in the aerosol generator by relative axial movement between the hook structure and the aerosol generating article.

The hook structure is embedded in the aerosol generating part of the aerosol generating article and moves the aerosol generating article. The hook structure can reach into the aerosol generating part of the aerosol generating article and move the aerosol generating article.

The spring element can bias the positioning mechanism in a direction to move the aerosol-generating article so that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters the storage space.

The heating space can be heated to a heating temperature by means of a flame.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of a hook structure to move an aerosol generating article between different temperature zones within an axially extending aerosol generating device.

The different temperature zones may be a heating temperature zone and a storage temperature zone. In particular, the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article may be moved between the different temperature zones. The heating temperature zone may be provided within a heating chamber. The storage temperature zone may be provided within a storage chamber. The use of a hook structure may facilitate movement of the aerosol-generating article between the temperature zones. The hook structure may allow both pushing and pulling of the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may be embedded in the aerosol-generating article. The hook structure may be embedded in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article.

Aerosol generating articles referred to herein can be at least substantially rod-shaped. The aerosol generating article can extend parallel to the axial direction when inserted at least partially within the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating article can include an aerosol generating section. The aerosol generating section can include an aerosol generating material. The aerosol-generating material can be configured to emit an aerosol when heated. Aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, herbaceous materials. The aerosol-generating material may include, for example, tobacco material.

The aerosol-generating article may include a filter portion. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into an aerosol generating device, the filter portion may protrude at least partially from the aerosol generating device so as to be accessible to a user.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the embodiments, aspects or examples described herein. The aerosol generating system also comprises an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate, which may be an aerosol-generating material. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases a volatile compound that may form an aerosol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of powders, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also include a capsule, for example, containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

When the tobacco plug includes homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuted one or both of the tobacco lamina and the tobacco stems, and alternatively or additionally, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed, for example, during tobacco processing, handling and transportation. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may include one or more intrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco intrinsic binders), or one or more extrinsic binders (i.e., tobacco extrinsic binders), or a combination thereof, to assist in agglomerating the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or in addition, the homogenized tobacco material sheet may include other additives, including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. The homogenized tobacco material sheet is preferably formed by a casting process of a type that generally involves casting a slurry including particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet, and removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the support surface.

The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of about 30 millimeters to about 100 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 5 millimeters to about 13 millimeters.

The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The mouthpiece is preferably approximately 7 millimeters long, but can have a length of approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 millimeters. The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 millimeters.

The diameter of the tobacco plug may be approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 12 millimeters.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of approximately 40 millimeters to approximately 50 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The present disclosure includes various aspects, embodiments, and examples. Features, advantages, and instructions disclosed with respect to any one of these aspects, embodiments, and examples may be combined with or transferred to any one of the remaining aspects, embodiments, and examples. The aerosol generating devices or systems described herein may be suitable, adapted, and configured to perform the methods of generating aerosols described herein.

When this disclosure refers to a material of an article having a particular specific heat, and that article is composed of different individual materials (e.g., different layers of materials), the specific heat of the material of the article refers to the individual materials that make up the article. It should be understood that it corresponds to a weighted average of the specific heats of . It is understood that weighting is carried out according to the weight percentage of the individual materials that make up the article.

When the present disclosure refers to a material of an article having a particular thermal conductivity, and the article is composed of different individual materials (e.g., different material layers), it should be understood that the thermal conductivity of the material of the article corresponds to a weighted average of the thermal conductivities of the individual materials that make up the article. It is understood that the weighting is performed according to the mass percentage of the individual materials that make up the article.

As used herein, the expression "rod-like" includes, but is not limited to, rods having a circular cross section. As used herein, "rod-like" can also include rods having other cross sections, for example, rectangular cross sections, or elliptical cross sections, or triangular cross sections, or irregular cross sections, or any other cross sections. The expression "rod-like" may also include cylindrical shapes, in which case the bottom surface of the cylinder may be a circular surface, or a surface of any other shape, for example a rectangular surface, or an elliptical surface, or a triangular surface, or an irregular surface, or any other surface.

When a first article is embedded within a second article, the first article can at least partially enter the volume of the second article. After being embedded within the second article, at least a portion of the first article can be surrounded by the second article. For example, the first article can be embedded within the second article by being forced into the second article.

