Disclosure of Invention
In one aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system, the system comprising:
An aerosol-generating article having an upstream end and a downstream end, the aerosol-generating article defining a longitudinal direction between the upstream end and the downstream end, the aerosol-generating article comprising:
an upstream segment disposed at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, the upstream segment comprising an aerosol-forming substrate comprising a substrate outer surface having a substrate outer diameter; and
A downstream segment disposed at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, the downstream segment having a downstream segment outer diameter that is greater than the matrix outer diameter; and
An aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprising:
a device cavity comprising a device cavity inner surface having a device cavity inner diameter, the device cavity configured to receive at least the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article; and
At least one heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the device cavity,
Wherein when the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is received in the device cavity, an airflow channel is defined between the substrate outer surface and the device cavity inner surface, the airflow channel extending along a length of the aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction.
The aerosol-generating device comprises a device cavity. In use, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is received in a device cavity of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may then be heated by a heating element to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate, which may condense to form an aerosol.
When the device cavity receives an aerosol-forming substrate, the airflow channel is defined by the substrate exterior surface and the device cavity interior surface. A gap between an inner surface of the device cavity and an outer surface of the substrate at least partially defines an airflow channel. The airflow channel is external to the aerosol-forming substrate and is included within a device cavity of the aerosol-generating device.
The airflow channels may allow air drawn by the user to flow along the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate rather than through the aerosol-forming substrate, thus reducing or minimizing the amount of air travelling through the aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, the air flow within the device primarily cools the outer surface of the substrate as it flows along the air flow path, rather than cooling the substrate through its thickness. Advantageously, this may reduce fluctuations in the temperature of the substrate due to the user's suction on the aerosol-generating article.
Advantageously, providing an airflow channel between the outer diameter of the substrate and the inner diameter of the device cavity provides a space into which volatile compounds evolving from the heated aerosol-forming substrate may migrate. This airflow channel may promote the evolution of volatile compounds from the heated substrate as air drawn through the article by the user is drawn onto the outer surface of the substrate.
As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device comprising a heating element that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-generating article suitable for use in an aerosol-generating system as described above, the article comprising:
An upstream end and a downstream end, the aerosol-generating article defining a longitudinal direction between the upstream end and the downstream end, the aerosol-generating article comprising:
an upstream segment disposed at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, the upstream segment comprising an aerosol-forming substrate comprising a substrate outer surface having a substrate outer diameter; and
A downstream segment disposed at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, the downstream segment having a downstream segment outer diameter that is greater than the matrix outer diameter.
The downstream section has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate. Providing an aerosol-generating article having sections of different outer diameters may result in sections of the article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate being thinner than other components of the article (e.g., a filter or cooling element) as compared to an aerosol-generating article having a consistent outer diameter along the length of the article. Advantageously, reducing the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate may enable thermal energy applied to the substrate from the heating element to propagate rapidly through the thickness of the substrate, thereby reducing the time required for the heating element to raise the temperature of the substrate in the region of the substrate furthest from the heating element. This may reduce temperature variations across the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate and reduce the likelihood that unheated and unused portions of the aerosol-forming substrate remain in the region of the substrate furthest from heating by the heating element. Since temperature variations across the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate may be reduced, the composition and other characteristics of the aerosol generated from the substrate may be more uniform throughout the user experience and the user experience of different substrates may be more easily controlled. Advantageously, this may create a more consistent experience for the user.
Since the aerosol-generating article of this aspect of the invention is suitable for use in the aerosol-generating system of the previous aspect of the invention, the advantages described above for the system also apply to the article itself.
The term "aerosol-generating article" is used herein to refer to articles comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is heatable to generate and deliver an aerosol to a user. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.
The aerosol-generating article may generally take the form of a rod. The article may include a central longitudinal axis extending centrally through the rod in a longitudinal direction from an upstream end to a downstream end. The upstream and downstream segments of the aerosol-generating article may be arranged in coaxial alignment with a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The upstream and downstream segments of the aerosol-generating article may be arranged end-to-end in coaxial alignment with a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.
The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of between about 30 millimeters and about 100 millimeters.
In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of between about 40 mm and about 50 mm. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of about 45 mm.
