WO2023079152A1

WO2023079152A1 - Aerosol generating system

Info

Publication number: WO2023079152A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/081016
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesse PAINTER; Conor MCGRATH
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2021-11-08
Filing date: 2022-11-07
Publication date: 2023-05-11

Abstract

An aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device includes a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising aerosolisable material. The chamber comprises a side wall and a base. The aerosol generating system also comprises a spacer insertable into the heating chamber. The base is configured to abut a distal end of an article comprising aerosolisable material when the spacer is absent from the heating chamber. The spacer is configured to space a distal end of an article comprising aerosolisable material from the base when the spacer is inserted in the heating chamber.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system.

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 system comprising: an aerosol generating device including: a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising aerosolisable material, the chamber comprising a side wall and a base; and a spacer insertable into the heating chamber; wherein the base is configured to about a distal end of an article comprising aerosolisable material when the spacer is absent from the heating chamber, and wherein the spacer is configured to space a distal end of an article comprising aerosolisable material from the base when the spacer is inserted in the heating chamber.

The spacer may comprise a locating surface arranged to locate the spacer against the base. The spacer may comprise an abutment surface for abutting at least a portion of an article comprising aerosolisable material.

The locating surface may define a distal extent of the spacer. That is, no part of the spacer may extend beyond the locating surface. The abutment surface may define a proximal extent of the spacer. That is, no part of the spacer may extend beyond the abutment surface. The spacer may comprise at least one axially extending member between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may comprise a plurality of axially extending members between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may comprise at least two axially extending members between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may comprise at least three axially extending members between the abutment surface and the locating surface.

The spacer may comprise a retainer configured to retain the spacer in the heating chamber. The retainer may be configured to act on the side wall. The spacer may comprise a resilient portion defining at least part of the retainer. The retainer may comprise a resilient tab. The retainer may comprise a rib. The retainer may be an integrally formed part of the spacer. The retainer may be a one-piece component.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a protruding element and the retainer may be configured to act on the protruding element.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may extend from the base. The spacer may be configured to overlap the heating element in an axial direction when received in the heating chamber. The heating element may define at least part of the side wall. At least a portion of the protruding element may be provided by at least part of the heating element. The heating element may protrude in the heating chamber. The spacer may be arranged to abut the heating element when received in the heating chamber.

The spacer may comprise a path through the spacer. The spacer may comprise an aperture or channel. The aperture or channel may be a throughbore. The aperture or channel may define an air passage. The aperture or channel may extend in an axial direction when the spacer is inserted in the heating chamber. The aperture or channel may extend between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The aperture or channel may comprise a retainer for gripping an object inserted in the aperture or channel. The retainer may be configured to grip a heating element inserted in the aperture or channel. The spacer may be free from material which can be heated by penetration of a varying magnetic field. The spacer may be formed of the same material as the base. The spacer may be formed of the same material as the side wall of the heating chamber. The spacer may be formed of a material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion less than 150 ppm k'¹ along flow above the glass transition. The spacer may be formed of a material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion along flow above the glass temperature of 140 ppm k’¹.

According to an aspect, there is provided a spacer for insertion into a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device, comprising: a body having a locating surface arranged to locate against a base of the heating chamber and an abutment surface arranged to abut an end of an article comprising aerosolisable material, wherein the abutment surface defines an axial extent of the spacer; and a retainer arranged to retain the spacer in the heating chamber.

The locating surface may define a first axial extent of the spacer along an axis. The abutment surface may define a second axial extent of the spacer along the axis.

The spacer may comprise a resilient portion defining at least part of the retainer. The retainer may define a radial extent of the spacer perpendicular to the axis. The retainer may be configured to act on a side wall of the heating chamber. The retainer may comprise a resilient tab. The retainer may comprise a rib. The retainer may be an integrally formed part of the spacer. The retainer may be a one- piece component

The spacer may comprise a path through the spacer. The spacer may comprise an aperture or channel. The aperture or channel may be a throughbore. The aperture or channel may define an air passage. The aperture or channel may extend in an axial direction when the spacer is inserted in the heating chamber. The aperture or channel may extend between the abutment surface and the locating surface.