The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example 1:
An aerosol generating device, comprising:
an axially extending heating space configured to at least partially contain an aerosol-generating article;
A heat receiving surface provided outside the heating space;
A heat storage body provided between the heat receiving surface and the heating space;
An inner heat conductor provided between the heat storage body and the heating space,
the material of the thermal storage body has a higher specific heat than the material of the inner thermal conductor;
An aerosol generating device, wherein the material of the internal heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat accumulation body.
Example 2:
2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the material of the heat store has a specific heat of 300 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram to 1500 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram, or 500 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram to 1200 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram, or 600 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram to 1000 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram, or 600 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram to 800 Joules/Kelvin per kilogram.
Example 3:
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 1 or 2, wherein one or both of the material of the heat storage body and the material of the inner heat conductor have a melting temperature of greater than 800°C, or greater than 900°C, or greater than 1000°C, or greater than 1100°C, or greater than 1300°C, or greater than 1500°C.
Example 4:
An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or both of the heat storage body and the inner heat conductor circumferentially surround the heating space.
Example 5:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the inner heat conductor extends into the heating space and has a protrusion configured to be embedded in the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating space.
Example 6:
An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner heat conductor forms at least a part of a wall defining the heating space.
Example 7:
7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner heat conductor is in contact with the heat store.
Example 8:
An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, further comprising an outer heat conductor provided between the heat receiving surface and the heat storage body.
Example 9:
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 8, wherein the material of the outer heat conductor has a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the heat storage body.
Example 10:
An aerosol generating device according to embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the material of the heat storage body has a higher specific heat capacity than the material of the outer heat conductor.
Example 11:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the thermal resistance of radial heat transport through the outer heat conductor is different at at least two different positions on the outer heat conductor.
Example 12:
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 11, wherein the thickness of the outer heat conductor is different at at least two different positions on the outer heat conductor.
Example 13:
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 12, wherein one or more channels are provided in the outer heat conductor.
Example 14:
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 8 to 13, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along the radial direction through the outer thermal conductor is highest at the heat receiving surface.
Example 15:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 8 to 14, wherein the outer heat conductor comprises at least two different materials having different thermal conductivities.
Example 16:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 15, further comprising a heater configured to generate one or more flames to heat the heat receiving surface.
Example 17:
1. An aerosol generation system comprising:
An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 16,
an aerosol-generating article;
an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating portion including a material configured to generate an aerosol when heated;
An aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol-generating portion is at least partially contained within the heated space when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially contained within the heated space.
Example 18:
An aerosol generating system as described in Example 17, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a mouthpiece configured to protrude from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is at least partially contained within the heating space.
Example 19:
19. The aerosol generating system according to example 17 or 18, further comprising a heater configured to heat the heat receiving surface.
Example 20:
1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising:
Heating a heat receiving surface of the aerosol generating device,
heating an aerosol generating device at least partially housing the aerosol-generating article;
storing heat generated by heating the heat-receiving surface in a heat storage body provided between the heat-receiving surface and the aerosol-generating article;
Distributing heat to the aerosol-generating article via an inner thermal conductor disposed between the thermal mass and the aerosol-generating article,
dispersing a material of the heat store having a higher specific heat than a material of the inner heat conductor.
Example 21:
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the heat receiving surface is heated by two or more flames simultaneously.
Example 22:
22. The method of claim 21, wherein when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially contained within the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article extends along an axial direction and the at least two flames are generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction.
Example 23:
22. The method of claim 21, wherein when the aerosol-generating article is at least partially contained within the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article extends along an axial direction and at least two of the flames are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction.
Example 24:
1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising:
Heating a heat receiving surface of the aerosol generating device,
an aerosol generating device at least partially housing an axially extending aerosol generating article;
A process in which a heat receiving surface is heated by two or more flames simultaneously.
Example 25:
25. The method of claim 24, wherein at least two of the flames are generated at different circumferential positions around the axial direction.
Example 26:
26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the at least two flames are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the axial direction.
Example 27:
The method according to any one of Examples 20 to 26, wherein the aerosol generating device is an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, or an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 17 to 19.
Example 28:
The use of an axially extending tube circumferentially surrounding the aerosol generating material to achieve substantially uniform heating of the aerosol generating material, wherein the thermal resistance of heat transport along a radial direction through the tube varies along at least one of the axial direction and the circumference of the tube.
Example 29:
An aerosol generating device, comprising:
an axially extending heating chamber configured to at least partially contain an aerosol-generating article;
a heater actuation mechanism configured to move between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration, the heater actuation mechanism configured to actuate the heater in the engaged configuration to generate heat;
the heater actuation mechanism is configured to not act on the heater in the disengaged configuration and to cease generating heat by the heater;
the heater actuation mechanism comprising an operating element configured to be moved to move the heater actuation mechanism from a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration;
The aerosol generating device further comprises a blocking mechanism configured to temporarily block movement of the heater actuation mechanism from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration or from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration.
Example 30:
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 29, wherein the blocking mechanism is configured to temporarily block the heater operating mechanism from moving from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration, thereby delaying the heater operating mechanism from moving from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration.
Example 31:
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 29 or 30, wherein the heater actuation mechanism comprises a restoring element that provides a mechanical force configured to move the heater actuation mechanism to a disengaged configuration.
Example 32:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 29 to 31, wherein the engagement configuration comprises a plurality of engagement sub-configurations of the heater operating mechanism, and an operating element allows a user to selectively engage the heater operating mechanism in any one of the engagement sub-configurations.
Example 33:
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32, wherein the prevention mechanism is configured to delay the heater activation mechanism from returning from each engaged sub-configuration to the disengaged configuration by different amounts of time for each different engaged sub-configuration.
Example 34:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 29 to 33, wherein the blocking mechanism has a movable part configured to move between a release position where the heater operating mechanism can move to at least one of the disengaged configuration and the engaged configuration, and a blocking position where the heater operating mechanism is prevented from moving to at least one of the disengaged configuration and the engaged configuration.
Example 35:
