AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE

Abstract

An aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming consumable is provided. The aerosol generation device can include a housing; a heater element, and a system for causing heating of the heater element. The heater element is movable relative to the housing. The heater element defines, at least partially, a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol forming consumable. The heater element is configured, during use of the heating element, to be movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable when the aerosol forming consumable is received in the heating chamber, thereby controlling the amount of heat transferred to the consumable from the heater element.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2022/052393, filed Feb. 2, 2022, which claims priority from GB Application No. 2101459.2, filed Feb. 3, 2021, each of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device and a heater element for an aerosol generation device.

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 articles 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. Heating tobacco or non-tobacco products may volatilize at least one component of the tobacco or non-tobacco products, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled, without burning or combusting the tobacco or non-tobacco products.

A heating device that heats the tobacco or non-tobacco product may be described as a ‘heat-not-burn’ apparatus or a ‘tobacco heating product’ (THP) or ‘tobacco heating device’ or similar. Various arrangements have been tried for volatilizing at least one component of tobacco or non-tobacco products.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the disclosure provides an n aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming consumable. The aerosol generation device comprises: a housing; at least one heater element, the heater element movable relative to the housing; a system for causing heating of the heater element; and wherein the heater element defines, at least partially, a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol forming consumable and wherein the heater element is configured, during use of the heater element, to be movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable when the aerosol forming consumable is received in the heating chamber to thereby control the amount of heat transferred to the consumable from the heater element. The aerosol generation device may have any of the example features as described herein.

Use of the heater element, may be, for example, during a heating session of the aerosol generation device. In certain examples, the heating session of the aerosol generation device may comprise periods in which the heating element is not actually heated. In certain examples, the heating session of the aerosol generation device may comprise periods when the heating element is heated. In certain examples, the heater element is configured, during heating of the heater element, to be movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable when the aerosol forming consumable is received in the heating chamber.

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

In certain examples, the heater element is configured to move towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable in response to an input.

In certain examples, the aerosol generation device comprises a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the aerosol forming consumable, and the input is the sensed temperature of the aerosol forming consumable.

In certain examples, the heater element is configured to be moved away from the aerosol forming consumable to decrease the amount of heat transferred to the aerosol forming consumable.

In certain examples, the input is received via a user and is at least one of: a representation of a desired temperature set by the user, and an indication of a user inhaling on the aerosol generation device.

In certain examples, the heater element is configured to move toward or away from the aerosol generating consumable by an amount corresponding to a magnitude of the input.

In certain examples, the heating chamber is substantially tubular.

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

In certain examples, 1 the heating chamber is configured to have a changeable internal perimeter such that the heater element is movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

In certain examples, the heater element comprises an elongate hollow tube.

In certain examples, the elongate hollow tube is defined by a tubular wall and wherein the elongate hollow tube comprises a split in the tubular wall of the elongate hollow tube. In certain examples, the split extends longitudinally along the elongate hollow tube.

In certain examples, the elongate hollow tube has a substantially circular cross section.

In certain examples, the elongate hollow tube has tubular wall ends defined by the split, and the tubular wall ends are movable in a circumferential direction of the elongate hollow tube when the heater element moves towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable. In certain examples, the tubular wall ends overlap in the circumferential direction of the elongate hollow tube.

In certain examples, at least one of the tubular wall ends of the elongate hollow tube comprises a flange protruding from the tubular wall end in a substantially radial direction of the elongate hollow tube.

In certain examples, the aerosol generation device comprises a worm drive to, in use, drive the overlapping tubular wall ends in the circumferential direction to move the heater element towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

In certain examples, the elongate hollow tube is defined by a tubular wall and wherein the elongate hollow tube comprises two tubular wall portions, wherein the tubular wall portions are separated by a longitudinal gap in the tubular wall of the elongate hollow tube such that the tubular wall portions form two jaws, at least one of which is movable, in use, towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

In certain examples, the elongate hollow tube is defined by a tubular wall and wherein the elongate hollow tube comprises two tubular wall portions, wherein the tubular wall portions are separated by two longitudinal gaps in the tubular wall of the elongate hollow tube such that the tubular wall portions form two jaws, at least one of which is movable, in use, towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

In certain examples, the elongate hollow tube is defined by a tubular wall and wherein the elongate hollow tube comprises three tubular wall portions, wherein the tubular wall portions are separated by three longitudinal gaps in the tubular wall of the elongate hollow tube such that the tubular wall portions form three jaws, at least one of which is movable, in use, towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

In certain examples, the heater element portions are formed integrally with one another.

In certain examples, the elongate hollow tube has a substantially circular cross section and wherein the elongate hollow tube comprises a root that joins the tubular wall portions together.

In certain examples, the elongate hollow tube comprises a flexible wall and wherein the flexible wall is compressible and expandable in the longitudinal direction such that, in use, the flexible wall is movable in the radial direction of the elongate hollow tube.

In certain examples, the heater element comprises a twistable coiled member having radially inner surfaces that define the heating chamber.

In certain examples, the heater element comprises a homogeneous, or substantially homogeneous, material.

In certain examples, the heater element comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: an electrically-conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetic electrically-conductive material.

In certain examples, the heater element comprises a metal or a metal alloy.

In certain examples, the heater element comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain-carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

In certain examples, the at least one heater element comprises a plurality of heater elements and each of the heater elements may be moved, in use, towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable independently of each other.

In certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element is an inductive heating system. In certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element is a resistive heating system.

A second aspect of the disclosure provides an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device according to the first aspect, and at least one aerosol forming consumable, wherein the at least one aerosol forming consumable is shaped and sized to be receivable within the heating chamber. The aerosol generation device may have any of the example features as described herein. The aerosol forming consumable may have any of the of the example features as described herein.

A third aspect of the disclosure provides method of heating an aerosol forming consumable. The method comprises: receiving an aerosol forming consumable in a heating chamber of an aerosol generation device, the heating chamber at least partially defined by a heater element that is movable relative to a housing of the aerosol generating device; moving, during use of the heater element, the heater element towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable to control the amount of heat transferred to the consumable from the heater element.

In certain examples, the temperature of the heater element is maintained at a constant temperature when the heater element is moving toward or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of certain examples, which are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain examples will now be described with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of an aerosol generation device.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of an aerosol generation device.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a heater element from an example aerosol generation device.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a heater element from an example aerosol generation device.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a heater element from an example aerosol generation device.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of a heater element from an example aerosol generation device.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a heater element from an example aerosol generation device.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an example of a heater element from an example aerosol generation device.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example of an aerosol generation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Tobacco and/or non-tobacco products, of which at least one component is to be volatized, may be described as aerosol-generating material(s). Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. An ‘aerosol-generating material’ is any suitable material from which an aerosol may be generated. In certain examples, an aerosol generated from an aerosol-generating material may be generated by applying heat to the aerosol-generating material.

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 flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a 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 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

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

In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may be a tobacco material. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain a nicotine source and no tobacco material. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain a tobacco material and a separate nicotine source. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may not contain a nicotine source. In certain examples, the aerosol-generating material may contain a flavor.

