WO2023052413A1

WO2023052413A1 - Adjustable electronic smoking device heating engine

Info

Publication number: WO2023052413A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/076961
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pier Paolo MONTICONE; Layth Sliman BOUCHUIGUIR
Original assignee: Jt International Sa
Priority date: 2021-09-28
Filing date: 2022-09-28
Publication date: 2023-04-06

Abstract

Electronic smoking device (1) for vaporizing a smoking article (2), with a heating section (4) comprising a longitudinal cavity (5) and at least one heating element (6) arranged inside the cavity, wherein the smoking article is at least partially insertable into the cavity along its longitudinal direction, and wherein the heating element at least partially encloses the smoking article. The heating section further comprises a mechanically adjustable clamping mechanism (7) which clamps the smoking article inside the cavity by reducing a space inside the cavity in which the smoking article is arranged.

Description

ADJUSTABLE ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICE HEATING ENGINE

Description

Electronic smoking device for vaporizing a smoking article, with a heating section comprising a longitudinal cavity and at least one heating element arranged inside the cavity, wherein the smoking article is at least partially insertable into the cavity along its longitudinal direction, and wherein the heating element at least partially encloses the smoking article.

Such electronic smoking devices are known from the state of the art and are for example described in detail in W02020064618A1. Typically these smoking devices are called heat not burn (HnB) devices, wherein desired smoke is generated by electrically heating a smoking article inside the device instead of combusting it. Therefore the smoking article is usually inserted into a cavity of a respective device and pierced by a so called heating blade, which is inserted into the tobacco section of the smoking article. The heating blade is afterwards heated to a certain temperature and thereby causes surrounding tobacco to release an inhalable vapour.

Cavities of such HnB devices normally have elongated cylindrical shapes, wherein the heating blades are typically attached to an innermost end of the cavities inside the devices and centred with respect to the cylindrical form of the cavities. To be able to use described HnB devices consumers usually have to buy specifically designed smoking products to be able to fit them properly into the cavity of the device and also to match the length of the heating blade. To fulfil these criteria consumers often have to buy smoking articles and HnB devices from the same company, which not only binds them to a specific manufacturer, but also to a selection of smoking articles provided by this respective manufacturer. With regard to the opportunities for using conventional HnB devices it is disadvantageous when only a small part of the global market for smoking articles can be exploited.

Another disadvantage of HnB devices manufactured in the described manner is the heat distribution through the smoking article. Since air between dried tobacco particles inside the smoking article functions as a thermal insulation, heat applied by the heating blade is not efficiently and evenly conducted through the smoking article. Thus there would be a great heat gradient inside the smoking article from the heating blade to the outside. Therefore it would be desirable to enclose as less air as possible in the smoking article and further to possibly also apply heat from multiple sides for enabling an even heat distribution inside the smoking article.

It is known from WO 2021/1553908 A2 to provide a HnB device with a compression arrangement for the sticks inserted in a heating cavity in order to compress an aerosol generating portion of the stick to increase heating efficiency and aerosol generation therefrom. Such compression arrangement however fully deform the cylindrical of the sticks to flatten it, which increases significantly potential breaking of the sticks inside the heating cavity, which creates additional cleaning burden for users as well as dirtying of the heating cavity and decreased heating efficiency over time.

It is therefore the objective of the invention to provide an HnB device which is not bound to the usage of a specific smoking product, but is able to accept various different sizes and shapes of smoking articles and further applies even distributed heat in a used smoking article without defaults of devices known from the prior art.

This object is achieved by the electronic smoking device of claim 1 . Preferred embodiments of the invention are object of the dependent claims.

According to the invention the heating section of the electronic smoking device further comprises a mechanically adjustable clamping mechanism which clamps the smoking article inside the cavity by reducing a space inside the cavity in which the smoking article is arranged.

It is conceivable that due to the clamping mechanism, the electronic smoking device can be used with various different shapes and sizes of smoking articles provided on the global market. Especially cylindrical shaped smoking articles with different diameters can be used with the electronic smoking device according to the invention.

Preferably, the mechanically adjustable clamping mechanism comprises at least two individual conical threaded screw elements. These conical threaded screw elements are arranged rotatably with respect to a rotation axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cavity. Preferably, the rotation axis extends through the centre of the cavity. This means that preferably the rotation axis is a central axis of the cavity.