The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of components. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate and any one or a combination of any one or more of the following: a thermally conductive layer, a mouthpiece, a filter, a cooling element, a spacing element, and a flavor element.
The downstream segment has a downstream segment outer diameter greater than the matrix outer diameter. The downstream section has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the substrate at least at the upstream end of the downstream section. As used herein, the term "upstream end" refers to the end of the feature or aspect of the article that is closest to the upstream end of the article, and the term "downstream end" refers to the end of the feature or aspect of the article that is closest to the downstream end of the article.
In some preferred embodiments, the downstream segment has a downstream segment outer diameter that is constant along the length of the downstream segment. However, in some embodiments, the downstream segment outer diameter varies along the length of the downstream segment from the upstream end to the downstream end of the article. The downstream segment outer diameter may increase from the upstream end of the downstream segment to the downstream end of the article. The downstream section outer diameter may decrease from the upstream end of the downstream section to the downstream end of the article.
The downstream segment may have a downstream segment outer diameter of between about 5 millimeters and about 13 millimeters. Preferably, the downstream section has a substantially constant outer diameter along the length of the section.
The downstream segment may have a length of between about 7 millimeters and about 25 millimeters.
The downstream section may include one or more components. For example, the downstream segment may include any one or any combination of any one or more of the following: a mouthpiece, a filter, a spacer element, a cooling element and a flavour element.
The upstream segment may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is a component configured to be drawn by a user to receive aerosol from the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is heated.
The upstream section may include a filter. The term "filter" is used to indicate a section of an aerosol-generating article configured to at least partially remove a gas phase or a particulate phase component or a gas phase and particulate phase component from a mainstream aerosol drawn through the filter. Thus, the filter may be advantageous in minimizing the presence of undesirable components in the aerosol formed. Preferably, the filter is a cellulose acetate filter segment. Preferably, the downstream section comprises a mouthpiece in the form of a filter. Preferably, the downstream segment comprises a mouthpiece in the form of a filter having a length of about 7 mm but may have a length of between about 5mm and about 10 mm.
In some embodiments, the downstream section consists of a filter. This may provide a compact aerosol-generating article in which the number of parts is reduced to a minimum.
In some implementations, at least one of the cooling element and the spacing element may be disposed between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter. Such additional components may be used to improve the thermal or mechanical properties of the aerosol-generating article.
As used herein, "cooling element" refers to a component of an aerosol-generating article that is positioned downstream of an aerosol-forming substrate such that, in use, an aerosol formed from volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate passes through and is cooled by the cooling element prior to inhalation by a user. The cooling element has a large surface area but causes a low pressure drop. Filters and other high pressure drop generating mouthpieces (e.g., filters formed from fiber bundles) are not considered aerosol-cooling elements. The chambers and cavities within the aerosol-generating article are not considered to be aerosol-cooling elements.
The spacing element may be a support element configured to resist downstream movement of the aerosol-forming substrate during insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. The spacer element may comprise a hollow tube. The spacer element may comprise a hollow cellulose acetate tube.
In some embodiments, the downstream segment comprises a flavor element. The flavor element can include one or more flavoring agents. As used herein, the term "fragrance" means an agent that, when used, imparts one or both of a taste or aroma to an aerosol generated by heating an aerosol-forming substrate. An example of a suitable flavoring agent is menthol. The taste element may be arranged at any suitable location in the downstream section.
The upstream section includes an aerosol-forming substrate. The upstream section may also include one or more additional components, such as a layer of thermally conductive material, cooling elements, and spacing elements. Preferably, the upstream section consists of an aerosol-forming substrate and optionally a layer of thermally conductive material.
The upstream segment may have an outer diameter of between about 3 millimeters and about 12 millimeters. The upstream segment may have a substantially constant outer diameter along the length of the segment.
The upstream segment may have a length of between about 8 millimeters and about 25 millimeters.
The aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming substrate outer surface having a substrate outer diameter. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an outer diameter of between about 3mm and about 12 mm. Preferably, the outer diameter of the substrate is substantially constant along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate.