In examples where the aerosol-generating material comprises a gel, the gel may comprise a nicotine source. In some examples, the gel may comprise a tobacco material. In some cases, the gel may comprise a tobacco material and a separate nicotine source. For example, the gel may additionally comprise powdered tobacco and/or nicotine and/or a tobacco extract.

In certain examples where the aerosol-generating material comprises a gel, the gel may comprise a gelling agent. The gelling agent may comprise a hydrocolloid. In certain examples where the aerosol-generating material comprises a gel, the gel may comprise a hydrogel. The gel may additionally comprise a solvent.

In certain examples, where an aerosol is generated from heating an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol-generating material may be heated to temperatures between around 50° C. to around 250° C. or 300° C.

It may be noted that, in general, a vapor is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that, for example, the vapor can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature. On the other hand, in general, an aerosol is a colloid of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. A colloid is a substance in which microscopically dispersed insoluble particles are suspended throughout another substance.

For reasons of convenience, as used herein, the term ‘aerosol’ should be taken as meaning an aerosol, a vapor or a combination of an aerosol and vapor.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating material’ may, in certain examples, include an ‘aerosol-former material’, which refers to an agent that promotes the generation of an aerosol. For example, where the aerosol-generating material comprises a gel, the gel may comprise an aerosol-former material. An aerosol-former material may promote the generation of an aerosol by promoting an initial vaporization and/or the condensation of a gas to an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol.

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. Suitable aerosol-former materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of: glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. The aerosol-former material may suitably have a composition that does not dissolve menthol. The aerosol-former material may suitably comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, glycerol.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating material’ may, in certain examples, include a ‘flavor’, that is a material that adds a flavor to a generated aerosol. As used herein, the term ‘flavor’ refers to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers.

As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

As used herein, the term ‘tobacco material’ refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives therefore. The term ‘tobacco material’ may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco and/or tobacco extract.

The tobacco used to produce tobacco material may be any suitable tobacco, such as single grades or blends, cut rag or whole leaf, including Virginia and/or Burley and/or Oriental. It may also be tobacco particle ‘fines’ or dust, expanded tobacco, stems, expanded stems, and other processed stem materials, such as cut rolled stems. The tobacco material may be a ground tobacco or a reconstituted tobacco material. The reconstituted tobacco material may comprise tobacco fibers, and may be formed by casting, a Fourdrinier-based paper making-type approach with back addition of tobacco extract, or by extrusion.

The aerosol-generating material comprising any of, or any combination of, the features and characteristics described above may be provided as a consumable article. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable article may be described as an aerosol forming consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material from which an aerosol may be generated. In some examples, the aerosol forming consumable may include other materials and components in addition to the aerosol-generating material. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. For example, the aerosol forming consumable may comprise a substrate on which the aerosol-generating material is supported. For example, the aerosol forming consumable may comprise a handling feature that permits a user to handle the aerosol forming consumable without touching the aerosol-generating material of the aerosol forming consumable.

FIG. 1 shows, schematically, an example aerosol generation device 10 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming consumable 100. The aerosol forming consumable 100 may be an example of the aerosol forming consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material as described above. The aerosol forming consumable 100 may be receivable in the device 10.

The aerosol generation device 10 may include a housing 12 to support and retain the various components of the device 10. In certain examples, the aerosol generation device 10 may include a mouthpiece 20 through which a user of the device 10 may inhale an aerosol generated by the device 10. In certain examples, the aerosol generation device 10 may include an air inlet 30 through which air is drawn when the user inhales an aerosol generated by the device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 1, when the user inhales, air may be drawn in in the direction of arrow A and the user may inhale an aerosol in the direction of arrow B. In other examples, the aerosol generation device 10 may not include a mouthpiece. For example, a user of the device 10 may inhale an aerosol generated by the device 10 from the aerosol forming consumable 100 itself.

The aerosol generation device 10 may include a heating chamber 50. The heating chamber 50 may be configured to, in use, receive an aerosol forming consumable 100, such as the examples described above. The heating chamber 50 may include an opening to receive the aerosol forming consumable 100. The aerosol forming consumable 100 may be shaped to fit within the heating chamber 50. In certain examples, the aerosol forming consumable 100 may be a rod, or a stick, or a pod that corresponds to the internal shape of the heating chamber 50. The heating chamber 50 may be configured to allow air to pass from the air inlet 30 through the heating chamber 50 and out to the mouthpiece 20 when the user inhales on the mouthpiece 20. The air through the heating chamber 50, when the user inhales, may collect any generated aerosol from the aerosol forming consumable 100 before entering the user's mouth.

The aerosol generation device for 10 may comprise one heater element 40 or a plurality of heater elements 40. In certain examples, the heater element may comprise a plurality of heater element portions. In some examples, the heater element portions may be formed integrally with one another. In some examples, the heater element portions may not be formed integrally with one another and may be separate components of the aerosol generation device. In certain examples, where the aerosol generation device 10 comprises one heater element 40, the heating chamber 50 may be defined, at least in part, by the heater element 40. In certain examples, where the aerosol generation device for 10 comprises the plurality of heater elements, the heating chamber 50 may be defined, at least in part, by the plurality of the heater elements 40. In other examples, where the aerosol generation device for 10 comprises the plurality of heater elements, a plurality of the heating chambers 50 may be provided and defined, at least in part, by the plurality of the heater elements 40.

The heater element(s) 40 may be configured, when the device 10 is in use, to heat the aerosol forming consumable 100. By applying heat to the aerosol forming consumable 100, the aerosol-generating material contained therein may be heated thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material. Activating the heater element 40 may be triggered by the user inhaling air through the device 10 or by another means, for example by a switch.

In certain examples, the heating chamber 50 may include a lid 60. The lid 60 may be a closable lid. The lid 60, when closed, may enclose the aerosol forming consumable 100 in the device 10. The lid 60, when closed, may enclose the heating chamber 50 to form an enclosed through which air is drawn from the air inlet 30 to the mouthpiece 20 by a user. The lid 60, when closed, may be configured to allow the aerosol generated from the aerosol forming consumable 100 to escape and be drawn through the mouthpiece 20.

The device 10 may include other componentry that is not shown in FIG. 1. The aerosol generation device 10 may include a system for causing heating of the heater element 40. In certain examples, the device 10 may have a power unit, which holds a source of power which may be, for example, a battery, for providing electrical energy to the device 10. The device 10 may have electrical circuitry connected to the power source for conducting electrical energy to other components within the device 10. In certain examples, the circuitry may connect the power source to the system for causing heating of the heater element 40.

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

In certain examples, the heater element 40 may be or comprise a homogeneous, or substantially homogeneous, material. In certain examples, the heater element 40 may comprise a mixture of materials. In certain examples, the heater element may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: an electrically-conductive material, a magnetic material, and a magnetic electrically-conductive material.

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

In certain examples, the heater element may comprise one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: aluminum, gold, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, graphite, plain-carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, copper, and bronze.