In a preferred embodiment the cavity has a longitudinal shape, wherein the clamping mechanism is arranged at the innermost end side of the cavity inside the device. Preferably the clamping mechanism is arranged at an end face of the cavity inside the electronic smoking device.

It is conceivable that the cavity can comprise various different longitudinal shapes, wherein possible shapes are square, triangular, round or oval. Possibly, due to the clamping mechanism, every shape of smoking article can be used inside any form of cavity. However, most preferably the cavity comprises a round shape and is able to accept rod shaped smoking articles with a round shape.

In a preferred embodiment at least two heating elements extend along the longitudinal shape of the cavity, wherein the heating elements enclose the part of the smoking article which is arranged inside the cavity.

Preferably the heating elements extend along at least 50% of the size of the cavity, more preferably along 75% of the cavity and most preferably along 90% of the cavity. Very preferably the heating elements extend along the tobacco section of a smoking article which is arranged inside the cavity.

The heating elements preferably have contact to the section of the smoking article next to which they are arranged. Preferably a contact pressure with which the heating elements press against the smoking article is adjustable by actuating the clamping mechanism. It is possible that thereby the smoking articles have not to be completely inserted into the electronic smoking device to be used. Preferably smoking articles are usable with at least 1/3, more preferably 1/2 and most preferably 2/3 of their length inserted into the cavity.

Preferably the electronic smoking device does not comprise an additional heating blade which pierces into the smoking article upon inserting it into the cavity. However, an embodiment in which the electronic smoking device comprises an additional heating blade, which is preferably arranged inside the cavity.

Preferably the heating elements comprise an at least partially round shape around a rotation axis (A) which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cavity, centrally through the cavity and thereby also centrally through a respective smoking article inside the cavity. Preferably the heating elements comprise a semi-circular gutter shape and are thereby suitable to contact an enclosed cylindrical shaped smoking article on the largest possible surface.

Preferably all heating elements together comprise a tubular shape while being in the smallest possible setting from the clamping mechanism. Preferably, the tubular shape is divided into as many pieces of equal size as there are heating elements in the cavity.

This means, for example, that with 2 heating elements the shape of each heating element corresponds to half a circle, and with three heating elements to a third of a circle around the rotation axis (A).

Preferably the space inside the cavity in which the smoking article is arranged is reduced by the heating elements moving closer to each other and thereby closer to the rotation axis (A). Conversely, the corresponding space could also be enlarged by moving the heating elements away from each other and thus also away from the rotation axis (A).

It is conceivable that the space inside the cavity in which the smoking article is arranged is constrained over the entire length over which the heating elements extend. This means that a smoking article is preferably clamped through the entire length of the heating elements. ln a preferred embodiment the clamping mechanism comprises at least two conical threaded screw elements which are individual components rotatably arranged in a conical threaded nut. Preferably the clamping mechanism comprises three conical threaded screw elements.

Preferably all conical threaded screw elements together have the form of a conical thread while being in the smallest possible setting from the clamping mechanism. Preferably the conical thread is divided into as many pieces of equal size as the clamping mechanism comprises conical threaded scree elements.

This means, for example, that with 2 conical threaded screw elements the shape of each element corresponds to half a circle, while with three conical threaded screw elements the shape of each element corresponds to a third of a circle around the rotation axis (A).

Preferably, each conical threaded screw element is an independent component. Thereby the conical threaded screw elements are preferably not connected to each other.

Preferably, the conical threaded nut always consists of one piece of material and preferably always has the same shape, regardless of the number of conical threaded screw elements. It is conceivable that all conical threaded screw elements are arranged evenly distributed around the rotation axis (A) with their thread in the thread of the conical threaded nut.

In a preferred embodiment the conical threaded screw elements are rotatable with respect to a rotation axis (A) which extends perpendicular and centrally through the conical threaded nut and thereby parallel to the longitudinal extension of the cavity.

It is conceivable that upon rotation of the conical threaded screw elements around the rotation axis (A), the threads of these elements run in the thread of the conical threaded nut and thus move like a screw not only around but also parallel to the rotation axis (A).