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 34, wherein the movable part is configured to move between the release position and the blocking position depending on temperature.
Example 36:
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 35, wherein the temperature is the temperature of a part of the aerosol generating device, or the temperature inside the heating chamber, or the temperature of a wall of the heating chamber, or the temperature inside the aerosol-generating article.
Example 37:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 34 to 36, wherein the blocking mechanism includes a thermal expansion element configured to move the movable part between an released position and a blocked position depending on the temperature of the thermal expansion element.
Example 38:
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 34, wherein the movable part is configured to periodically move between a release position and a blocking position to delay movement of the heater operating mechanism to a disengaged configuration or to an engaged configuration.
Example 39:
39. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 29 to 38, wherein the heater activation mechanism and the blocking mechanism together form a ratchet mechanism.
Example 40:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 29 to 39, wherein the heater actuation mechanism comprises a sliding element configured to be slid by the operating element.
Example 41:
41. The aerosol-generating article of example 40, wherein the heater actuation mechanism comprises an engagement element configured to act on the heater in an engaged configuration of the heater actuation mechanism, the engagement element being slidably guided on the sliding element.
Example 42:
The aerosol-generating article of example 41, wherein the heater activation mechanism comprises a spring element configured to bias the engagement element toward the heater.
Example 43:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 40 to 42, wherein the sliding element has a plurality of teeth and the blocking mechanism has one or more blocking parts configured to engage with the teeth.
Example 44:
1. An aerosol generation system comprising:
An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 29 to 43,
An aerosol generating system comprising: a heater configured to generate heat when acted upon by a heater actuation mechanism and not generate heat when not acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism.
Example 45:
An aerosol generation system as described in Example 44, wherein the heater comprises a gas tank configured to release gas when the heater is actuated by the heater actuation mechanism and configured to prevent release of gas when the heater is not actuated by the heater actuation mechanism.
Example 46:
46. The aerosol generation system of Example 45, wherein the gas tank is removably connected to the body of the aerosol generation device.
Example 47:
47. The aerosol generation system of example 45 or 46, further comprising an ignition mechanism configured to ignite the gas.
Example 48:
1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising:
an operating element is moved along a path in an actuation direction, thereby acting on the heater via a heater actuation mechanism;
the heater generates heat in response to being acted upon by a heater actuation mechanism;
the operating element is returned along the path in a direction opposite to the actuation direction;
one or more movable parts of the blocking mechanism are actuated to retard return of the operating element;
In response to no longer being acted upon by the heater actuation mechanism, the heater ceases producing heat.
Example 49:
49. The method of example 48, wherein the restoring element increases a restoring force in a direction opposite to the movement of the operating element in response to the operating element being moved in the actuation direction.
Example 50:
The method of any one of claims 48 to 49, wherein gas is released from the gas tank in response to the heater being actuated by the heater activation mechanism, and the gas maintains a flame that heats a heat-receiving surface of the aerosol generating device that at least partially contains the aerosol-generating article.
Example 51:
Utilizing the change in length of a thermal expansion element caused by a change in temperature to extinguish a flame after the flame heats an aerosol generating device that at least partially contains an aerosol generating article.
Example 52:
An aerosol generating device, comprising:
a heating chamber extending in an axial direction;
a storage chamber extending in an axial direction and disposed coaxially with the heating chamber;
A positioning mechanism,
an aerosol generating device configured to receive an aerosol-generating article at an intake position such that an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber;
the aerosol generating device is configured to store an aerosol-generating article in a storage position in which an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is at least partially disposed within the storage chamber;
a positioning mechanism configured to move the aerosol-generating article from a storage position to an intake position;
An aerosol generating device, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol generating article from the intake position to the storage position.
Example 53:
An aerosol generating device as described in Example 52, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a stop configured to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol generating article beyond the storage position and away from the intake position.
Example 54:
54. An aerosol generating device as described in example 52 or 53, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage the aerosol generating article along a direction parallel to the axial direction.
Example 55:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 54, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage with an aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article.
Example 56:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 55, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a spring element that biases the positioning mechanism in a direction that moves the aerosol generating article from the intake position to the storage position.
Example 57:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 56, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state, the locking mechanism being configured to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position when in the locked state, and the locking mechanism being configured to release the positioning mechanism to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position when in the unlocked state.
Example 58:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 57, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a hook structure configured to be driven into the aerosol generating article.
Example 59:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 58, wherein the heating chamber is configured to be heated by a flame generated by a heater.
Example 60:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 59, further comprising a heater configured to actively heat the heating chamber.
Example 61:
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 52 to 60, wherein the storage chamber is in thermal contact with the heating chamber.
Example 62:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 61, wherein the storage chamber is configured to be heated only by heat transfer from the heating chamber.
Example 63:
An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 52 to 62, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage with the aerosol generating article at the same position to move the aerosol generating article from the storage position to the intake position, and to move the aerosol generating article from the intake position to the storage position.
Example 64:
1. An aerosol generation system comprising:
An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 52 to 63,
An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article having an aerosol generating portion.
Example 65:
65. The aerosol generating system of Example 64, wherein the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article comprises herbaceous material.
Example 66:
An aerosol generating system as described in Example 64 or 65, wherein the aerosol generating article has a filter portion configured to protrude from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is in the intake position.
Example 67:
1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising:
generating an aerosol by exposing an aerosol-generating portion of an aerosol-generating article to a heating temperature within a heating space of an axially extending heating chamber;
engaging an aerosol-generating portion of an aerosol-generating article with a positioning mechanism;
axially moving the aerosol-generating article using a positioning mechanism such that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters a storage space of a storage chamber extending coaxially with the heating chamber;
axially moving the aerosol-generating article using a positioning mechanism such that the aerosol-generating portion exits the containment space and enters the heating space.
Example 68:
The method of Example 67, wherein the storage temperature of the storage space is lower than the heating temperature but higher than the ambient temperature.
Example 69:
The method of any one of claims 67 to 68, wherein the hook structure of the positioning mechanism is embedded in the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article to move the aerosol-generating article.
Example 70:
70. The method of claim 69, wherein the hook structure is embedded in the aerosol-generating portion by relative axial motion between the hook structure and the aerosol-generating article.
Example 71:
71. The method of any one of claims 67-70, wherein a spring element biases the positioning mechanism in a direction to move the aerosol-generating article so that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters the storage space.
Example 72:
72. The method of any one of claims 67-71, wherein the heating space is heated to the heating temperature by a flame.
Example 73:
The use of a hook structure to move an aerosol-generating article between different temperature zones within an axially extending aerosol-generating device.

Embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment in which the heat receiving surface is provided radially outward of a heating space extending in the axial direction. FIG. 2 shows an aerosol generation system according to an embodiment in which a heat receiving surface is provided in axial alignment with an axially extending heating space. FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol-generating article of an aerosol-generating system according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment using a conventional cigarette lighter. FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to another embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating chamber according to another embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment having an axially extending heating space and an axially aligned heat receiving surface. FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of an aerosol generation system having a heater that generates multiple flames. FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generation system that uses a conventional cigarette lighter. FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the heater actuation mechanism of the system shown in FIG. FIG. 12 illustrates a blocking mechanism that can be used with the aerosol generation system of FIGS. 10 and 11 according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates another blocking mechanism that can be used in the aerosol generation system of FIGS. 10 and 11 according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 shows an aerosol generation system having a positioning mechanism for moving an aerosol-generating article, showing the aerosol-generating article in an ingestion position. FIG. 15 shows the aerosol generation system of FIG. 14 with the aerosol generation article in a stowed position.

FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generation system 1 according to one embodiment. The aerosol generation system 1 includes an aerosol generation device 3, an aerosol generation article 5, and a heater 7.

3 shows an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol-generating article 5 that can be used with the aerosol-generating device 3. The aerosol-generating article 5 comprises sections arranged one behind the other along an axial direction. The sections are interconnected by one or more wrappers that span one or more of the sections. The sections are comprised of an aerosol-generating section 9, a spacer section 11, and a filter section 13. The aerosol-generating section 9 comprises an aerosol-generating material configured to generate an aerosol when heated. The aerosol-generating material may comprise a herbaceous material, specifically a tobacco material. The filter section 13 may comprise a filter through which the aerosol passes before reaching the user's mouth. The spacer section 11 may be disposed between the aerosol-generating section 9 and the filter section 13. The aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating section 9 is cooled while passing through the spacer section 11, allowing the temperature of the aerosol to be reduced before ingestion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device 3 includes a heating chamber 15 extending in the axial direction and a storage chamber 17 arranged coaxially with the heating chamber 15. The aerosol generating article 5 may be inserted in an insertion direction 19 within the aerosol generating device 3. In FIG. 1, the aerosol generating article 5 is accommodated in an intake position of the aerosol generating device 3. In the intake position, the aerosol generating unit 9 is accommodated in a heating space 21 defined by the heating chamber 15.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the heater 7 is a conventional cigarette lighter. The aerosol generating device 3 may include a heater housing 23 configured to house the heater 7. Alternatively, the heater 7 may be an integral part of the aerosol generating device 3, or the heater 7 may be a separate heater 7, not combined with or housed within the aerosol generating device 3. Preferably, the heater 7 is configured to generate one or more flames 8.

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

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the heat receiving surface 25 is provided on the outside of the heating space 21 in the radial direction. The direction in which the heater 7 emits the flame 8 to heat the heat receiving surface 25 is essentially perpendicular to the axial direction (the direction in which the heating chamber 15 and the storage chamber 17 extend).