The spacer may be free from material which can be heated by penetration of a varying magnetic field. The spacer may be formed of the same material as the base or side wall of the heating chamber. The spacer may be formed of a material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion along flow above the glass temperature of less than 150 ppm k’¹. The spacer may be formed of a material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion along flow above the glass temperature of 140 ppm k’¹.

The spacer may comprise axially extending members between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may comprise a plurality of axially extending members between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may comprise at least two axially extending members between the abutment surface and the locating surface. The spacer may comprise at least three axially extending members between the abutment surface and the locating surface

According to an aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a spacer as described above and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

According to an aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a spacer as described above and a retrieval tool for retrieving the spacer from a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of an aerosol generating device;

Figure 2 shows schematically the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 and an article containing an aerosol generating material;

Figure 3 shows schematically an aerosol generating assembly of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of a first spacer for insertion in the aerosol generating device of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of a second spacer for insertion in the aerosol generating device of Figure 1; and Figure 6 shows schematically the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 with the first or second spacer inserted and a second article inserted in the device.

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 botanical material, such as any 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 aerosolgenerating 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. The article, in embodiments, is a consumable. That is, the article is discarded after use, for example following one or more uses, with another consumable article then being used.

The known apparatus may comprise a heater for heating the aerosol generating material. The heater may comprise one or more electrically resistive heating elements, including for example one or more nichrome resistive heating elements and/or one or more ceramic resistive heating elements. Alternatively, the heater may comprise one or more induction heaters, which include one or more heating elements which are heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field (referred to as susceptors) and an induction coil. The heating element(s) may form a chamber into which the aerosol generating material is inserted or otherwise located in use. Alternatively, the heating element(s) may be positioned near or adjacent the aerosol generating material in use. In another alternative, the heating element(s) may penetrate the aerosol generating material in use. For example, the heating element(s) may have the form of a blade or pin.

Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating device 100 for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material. In broad outline, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 300 (refer to Figure 2) comprising aerosol generating material, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100.

The device 100 includes a body or enclosure assembly 101. The enclosure assembly 101 comprises a housing 102 surrounding and housing an aerosol generating assembly 200, which comprises various components for generating an aerosol from the received article 300. The article 300 is heated by a heater assembly to generate aerosol. The housing 102 has an opening 103 in one end, through which the article 300 may be inserted for heating. The device includes a heating chamber 202 (refer to Figure 2) for at least partly receiving the article in use. The heating chamber communicates with the opening 103. In use, the article 300 may be fully or partially inserted into the device 100 where it may be heated by one or more components.

Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generating assembly 200 comprises a heating system. The heating system is an induction heating system including an induction coil 208 and a heating element 206 (refer to Figure 3) heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field (known as a susceptor). In other examples, multiple susceptors and/or coils may be provided.

The heating element 206 is tubular. The heating element 206 defines a chamber into which at least part of the article is inserted or otherwise located in use. In embodiments, a wall defining a chamber is free from susceptor material. In such an embodiment, one or more heating elements are positioned near or adjacent to the heating chamber. In embodiments, one or more heating elements may be disposed within the heating chamber. For example, the one or more heating elements may comprise a protrusion, such as a pin or blade, which penetrates the article in use. The article may comprise an aperture for receiving the heating element.

The induction coil 208 is in communication with a power source 170, which energises the coil 208 to generate a varying magnetic flux. The magnetic flux generates a current in the heating element 206, which in turn causes the heating element 206 to heat. The heating element 206 is in heat communication with the article 300, and heats the first article 300 to generate an aerosol.

In other embodiments, the heating system may comprise one or more electrically resistive heating elements, including for example one or more resistive heating elements and/or one or more ceramic heating elements. In such an embodiment, the induction coil may be omitted and the resistive heating element is connected to the power source. A resistive heating element may form a chamber into which the article is inserted or otherwise located in use. In embodiments, one or more resistive heating elements may be positioned near or adjacent the heating chamber. One or more resistive heating elements may be disposed within the heating chamber. For example, the one or more resistive heating elements may comprise a pin or blade, which penetrates the article in use. The article may comprise an aperture for receiving the resistive heating element. Other heating arrangements may also be used.

