WO2023052369A2

WO2023052369A2 - Aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2023052369A2
Application number: PCT/EP2022/076868
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin Taylor
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2021-09-28
Filing date: 2022-09-27
Publication date: 2023-04-06
Also published as: WO2023052369A3; KR20240045332A; GB202113845D0; CN117979846A

Abstract

The application relates to an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material. The device has a receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol-generating material. A first heating element protrudes in the heating zone and heats the heating zone. A second heating element protrudes in the heating zone and heats the heating zone. The first heating element protrudes from a different side of the heating zone than the second heating element.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an article comprising aerosol-generating material.

Background

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices which release compounds by heating, but not burning, the material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Summary

According to an aspect there is provided, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising a receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol-generating material, a first heating element protruding in the heating zone and configured to heat the heating zone, and a second heating element protruding in the heating zone and configured to heat the heating zone, wherein the first heating element protrudes from a different side of the heating zone than the second heating element.

The first and second heating element may protrude in the heating zone on a common axis.

The common axis may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the device or may be generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device.

At least one of the first and second heating elements may be at least partially retractable from the heating zone.

At least one of the first and second heating elements may be arranged to be withdrawn from the heating zone.

The device may comprise a first part including the first heating element and at least part of the receptacle, and a second part comprising the second heating element. The second part may be movable relative to the first part.

The second part may be detachable from the first part.

The first heating element and the second heating element may be configured to be moved into and out of abutment with each other.

An end of the first heating element protruding in the heating zone may be spaced from an end of the second heating element protruding in the heating zone.

The first part may comprise a main body of the device, and the second part may comprise a mouthpiece.

The first part may define at least a portion of the receptacle. The second part may define at least a portion of the receptacle.

The first and second parts may be in slidable connection.

The first and second parts may be movable between a first operating condition in which the heating zone is at least substantially enclosed and a second operating condition in which the heating zone is accessible.

The first part and second part may be electrically connectable.

An air passage may be defined through at least one of the first and second heating elements. At least one of the first and second heating elements may be elongate.

The first heating element may be one of a first array of heating elements and the second heating element may be one of a second array of heating elements, the first array of heating elements protruding from a different side of the heating zone to the second array of heating elements.

The first array of heating elements may have a greater total surface area than the second array of heating elements.

The surface area of the first heating element protruding in the heating zone may be greater than a surface area of the second heating element protruding in the heating zone.

The first heating element may comprise a first material and the second heating element may comprise a different second material.

The first material may have a different thermal conductivity to the second material. The device may be configured to heat the first heating element independently from the second heating element. The device may comprise a first coil configured to inductively heat the first heating element and a second coil configured to inductively heat the second heating element.

According to an aspect there is provided, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising a receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol-generating material, a first heating element configured to heat a first region of the heating zone, and a second heating element configured to heat a second region of the heating zone, wherein the second heating element is movable relative to the first heating element.

At least one of the first heating element and second heating element may protrude in the heating zone.

The second heating element may at least partially encircle the heating zone.

The first heating element may encircle at least part of the heating zone. The second heating element may encircle at least part of the heating zone. The first and second heating elements may together define the heating zone.

According to an aspect there is provided, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising a receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol-generating material, a first heating element protruding in the heating zone and configured to heat the heating zone, and a second heating element protruding in the heating zone and configured to heat the heating zone, wherein the first and second heating element protrude in the heating zone on a common axis.

According to an aspect there is provided, an aerosol-generating system comprising an article comprising aerosol-generating material and the aerosol generating device of any of the above.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device and an article comprising aerosol generating material;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating device;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating device;

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating device;

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device and an article comprising aerosol generating material;

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating device;

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating device;

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device and an article comprising aerosol generating material; and

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol replaceable article comprising aerosol generating material for use in the aerosol generating device of Figures 1 to 8.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating material” is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. Aerosol-generating material may include any plant based material, such as tobacco-containing material and may, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating material also may include other, non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. Aerosol-generating material may for example be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax or the like. Aerosol-generating material may for example also be a combination or a blend of materials. Aerosol-generating material may also be known as “smokable material”.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free. The aerosol-generating material may comprise or be an “amorphous solid”. The amorphous solid may be a “monolithic solid”. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or shredded sheet may be substantially tobacco free.