In certain examples, the heater element 40 may comprise a ceramic. In some examples, the heater element 40 may be made from a mixture of metallic and non-metallic materials. For example, the heater element 40 may be made from a metal material imbedded in a ceramic material. The ceramic material may be any suitable ceramic material, for example, but not limited to, at least one of the following: alumina, zirconia, yttria, calcium carbonate, and calcium sulphate.

In use, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 may cause the heater element 40 to heat up, i.e. increase in temperature. Heating the heater element 40 may be performed by any suitable heating arrangement.

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

In certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 may comprise an induction heating system to heat the heater element 40.

Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically-conductive object by electromagnetic induction. The process involves penetrating the electrically-conductive object with a varying magnetic field cause heating. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. Where the electrically conductive object is then used to heat another element then the electrically conductive object may be called a ‘susceptor’. A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein. The susceptor material may be formed of any suitable susceptor material, such as those materials identified hereinabove, for example at least one of, or any combination of, the following: iron, iron alloys such as stainless steel, mild steel, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminum, gold and copper. In certain examples, as used herein, the heater element 40 may be a ‘susceptor’ in that it is heated by induction heating so that it may, in turn, may heat the aerosol forming consumable 100. The heating of the aerosol forming consumable 100 may primarily be by conducting or radiating heat to the aerosol forming consumable 100 from the heater element 40, for example.

Arranging the heater element 40 as a susceptor may provide effective heating of the aerosol forming consumable 100, which may be substantially non-conductive. Furthermore, arranging the heater element 40 as a susceptor may allow the heat pattern of the heat directed to the aerosol forming consumable 100 to be controlled.

The induction heating system may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the electromagnet. The varying electric current in the electromagnet produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates the electrically-conductive object suitably positioned with respect to the electromagnet, generating eddy currents inside the object. The object has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the object to be heated by Joule heating, which may also be known as ohmic, or resistive heating. It has been found that, when the electrically-conductive object is in the form of a closed electrical circuit, magnetic coupling between the object and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, which results in greater or improved Joule heating.

Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule and magnetic hysteresis heating. In cases where the heater element 40 comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the heater element 40, 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 each of the above processes, as heat is generated inside the object itself, rather than by an external heat source by heat conduction, a rapid temperature rise in the object and more uniform heat distribution can be achieved, particularly through selection of suitable object material and geometry, and suitable varying magnetic field magnitude and orientation relative to the object. Thus, induction heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, may allow for rapid heating of the heater element 40 since heat is generated inside the heater element 40 (susceptor). Furthermore, as induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection to be provided between the source of the varying magnetic field and the object, design freedom and control over the heating profile may be greater, and cost may be lower. Hence, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive heating system and the heater element 40, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction, application, and reliability of the aerosol generation device 10.

An example of the aerosol generation device 10 in which the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 comprises an induction heating system 70 to heat the heater element 40 is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows just one example of a system for causing heating of the heater element 40. For convenience and clarity, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 is not shown in any other figures. As with the device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generation device 10 includes a mouthpiece 20 and an air inlet 30. In the case of the device 10 of FIG. 2, the air inlet 30 may also act as a lid 60 covering user access to the heating chamber 50 and allowing a user to insert an aerosol forming consumable 100 into the aerosol generation device 10. In certain examples, the air inlet/lid may not be present on the device 10 and air may be drawn in through an open end of the device 10. In the example device 10 shown in FIG. 2, the heating chamber 50 is defined by an elongated heater element 40 that is open at one end to allow the aerosol forming consumable 100 to be inserted into the heating chamber 50. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the induction heating system 70 comprises an induction coil that is wrapped around the heater element 40. The heater element 40 and induction coil are shown as a cross section through the axis of the coil. The elongated heater element 40 may, for example, be an elongate tubular shape, such as one of the example heater elements 40 described below. When the induction coil is energized with an alternating current, the resulting varying magnetic field heats the heater element and, thereby, heats the aerosol forming consumable inserted into the heating chamber 50.

In certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 may comprise the heater element 40 arranged as an electrically resistive heater. Thus, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 may comprise circuitry for connecting the heater element 40 a power source. In use, an electrical current from the power source may be passed through the heater element 40 to cause Joule heating of the heater element 40. The heater element 40 may be any suitable material that forms an electrical conductor, for example a metallic material. In an example, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 may comprise a controller that may control the electrical current passing through the heater element and therefore the amount of heat generated by the heater element 40.

In certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 may comprise a thermal radiant heating system. In an example, the thermal radiant heating system may comprise a heat lamp that radiates thermal energy to the heater element 40. For example, the thermal radiant heating system may comprise an infrared light source directed at the heater element 40. For example, the thermal radiant heating system may comprise radiant heat sources such as LEDs or LASERs.

In certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 may comprise a chemical heating system. For example, system for causing heating of the heater element 40 means may comprise a chemical heat source which undergoes an exothermic reaction to product heat in use.

Where the aerosol generation device 10 comprises the plurality of heater elements 40, each heater element 40 may be, in certain examples, provided with a respective system for causing heating of the heater element. In other examples, a system for causing heating of the heater element may heat more than one heater element 40. For example, where a plurality of heater elements 40 are arranged linearly, as described below, a single system, such as an induction heating coil surrounding all the heater elements 40 may be provided.

The heater element 40 may be configured to be movable relative to the housing of the aerosol generation device 10. The heater element 40 may be configured, during use of the heater element, to be moveable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable when the aerosol forming consumable 100 is received in the heating chamber. Use of the heater element, may be, for example, during a heating session of the aerosol generation device 10. The heating session of the aerosol generation device 10 may comprise periods in which the heating element 40 is not actually heated. The heating session of the aerosol generation device 10 may comprise periods when the heating element 40 is heated. In certain examples, the heater element 40 may be configured, during heating of the heater element, to be moveable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable when the aerosol forming consumable 100 is received in the heating chamber. For example, heater element 40 may be configured, during heating, to be moveable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable when the aerosol forming consumable 100 is received in the heating chamber. In this way, the amount of heat transferred to the aerosol forming consumable 100 from the heater element can be controlled.

In certain examples, the heater element 40 may be maintained at a constant temperature as the heater element 40 is moved towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. Thus, in certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 may be configured to, during use, maintain the heater element 40 at an approximately constant, or a constant, temperature. In certain examples, the temperature of the heater element 40 may be varied in temperature as the heater element 40 is moved towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. Thus, in certain examples, the system for causing heating of the heater element may be configured to, during use, vary the temperature of the heater element 40.

Moving the heater element 40 towards or away changes the rate of heat transfer to the aerosol forming consumable since the rate of heat transfer is dependent on the distance between the heater element 40 and a surface of the aerosol forming consumable 100 exposed to the heater element 40. At a larger distance between the heater element 40 and the surface of the aerosol forming consumable 100 a lower rate of thermal energy transfer occurs. For example, at a larger distance, a greater proportion of heat radiated from the heater element 40 may be dissipated in comparison with a smaller distance, in which more heat radiated from the heater element 40 strikes the exposed surface of the aerosol forming consumable 100. Also, for example, a larger distance may increase the insulating air gap, which reduces the conducted heat transfer rate between the heater element 40 and the exposed surface of the aerosol forming consumable 100.