When the article 300 is received in the heating chamber 202, the article is adjacent to the heating element 206. The article 300 may or may not contact the heating element 206. There may be an air gap or one or more additional components between the article 300 and the heating element 206. Heat flows from the heating element 206 to the article 300 in use. The article 300 may be heated by conduction from the heating element 206. Alternatively or in addition, the article may be heated by convection or radiation from the heating element 206. It is anticipated that heat transfer by conduction will be the predominant mode of heating the article 300.

The device 100 also includes a user-operable control element 150 (refer to Figure 1), such as a button or switch, which operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch. The switch may form part of the housing 102. The device 100 comprises the power source 170, 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 device 100 also comprises an electrical component, such as a connector/port (not shown), which can receive a cable to charge the power source 170. For example, the connector may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port. In some examples the connector may be used additionally or alternatively to transfer data between the device 100 and another device, such as a computing device.

With reference predominantly to Figure 2, the housing 102 of the device 100 encapsulates the aerosol generating assembly 200. That is the housing 102 surrounds the aerosol generating assembly 200 such that access to the aerosol generating assembly 200 is prevented when the housing is present, with the exception of the opening 103 for inserting the article 300. The housing 102 defines a component cavity 201 in which the aerosol generating assembly 200 is received. The housing 102 acts as a barrier to the component cavity 201 so as to contain the aerosol generating assembly 200 and provide protection from the environment. The housing 102 protects the user from the aerosol generating assembly 200, for example preventing contact with electrical components and/or providing thermal insulation from the heated components. The housing 102 substantially wholly surrounds the device 100 and the aerosol generating assembly 200. The housing 102 may act as a fluid barrier. The housing 102, in embodiments, fluidly isolates an outer side of the aerosol generating assembly 200. The housing 102 acts as a shell.

The end of the device 100 closest to the opening 103 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) 104 of the device 100 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article 300 into the opening 103, operates the user control 150 to begin heating the aerosol generating material and draws on the aerosol generated in the device. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.

The other end of the device furthest away from the opening 103 may be known as the distal end 106 of the device 100 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device, the aerosol flows in a direction towards the proximal end 106 of the device 100. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 108 which extends in a direction from the proximal end 104 to the distal end 106. The terms proximal and distal as applied to features of the device 100 will be described by reference to the relative positioning of such features with respect to each other in a proximal-distal direction along the axis 108.

Figure 3 shows the aerosol generating assembly 200 of the aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating assembly 200 defines the heating chamber 202 extending from the opening 103. The heating chamber 202 is isolated from the component cavity 201. The heating chamber 202 is formed from a side wall 203 and a base 204. The side wall 203 is formed by a cylindrical tube. In other examples, the side wall 203 may have a non-circular cross-section, such as an oval cross section or a rectangular cross-section or an irregular cross-section. The side wall 203 and base 204 may be integrally formed or may be separate components. In the device of Figure 3, the side wall 203 is provided by the heating element 206. The heating element 206 is a tubular heating element. The heating element 206 is substantially cylindrical. In other embodiments, the side wall 203 may be a separate component formed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

In an embodiment (not shown) the side wall 203 comprises one or more protrusions. The protrusions are protruding portions of the side wall 203, formed on an inner surface of the side wall 203 to protrude into the heating chamber 202. The protrusions may be provided on the heating element 206. The protrusions may be protruding portions of the heating element.

The base 204 comprises a plate disposed at the distal end of the side wall 203. The base 204 is configured to abut a distal end 300a of the article 300 when the article 300 is inserted in the heating chamber 202. In the shown embodiment, a portion of the base 204 is configured to abut the distal end 300a of the article 300. A raised central portion 204a of the base is configured to abut the distal end 300a of the article 300. In other embodiments the base is at least substantially flat or may be concave. An annular or peripheral portion of the base may be configured to abut the distal end of the article. In embodiments, the base 204 comprises an aperture. The aperture may provide airflow and/or collect condensate formed in use. The base may form a substantially annular shelf. The base may comprise a protrusion or upstand. As discussed above, in some embodiments the heating element may comprise a blade or pin. The heating element may protrude from the base. Alternatively, the heating element may pass through one or more apertures of the base. The base may be provided around the heating element. The base may or may not contact the heating element.

The heating chamber 202 and article 300 are sized such that, when the article 300 is inserted in the heating chamber 202 and the distal end 300a of the article 300 contacts the base 204, a proximal end 300b of the article 300 protrudes from the opening 103. This allows a user to draw on the proximal end 300b in use. In other examples, the article may be fully received in the heating chamber. That is, the proximal end of the article may not protrude from the device.

Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of a spacer 400 for insertion into the heating chamber 202 of the device 100. The spacer 400 comprises a body 402. The body 402 includes a locating surface 402a arranged to locate the spacer 400 against the base 204. The body 402 includes an abutment surface 402b for abutting at least a portion of an article comprising aerosol-generating material.

The locating surface 402a defines a first axial or distal extent of the spacer 400. That is, no part of the spacer 400 extends past the locating surface 402a. The locating surface 402a is the distal point of the spacer 400 when inserted in the heating chamber 202, as viewed in Figure 6.

The abutment surface 402b defines a second axial or proximal extent of the spacer 400. That is, no part of the spacer 400 extends past the abutment surface 402b. The abutment surface 402b is the exposed side of the spacer 400 when inserted in the heating chamber 202, as viewed in Figure 6.

The spacer 400 may be integrally formed together during manufacture, for example through an injection moulding process. Alternatively, two or more features of the spacer 400 may be separately formed initially and then formed together during a manufacturing stage to form a one-piece component, for example by a welding process. As used herein, one-piece component refers to a component which is not separable into two or more components following assembly. Integrally formed relates to two or more features that are formed into a one-piece component during a manufacturing stage of the component.

The spacer 400 is free from material which can be heated by penetration of a varying magnetic field. In embodiments, the spacer 400 is formed of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material.

The spacer is formed of a material having the following coefficients of linear thermal expansion, measured according to ISO 11359-2:1999. Other suitable materials and/or properties may be used. The onset of the glass transition (Tg) of the material is at 143 degrees Celsius and the midpoint of the glass transition of the material is at 150 degrees Celsius.

The body 402 comprises an end member 403 and three elongate axially extending members 404. The axially extending members 404 act as retention members. The retention members form part of a retainer 405. The retainer 405 acts to retain the spacer 400 in the heating chamber 202 when received therein. The configuration of the retainer 405 may differ, for example as described below. The axially extending members 404 splay outwardly from the end member 403. In other embodiments a different number of axially extending members may be provided. For example, two axially extending members may be provided. The axially extending members may define a cavity. The axially extending members may extend partially circumferentially around the end member. The axially extending members may be provided in the form of a skirt. A greater or lesser number of axially extending members 404 may be provided. The axially extending members 404 are an integral part of the spacer body 402. The abutment surface 402b is provided by the distal end of each axially extending member 404. The abutment surface 402b of this embodiment consists of the three end surfaces of the axially extending members 404. The axially extending members 404 are provided between the locating surface 402a and the abutment surface 402b.

The arms 404, acting as axially extending members, are resilient. That is, the axially extending members can be deformed or deflected in use, and exert a reaction force. The arms 404 diverge outwardly from the end member 403. Such an arrangement aids with alignment of the spacer 400 in the heating chamber 202. The axially extending members are spaced apart to help enable inward deflection. The spacer is sized such that, when inserted in the heating chamber, the axially extending members are inwardly deflected by the walls of the heating chamber. The axially extending members provide a retention force for retaining the spacer 400 in the heating chamber 202 in use.

The spacer 400 comprises an air passage therethrough. The air passage includes an aperture 406 communicating with the cavity between the axially extending members. The aperture 406 is a through-bore. That is, the aperture 406 extends from one surface of the spacer, through the body 402, to another surface of the spacer. The aperture 406 and the cavity defined by the axially extending members together form the air passage. The air passage extends from one side of the spacer to another side of the spacer. In this embodiment, the air passage extends between the locating surface 402a and the abutment surface 402b.