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

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the aerosol generation system 1. Each aerosol generator 3 includes a tube that extends along the axial direction and defines a heating chamber 15 having a heating space 21 therein. The aerosol-generating article 5 can be inserted into the heating space 21 along an insertion direction 19 parallel to the axial direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 5 comprises essentially only an aerosol-generating portion 9 . However, the aerosol-generating article 5 can include additional parts, such as a spacer part 11 and a filter part 13. The aerosol generator 3 is equipped with a thermal protection sleeve 27 that allows the user to hold the aerosol generator 3 without risking injury or inconvenience due to the high temperature of the aerosol generator 3. The thermal protection sleeve 27 can be slid relative to the tube defining the heating chamber 15, as indicated by the double-headed arrow at the bottom of FIG. A heater 7, for example a conventional cigarette heater, may be used to heat the heat receiving surface 25. The heat receiving surface 25 according to the embodiment of FIG. 4 is provided on the radially outer side of the heating space 21 that accommodates the aerosol generating section 9. In FIG. 4, the heater 7 is neither inserted nor attached to the aerosol generator 3.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the heating chamber 15. The left parts of Figures 5, 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of the heating chamber 15 with the cross-section parallel to the axial direction. The right parts of Figures 5, 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views of the respective heating chambers 15 with the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. The heating chambers of Figures 5, 6 and 7 may be, for example, part of the aerosol generating device 3 of Figures 1 and 4.

In Figures 5, 6, and 7, the heating chamber 15 comprises a plurality of layers that circumferentially surround the heating space 21. The outer heat conductor 29 forms the outer layer of the heating chamber 15. The heat receiving surface 25 is part of the radially outer surface of the outer heat conductor 29. A heat storage body 31 is provided radially inward of the outer heat conductor 29, forming a layer that circumferentially surrounds the heating space 21. An inner heat conductor 33 is provided radially inward of the heat storage body 31, surrounding the heating space 21 circumferentially.

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

When the heat receiving surface 25 is heated, the heat is efficiently guided radially inward toward the heat storage body 31 by the outer heat conductor 29. Since the heat storage body 31 has a large specific heat, it is a buffer material that absorbs a relatively large amount of heat and releases the heat over time to heat the heating space 21 and the aerosol generating section 9 provided therein. can function as The inner thermal conductor 33 forms the inner surface of the heating chamber 15 that defines the heating space 21 . The inner thermal conductor 33 efficiently conducts heat from the heat storage body 31 toward the heating space 21 and the aerosol generating section 9 provided therein.

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

6, the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 correspond to the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 of FIG. 5. However, the outer heat conductor 29 is not symmetrical with respect to the axial direction. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 varies along both the circumferential direction and the axial direction. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is greatest at the heat receiving surface 25. In particular, the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 is greatest at the center of the heat receiving surface 25. The thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 decreases along both the axial direction and the circumferential direction with increasing distance from the center of the heat receiving surface 25.

Because the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 at different positions is different, the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conductor 29 and thus through the wall of the heating chamber 15 along the radial direction is different at different positions. Because the thickness of the outer heat conductor 29 at the heat receiving surface 25, especially at the center of the heat receiving surface 25, is the thickest, the thermal resistance of heat transport through the outer heat conducting layer 29 along the radial direction is highest at the heat receiving surface 25. This makes it possible to prevent uneven temperature distribution in the heating space 21 by reducing the thermal resistance of heat transport at positions farther away from the heat receiving surface 25 and therefore which would normally receive less heat.

In FIG. 7, the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 correspond to the heat storage body 31 and the inner heat conductor 33 in FIGS. 5 and 6. The outer thermal conductor 29 includes channels 35 formed within the outer thermal conductor 29 . Channel 35 may form a heated air flow path. The flow cross-sectional area of the channel 35 may vary along at least one of the axial direction and the circumferential direction. The flow cross-sectional area of the channels 35 can be larger in regions farther from the center of the heat-receiving surface 25, facilitating the flow of hot air to these regions.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation system 1 in which the heat receiving surface 25 is axially aligned with the heating space 21, substantially in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , the heat storage body 31 is axially aligned with the heating space 21 . The heat storage body 31 is provided downstream of the heating space 21 with respect to the insertion direction 19 . The outer surface of the heat storage body 31 forms a heat receiving surface 25 . In the embodiment of FIG. 8, no outer thermal conductor 29 is provided. However, as an alternative, the outer heat conductor 29 can be provided downstream of the heat store 25 with respect to the insertion direction 19.

Between the heat storage body 31 and the heating space 21, an inner heat conductor 33 is provided. The inner heat conductor 33 has a plate extending substantially perpendicular to the axial direction between the heat storage body 31 and the heating space 21. Furthermore, the inner heat conductor 33 has a cylindrical sleeve portion 37 that circumferentially surrounds the heating space 21. Furthermore, the inner heat conductor 33 has a protrusion 39 that extends into the heating space 21. The protrusion 39 is configured to be embedded in the aerosol-generating portion 9 of the aerosol-generating article 5.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the heater 7 is incorporated into the aerosol generating device 3. The heater 7 includes a gas tank 41 that supplies gas for the flame 8 that heats the heat receiving surface 25.

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

The heater 7 of the system 1 in FIG. 9 is configured to generate a plurality of flames 8 for heating the heat receiving surface 25. As shown in the left part of FIG. 9, parts of the flames 8 are spaced apart along the axial direction to improve the heat distribution along the axial direction. As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 9, some of the flames 8 are generated at positions spaced apart along the circumferential direction, and heating is dispersed along the circumferential direction. The heater 7 may be an integral part of the aerosol generator 3. The heater 7 may be combined with the aerosol generator 3. The heater 7 may be accommodated in the heater accommodating portion 23 of the aerosol generator 3.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of an aerosol generation system 1 similar to that shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the heat receiving surface 25 is radially outside the heating space 21. Alternatively, the heat receiving surface 25 can be axially aligned with the heating space 21, as shown, for example, in Figure 2.