Due to the correspondingly conically shaped screw and nut elements, the distance from each conical threaded screw element towards the rotation axis (thus also the space in which the smoking article is arranged inside the cavity) is reduced while screwing these elements towards and thereby at least partially into the conical threaded nut element. Vice versa, the distance from each conical threaded screw element towards the rotation axis (thus also the space in which the smoking article is arranged inside the cavity) is increased by screwing the conical threaded screw elements away and thereby at least partially out of the conical threaded nut element.

In a preferred embodiment an elastic element is arranged between the conical threaded screw elements which circumferentially pushes them away from the rotation axis (A) with their threaded part into the threaded part of the conical threaded nut.

The elastic element preferably comprises a cylindrical shape and is arranged with its longitudinal direction centred on the rotation axis (A). It is conceivable that the elastic element can comprise various different shapes, for example triangular, cube-shaped, spherical, or similar.

The preferred effect of the elastic element is to press the threads of the conical threaded screw elements away from the rotation axis (A) and thereby into the threads of the conical threaded nut, thus allowing the threads of the screw elements and the nut to lock together and allow the screwing movement.

The elastic element preferably deforms upon rotation of the conical threaded screw elements around the rotation axis (A).

It is conceivable that this effect can also be achieved with magnets, elastics or other technical features that have the effect of pressing the conical threaded screw elements away from the rotation axis and thus into the conical threaded nut.

In a preferred embodiment each heating element is attached parallel to the rotation axis to one conical threaded screw element of the clamp mechanism. Preferably the heating element and a respective conical threaded nut element are made of the same piece of material. They could also be made of two different parts which are attached to each other. Preferably the heating element is attached to the conical threaded screw element via an insulation material, wherein this would prevent the conical threaded screw element from getting hot upon heating of the heating element.

Preferably the clamp mechanism comprises three conical threaded screw elements and thereby also three heating elements. Preferably, each heating element has at least two conical threaded screw elements along its longitudinal axis and preferably there are also at least two conical threaded nuts arranged along the longitudinal axis of the cavity such that the heating elements are guided by at least two points.

It is conceivable that due to the movement of the conical threaded screw element towards or away from the rotation axis (A) the heating elements also move towards or away from the rotation axis (A). As a result, a smoking article is preferably clamped in the cavity along the entire length of the heating elements.

In a preferred embodiment a distance between the heating elements and thereby the space for the smoking article inside the cavity is adjustable by rotation of the conical threaded screw element around the rotation axis.

Reducing the distance between the heating elements simultaneously means that they move towards the rotation axis (A).

Preferably the space for the smoking article is adjusted by the clamping mechanism upon specific characteristics of the smoking article which could be the type, density and/or humidity of the tobacco. Further criteria for the setting could be the shape and/or size of the smoking article or a personal setting from a consumer.

It is conceivable that the smoking article can be clamped with different amounts of pressure applied by the heating elements. Therefore it is conceivable that the smoking article is not only clamped to maintain contact between the heating elements and the smoking article, but also squeezed to a certain amount to reduce the density of tobacco inside the smoking article. Preferably upon squeezing of the smoking article, also the thermal conductivity rises and thereby the heat transfer from the heating elements into the tobacco is improved.

Preferably, the intensity of resulting smoke can also be adjusted by a consumer via the clamping mechanism by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied by the heating elements to the smoking article.

In a preferred embodiment the smoking article is clampable parallel to the rotation axis (A) in between the heating elements by reducing the distance between them. In particular not only the distance between the heating elements themselves, but the distance between each heating element and the rotation axis is reduced. It is conceivable that the rotation axis (A) thereby runs centrally through smoking article.

The volume of the cavity preferably stays the same upon clamping of a smoking article, wherein the space in which the smoking article is arranged reduces. Preferably the space does not reduces in its longitudinal direction, but in its diameter and thereby width dimension.

Preferably all heating elements move with the same speed towards the rotation axis (A) upon actuating the clamping mechanism. Thereby the distance between all heating elements and the rotation axis is always the same.

In a preferred embodiment the distance between the heating elements is adjustable to different sizes of smoking articles. In particular not only the distance between the heating elements themselves, but the distance between each heating element and the rotation axis is adjustable to different sizes of smoking articles.