The matrix outer diameter may be between about 50% and about 98% of the downstream segment outer diameter, or between about 60% and about 95% of the downstream segment outer diameter, or between about 70% and about 90% of the downstream segment outer diameter.
The aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of between about 8 mm and about 12 mm.
The aerosol-forming substrate may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. As used herein, a "cross-section" is a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. For example, the substrate may have a circular, oval, stadium-shaped, rectangular or triangular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the matrix has a circular cross-sectional shape.
Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating.
The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco rod. The tobacco rod may include, for example, one or more of the following: a powder, granule, pellet, chip, strand, ribbon or sheet comprising one or more of the following: herb leaves, tobacco ribs, expanded tobacco and homogenized tobacco. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Providing a homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, nicotine content and flavor characteristics of an aerosol generated during heating of an aerosol-generating article. In particular, the process of manufacturing homogenized tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaves, which more effectively achieve release of nicotine and flavor upon heating. Where the tobacco rod comprises a homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and a length that is substantially greater than its thickness.
The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming material may comprise a fragment, strand or ribbon of homogenised tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a sheet of homogenised tobacco material.
The aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially homogeneous composition. In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially homogeneous composition in at least the longitudinal direction.
Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise pulverizing one or both of tobacco lamina and tobacco leaf stems. The sheet of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more of the following: tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during, for example, the handling, disposal, and transportation of tobacco. The sheet of homogenised tobacco material is preferably formed by a casting process of the type generally comprising: casting a slurry comprising particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface; drying the cast slurry to form a sheet of homogenised tobacco material; and removing the sheet of homogenized tobacco material from the support surface.
The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aggregated sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As used herein, the term "gathered" is used to describe the sheet material being wrapped, folded or otherwise compressed or contracted substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.
In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aggregated textured sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As used herein, the term "textured sheet" refers to a sheet that has been creased, embossed, gravure, perforated, or otherwise deformed. The use of a textured sheet of homogenised tobacco material may advantageously promote aggregation of the sheet of homogenised tobacco material to form an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aggregated textured sheet of homogenized tobacco material comprising a plurality of spaced apart indentations, protrusions, perforations, or a combination thereof.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aggregated crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As used herein, the term "embossed sheet" refers to a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This advantageously facilitates aggregation of the curled sheets of homogenised tobacco material to form an aerosol-generating substrate. However, it will be appreciated that the crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations disposed at an acute or obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.
The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco-containing material and tobacco-free material.
The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-former. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol-former or a combination of two or more aerosol-formers. As used herein, the term "aerosol-former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, promotes the formation of an aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol formers include, but are not limited to: polyols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol mono-, di-or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyols or mixtures thereof such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5% by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of between about 5% and about 30% on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an aerosol former content of about 20% on a dry weight basis.
The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises a reconstituted tobacco material, an aerosol-former and water.
The homogenized tobacco material may be provided in a sheet that is one of folded, curled or cut into strips. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sheet is cut into strips having a width of between about 0.2 mm and about 2mm, more preferably between about 0.4 mm and about 1.2 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the strip is about 0.9 millimeters.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an inner cavity. In other words, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a hollow tubular substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a substrate inner surface having a substrate inner diameter defining a lumen extending in a longitudinal direction within the aerosol-forming substrate. Providing the lumen into the aerosol-forming substrate may enable the heating element to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate in the lumen without penetrating the substrate and without changing the structure of the substrate. The provision of the inner cavity may also facilitate a further reduction in the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby enhancing the heat transfer advantages explained above.
The inner matrix diameter may be between about 60% and about 90% of the outer matrix diameter, or may be between about 70% and about 90%, or between about 80% and about 90%. Such ranges may provide the desired heat spreading within the aerosol-forming substrate while imparting desired mechanical properties to the substrate.