The heater 7 in FIG. 10 is a conventional cigarette lighter that is detachably housed in the heater housing section 23 of the aerosol generator 3. Alternatively, the heater 7 can be fixedly incorporated into the aerosol generator 3.

The aerosol generator 3 includes an ignition mechanism 45 configured to ignite the gas released from the gas tank 41 of the heater 7 . The ignition mechanism 45 is an integral part of the aerosol generator 3. The ignition mechanism 45 is available externally to provide a convenient method of igniting the gas even if the heater 7 is housed in the heater housing 23. The heater 7 itself may be provided with a separate ignition mechanism, which may not be available when the heater 7 is housed in the heater housing 23. The ignition mechanism 45 of the aerosol generator 3 can function similarly to the ignition mechanism of a conventional cigarette lighter.

In FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device 3 further includes a heater operating mechanism 47 configured to act on the gas release button 50 of the heater 7. The heater operating mechanism 47 allows a user to press the gas release button 50 of the heater 7 even when the heater 7 is housed in the heater housing 23 and the gas release button 50 is not directly accessible. The heater operating mechanism 47 can be depressed by a user to press the gas release button 50 to release gas. When the gas release button 50 of the heater 7 is released, it returns to its initial position and gas emission is stopped.

11 shows the heater actuation mechanism 47 in more detail. The heater actuation mechanism 47 comprises an engagement element 49 configured to slide up and down along a sliding element 51 in the form of a rod or bar. A spring element 53 biases the engagement element 49 towards the gas release button 50. A stop 53 is provided on the sliding element 51 to limit the movement of the engagement element 49 towards the gas release button 50. The sliding element 51 itself is slidably guided in the aerosol generating device 3. In FIG. 11, the sliding element 51 can slide up and down. A restoring element 55 biases the sliding element 51 upwards. In the operating situation shown in FIG. 11, the sliding element 51 is in an upper position, which corresponds to the non-engaged configuration of the heater actuation mechanism 47. In the non-engaged configuration of the heater actuation mechanism 47, the engagement element 49 does not press the gas release button 50 (due to the stop 53).

In order to operate the heater 7 to generate heat, the user can move the sliding element 51 downwards by moving the operating element 57 connected to the sliding element 51. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 11, when the operating element 57 is moved downward, the sliding element 51 is moved downward. This causes the stop 53 to move downwards, and the force generated by the spring element 53 allows the engagement element 49 to also move downwards, pushing the gas release button 50.

When engagement element 49 presses gas release button 50 to release gas, heater actuation mechanism 47 is in the engaged configuration. When the user releases the operating element 57 again, the restoring element 55 moves the sliding element 51 upwards. At some point, the stop 53 contacts the engagement element 49 and moves the engagement element 49 upwardly, thereby releasing the gas release button 50 and stopping the release of gas. When engagement element 49 does not press gas release button 50, heater actuation mechanism 47 is in a disengaged configuration.

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

FIG. 12 shows one embodiment of the blocking mechanism 59. The left side of FIG. 12 shows what happens when the heater actuation mechanism 47 is moved into the engaged configuration by pushing down on the sliding element 51. The blocking mechanism 59 includes a first wheel 61 and a second wheel 63 having a larger diameter than the first wheel 61. The first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63 are rotatable about a common axis. When the sliding element 51 is pushed down, the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 engage the teeth of the first wheel 61, causing the first wheel 61 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG.

The second wheel 63 is connected to the first wheel 61 and thereby rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 12. Optional spring 67 is loaded by rotation of first wheel 61. The teeth on the outer circumference of the second wheel 63 abut the rocker arm 69, which causes the second wheel 63 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, which is the direction given by the lowering of the sliding element 51. The second wheel 63 is not obstructed. Therefore, blocking mechanism 59 does not prevent heater actuation mechanism 47 from moving into the engaged configuration.

The right diagram in FIG. 12 shows a state in which the sliding element 51 moves upward after the operating element 57 is released. At least one of the restoring element 55 and the helical spring 67 allows the sliding element 51 to be moved upwards. For the sliding element 51 to move upward, the engagement of the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 with the teeth of the first wheel 61 rotates the first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63 in a clockwise direction. There must be. Clockwise rotation of the second wheel 63 is periodically blocked and released by a rocker arm 69 that reciprocates between the position shown on the right side of FIG. 12 and the position shown on the left side of FIG. The rocker arm 69 thus periodically blocks movement of the sliding element 51. Each position of rocker arm 69 blocks second wheel 63 for a short period of time before moving to the other position. The large number of teeth on the second wheel 63 allows for a large number of reciprocating movements of the rocker arm 69. Accordingly, upward movement of sliding element 51 and thus return of heater actuating mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration is delayed. The delay time depends on the layout of the blocking mechanism 59 and specifically on the number of teeth on the second wheel 63.