Figure 5 shows another spacer 500 for insertion into the heating chamber 202. Features in common with the first spacer 400 will be referred to with like reference numerals and will not be described again for brevity (for example, aperture 506 of the second spacer corresponds to aperture 406 of the first spacer). The second spacer 500 does not include axially extending members. The body 502 of the second spacer 500 is substantially cylindrical. In this embodiment, the aperture 506 communicates with the hollow interior of the cylindrical body 502. The hollow cylindrical body 502 is open at its distal end, that is, the end of the body on which is provided the locating surface 502a. The aperture 506 and the hollow interior of the cylindrical body 502 together define an air passage extending from one side of the spacer to the other. The spacer 500 comprises a retainer 508. The retainer is configured to retain the spacer 500 in the heating chamber 202. The retainer 508 is configured to act on the side wall 203 of the heating chamber 202. The retainer 508 is a resilient portion of the spacer 500. In this embodiment, the retainer 508 comprises three resilient tabs or arms 508. The tabs 508 are portions of the cylindrical body 502 which are partly separated from the remainder of the body 500 by cut outs 510. The tabs 508 extend in the cut outs. In embodiments, the cut outs 510 are omitted, with the tabs extending from an outer peripheral wall of the spacer 500. A radial extent of the tabs 508 is greater than the radial extent of the remainder of the spacer body 502. That is, an outer surface 508a of the tabs 508 is proud of an outer surface 502a of the spacer body 502. The tabs 508 may comprise an arcuate extent 50% or less of the circumference of the body 502. A distal end of each tab 508 is joined to the remainder of the body 500. The cut outs 510 provide a clearance into which the tabs 508 may deflect when inserted into the heating chamber 202, by engagement with the side wall 203. It will be understood that the tabs 508 are an integrally formed part of the spacer body 502.

In embodiments, the retainer 508 may comprise a rib. The rib is disposed on an outer surface of the retainer body 502. The rib is a resilient portion of the spacer 500. The rib may be integrally formed with the spacer body 502. The rib may be provided as a separate component joined to the spacer body 502. The rib may be an overmould on the spacer body 502. The rib may be a one-piece component.

In embodiments, the retainer 508 may be configured to act on the one or more protrusions of the side wall 203.

Figure 6 schematically shows the aerosol generating device 100 with the spacer 400 and a second article 302 inserted for use. In use, the spacer 400 is inserted in the heating chamber 202. The spacer 400 is positioned at the distal end of the heating chamber 202.

The spacer 400 is a semi-permanent fitting. That is, the spacer is intended to be inserted and then left in the device, although it can be removed if required/desired. This allows existing aerosol generating devices to be adapted for use with a different article having a different size or shape. It is envisaged that the spacer may be provided with the aerosol-generating device on initial purchase, or provided separately to allow a user to adapt existing aerosol generating devices. Specif ically , the spacer allows a shorter article to be used in the device, while allowing the proximal end of the article to be disposed in a location close to or the same as the location of the proximal end of the original article, for which the existing device was intended. This allows the device to function effectively with a different shaped or sized article. For example, the spacer allows a shorter article to be inserted in the device so that the proximal end of the shorter article protrudes from the opening of the device, so that a user can draw on the proximal end of the shorter article.

The spacer 400 is retained in the heating chamber by frictional engagement of the axially extending members 404 with the side wall of the heating chamber. The spacer 500 is retained in the heating chamber 202 by frictional engagement of the retainer with the side wall of the heating chamber.

The spacers may be used with devices including heating elements disposed within the heating chamber, for example pin or blade heating elements. The pin or blade heating element may be received in the aperture 406, 506 of the spacer. Optionally, the spacer may include retaining features adapted to grip the pin or blade heating element. For example, the aperture 406, 506 may be sized and shaped to conform to an outer surface of the heating element. The aperture 406, 506 may include a resilient portion adapted to grip the outer surface of the heating element. In such an embodiment, the retainer and/or any of the spacer may be free from contact with the peripheral wall of the heating chamber 202.

The aperture 406, 506 of the spacer provides a dual advantage of allowing ventilation of a distal end of the article, and accommodating a heating element.

The spacer 400 overlaps the heating element 206 in an axial direction when received in the heating chamber 202. The spacer therefore acts to reduce the accessible length of the heating element 206. With such arrangements the usable length of the heating element is reduced. When the spacer 400 is inserted in the heating chamber 202, the aperture 406 extends in the axial direction. The locating surface 402a contacts the base 204. Specifically, the locating surface 402a contacts the raised portion 204a of the base.