Preferably the size for a smoking article is adjusted upon actuation of the clamping mechanism. Preferably an actuation of the clamping mechanism means the rotation of the heating elements and thereby preferably also the conical threaded screw elements around the rotation axis. Preferably this rotation causes the threads of the conical threaded screw elements to run in the threads of the conical threaded nut and thereby to decrease or increase the distance from the heating elements to the rotational axis.

In a preferred embodiment the heating elements comprise an at least partially round shape around the rotation axis for greater contact area with cylindrical shaped smoking articles.

It is conceivable that the shape of the heating elements can also be flat, angular, square or anything else which suits to clamp a smoking article. Preferably the heating elements have a longitudinal shape, wherein their longitudinal direction is arranged parallel to the rotation axis.

Preferably the heating elements are made of metal or a metallic compound. It is conceivable that they can also be made of a ceramic compound or any other compound which can withstand temperatures. Preferably the heating elements cam be made of any material which can withstand temperatures up to 350 °C. ln a preferred embodiment the clamping of the smoking article is executable upon a haptic interaction of a consumer with the electronic smoking device and/or with an electric motor by rotation of the conical threaded screw elements inside the conical threaded nut around the rotation axis.

Preferably the clamping mechanism is executable upon a haptic interaction of a consumer with the electronic smoking device, wherein the consumer preferably turns an interface which generates a mechanical moment on the conical threaded screw elements such that they rotate around the rotation axis.

It is conceivable that the clamping mechanism is also executable by an electric motor or other kind of mechanism, wherein a consumer preferably presses a button to execute the clamping of the smoking article. Preferably an electric clamping of the smoking article can be set to always clamp the smoking article with the same amount of force.

It is also possible that the conical threaded screw elements remain in their position upon actuation of the clamping mechanism, wherein in such an embodiment preferably the conical threaded nut is rotated around the rotation axis. Preferably this results in a movement of the threads of the conical threaded screw elements inside the threads of the conical threaded nut and thereby in a clamping of the smoking article.

In a preferred embodiment the electronic smoking device comprises at least one sensor for detecting the presence and/or the characteristics of a smoking article inside the cavity.

Preferably the sensor measures whether a smoking article is arranged in the cavity or not. The sensor could also be used to measure how deep the smoking article is arranged inside the cavity.

It is conceivable that the sensor can also measure the force by which the smoking article is clamped inside the cavity. Thereby the smoking article would always be clampable with the same amount of force.

Preferably the sensor is capable of measuring the quality of the smoking article inside the cavity. Since the electronic smoking device according to the invention is suitable to be used with smoking articles from various brands, a quality check of the smoking article is useful to prevent possible health damage to a consumer. It is conceivable that by a respective sensor also the age of the smoking article can be determined to prevent usage of expired smoking articles.

By measuring the quality of the smoking article it is understood to measure at least one of the following parameters:

• Humidity

• Density

• Age

• Dimensions

• Composition of substances inside the smoking article

• Thermal conductivity

• Amount of nicotine and/or other active substances

• Temperature

In a preferred embodiment the sensor is integrated inside the heating elements. It is conceivable that the sensor is arranged inside the heating elements and thereby preferably gets in contact with the smoking article upon the heating elements touching it.

Preferably the clamping of the smoking article is executable automatically based on signals from the sensor. Especially the force by which the smoking product is clamped could be based on signals from the sensor.

Preferably also the heating elements are heated based on signals from the sensor. This heating preferably occurs upon data such as density and/or humidity of the smoking article.

In a preferred embodiment the sensor comprises at least two electrodes to measure the impedance of the smoking article. Thereby preferably the quality of a smoking article can be measured.

It is possible that also other sensors can be arranged inside the electronic smoking device for measuring different properties. Such sensors could be:

• Current sensor at motor wires for measuring the amount of force applied by an electric clamping mechanism. • Piezoelectric sensor

• Photoelectric sensor

• Capacitive sensor

• Inductive sensor

It is conceivable that at least two sensors can be arranged inside the electronic smoking device. Further the operation of the device (clamping, heating, signal feedback to consumer) could be based on different sensors inside the device.

Further advantages and embodiments according to the invention are illustrated in the attached drawing.