Apparatus is known that heats aerosol generating material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosol generating material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material. Such apparatus is sometimes described as an “aerosol generating device”, an “aerosol provision device”, a “heat-not-burn device”, a “tobacco heating product device” or a “tobacco heating device” or similar. Similarly, there are also so-called e-cigarette devices, which typically vaporise an aerosol generating material in the form of a liquid, which may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of or be provided as part of a rod, cartridge or cassette or the like which can be inserted into the apparatus. A heater for heating and volatilising the aerosol generating material may be provided as a “permanent” part of the apparatus.

An aerosol generating device can receive an article comprising aerosol generating material for heating. An “article” in this context is a component that includes or contains in use the aerosol generating material, which is heated to volatilise the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into the aerosol generating device before it is heated to produce an aerosol, which the user subsequently inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device which is sized to receive the article.

Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol generating system 100. The system 100 comprises an aerosol generating device 101 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material, and a replaceable article 110 comprising the aerosol generating material. The device 101 is a non-combustible aerosol generating device. The device 101 can be used to heat the replaceable article 110 comprising the aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material which can be inhaled by a user of the device 101. It will be appreciated that the device 101 may include other components not shown in Figure 1.

The device 101 defines a longitudinal axis 102 along which an article 110 may extend when received into the device 101. The device 101 comprises first and second 104, 106. The first part 104 defines a main body of the device 101 and the second part 106 defines a mouthpiece. The second part 106 is detachable from the first part 104, as illustrated in Figure 1. As shown, the second part 106 is detached and spaced from the first part 104. The first and second parts 104, 106 are movable into engagement with each other. The first and second parts 104, 106 each comprise a magnetic configuration 108 to attach the two parts to each other. The magnetic configuration 108 acts as an attachment arrangement. The attachment arrangement also acts as an alignment arrangement. In embodiments the alignment arrangement is separate from the attachment arrangement. For example, the alignment arrangement may include one or more of a flange, lip and tab. The second part 106 can be attached to the first part 104 by any suitable means. For example, one or more bayonet fitting complementary screw threads may be used to attach the two parts 104, 106 to each other.

The device 101 may comprise a user-operable control element, such as a button or switch, which operates the device 101 when operated, e.g. pressed. For example, a user may activate the device 101 by pressing the switch.

The device 101 includes an apparatus for heating aerosol generating material 190. The apparatus 190 includes a heating assembly 191. The apparatus 190 also includes a controller 192 and a power source 193. The heating assembly 191 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material or material of an article 110 inserted into the device 101 , such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating material. The power source 193 supplies electrical power to the heating assembly 191 , and the heating assembly 191 converts the supplied electrical energy into heat energy for heating the aerosol-generating material.

The power source 192 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery.

The power source 192 may be electrically coupled to the heating assembly 191 to supply electrical power when required and under control of the controller 192 to heat the aerosol generating material. The control circuit may be configured to activate and deactivate the heating assembly 191 based on a user operating the control element. For example, the controller may activate the heating assembly 191 in response to a user operating the switch.

The heating assembly 191 may comprise various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 110 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly 191 may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.

The apparatus 100 includes a receptacle 112 which acts as a heating chamber 113 and is configured and dimensioned to receive the article 110 to be heated. The heating chamber 113 is defined within the device 101 by the first part 104 and the second part 106 when they are in attachment. The receptacle 112 is defined by the first part 104. In embodiments, for example as shown in Figure 2 part of the receptacle is defined by the second part 106, or by the second part alone. The receptacle 112 defines a peripheral wall 111 and a base wall 107.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heating chamber 113 is generally cylindrical in shape. The heating chamber 113 is defined by the peripheral wall 111 and base wall 107 of the first part 104, and by an axial facing surface 109 of the second part 106. The axial facing surface 109 of the second part 106 closes the receptacle 112. When the two parts 104, 106 are in attachment the heating chamber 113 is formed as an enclosed space within the device 101. The article 110 is generally cylindrical, and the receptacle 112 is correspondingly generally cylindrical in shape. For example, the receptacle 112 in embodiments is a cylinder having a circular cross section, or an elliptic cylinder, a hyperbolic cylinder or a parabolic cylinder. However, other shapes would be possible for receiving correspondingly shaped articles. The article 110 comprises a bore 119. The bore 119 extends from opposing ends of the article 110. The bore 119 helps to aid insertion of the heating elements 114, 116 into the article 110. However, the article 110 may comprise bore portions or may be free from a bore before being placed in the receptacle 112 and the heating elements 114, 116 may instead be used to deform the article 110.