Since the heat transfer rate is dependent on the proximity of the heater element 40 to the aerosol forming consumable 100, moving the heater element 40 towards the aerosol forming consumable 100 reduces the distance between the heater element 40 and the surface of the aerosol forming consumable 100 thereby increasing the transfer rate of thermal energy between the heater element 40 and the aerosol forming consumable 100. In turn, this may increase the temperature of the aerosol forming consumable 100.

Conversely, moving the heater element 40 away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 increases the distance between the heater element 40 and the surface of the aerosol forming consumable 100 thereby decreasing the transfer rate of thermal energy between the heater element and the aerosol forming consumable 100. In turn, this may decrease the temperature of the aerosol forming consumable 100.

Thus, moving the heater element 40 towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 changes the distance between the heater element 40 and the surface of the aerosol forming consumable 100 allowing the heat transfer rate from the heater element 40 to be controlled, for example, during heating.

In certain examples, the heater element of 40 may be moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100 to such an extent that the heater element 40 closely mates with the exposed surface of the aerosol forming consumable 100. In certain examples, heater element of 40 may apply a force to the surface of the aerosol forming consumable 100. For example, the heater element 40 may be moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100 to such an extent that it compresses the aerosol forming consumable 100.

In addition to the amount of heat transferred to the aerosol forming consumable 100 from the heater element 40 being controllable by moving the heater element 40 towards and away from the aerosol forming consumable 100, moving the heater element 40 towards the aerosol forming consumable 100 can also improve the transfer of thermal energy between the heater element 40 and the aerosol forming consumable 100 to increase the efficiency of aerosol generation from the aerosol forming consumable 100. Improving the transfer of thermal energy between the heater element 40 and the aerosol forming consumable 100 may also reduce the energy consumable by the device 10 thereby increasing its energy efficiency. In some cases, compressing the aerosol forming consumable 100 may also influence the density of the aerosol forming consumable 100 (at least in the vicinity of the heater element 40). This may additionally improve the heat transfer through the consumable.

An aerosol forming consumable, for example any one of the aerosol forming consumables described above, may be heated according to the following method. The method comprises receiving an aerosol forming consumable in a heating chamber of an aerosol generation device. The heating chamber may be least partially defined by a heater element that is movable relative to a housing of the aerosol generating device. The method also comprises moving, during use of the heater element, the heater element towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable to control the amount of heat transferred to the consumable from the heater element. In certain examples, the method may comprise moving, during heating of the heater element, the heater element towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable to control the amount of heat transferred to the consumable from the heater element. In certain examples, the method may comprise maintaining the temperature of the heater element at a constant temperature when the heater element is moving toward or away from the aerosol forming consumable. In certain examples, the method may comprise varying the temperature of the heater element when the heater element is moving toward or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

During operation of the aerosol generation device 10, the heater element 40 may be initially moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100 to heat the aerosol forming consumable 100 rapidly and generate an aerosol efficiently. The heater element 40 may then be moved away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 when the temperature in the consumable reaches a predetermined initial temperature. The heater element 40 may then be moved towards and away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 as necessary to generate an aerosol whilst maintaining a predetermined operating temperature. The predetermined operating temperature may be the same as, or different from, the predetermined initial temperature, for example. In certain examples, the predetermined operating temperature may be varied as a user inhales the aerosol. For example, the predetermined operating temperature may be varied throughout a single inhalation of aerosol or varied over several inhalations. In certain instances, the predetermined operating temperature may be varied as the aerosol forming consumable is consumed.

In certain examples, the heater element 40 may be configured to move towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 in response to an input. For example, during operation of the aerosol generation device 10 the heater element may move in response to an input into a controller such as, for example, the controller of the system for causing heating of the heater element 40 as described above. In certain examples, the heater element 40 may be configured to move toward or away from the aerosol generating consumable by an amount corresponding to a magnitude of the input. For instance, the magnitude of the input may be dependent on the temperature change required in the aerosol forming consumable 100 necessary to bring the aerosol forming consumable back to the desired temperature, or temperature tolerance band.

A temperature and/or heat transfer sensor may be provided on the aerosol generation device in order to monitor the temperature of the aerosol forming consumable and/or heat transferred to the aerosol forming consumable 100. For example, a temperature sensor monitor may be installed inside the heating chamber 50. The temperature sensor may provide, as an output of the sensor, a signal indicative of the temperature of the aerosol forming consumable 100, which may be received as an input into control circuitry or the like. For example, the output of the temperature sensor may be received as an input into the controller of the system for causing heating of the heater element 40.

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

In certain examples, the heating chamber 50 may be defined substantially by the heater element 40. In other words, in certain examples, the heating chamber 50 may be defined mostly by the heater element 40. In certain examples, the tubular heating chamber 50 may be defined by a tubular wall in which the tubular wall is substantially formed by the heater element 40. For example, the heater element 40 may encircle the aerosol forming consumable 100 when it is inserted into the heating chamber 100. In such instances, some portions of the heating chamber 50 may be defined by other components of the aerosol generation device 10, which may be present for functional or constructional reasons.

The tubular heating chamber 50 may be substantially hollow. In one such example, the tubular heating chamber 50 may be open at one end, to allow the insertion of the aerosol forming consumable 100. In certain examples, the tubular heating chamber 50 may be closed or partially closed at the other end to form a support for the aerosol forming consumable 100 and provide tactile feedback to indicate to a user that aerosol forming consumable 100 is fully inserted into the heating chamber 50.

The tubular heating chamber 50 may have a cross section that is defined by a cutting plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the tubular heating chamber 50, i.e. along the length of the tubular heating chamber 50. In certain examples, the tubular heating chamber 50 may have a substantially circular cross section. The tubular heating chamber 50 may therefore be substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction, i.e. along the length of the tubular shape. In other tubular heating chamber 50 examples, the cross section may be square, rectangular, or elliptical, for example, or any suitable regular or irregular shape to form any suitably shaped tubular heating chamber 50.

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

In an example, where the heating chamber 50 is substantially tubular, the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 may be changeable so that the heater element 40 can move towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable. For example, the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 may be reduced to move the heating element 40 towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. Conversely, the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 may be increased to move the heating element 40 away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. The internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 may be defined as the hollow area of a cross section through the heating chamber 50. The hollow area may be further described as the empty area defined by an internal boundary of the cross section. The cutting plane that defines the cross section may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating chamber 50, i.e. along the length of the tubular heating chamber 50. In an example, where the heater element 40 forms a portion of the wall of the heating chamber 50, the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 may be reduced thereby moving the wall, which includes the heater element 40, towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. In another example, where the heater element 40 substantially defines the heating chamber 50, the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 may be reduced thereby moving the heater element 40 towards the aerosol forming consumable 100 received in the heating chamber 50.