A second article 302 is inserted in the heating chamber 202. The second article 302 is shorter in length than the first article 300. It will be understood that the length of the second article 302 is its extent in the axial direction. The second article has the same diameter as the first article 300. It will be understood that the diameter is in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The second article 302 is inserted after the spacer 400. A distal end 302a of the second article 302 contacts the abutment surface 402b of the spacer 400. The second article 302 is supported within the heating chamber 202 by the spacer 400. The second article 302 is spaced from the base 204 by the spacer 400. Accordingly, a proximal end 302b protrudes from the opening 103, allowing a user to draw on the proximal end 302a in use. The spacer 400 reduces the effective length of the heating chamber 202. The spacer 400 reduces the length of the heating element which is exposed to the article 302.

The spacer 400, 500 reduces the length of the heating chamber without reducing the diameter or usable with of the heating chamber. This is possible because, as discussed above, the abutment surface 402b, 502b represents the proximal extent of the spacer. That is, no part of the spacer extends beyond the abutment surface.

The spacer allows the aerosol generating device 100 to be adapted by insertion of the spacer, to reduce the effective length of the heating chamber 202. This allows the aerosol-generating device 100 to accommodate the second article 302. It is anticipated that the spacer may be provided separately from the aerosolgenerating device 100, to allow users to adapt already existing aerosol generating devices to accommodate the second article 302.

It is envisaged that a tool may be provided to aid insertion and/or removal of the spacer from an aerosol generating device. The tool may comprise an elongate member for insertion into the heating chamber 202 via the opening 103. The tool may be of a length sufficient to reach the distal end of the heating chamber, while protruding from the device and being gripped by a user. The tool may comprise an engagement element for gripping the spacer, to enable the spacer to be pulled out of the device. The engagement element may, for example, comprise a hooked portion at an end of the elongate member. The tool may be used to push the spacer towards the distal end of the heating chamber. The tool may be used to pull the spacer out of the heating chamber.

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 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 system comprising: an aerosol generating device including: a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article comprising aerosolisable material, the chamber comprising a side wall and a base; and a spacer insertable into the heating chamber; wherein the base is configured to abut a distal end of an article comprising aerosolisable material when the spacer is absent from the heating chamber, and wherein the spacer is configured to space a distal end of an article comprising aerosolisable material from the base when the spacer is inserted in the heating chamber.

2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises a locating surface arranged to locate the spacer against the base; and an abutment surface for abutting at least a portion of an article comprising aerosolisable material.

3. The aerosol generating system of claim 2, wherein the locating surface defines a distal extent of the spacer.

4. The aerosol generating system of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the abutment surface defines a proximal extent of the spacer.

5. The aerosol generating system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spacer comprises a retainer configured to retain the spacer in the heating chamber.

6. The aerosol generating system of claim 5, wherein the retainer is configured to act on the side wall.

7. The aerosol generating system of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the spacer comprises a resilient portion defining at least part of the retainer.

8. The aerosol generating system of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element, and wherein the spacer is configured to overlap the heating element in an axial direction when received in the heating chamber.

9. The aerosol generating system of claim 8, wherein the heating element defines at least part of the side wall.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 8, wherein the heating element protrudes in the heating chamber.

11. The aerosol generating system of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the spacer is arranged to abut the heating element when received in the heating chamber.

12. The aerosol generating system of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the spacer comprises a path through the spacer.

13. The aerosol generating system of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the spacer is free from material which can be heated by penetration of a varying magnetic field.

14. The aerosol generating system of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the spacer is formed of a material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion less than 150 ppm k^-1 along flow above the glass transition.

15. A spacer for insertion into a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device, comprising: a body having a locating surface arranged to locate against a base of the heating chamber and an abutment surface arranged to abut an end of an article comprising aerosolisable material, wherein the abutment surface defines an axial extent of the spacer; and a retainer arranged to retain the spacer in the heating chamber.

16. The spacer of claim 15, wherein the locating surface defines a first axial extent of the spacer along an axis, and the abutment surface defines a second axial extent of the spacer along the axis.

17. The spacer of claim 16, wherein the retainer defines a radial extent perpendicular to the axis.

18. The spacer of any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the comprises a resilient tab.

19. The spacer of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the retainer is an integrally formed part of the spacer.

20. The spacer of any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the retainer is a one-piece component.

21. A kit of parts comprising a spacer according to any of claims 1 to 20 and an article comprising aerosol generating material.

22. A kit of parts comprising a spacer according to any of claims 1 to 20 and a retrieval tool for retrieving the spacer from a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device.