Herein show:

Fig. 1a-1d electronic smoking device with a smoking article in different clamped arrangements

Fig. 2a, 2b mechanics of the clamping mechanism

Figures 1a to 1d illustrate a possible embodiment of the electronic smoking device 1 with a battery 3, and a longitudinal heating section 4, and a cavity 5 extending along the longitudinal direction of the heating section 4. Thereby the figures 1a to 1d show a two dimensional sectional cut view into the smoking article.

Preferably the rotation axis A runs parallel and centrally through the longitudinal direction of the heating section 4. The heating elements 6 are preferably arranged inside the cavity 5 and extend with their longitudinal direction parallel to the rotation axis A.

The cavity 5 preferably extends from an open end to an innermost end of the cavity 13, wherein a smoking article 2 is insertable into the cavity 5 along the rotation axis A into the cavity 5 until it reaches the innermost end of the cavity 13. Preferably the heating elements 6 at least partially extend along the longitudinal direction of the cavity 5 and thereby along the heating section 4 of the electronic smoking device 1.

Figure 1a thereby illustrates an electronic smoking device 1 in its initial state and ready for insertion of a smoking article 2. In this state the heating elements 6 are as far away from each other inside the cavity 5 as possible, wherein a distance D between the heating elements 6 in this state is at a maximum. Preferably not only the distance D between the heating elements 6 is at a maximum, but also the space 8 inside the cavity 5 in which a smoking article 2 can be arranged, is at a maximum size.

Preferably, the state shown in figure 1 is an initial or maintenance state in which a consumer can clean the device 1 or prepare it to be used with a smoking article 2.

Figure 1b shows the electronic smoking device in the same state than illustrated in figure 1a, but with a smoking article 2 inserted in the cavity 5 of the device 1. The smoking article 2 is arranged inside the cavity 5 with its longitudinal direction being parallel to the rotation axis A and thereby also to the longitudinal direction of the cavity 5.

Since the smoking article 2 in figure 1b is not clamped, the heating elements 6 preferably do not contact it. Possibly the heating elements 6 contact the smoking article 2, but they do not exert any force on it.

Preferably the smoking article 2 is fully inserted in the cavity 5 which means, that the smoking article 2 is arranged inside the cavity 5 in a way that it touches the innermost end of the cavity 13. It is conceivable that the smoking article 2 could also be partially inserted inside the cavity 5 wherein thereby the smoking article 2 would not touch the innermost end of the cavity 13.

It can be seen from figure 1b that the smoking article 2 fills the space 8 inside the cavity 5 for the smoking article 2. Thereby space 8 especially means the volume which is taken by a smoking article inside the cavity 5.

Further figure 1b illustrates that even though the smoking article 2 is inserted at maximum inside the cavity 5, it does extend out of the electronic smoking device 1. This is, because the smoking article 2 preferably comprises a longer shape in its longitudinal direction than the cavity 5. Preferably the part of the smoking article 2 which exceeds the electronic smoking device 1 is a mouthpiece through which a consumer can inhale smoke which is generated inside the heating section 4.

In another embodiment the smoking article 2 could be completely inserted inside the cavity 5, wherein then preferably an additional mouthpiece can be attached to the electronic smoking device 1 which can be reused upon changing of the smoking article 1.

Figure 1c illustrates an electronic smoking device 1 as shown in figure 1a and 1b, wherein the electronic smoking device from figure 1c illustrated the device 1 with a clamped smoking article 2. Preferably the smoking article 2 is arranged with is longitudinal direction being parallel to the rotation axis A. As can be seen, the Distance D between the heating elements 6 is reduced compared to the illustration in figure 1b. Thereby the smoking article 2 is at least partially enclosed by the heating elements 6 and thereby clamped in its position inside the cavity 5.

Preferably the smoking article 2 is clamped due to the space 8 for the smoking article 2 inside the cavity 5 being reduced by the clamping mechanism 7 (illustrated in figures 2a and 2b). Figure 1c illustrates a clamping state in which the heating elements 6 touch the smoking article 2, but do not put particularly strong force on these. As can be seen, the heating elements 6 preferably touch the smoking article along their longitudinal part, which is arranged inside the cavity 5. Thereby the heating elements 5 preferably run with their longitudinal direction parallel to the smoking article 2 and touch the smoking article 2 from several sides around the rotation axis A in such a way that the rotation axis A runs centrally through it.