When the heater actuation mechanism 47 is in the engaged configuration to activate the release of gas, further depression of the sliding element 51 causes further rotation of the first wheel 61 and the second wheel 63, further delaying the return of the heater actuation mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration. Thus, the degree to which the sliding element 51 is moved downward by moving the operating element 57 determines different engaged sub-configurations of the heater actuation mechanism 47, which correspond to different delays for returning to the disengaged configuration upon release of the operating element 57.

Figure 13 shows another embodiment of the blocking mechanism 59. Again, the sliding element 51 is provided with teeth 65. The blocking mechanism 59 comprises a pivot 71 that can pivot about an axis 73. The blocking mechanism 59 further comprises a thermal expansion element 75 that is attached on one side to a fixed point 77 and on the other side to the pivot 71. The pivot 71 comprises teeth 79. The teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 and the teeth 79 of the blocking mechanism 59 are shaped such that downward movement of the sliding element 51 (bringing the heater actuation mechanism 47 to the engaged position) is always possible (see the left part of Figure 13). However, upward movement of the sliding element 51 (bringing the heater actuation mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration) is allowed or prevented depending on the pivot position of the pivot 71.

The center portion of FIG. 13 shows the heater actuation mechanism 47 after it has been brought into the engaged configuration by moving the operating element 57 downward, thereby moving the sliding element 51 downward. The heater 7 is actuated to generate a flame 8. The restoring element 55 urges the sliding element 51 upward to the disengaged configuration of the heater actuation mechanism 47. However, the upward movement of the sliding element 51 is prevented by the engagement between the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51 and the teeth 79 of the pivot 71. Thus, the heater actuation mechanism 47 remains in the engaged configuration and the heater 7 continues to generate heat.

The heat generated by the heater 7 heats the thermal expansion element 75 and expands its length. This causes the pivoting part 71 to rotate around the axis 73, as shown on the right side of FIG. 13. When the thermal expansion element 75 reaches a predetermined temperature, the length of the thermal expansion element 75 becomes sufficient to pivot the pivoting part 71, and the teeth 79 of the pivoting part 71 disengage from the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51. As a result, the sliding element 51 moves upward, returning the heater operating mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration. As a result, the gas release button 50 is no longer pressed by the engagement element 49, and the heater 7 is turned off.

Accordingly, the blocking mechanism 59 can maintain the heater actuation mechanism 47 in the engaged configuration until the thermal expansion element 75 is heated to a predetermined temperature, and then return the heater actuation mechanism 47 to the disengaged configuration. The predetermined temperature can be set by appropriately selecting the arrangement of thermal expansion element 75 and blocking mechanism 59.

The thermal expansion element 75 may be provided in the heater housing 23 of the aerosol generating device 3. The thermal expansion element 75 is therefore responsive to the temperature in the heater housing 23. Alternatively, the thermal expansion element 75 may be provided elsewhere, for example in the heating space 21 or in the heating chamber 15. If necessary, one or more mechanical connections may be provided between the thermal expansion element 75 and the swivel portion 71.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, the sliding element 51 and the blocking mechanism 59 of the heater actuation mechanism 47 together form a ratchet mechanism, allowing the heater actuation mechanism 47 to move freely into the engaged configuration; The heater actuation mechanism 47 is selectively prevented from moving to the disengaged configuration.

Alternatively, the blocking mechanism 59 can be configured to selectively prevent movement of the heater actuation mechanism 47 from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the orientation of the teeth 65 of the sliding element 51. The blocking mechanism 59 can delay movement of the heater actuation mechanism 47 from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration to prevent overheating of the heating space 21. For example, blocking mechanism 59 may prevent a user from returning heater actuating mechanism 47 to an engaged configuration immediately after heater actuating mechanism 47 returns to the disengaged configuration. The blocking mechanism 59 may be configured to allow the heater actuation mechanism 47 to move to the engaged configuration only if the temperature of the thermal expansion element 75 of the blocking mechanism 59 is below a predetermined temperature, for example to prevent overheating. can.

Figures 14 and 15 show an embodiment of the aerosol generating system 1 having a positioning mechanism 81. In Figure 14, the aerosol-generating article 5 is shown in the intake position. In the intake position, the aerosol-generating portion 9 of the aerosol-generating article 5 is located in the heating space 21 of the heating chamber 15. Figure 15 shows the aerosol-generating article 5 in the storage position. In the storage position, the aerosol-generating portion 9 of the aerosol-generating article 5 is located in the storage chamber 17.

The aerosol-generating article 5 can be moved from the intake position to the storage position by moving it in a direction opposite to the insertion direction 19. The aerosol-generating article 5 can be moved from the storage position to the intake position by moving it along the insertion direction 19. The positioning mechanism 81 is configured to move the aerosol-generating article 5 between the intake position and the insertion direction (in both directions).