In an example, where the heating chamber 50 is substantially tubular, the internal perimeter of the heating chamber 50 may be changeable so that the heater element 40 can move towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable. The internal perimeter of the heating chamber 50 may be defined by an internal boundary of a cross section through the heating chamber 50. The cutting plane that defines the cross section may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, i.e. along the length of the tubular heating chamber 50. For example, the internal perimeter of the heating chamber 50 may be reduced to move the heating element 40 towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. Conversely, the internal perimeter of the heating chamber 50 may be increased to move the heating element 40 away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. In one example, where the tubular heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical, the internal circumference of the tubular heating chamber 50 may be reduced or shortened to move the heating element 40 towards the aerosol forming consumable 100.

In an example, where the tubular heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical, the heating element 40 may be moved in the radial direction towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100.

Certain heater element 40 examples will now be described with respect to FIGS. 3 to 8.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example heater element 40 comprising an elongate hollow tube. The elongate hollow tube may be defined by a tubular wall. The elongate hollow tube may have a longitudinal direction, that is, a direction along the length of the elongate hollow tube. The elongate hollow tube may have a cross section that is defined by a cutting plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate hollow tube. The elongate hollow tube has a cross section, in the example of FIG. 3, that is substantially circular. The elongate hollow tube may therefore be substantially cylindrical in a longitudinal direction. In other heater element 40 examples, the cross section of the elongate hollow tube may be square, rectangular, or elliptical, for example, or any suitable shape to form any suitably shaped elongate hollow tube.

The heating chamber 50 is defined by the internal volume of the elongate hollow tube. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and, therefore, may receive therein a suitably sized and substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. The aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the heater element 40, except for the open end that allows the consumable 100 to be inserted into the heating chamber 50, for the most part defines the heating chamber 50. The heater element 40 therefore substantially encompasses the aerosol forming consumable 100. The heating chamber 50 may also be partially defined by a by a surface opposite the opening, which acts to locate and form a resting position for the consumable 100 when it is inserted into the heating chamber 50.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the elongate hollow tube comprises a split 42 in the tubular wall defining the elongate hollow tube. The split 42 allows the heater element 40 to be movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 when it is inserted into the heating chamber 50. The heater element 40 may be moved in the direction of arrows M relative to the housing 12 in which the heater element 40 is retained.

The elongate hollow tube may have tubular wall ends defined by the split 42 in the tubular wall defining the elongate hollow tube. In the example shown in FIG. 3, where the elongate hollow tube is cylindrical, the elongate hollow tube may have a circumferential direction and a radial direction. Accordingly, the tubular wall ends may be described as moving in the circumferential direction of the elongate hollow tube. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the split 42 results in the elongate hollow tube having a C-shaped cross section.

In certain examples, as shown in FIG. 3, one of, or both of, the tubular wall ends may be provided with a protrusion or flange 43. The flange 43 may protrude in a substantially radial direction from the tubular wall end. The flange(s) 43 may provide an activation feature that can engage with an actuation mechanism to drive the movement of the heater element 40. For example, a push rod driven by a cam, and relying on the natural resilience of the heater element 40, may drive the flange 43 backwards and forwards in the direction of arrow M thereby moving the heater element 40 towards and away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. In another example, a linear actuator may drive the motion of the flange 43. For example, a lead screw may drive a lead nut mounted on the flange 43.

In certain examples, the actuation mechanism may drive both flanges, where present, simultaneously. In other examples, the actuation mechanism may drive one flange 43. In certain examples, the actuation mechanism may drive one flange 43 and a second flange 43 on the opposing split end of the tubular wall is mounted to the housing of the aerosol generation device 10.

In other examples, flange(s) 43 may not be provided and other activation systems may be provided. It will be understood that the movement of the heater element 40 shown in FIG. 3 may be actuated in a variety of ways. For example, a set of jaws that sit above and below the heater element 40 in FIG. 3 may be activated to compress the heater element 40 thereby moving the heater element closer to the aerosol forming consumable 100.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, since the heater element 40 is brought closer to the cylindrically shaped aerosol forming consumable 100 inserted into the heating chamber 50 during heating, a clearance may exist around the aerosol forming consumable 100 when it is initially inserted into the heating chamber 50. This may allow for easy insertion of the aerosol forming consumable 100 by a user of the aerosol generating device 10.

In FIG. 3, the split 42 may be described as being located at a point on the circumference of the circular cross section of the elongate hollow tube and as extending linearly lengthwise along the tube. In other examples, where the cross section is not circular, the split may be described as being located at a point on the perimeter of the cross section of the elongate hollow tube.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the split 42 extends in the longitudinal direction along the elongate hollow tube; however, in other examples, the split may extend linearly and be set at an angle to the longitudinal direction. In another example, the split may be helical in shape, which may allow the movement of the heater element 40 towards and away from the aerosol forming consumable to be performed by twisting (imparting a measure of torque) the tubular heater element 40. For example, the split may be a shallow helix shape that completes less than one revolution along the length of the elongate hollow tube.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example heater element 40 comprising an elongate hollow tube. Again, the elongate hollow tube may be defined by a tubular wall. As with the example in FIG. 3, the elongate hollow tube may have a longitudinal direction and have a cross section that is defined by a cutting plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate hollow tube. In FIG. 4, the elongate hollow tube has a cross section that is substantially circular so that the elongate hollow tube is substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction and has circumferential and radial directions. Again, the heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and, therefore, may receive therein a suitably sized and substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. The aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X.

As with the example shown in FIG. 3, the elongate hollow tube of FIG. 4 comprises a split 42 in the tubular wall of the heater element 40. The split 42 allows the heater element 40 to be movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 when it is inserted into the heating chamber 50. The elongate hollow tube may have tubular wall ends defined by the split 42. The elongate hollow tube of FIG. 4 also comprises an overlap 44 in that the tubular wall ends overlap in the circumferential direction to be adjacent to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the split 42 and overlap of the tubular wall ends may result in the elongate hollow tube having a spiral-shaped cross section. The tubular wall ends may be radially offset from each other to allow relatively frictionless movement of the tubular wall ends with respect to each other. In some examples, a suitable clearance distance may be provided between the tubular wall ends.

The split 42 shown in FIG. 4 allows the heater element 40 to be moved towards and away from the aerosol forming consumable when it is received in the heating chamber 50. The heater element 40 may be moved in the direction of arrows M relative to the housing 12 in which the heater element 40 is retained. The tubular wall ends may be described as moving in the circumferential direction of the elongate hollow tube. The overlapping tubular wall ends may move past each other to increase the overlap as the heater element 40 moves. The overlapping tubular wall ends may move past each other to decrease the overlap as the heater element 40 moves.

In certain examples, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer tubular wall end may be provided with a protrusion or flange 43. The flange 43 may protrude in a substantially radial direction from the tubular wall end. As with the flange features described in the examples above with respect to FIG. 3, the flange 43 may provide an activation feature that can engage with an actuation mechanism to drive the movement of the heater element 40. Any of the activation arrangements described above with respect to FIG. 3 may be used with the heater element 40 shown in FIG. 4, for example the push rod or the linear actuator.