The heating chamber 113 is defined by the surfaces of the receptacle 112. The receptacle 112 extends along and around and substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101. However, other shapes would be possible. When the second part 106 is detached from the first part 104, the article 110 can be inserted into an opening 105 formed by the peripheral wall 111 of the first part 104. Once the article 110 has been inserted, the second part 106 can be attached to the first part 104 to form the receptacle 112, with the article 110 located within it.

The receptacle 112 is formed free of material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The receptacle 112 may be formed from an insulating material. For example, the receptacle 112 may be formed from a plastic, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK). Other suitable materials are possible. The receptacle 112 may be formed from such materials ensure that the assembly remains rigid/solid when the heating assembly 191 is operated. Using a non-metallic material for the receptacle 112 may assist with restricting heating of other components of the device 101. The receptacle 112 may be formed from a rigid material to aid support of other components.

The article 110 is sized to be received by the receptacle 112. The outer dimensions of the article 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article 110 substantially correspond with the inner dimensions of the receptacle 112 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102 of the device 101 to allow insertion of the article 110 into the receptacle 112.

Other arrangements for the receptacle 112 would be possible. For example, in an embodiment the axial facing surface of the first part 104 is defined by part of the heating assembly 191.

The heating assembly 191 comprises a first heating element 114 and a second heating element 116. The first heating element 114 extends from the base 107 of the first part 104 and the second heating element 116 extends from the axially facing surface 109 of the second part 106, acting as a second part base. The heating elements 114, 116 are configured to heat a heating zone defined by the heating chamber 113.

The heating elements 114. 116 are heatable to heat the heating zone. Each of the first and second heating elements 114, 116 are induction heating elements. That is, the heating elements 114, 116 each comprise a susceptor that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. The susceptor comprises electrically conducting material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the susceptor may be formed from a carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials may be used, for example a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

The heating elements 114, 116 extend into the heating chamber 113 from opposite sides of the heating chamber 113 or heating zone. In this embodiment, the heating elements 114, 116 extend along the longitudinal axis 102. In embodiments, the heating elements 114, 116 may be off-axis or non-parallel to the axis 102. The heating elements 114, 116, acting as a protruding elements, protrude in the heating zone 113.

The heating elements 114, 116 are pins which are generally cylindrically shaped with a pointed end. The pointed end enables the heating elements 114, 116 to be easily inserted into the article 110. The heating elements 114, 116 illustrated are hollow and comprise apertures 118 in their outer walls. This enables air to be fed through the hollow heating elements 114, 116 and the apertures 118 to provide airflow into and/or out of the heating chamber 113. The first heating element 114 is in fluid communication with air exterior to the device 101 via an air path in the first part 104, so that air can be fed from outside of the device 101 , through the first heating element 114 and into an article 110 in the chamber 113. The second heating element 116 is in fluid communication with a mouthpiece exit 120, so that air can be drawn through an air path in the second part from the heating chamber 113. In other embodiments, the heating elements 114, 116 are hollow but do not comprise apertures, or are solid rather than hollow. The heating elements 114, 116 may be other shapes to those illustrated, for example blade-shaped. In embodiments, the air paths in the first and second parts communicate with the heating chamber 113 via other features, for example through the base walls 107, 109 of the first and second parts 104, 106 respectively.

The heating elements 114, 116 upstand from opposing sides of the heating chamber 113. Each heating element upstands from the respective base 107, 109.

In the illustrated embodiment, when the second part 106 is attached to the first part 104, the distal ends 115 of the first and second heating elements 116, 118 are spaced apart from each other. However, in other embodiments, the distal ends 115 are configured to abut each other when the first and second parts 104, 106 are in attachment. In this embodiment, the ends 115 maybe shaped to complement each other to form a continuous heating element when in abutment, for example a rod. Such a configuration may help to provide heating throughout the length of the article 110.