As can be seen in figure 1c, the smoking article 2 is preferably clamped inside the cavity 5 with the rotation axis A running centrally through the longitudinal direction of the article 2.

It is conceivable that in this state sensors 11 integrated in the heating elements 6 (shown in figures 2a and 2b) can measure respective parameters of the smoking article 2. Preferably after measuring parameters of the smoking article 2, the clamping force with which the heating elements 6 press the smoking article 2 towards the rotation axis A, can be adjusted.

Figure 1c in general shows a working state of the electronic smoking device 1 with a smoking article 2, in which the heating element 6 can heat the smoking article 2 and in which thereby a consumer can use the electronic smoking device 1.

Figure 1d illustrates an electronic smoking device 1 in another working state in which it can be used by a consumer for smoking purpose. Compare to the illustration of figure 1c the heating elements 6 do not only contact the surface of a smoking article 2 inside the cavity, but they at least partially squeeze it. This preferably means that the space 8 in which the smoking article is arranged is smaller than the actual volume of the smoking article 2 without being clamped.

Preferably upon squeezing of the smoking article 2 the density of it is increased and thereby preferably also the thermal conductivity inside the article 2 is increased. This is especially useful if the smoking article comprises a low density and thereby preferably could not be properly heated for generating smoke.

It can be seen in figure 1d that the squeezing of the smoking article 2 occurs upon further reducing the distance D between the heating elements 6 compare to figure 1c.

Preferably the heating elements 6 are thereby at least partially squeezed into the smoking article 2 towards the rotation axis A. Figure 2a and 2b illustrate the clamping mechanism 7 of the electronic smoking device 1, wherein in these figures the mechanical function of the clamping mechanism 7 is illustrated in detail in a 2D sectional cut view.

Figures 2a and 2b both illustrate the conical threaded screw elements 9 at least partially arranged inside the conical threaded nut 10. In both figures the heating elements 6 are each attached to one conical threaded screw elements 9. The rotation axis A is arranged parallel to, and centrally in between the longitudinal heating elements 6. Thereby the rotation axis A preferably also exists centrally through the conical threaded nut 10.

Further Figures 2a and 2b show the arrangement of the sensors 11 which preferably comprise a longitudinal shape and are integrated inside the heating elements 6. Thereby it is conceivable that each electronic smoking device 1 comprises one sensor 11. Preferably each heating element 6 comprises one sensor 11 and very preferably each heating element 6 comprises at least 2 sensors.

Figures 2a and 2b illustrate different states of the clamping mechanism, wherein figure 2a illustrated an at least partially open state of the clamping mechanism 7, and figure 2b illustrated a closed state of the clamping mechanism 7. An open state of the clamping mechanism 7 is preferably understood as a state in which the distance D between the heating elements 6 is bigger than in a closed state of the clamping mechanism 7.

The distance D between the heating elements 6 and thereby the space 8 in which a smoking article can be arranged inside the cavity 5 is larger in figure 2a compared to figure 2b. For using the electronic smoking device, a smoking article 2 is preferably introduced into the space 8 while the heating elements 6 are in the state of figure 2a. Preferably after the insertion of a smoking article 2 into the space 8, the clamping mechanism 7 is actuated and thereby brings the heating elements 6 into the closed state of figure 2b, in which the smoking article 2 ca be smoked with the electronic smoking device 1.

Upon actuation of the clamping mechanism 7 the conical threaded screw elements 9 rotate around the rotation axis A and thereby the threads of the conical threaded screw elements 9 move inside the threads of the conical threaded nut 10. Thus upon a rotation around the rotation axis A the conical threaded screw elements 9 preferably also move along the rotation axis A, similar to a screw. Due to the threads of the conical threaded screw elements 9 and the conical threaded nut 10 not being linear, but conical, a movement along the rotation axis A also results the conical threaded screw elements 9 to move together or away from each other. Thereby upon rotation of the conical threaded screw elements 9 inside the conical threaded nut 10, the distance D can be set to a specific amount to clamp a smoking article 2 between the heating elements 6.