In certain examples the flange 43 may not be provided and other activation systems may be provided. In an example, the aerosol generation device 10 may comprise a worm drive to drive the overlapped tubular wall ends of the elongate hollow tube in the circumferential direction. For example, the worm drive may comprise a worm screw that meshes with a worm gear that is arranged circumferentially around at least a portion of the outside of the elongate hollow tube. The worm gear may consist of gear teeth cut into the elongate hollow tube or consist of a gear disposed on the elongate hollow tube, for example. The worm screw may be mounted in any suitable position in the aerosol generation device 10, for example on the heater element 40. When the worm screw is rotated it drives the worm gear, which causes the overlapping tubular wall ends to move past each other. The tubular wall ends may be driven by the worm gear either to increase the overlap or to decrease the overlap. In this way, the heater element 40 may be moved towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. For example, where the worm screw is rotated to increase the overlap, the internal perimeter of the elongate hollow tube is reduced thereby moving the heater element 40 towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. Conversely, where the worm screw is rotated to decrease the overlap, the internal perimeter of the elongate hollow tube is increased thereby moving the heater element 40 away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. Where the heater element 40 has a substantially circular cross section, as in FIG. 4, rotating the worm screw results in a change in the diameter of the elongate hollow tube as the heater element towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100.

As discussed above, in certain examples, the heater element 40 may comprise a plurality of heater element portions. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example heater element 40 in which the heater element 40 comprises two heater element portions. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the heater element 40 comprises an elongate hollow tube. The elongate hollow tube may be defined by a tubular wall. The elongate hollow tube may comprise two tubular wall portions 40a, 40b. The tubular wall portions 40a, 40b may correspond to the two heater element portions.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the elongate hollow tube may have a longitudinal direction and have a cross section that is defined by a cutting plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate hollow tube. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the elongate hollow tube has a cross section that is substantially circular so that the elongate hollow tube is substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction. The cylindrical elongate hollow tube may have a circumferential direction and a radial direction. The heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and may receive therein a suitably sized and substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. The aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X.

The two tubular wall portions 40a, 40b are separated by a two longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b in the tubular wall defining the elongate hollow tube. In this instance, the longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b are arranged so that the elongate hollow tube is split to form two symmetrical halves. In other examples, the longitudinal gaps may split the elongate hollow tube into unequal portions instead of halves. The longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b allow the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b to form jaws, at least one of which is movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 when it is inserted into the heating chamber 50. As FIG. 5B shows, one or both of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b may be moved in the direction of arrows M relative to each other. One or both of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b will therefore move relative to the housing in which the heater element 40 is retained.

The longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b allow one, or both, of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b to be moved towards each other and thereby reduce the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 so that the heater element 40 moves towards the aerosol forming consumable 100 as shown in FIG. 5B. One or both of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b may then be moved away from each other to increase the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 so that the heater element 40 moves away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the movement of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b may be described as being towards, or away from, a plane passing through the central axis of the cylindrical elongate hollow tube. The movement shown in FIG. 5B illustrates a cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100 both before and after the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b have been moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. FIG. 5B shows the aerosol forming consumable 100 inserted end on into in the heating chamber 50.

The tubular wall portions 40a, 40b may have tubular wall portion ends defined by the longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b in the tubular wall. In certain examples, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the tubular wall portion ends may be provided with a protrusion or a flange 43. For example, each tubular wall portion end of each tubular wall portion 40a, 40b may be provided with a flange or just one tubular wall portion end may be provided with a flange 43. Each flange 43 may protrude in a substantially radial direction from the respective tubular wall portion end. The flanges 43 may provide an activation feature that can engage with an actuation mechanism to drive the movement of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b. For example, a linear actuator may be mounted on one or both of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b to drive one or both of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b together and apart. For example, the linear actuator may be mounted on the housing and move one tubular wall portion 40a towards and away from the other tubular wall portion 40b that is fixed on the housing. In another example, the linear actuator may be fixed on one tubular wall portion 40a and drive the other tubular wall portion 40b towards and away from the other tubular wall portion 40b. Other activation mechanisms to drive the motion of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b are conceivable.

Another example will now be described where the heater element 40 comprises an elongate hollow tube that is defined by a tubular wall comprising two tubular wall portions 40a, 40b and where the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b may correspond to the two heater element portions. In this example, the two tubular wall portions 40a, 40b are separated by one longitudinal gap in the tubular wall defining the elongate hollow tube. The longitudinal gap may be arranged so that the elongate hollow tube is split to form two symmetrical halves. The longitudinal gap allows the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b to form two jaws, at least one of which is movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 when it is inserted into the heating chamber 50. The longitudinal gap allows one or both of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b to be moved towards each other and thereby reduce the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 so that the heater element 40 moves towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. One or both of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b may then be moved away from each other to increase the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 so that the heater element 40 moves away from the aerosol forming consumable 100.

In certain examples, where one longitudinal gap in the tubular wall is provided, the two tubular wall portions may move, relative to the housing, by flexing the tubular wall of the elongate tube. In certain examples, the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b may be fixed together in a manner that allows one of, or both of, the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b to rotate relative to the housing. In certain examples, a recess, or groove, in the tubular wall may be provided to form a living hinge about which one of, or both of, the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b may rotate relative to the housing.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another example heater element 40 in which the heater element 40 comprises a plurality of heater element portions. In the example of FIGS. 6A and 6B the heater element comprises an elongate hollow tube. The elongate hollow tube may be defined by a tubular wall. The elongate hollow tube may comprise three tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c. In other examples, any suitable number of tubular wall portions may be provided, for example two, or four, or more than four, tubular wall portions may be provided. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the elongate hollow tube may have a longitudinal direction and have a cross section that is defined by a cutting plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate hollow tube. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the elongate hollow tube has a cross section that is substantially circular so that the elongate tube is substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction. The cylindrical elongate hollow tube may have a circumferential direction and a radial direction. The heating chamber 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape may receive therein a suitably sized and substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. The aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X as shown in FIG. 6B.

The three tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c are separated by three longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c in the tubular wall defining the elongate hollow tube. In other examples, where a different number of tubular wall portions is provided, a corresponding number of longitudinal gaps may separate the heater element portions. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c are spaced equal distance apart so that the elongate hollow tube is split to form three equally sized tubular wall portions. In other examples, the longitudinal gaps may be arranged to form unequally sized tubular wall portions. The longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c allow the heater element portions 40a, 40b, 46c to form three jaws, at least one of which is movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 when it is inserted into the heating chamber 50. As FIG. 6A shows, one of, two of, or all three of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c may be moved in the direction of arrows M relative to each other. One of, two of, or all three of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c will therefore also move relative to the housing in which the heater element is retained.

The longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c allow one of, two of, or all three of the tubular portions 40a, 40b, 40c to be moved towards each other and thereby reduce the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 so that the heater element 40 moves towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. The movement of one, two, or all three of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c also changes the internal diameter of the elongate hollow tube forming the heater element 40. The movable tubular wall portion(s) 40a, 40b, 40c may then be moved away from each other to increase the internal cross-sectional area of the heating chamber 50 so that the heater element 40 moves away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the movement of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c may be described as radial movement with respect to the cylindrical elongate hollow tube. FIG. 6A shows a cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100 before the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c have been moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. FIG. 6A shows the aerosol forming consumable 100 inserted end on into in the heating chamber 50.