At least one airflow passage (not shown) is formed in the second part 106. The at least one airflow passage extends between a mouthpiece exit 120 and the receptacle 112. This allows the user to inhale air and gases produced by the article 110 from within the heating chamber 113 when in use. The at least one airflow passage may extend between the second part base 109 and at least one mouthpiece exit hole 120. In other embodiments, the airflow passage may extend between the mouthpiece exit hole 120 and apertures 118 formed in the second heating element 116. The second part 106 may be ergonomically shaped to be suitable for insertion into the mouth of the user. For example, a narrower portion of the second part 106 may be provided adjacent to the exit hole 120.

The first and second heating elements 114, 116 illustrated are of the same size and shape. This helps to provide consistent heating to both ends of the article 110.

The heating assembly 191 is configured such that when an article 110 is received by the heating chamber 113, at least a portion of each of the heating elements 114, 116 extend into opposite ends of the article 110. The heating elements 114, 116 are positioned, in use, within at least part of the article 110. The heating elements 114, 116 are configured to heat aerosol generating material of an article 110 from within the article 110.

The heating assembly 191 comprises a magnetic field generator 194. The magnetic field generator 194 is configured to generate one or more varying magnetic fields. The heating elements 114, 116 each act as a susceptor. The heating elements 114, 116 define a susceptor arrangement. The one or more varying magnetic fields penetrate the heating elements 114, 116 so as to cause heating in the heating elements 114, 116. The magnetic field generator may include an inductor coil arrangement which may include a helical coil 195, however other arrangements are envisaged such as a spiral coil. In embodiments, the inductor coil arrangement may comprise two or more inductor coils. The two or more inductor coils may be arranged adjacent to each other in an axial direction in the first part.

In some examples, in use, the inductor coil is configured to heat the heating elements 114, 116 to a temperature of between about 200 °C and about 350 °C, such as between about 240°C and about 300°C, or between about 250°C and about 280°C. The magnetic field generator 194 is provided around the peripheral wall 111 in the first part 104. When the second part 106 is attached to the first part 104, the peripheral wall 111 extends around both the first heating element 114 and the second heating element 116. This allows the magnetic field generator (for example helical coil) to heat both the first and second heating elements 114, 116.

In other embodiments such as shown in Figure 2, the magnetic field generator 194 comprises a first coil 196 in the first part 104 and a second coil 106 in the second part. An electrical connection may be formed between the first part 104 and the second part 106 when the parts 104, 106 are attached to each other. This allows electric current from the power source 192 to flow from the first part 104 to the second part 106 or vice versa. This electric current flows through the one or more coils in the first and second parts 104, 106 to induce a magnetic field and thereby heat the first and second heating elements 114, 116.

The device 101 may be configured to heat the first heating element 114 independently from the second heating element 116. In such arrangements, a separate magnetic field generator (e.g. a coil) may be provided for the first heating element 114 to the second heating element 116. In such an arrangement, the magnetic field generator for the first heating element 114 may be separately controllable to the magnetic field generator for the second heating element 116 to allow different levels of heating of the first and second heating elements 114, 116. This may be achieved by the same controller. In embodiments, a separate heating arrangement is provided in the second part 106 for heating the second heating element 116 to the heating arrangement in the first part 104 for the first heating element 114. This may obviate the need for electrical connection between the first and second parts 104, 106 and may help to provide separate control of the heating elements 114, 116.

In embodiments, instead of being completely removable, the second part 106 may be hinged to the first part 104 so that the user rotates the second part 106 relative to the first part 104 in order to gain access to the receptacle 112 to insert or remove the article 110. Such an embodiment may provide ease of correct placement of the second part 106 onto the first part 104 and may help to avoid loss of the second part 106 when it is detached from the first part 104. In embodiments, the second part 106 is slidable relative to the first part 104. The first part 104 may be movable in a linear motion relative to the second part 106.

In the above described embodiments, the heating arrangement is an inductive heating arrangement. In embodiments, other types of heating arrangement are used, such as resistive heating. The configuration of the device is generally as described above and so a detailed description will be omitted. In such arrangements the heating assembly comprises a resistive heating generator including components to heat the heating element via a resistive heating process. In this case, an electrical current is directly applied to a resistive heating component, and the resulting flow of current in the heating component causes the heating component to be heated by Joule heating. The resistive heating component comprises resistive material configured to generate heat when a suitable electrical current passes through it, and the heating assembly comprises electrical contacts for supplying electrical current to the resistive material. In embodiments, the heating element forms the resistive heating component itself. In embodiments the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heating element, for example by conduction.