Preferably the elastic element 12 is arranged between the heating elements 6 and/or conical threaded screw elements 9 and puts a force on them which presses the threads of the conical threaded screw elements 9 into the threads of the conical threaded nut 10. As can be seen by comparing figures 2a and 2b, the elastic element deforms upon actuation of the clamping mechanism 7 and thereby comprises different shapes depending on the actual clamping state. Preferably the shape of the elastic element 12 depends on the distance D between the heating elements 6. Preferably the elements which clamp the smoking article 2 keep parallel to each other upon clamping of the smoking article 2. Thereby preferably the heating elements 6 keep parallel to each other upon actuation of the clamping mechanism 7.

Especially the parts of the clamping mechanism 7 which reduce the space 8 for the smoking article 2 keep parallel to each other upon clamping a smoking article. Preferably thereby the parts of the clamping mechanism 7 which reduce the space 8 for the smoking article 2 keep also parallel to the rotation axis A upon clamping a smoking article 2.

Reference signs

1 Electronic smoking device

2 Smoking article

3 Battery section

4 Heating section

5 Cavity

6 Heating elements

7 Clamping mechanism

8 Space inside the cavity

9 Conical threaded screw element

10 Conical threaded nut

11 Sensor

12 Elastic element

13 Innermost end of cavity

A Rotation axis

D distance between heating elements

Claims

Adjustable HnB heating engine

Patent Claims Electronic smoking device (1) for vaporizing a smoking article (2), with a heating section (4) comprising a longitudinal cavity (5) and at least one heating element (6) arranged inside the cavity (5), wherein the smoking article (2) is at least partially insertable into the cavity (5) along its longitudinal direction, and wherein the heating element (6) at least partially encloses the smoking article (2), characterized in that the heating section (4) further comprises a mechanically adjustable clamping mechanism (7) which clamps the smoking article (2) inside the cavity (5) by reducing a space (8) inside the cavity (5) in which the smoking article (2) is arranged, wherein the mechanically adjustable clamping mechanism (7) comprises at least two individual conical threaded screw elements (9) arranged rotatably with respect to a rotation axis (A) which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cavity. Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the cavity (5) has a longitudinal shape, wherein the clamping mechanism (7) is arranged at the innermost end side of the cavity (5) inside the device (1). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least two heating elements (6) extend along the longitudinal shape of the cavity (5), wherein the heating elements (6) enclose the part of the smoking article (2) which is arranged inside the cavity (5). Electronic smoking device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two conical threaded screw elements (9) are arranged in a conical threaded nut (10). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the conical threaded screw elements (9) are rotatable with respect to a rotation axis (A) which extends perpendicular and centrally through the conical threaded nut (10) and thereby parallel to the longitudinal extension of the cavity (5). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that an elastic element (12) is arranged between the conical threaded screw elements (9) which circumferentially pushes them away from the rotation axis (A) with their threaded part into the threaded part of the conical threaded nut (10). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 3 and any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that each heating element (6) is attached parallel to the rotation axis (A) to one conical threaded screw element (9) of the clamp mechanism (7). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 3 and any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that a distance (D) between the heating elements (6) and thereby the space (8) for the smoking article (2) inside the cavity (5) is adjustable by rotation of the conical threaded screw element (9) around the rotation axis (A). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the smoking article (2) is clampable parallel to the rotation axis (A) in between the heating elements (6) by reducing the distance (D) between them. Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 8-9, characterized in that the distance (D) between the heating elements (6) is adjustable to different sizes of smoking articles (2). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 3 and any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that the heating elements (6) comprise an at least partially round shape around the rotation axis (A) for greater contact area with cylindrical shaped smoking articles (2). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claims 4-11 , characterized in that the clamping of the smoking article (2) is executable upon a haptic interaction of a consumer with the electronic smoking device (1) and/or with an electric motor by rotation of the conical threaded screw elements (9) inside the conical threaded nut (10) around the rotation axis (A). Electronic smoking device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic smoking device (1) comprises at least one sensor (11) for detecting the presence and/or the characteristics of a smoking article (2) inside the cavity (5). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the sensor (11) is integrated inside the heating elements (6). Electronic smoking device (1) according to claims 13-14, characterized in that the sensor (11) comprises at least two electrodes to measure the impedance of the smoking article (2).