FIG. 6B illustrates how the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c may be formed integrally with each other. It should be understood that in other heater element 40 examples, including examples described herein, the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c may be formed integrally with each other or may not be formed integrally with each other and instead be separate components of the aerosol generation device 10. The example described above with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B may, or may not be, formed integrally with each other. It should also be understood, that irrespective of whether heater element portions as described herein are formed integrally, each heater element portion for any of the examples described herein may move independently of the others or, in other examples, move in concert to move the heater element towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100.

In the example heater element 40 illustrated in FIG. 6B, the elongate hollow tube comprises a root 48 that joins the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c together. The root may, for example, be located at one end of the elongate hollow tube forming the heater element 40. The elongate hollow tube may therefore be a single piece in which the longitudinal gaps 46a, 46b, 46c are slits that are formed only partially along the length of the elongate hollow tube. In this way, the inherent resilience of the single piece elongate hollow tube may be used to drive the motion of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c. For example, the external surface of the elongate hollow tube may be conical, and a complementary tapered block may be slid longitudinally in one direction to drive the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. The complementary tapered block may be slid longitudinally in the other direction to release, by way of the inherent resilience of the single piece, the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. In an example, the elongate hollow tube may be formed from spring steel or a material that provides a similarly suitable resilience. One skilled in the art would understand that there are other conceivable activation mechanisms to drive the motion of the tubular wall portions 40a, 40b, 40c.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example heater element 40, in which the heater element 40 comprises a coiled member. The coil formed by the coiled member may be generally in cylindrical shape and have a longitudinal direction, along the length of the cylinder, and a radial direction. The coiled member has radially inner surfaces that define the heating chamber 50 in which the aerosol forming consumable 100 may be received. The heating chamber 50 may be substantially cylindrical in shape may therefore receive therein a suitably sized and substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. The coiled member may be twistable such that the diameter of the radially inner surfaces can be altered. By twisting the coiled member in one direction, the diameter of the radially inner surfaces may be decreased. By twisting the coiled member in the other direction, the diameter of the radially inner surfaces may be decreased.

The coiled member may be a helical torsion spring. The helical torsion spring may be provided with an actuation member 49a. The helical torsion spring may be provided with an anchor member 49b at the other end of the spring. The anchor member 49b may be fixed to the housing of the aerosol generation device 10. A measure of torque may be imparted to the helical torsion spring, for example via the actuation member 49, so that the helical torsion spring twists about its central axis. By twisting the helical torsion spring in one direction the heater element 40 may be moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. By twisting the helical torsion spring in the other direction, the heater element 40 may be moved away from the aerosol forming consumable 100.

Arrows T in FIG. 7 indicate the direction of twist of the helical torsion spring. The anchor member 49b may remain fixed in position. When the helical torsion spring is twisted in one direction the internal diameter of the spring shrinks as the coils are stretched or placed under strain. In this way, the heater element 40 is moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. When the helical torsion spring is twisted in the other direction the internal diameter of the spring expands as the coils are loosened. In this way, the heater element 40 is moved away from the aerosol forming consumable 100.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate another example heater element 40, in which the heater element 40 comprises an elongate hollow tube. The elongate hollow tube may comprise a flexible wall. The elongate hollow tube may have a longitudinal direction and have a cross section that is defined by a cutting plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate hollow tube. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the elongate hollow tube has a cross section that is substantially circular so that the elongate hollow tube is substantially cylindrical in the longitudinal direction and has circumferential and radial directions. The flexible wall has radially inner surfaces that define the heating chamber 50 in which the aerosol forming consumable 100 may be received. The heating chamber 50 may be substantially cylindrical in shape and may therefore receive therein a suitably sized and substantially cylindrical aerosol forming consumable 100. The aerosol forming consumable 100 may be inserted into the heating chamber 50 in the direction of arrow X as shown in FIG. 8A. The flexible wall of the elongate hollow tube may be formed from a woven braid. The woven braid may be a metallic braid. A woven braid can flex in its transverse direction when compressed or expanded in its longitudinal direction.

The flexible wall of the elongate hollow tube shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be compressed and expanded in the longitudinal direction such that the heater element 40 may be moved towards and away from the aerosol forming consumable 100. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate how the flexible wall of the elongate hollow tube is compressible and expandable in the longitudinal direction such that, in use, the flexible wall is movable in the radial direction of the elongate hollow tube. The flexible wall of the elongate hollow tube may be compressed and expanded in the direction of arrows M such that the flexible wall moves outwardly and inwardly respectively the radial direction of the elongate hollow tube.

In FIG. 8A, the flexible wall of the elongate hollow tube is compressed longitudinally such that the flexible wall is moved away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 in the radial direction. When the flexible wall is moved away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 in the radial direction, the internal diameter of the flexible elongate hollow tube shrinks and, therefore, the internal cross-sectional area of the heater element 40 is reduced. In this configuration, the aerosol forming consumable 100 may be easily inserted into the heating chamber 50 since there is a large clearance provided between the heater element 40 and the aerosol forming consumable 100. In FIG. 8B, the flexible wall of the elongate hollow tube is expanded longitudinally such that the flexible wall is moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100 in the radial direction. When the flexible wall is moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100 in the radial direction, the internal diameter of the flexible elongate hollow tube increases and, therefore, the internal cross-sectional area of the heater element 40 is increased. By compressing and expanding the flexible wall in the longitudinal direction of the elongate hollow tube, the heat transferred to the aerosol forming consumable 100 may be controlled, as described above.

The flexible elongate hollow tube may be provided with an actuation member 49a. The flexible elongate hollow tube may be provided with an anchor member 49b at the other end of the tube. The anchor member 49b may be fixed to the housing of the aerosol generation device 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the anchor member 49b may be located at the same end of the heater element 40 having an opening through which the aerosol forming consumable 100 is received into the heating chamber 50. In other examples, the actuation member 49a may be located at the end of the heater element 40 having the opening through which the aerosol forming consumable 100 is received into the heating chamber 50.

The actuation member 49a may be driven backwards and forwards in the longitudinal direction such that the flexible elongate hollow tube may be compressed and expanded longitudinally. By driving the activation member 49a in one direction the heater element 40 may be moved towards the aerosol forming consumable 100. By driving the activation member 49a in the other direction, the heater element 40 may be moved away from the aerosol forming consumable 100.

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

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

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the heater elements 40 may be moved towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable 100 independently of each other. FIG. 9 shows, schematically, that one of the heater elements 40 is closer to the aerosol forming consumable 100 than the other heater element 40. In this way, different portions of the aerosol forming consumable 100 can be temperature controlled independently. For example, one portion of the aerosol forming consumable 100 may be heated before another portion of the aerosol forming consumable 100 so that the first portion is consumed by a user before the second portion. In another example, the aerosol forming consumable 100 may be kept at a predetermined temperature profile relative to its length as it is heated and consumed by a user of the device 10. For example, one portion of the aerosol forming consumable 100 may be kept at a higher temperature than another portion of the aerosol forming consumable 100. This may, for example, allow a flavor aerosol to be released from one portion of the aerosol forming consumable 100 whilst a nicotine carrying aerosol is released from another portion of the aerosol forming consumable 100.