Embodiments are shown in Figures 2 to 7. The configuration of these embodiments generally corresponds to the configurations described above and so detailed descriptions will be omitted, unless otherwise shown and described.

As illustrated in Figure 2, in another embodiment both the first and second parts 104, 106 define first and second portions of the receptacle 112. Accordingly, at least part of the article (not shown in Figure 2) extends into each of the first and second parts 104, 106. Corresponding peripheral walls 111a, 111b align to define the heating chamber 113. In Figure 2, each portion of the receptacle 112 has a corresponding depth. It will be understood that the depth of each portion may differ. In embodiments, only the second part 106 forms the receptacle 112. The first and second parts 104, 106 each have an inductor coil 196, 197 as described above.

Another configuration is shown in Figure 3. The second part 106 is in slidable engagement with the first part 104. In such an embodiment, the second part 106 is able to slide in an axial direction along the first part 104. During such movement, the first and second parts 104, 106 are in continuous sliding engagement with each other. Such engagement may be provided by tracks (not shown) extending from the first or second part 104, 106 being placed within slots (not shown) in the other of the first or second part 104, 106. A stop (not shown) may be provided to stop axial movement of the second part 106 relative to the first part 104 once a maximum extension has been reached. When the second part 106 is moved axially away from the first part 104, an opening is exposed to allow the user to insert an article. Access to the heating chamber 113, and the heating elements 114, 116 may be minimised.

In embodiments, the first heating element 114 may have a different shape and/or surface area to the second heating element 116. Such an arrangement is shown in Figure 4. The first heating element 114 is provided with a greater surface area than the second heating element 116. This may help to provide different heating profiles in different regions of the heating chamber. Heating profiles can be chosen to achieve different sensorial experiences for the user. For example, more heating closer to the mouthpiece may increase immediate satisfaction for the user. Physical dimensions of the heating element may differ, for example thickness, length, and hollowness. Other characteristics of the heating elements may differ, for example susceptor material volume or material. For example, the first heating element 114 may have a greater surface area than the second heating element 116 to provide increased heating in the region of the heating chamber 113 furthest from the mouthpiece exit.

In the above described embodiments the heating elements 114, 116 are configured for insertion into an article 110. In embodiments, each heating element is tubular. In an embodiment, one heating element is tubular to receive the article, and another heating element protrudes in the heating chamber to receive the article. In embodiments, for example as illustrated in Figure 5, the heating elements 114, 116 extend around the article 110. Such heating elements are tubular to receive the article 110 within, rather than around, them. Such an arrangement is known as an outer susceptor. The heating elements 114, 116 define at least part of the receptacle 112. The heating elements 114, 116 are separable to allow for insertion of the article 110 in the heating chamber. The second heating element 116 is movable relative to the first heating element 114 to provide a gap for insertion of the heating element. Other arrangements, such as those described with respect to other embodiments are envisaged.

In embodiments, for example as illustrated in Figure 6, there may be an array of first and/or second heating elements 114, 116. Using multiple first and/or second heating elements 114, 116 may help to distribute heating throughout the article 110. In embodiments, a first array of heating elements 114 has a greater number of heating elements 114 than a second array of heating elements 116, or vice versa. In embodiments, the first array of heating elements 114 may have a greater total surface area than the second array of heating elements 116, or vice versa. In yet further embodiments, the first array of heating elements 114 may have heating elements of different heights and/or surface areas depending on their radial position relative to the longitudinal axis 102 to provide different heating to different radial portions of the article 110.

In embodiments, the first and/or second heating elements 114, 116 (or arrays of elements) can be formed from different materials to each other. In such an arrangement, the heating elements 114, 116 can provide different heating characteristics in dependence on the thermal conductivity of the materials used.

Altering the size/shape/number and/or materials of the heating elements 114, 116 can be used to achieve different heating profiles or zones within the receptacle 112. These variables can be selectively altered to provide heating zones which are tailored to a specific use or article type.