The positioning mechanism 81 includes a hook structure 83. The hook structure 83 extends in a direction opposite the insertion direction 19. When the aerosol generating article 5 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 3, the aerosol generating part 9 is pressed against the hook structure 83. The hook structure 83 is embedded in the aerosol generator 9 . Hook structure 83 is rigidly connected to a handle portion 85 that is available to the user. By moving the handle portion 85, the user can move the hook structure 83 along the insertion direction 19 or in a direction opposite to the insertion direction 19, thereby moving the aerosol-generating article 5 between the ingestion and storage positions. along the insertion direction 19 or in a direction opposite to the insertion direction 19.

The positioning mechanism 81 includes a locking mechanism 89 that has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking mechanism 89 prevents the positioning mechanism 81 from moving the aerosol-generating article 5 from the intake position to the storage position. The locked state is shown in FIG. The locking mechanism 89 includes a receiving portion 91 provided on the main body of the aerosol generating device 3 and an engaging portion 93 provided as a movable portion of the positioning mechanism 81.

In the locked state, the engagement portion 93 is received within the receiving portion 91, thereby preventing the positioning mechanism 81 from moving the aerosol-generating article from the ingestion position to the storage position. During ingestion, the locking mechanism 89 may be kept in the locked state. If the user wishes to (temporarily) stop ingestion, the engagement portion 93 may be disengaged from the receiving portion 91 (by moving the engagement portion 93 upward in FIG. 14), thereby unlocking the locking mechanism 89. The positioning mechanism 81 is then actuated by the spring element 87 to move the aerosol-generating article 5 to the storage position. When the aerosol-generating article 5 reaches the storage position (FIG. 15), the positioning mechanism 81 engages with the stop portion 95, preventing the positioning mechanism 81 from moving the aerosol-generating article 5 beyond the storage position in a direction away from the ingestion position.

If the user wishes to resume ingestion, the user may operate the handle portion 85 to move the positioning mechanism 81 to the left in FIG. 15 to return the aerosol-generating article 5 to the ingestion position. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement portion 93 of the locking mechanism 89, together with the body of the aerosol generating device 3, prevents the positioning mechanism 81 from moving beyond the ingestion position of the aerosol generating article 5 away from the storage position. form a stop for Once the ingestion position is reached, the user can lock the locking mechanism 89 to prevent the spring element 87 from quickly returning the aerosol-generating article 5 to the storage position.

For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, proportions, etc. are modified in all cases by the term "about." It should be understood that Additionally, all ranges are inclusive of the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. In some cases. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood as 5 percent of A±A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values that are within a common standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some cases, as used in the appended claims, whereby the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the essential and novel characteristics of the claimed invention You may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that: Additionally, all ranges are inclusive of the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. In some cases.

Claims (14)

An aerosol generating device, comprising:
a heating chamber extending in an axial direction;
a storage chamber extending in an axial direction and arranged coaxially with the heating chamber;
A positioning mechanism,
the aerosol generating device is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article at an intake position such that an aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is located at least partially within the heating chamber;
the aerosol generating device is configured to store the aerosol-generating article in a storage position in which the aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating article is at least partially disposed within the storage chamber;
The heating chamber is configured to be heated by a flame generated by a heater,
the positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating article from the storage position to the intake position;
An aerosol generating device, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position. The aerosol of claim 1, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a stop configured to prevent the positioning mechanism from moving the aerosol-generating article beyond the storage position and away from the ingestion position. Generator. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage the aerosol generating article along a direction parallel to the axial direction. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the positioning mechanism includes a spring element that biases the positioning mechanism in a direction that moves the aerosol-generating article from the intake position to the storage position. The positioning mechanism includes a locking mechanism having a locked state and an unlocked state, and the locking mechanism prevents the aerosol-generating article from being moved from the intake position to the storage position when the positioning mechanism is in the locked state. and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to release the positioning mechanism to move the aerosol-generating article from the ingestion position to the storage position in an unlocked state. 4. The aerosol generator according to any one of 4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the positioning mechanism comprises a hook structure configured to be driven into the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage chamber is in thermal contact with the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the storage chamber is configured to be heated only by heat transfer from the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the positioning mechanism is configured to engage the aerosol generating article at the same position to move the aerosol generating article from the storage position to the intake position and to move the aerosol generating article from the intake position to the storage position. An aerosol generation system, comprising:
The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
An aerosol generation system comprising: the aerosol generation article including the aerosol generation section. 1. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising:
generating an aerosol by exposing an aerosol-generating portion of an aerosol-generating article to a heating temperature within a heating space of an axially extending heating chamber;
engaging the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article with a positioning mechanism;
axially moving the aerosol-generating article using the positioning mechanism so that the aerosol-generating portion exits the heating space and enters a storage space of a storage chamber extending coaxially with the heating chamber;
axially moving the aerosol-generating article using the positioning mechanism so that the aerosol-generating portion exits the storage space and enters the heating space;
The method, wherein the heating space is heated to the heating temperature by a flame. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein a hook structure of the positioning mechanism is embedded in the aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating article to move the aerosol generating article. 13. A method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein a spring element biases the positioning mechanism in a direction to move the aerosol-generating article such that the aerosol-generating part exits the heating space and enters the storage space. Use of a hook structure to move an aerosol-generating article between different temperature zones within an axially extending aerosol-generating device.

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