As discussed above, the heater element 40 examples described herein may be provided with actuation features, some examples of which are described herein. The activation features may be actuated by actuation mechanisms, some examples of which are also described herein. To control the actuation mechanisms the aerosol generation device 10 may comprise an actuation system, such as an electrical circuit, to activate the actuation mechanism and cause the heater element 40 to move towards and away from the aerosol forming consumable 100.

As described above, the actuation system may itself be activated on the basis of an input. The input may include instructions from a controller, which may be based on an indication of the temperature of the aerosol generating consumable (e.g., as sensed by a temperature sensor), or by a user-initiated switch (such as a power on button or a puff actuated sensor for detecting when a user inhales on the device), or manually by the user (such as selecting a temperature to which the consumable should be heated, or by providing an indication of the temperature). For example, the input may be received via a user and may be at least one of: a representation of a desired temperature set by the user, and an indication of a user inhaling on the aerosol generation device. For example, the user could set a temperature. In another example, the user could set a desired amount of aerosol per puff. In some such circumstances, the desired amount of aerosol per puff may be approximately proportional, or proportional, to the temperature to which the aerosol forming consumable is heated to. In some implementations, the actuation system may be activated as soon as a user has inserted the aerosol forming consumable 100 into the heating chamber 50. For example, the actuation system may be triggered by the user closing the lid 60 that covers the heating chamber 50. The lid 60 may exert the biasing force or press an electrical switch in the heating chamber 60 when it is closed, for example. In an example, the actuation system may be triggered by a user inhaling on the mouthpiece 20 and the aerosol generation device 10 detecting the inhalation action of the user. In an example, the actuation system may be activated by a user engaging a functional switch on the aerosol generation device 10.

The actuation system may be released to cause the heater element 40 move and the heating chamber 50 to a state in which the aerosol forming consumable 100 may be released from the heating chamber 50.

In certain examples, the actuation system may synchronize with the user's inhalation cycle. For example, after each inhalation of the user has been determined to have ended, the actuation mechanism may be released so that the heating element 40 returns to a position for initially heating an aerosol forming consumable, for instance when the aerosol forming consumable is cold. This may reduce the heat delivered to aerosol forming consumable 100 when the user is not inhaling on the device 10 and may, therefore, prolong the life of the aerosol forming consumable 100.

The aerosol generation device may be provided to a user as an aerosol generation system that contains at least one aerosol forming consumable for use with the aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation system may contain a plurality of like aerosol forming consumables for use with the aerosol generation device. The at least one aerosol forming consumable is shaped and sized to be receivable within the aerosol generation device heater element since the aerosol generation device heater element defines, at least in part, a heating chamber for receiving the at least one aerosol forming consumable.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments of the disclosure may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol forming consumable, the aerosol generation device comprising:

a housing;

at least one heater element movable relative to the housing; and

a system for causing heating of the at least one heater element;

wherein the heater element defines, at least partially, a heating chamber for receiving the aerosol forming consumable, and

wherein the heater element is configured, during use of the heater element, to be movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable when the aerosol forming consumable is received in the heating chamber to thereby control an amount of heat transferred to the aerosol forming consumable from the heater element.

2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the system for causing heating of the heater element is configured to, during use, maintain the heater element at an approximately constant, or a constant, temperature.

3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the heater element is configured to move towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable in response to an input.

4. The aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein:

the aerosol generation device further comprises a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the aerosol forming consumable, and wherein the input is the sensed temperature of the aerosol forming consumable; or

the input is received via a user and is at least one of: a representation of a desired temperature set by the user, or an indication of a user inhaling on the aerosol generation device.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. The aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the heater element is configured to move toward or away from the aerosol generating consumable by an amount corresponding to a magnitude of the input.

8. (canceled)

9. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 wherein the heating chamber is configured to have at least one of a changeable internal cross-sectional area or a changeable internal perimeter, such that the heater element is movable towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

10. (canceled)

11. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the heater element comprises an elongate hollow tube.

12. The aerosol generation device according to claim 11 wherein the elongate hollow tube is defined by a tubular wall, and wherein the elongate hollow tube comprises a split in the tubular wall.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The aerosol generation device according to claim 12, wherein the elongate hollow tube has tubular wall ends defined by the split, and wherein the tubular wall ends are movable in a circumferential direction of the elongate hollow tube when the heater element moves towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

16. The aerosol generation device according to claim 15, wherein the tubular wall ends overlap in the circumferential direction of the elongate hollow tube.

17. The aerosol generation device according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the tubular wall ends of the elongate hollow tube comprises a flange protruding from the at least one tubular wall end in a substantially radial direction of the elongate hollow tube.

18. The aerosol generation device according to claim 16, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a worm drive to, in use, drive the overlapping tubular wall ends in the circumferential direction to move the heater element towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

19. The aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the elongate hollow tube is defined by a tubular wall, and wherein:

the elongate hollow tube comprises two tubular wall portions, wherein the two tubular wall portions are separated by a longitudinal gap in the tubular wall such that the two tubular wall portions form two jaws, and wherein at least one of the two jaws is movable, in use, towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable; or

the elongate hollow tube comprises two tubular wall portions, wherein the two tubular wall portions are separated by two longitudinal gaps in the tubular wall such that the tubular wall portions form two jaws, and wherein at least one of the two jaws is movable, in use, towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable; or

the elongate hollow tube comprises three tubular wall portions, wherein the three tubular wall portions are separated by three longitudinal gaps in the tubular wall such that the tubular wall portions form three jaws, and wherein at least one of the three jaws is movable, in use, towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable.

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. The aerosol generation device according to claim 19, wherein the two tubular wall portions or the three tubular wall portions are formed integrally with one another.

23. (canceled)

24. The aerosol generation device according to claim 11, wherein the elongate hollow tube comprises a flexible wall, and wherein the flexible wall is compressible and expandable in a longitudinal direction such that, in use, the flexible wall is movable in a radial direction of the elongate hollow tube.

25. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the heater element comprises a twistable coiled member having radially inner surfaces that define the heating chamber.

26. (canceled)

27. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heater element comprises a plurality of heater elements, and wherein each of the plurality of heater elements may be moved, in use, towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable independently of each other.

28. (canceled)

29. An aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device according to claim 1, and at least one aerosol forming consumable, wherein the at least one aerosol forming consumable is shaped and sized to be receivable within the heating chamber.

30. A method of heating an aerosol forming consumable, the method comprising:

receiving an aerosol forming consumable in a heating chamber of an aerosol generation device, the heating chamber at least partially defined by a heater element that is movable relative to a housing of the aerosol generating device; and

moving, during use of the heater element, the heater element towards or away from the aerosol forming consumable to control an amount of heat transferred to the aerosol forming consumable from the heater element.

31. A method according to claim 30, wherein a temperature of the heater element is maintained at a constant temperature when the heater element is moving toward or away from the aerosol forming consumable.