In other arrangements, the first and/or second heating elements 114, 116 may be movable relative to the receptacle 112. An example of such an arrangement is shown in Figure 7. In such an arrangement, the first and second heating elements 114, 116 are movable into and out of the receptacle 112. In an embodiment, one of the first and second heating elements 114, 116 is movable into and out of the receptacle 112 with the other heating element being in a fixed configuration with at least part of the receptacle. The movement may be achieved using, for example, an actuator. Such an actuator may be manually driven by a user, such as a lever, or driven by an electrical actuator, such as an electric motor. This arrangement may help to avoid damage to the heating elements 114, 116 during replacement of the replaceable article 110, or may help to avoid access to the heating elements 114, 116 during replacement of the article 110. In such an arrangement, the heating elements 114, 116 may not be located on two separable parts and may instead be located within the device 101 . Such a device as shown in Figure 7 may be of one-piece design. In such an arrangement, the heating elements 114, 116 may still extend from opposite side of the receptacle 112, and may be configured to extend and retract to allow insertion of an article 110 into the receptacle. Such heating elements 114, 116 may extend generally in-line with or perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the device, or other configurations may be provided. Such a movement is a linear movement, although nonlinear for example arcuate movements are possible.

Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of an aerosol generating system 200. The aerosol generating system 200 illustrated in Figure 8 works in a similar manner to the embodiment described above, and therefore features of the configurations described above are applicable to the configuration described below unless otherwise indicated.

In this embodiment, the device 201 comprises both the first heating element 214 and the second heating element 216. The device 201 further includes the receptacle 212 which forms the heating chamber 213. The housing and other components of the device 201 are omitted for clarity. The heating assembly comprises two elongate members 222, 224 which are pivotally attached to each other at a rotatable attachment 226. The rotatable attachment 226 may be provided by any suitable means, for example a shaft. Free ends 226, 228 of each of the elongate members 222, 244 (relative to the rotatable attachment 226) extend towards each other. The free ends 226, 228 illustrated are hook-shaped, however other shapes may be provided, for example two straight portions attached at a corner.

The first heating element 214 is formed by the free end 226 of the first elongate member 222, and the second heating element 216 is formed by the free end 228 of the second elongate member 224. The first and second heating elements 214, 216 extend towards each other in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 202 of the device 201. However, in embodiments the first and second heating elements 214, 216 may be non-perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis 202.

A replaceable article 210 comprising aerosol generating material is shaped to fit within the receptacle. An example of such an article 210 is shown in Figure 9. The article 210 comprises bores 211 for receiving the heating elements 214, 216. The bores 211 extend from opposing sides of the article 210. The bores 211 are coaxial. In the present embodiment, the bores are spaced from each other, however in an embodiment a single bore may extend through the article. The article 210 is a flat consumable. That is, opposing flat sides are formed with a core 215, including the aerosol-generating material and other components of the article 210, therebetween. Such an article is configured to be received in a correspondingly shaped receptacle. In use, the first and second elongate members 222, 224 move into an open condition to allow the article 210 to be placed therebetween.

Although the article 210 has a generally flat rectangular shape, other shapes may be provided, for example the article 210 may be generally cylindrically shaped.

The article 210 comprises vent holes 220 to allow for gases to pass from the article 210 and along a fluid path to a user. The vent holes 220 in embodiments communicate with a separable mouthpiece. In embodiments, the mouthpiece is integrally formed with the main body of the device.

Apertures 234 at opposite sides of the article 210 provide an insertion point for the first and second heating elements 214, 216. The apertures 234 are formed by the bores 211. Multiple apertures may be provided on each opposing side. The apertures 234 are shaped to receive the distal portions 226, 228 of the first and second elongate members 222, 224 to allow the first and second heating elements 214, 216 to protrude into the article 210. The device 201 also comprises the heating assembly 191 and an actuating assembly 236. The device comprises a controller (not shown) and a power source (not shown). The heating assembly 191 is configured to heat the first and second heating elements 214, 216. As explained above, this may be achieved via induction heating or resistive heating. For example, resistive heating traces (not shown) that are independently controlled may be embedded into the first and second heating elements 214, 216. The first and second heating elements 214 and 216 may be metallic or ceramic. The heating traces may have resistance temperature detectors systems to gauge their respective temperatures, and this information may be sent back to the controller. The heating traces may be connected to the controller via wiring that is internal to the first and second elongate members 222, 224.

In use, the first and second elongate members 222, 224 are opened via the actuating assembly 236. The opening step can be achieved manually or via an electric motor configured to open the elongate members 222, 224, for example. Figure 8 illustrates the first and second members 222, 224 in the open position. In this position, the distal portions 226, 228 are spaced from the receptacle 212 and therefore the article 210. In this position, the article 210 can be inserted and removed from the receptacle 212.

The article 210 is insertable in the receptacle 212 between the elongate members 222, 224, which can then be moved into a closed condition so that the heating elements 214, 216 of the distal portions 226, 228 extend into the bores 211. Once in the closed condition, the heating elements 214, 216 can be heated to cause the article 110 to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The process may be reversed to enable the article 110, 210 to be removed.

An advantage of this configuration is that a generally flat device 201 can be achieved, which may be more convenient for storage. This configuration may also reduce device size and/or increase space available for other components, such as the battery.

As explained above, providing an aerosol generating system with multiple heating elements may provide many advantages. For example, providing multiple heating elements for a receptacle can help to provide heating to a greater area of an aerosol generating material. Furthermore, the placement of heating elements on different parts can help to ensure that the heating elements are more robust and less likely to break. Different heating elements can also be used to provide different heating zones to different areas of a receptacle. Providing heating elements which extend from different sides of the heating zone of the receptacle can help to provide effective heating to the full length or width of the heating zone, which may help to maximise the aerosol produced by an aerosol generating material. The multiple heating elements can also help allow two or more different aerosol generating materials to be used and heated to their optimum temperatures.

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

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising: a receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol-generating material, a first heating element protruding in the heating zone and configured to heat the heating zone, and a second heating element protruding in the heating zone and configured to heat the heating zone; wherein the first heating element protrudes from a different side of the heating zone than the second heating element.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the first and second heating element protrude in the heating zone on a common axis.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first and second heating elements is at least partially retractable from the heating zone.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the first and second heating elements is arranged to be withdrawn from the heating zone.

5. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first heating element and the second heating element are configured to be moved into and out of abutment with each other.

6. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein an end of the first heating element protruding in the heating zone is spaced from an end of the second heating element protruding in the heating zone.

7. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 1 to 6, comprising a first part including the first heating element and at least part of the receptacle, and a second part comprising the second heating element.

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the second part is movable relative to the first part.

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 8, wherein the second part is detachable from the first part.

10. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first part comprises a main body of the device, and the second part comprises a mouthpiece.

11. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first part defines at least a portion of the receptacle.

12. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 7 to 11 , wherein the second part defines at least a portion of the receptacle.

13. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the first and second parts are in slidable connection.

14. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 7 to 13, wherein the first and second parts are movable between a first operating condition in which the heating zone is at least substantially enclosed and a second operating condition in which the heating zone is accessible.

15. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first heating element comprises a first material and the second heating element comprises a different second material.

16. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the device is configured to heat the first heating element independently from the second heating element.

17. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the device comprises a first coil configured to inductively heat the first heating element and a second coil configured to inductively heat the second heating element.

18. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising: a receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol-generating material, a first heating element configured to heat a first region of the heating zone, and a second heating element configured to heat a second region of the heating zone; wherein the second heating element is movable relative to the first heating element. The aerosol generating device of claim 18, wherein the second heating element at least partially encircles the heating zone. The aerosol generating device of claim 18 or 19, wherein at least one of the first heating element and second heating element protrudes in the heating zone. The aerosol generating device of claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein at least one of the first and second heating elements is at least partially retractable from the heating zone. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the first heating element encircles at least part of the heating zone. The aerosol generating device of any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the first and second heating elements together define the heating zone. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material comprising: a receptacle defining a heating zone configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol-generating material, a first heating element protruding in the heating zone and configured to heat the heating zone, and a second heating element protruding in the heating zone and configured to heat the heating zone; wherein the first and second heating element protrude in the heating zone on a common axis. An aerosol-generating system comprising: an article comprising aerosol-generating material; and the aerosol generating device of any of claims 1 to 24.