When the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a substrate inner surface defining a lumen, the substrate inner surface may have the same cross-sectional shape as the substrate outer surface. In particular, the inner surface of the matrix may have a substantially circular, oval or stadium-shaped cross-section.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article comprises a layer of thermally conductive material. In some embodiments, the layer of thermally conductive material may cover at least a portion of the at least further exposed aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the layer of thermally conductive material may be disposed on at least an outer surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the layer of thermally conductive material may be disposed on at least an inner surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the layer of thermally conductive material may be disposed on at least an inner surface of the substrate and an outer surface of the substrate. Providing a layer of thermally conductive material on an otherwise exposed substrate surface may enable heat from a heating element received by or engaged with the substrate to be distributed over a wider area of the aerosol-forming substrate, improving the heat transfer efficiency between the heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate. The layer of thermally conductive material may also create a physical separation between the heating element received in the inner cavity and the aerosol-forming substrate, which may reduce the risk of overheating of the aerosol-forming substrate in the region of the substrate proximate to the heating element. The layer of thermally conductive material may also increase the robustness of the tubular aerosol-forming substrate, which may be reduced by providing an inner cavity such that the thickness of the substrate is reduced.
As used herein, "thermally conductive" refers to a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 10W/m.k, preferably at least 40W/m.k, more preferably at least 100W/m.k, at 23 degrees celsius and 50% relative humidity. In a preferred embodiment, the layer of thermally conductive material comprises a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 40W/m.k, preferably at least 100W/m.k, more preferably at least 150W/m.k, and most preferably at least 200W/m.k at 23 degrees celsius and 50% relative humidity.
Examples of suitable conductive materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof.
The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in a plurality of discrete sections. In some embodiments, each segment may comprise the same aerosol-forming substrate composition. In some embodiments, one or more of the segments may include aerosol-forming substrates having different compositions. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a first aerosol-forming substrate segment having a first composition and a second aerosol-forming substrate segment having a second composition.
The different compositions of the first aerosol-forming substrate segment and the second aerosol-forming substrate segment may enable aerosols having different compositions to be generated from a single aerosol-generating article. This may also enable a user to select a particular aerosol-forming substrate to be heated to generate a particular aerosol during the experience.
The first aerosol-forming substrate segment and the second aerosol-forming substrate segment may be configured to be heated sequentially. This may be advantageous for establishing a predetermined user experience, wherein at least two types of aerosols are generated sequentially at a predetermined time.
In some preferred embodiments, the discrete sections may be arranged end-to-end in the longitudinal direction of the article.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper defining an upstream segment. Advantageously, such a wrapper may prevent a user from touching the aerosol-forming substrate, which helps to maintain a high level of hygiene. The wrapper may be formed of any suitable material. In particular, the wrapper may be formed from a porous material. The wrapper may be made of a material that allows the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate when the wrapper is disposed about the downstream segment.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper defining a downstream segment. Advantageously, where the downstream section comprises a plurality of components, the wrapper may hold the plurality of components together.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a wrapper defining an upstream segment and a downstream segment. Advantageously, the wrapper may hold the upstream and downstream sections together.
Advantageously, providing one or more wrappers may improve the structural integrity of the aerosol-generating article.
The upstream and downstream sections may be fixed together. The upstream and downstream sections may be secured together by any suitable means. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism may help hold the upstream and downstream segments together. In embodiments, the connection mechanism may include a cavity disposed in an upstream end of the downstream segment into which the downstream end of the upstream segment is inserted. The downstream end of the upstream section may include a protrusion that inserts into the cavity.
When a wrapper defining a downstream segment is provided and the aerosol-generating article comprises a connection mechanism, the wrapper may be configured to apply pressure to the connection mechanism. In embodiments, the wrapper may apply pressure around the cavity receiving the downstream end of the downstream section. This may additionally help to hold the upstream and downstream sections together.
The downstream section outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article may be substantially the same as or greater than the device cavity inner diameter. This may be advantageous to ensure that aerosol exiting the airflow channel through the downstream edge of the airflow channel may be drawn through the downstream section rather than being released directly towards the outside of the aerosol-generating system.
At least one heating element is located within the device cavity. The at least one heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises only one heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of heating elements. For example, in some embodiments, the device comprises two or more heating elements. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is arranged to heat an outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one heating element is arranged to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the device cavity. Where the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a lumen, in some embodiments the at least one heating element may be arranged to be inserted into the lumen of the aerosol-forming substrate when the substrate is received in the device lumen. The at least one heating element may be an elongate heating element. The at least one elongate heating element may be blade-like. The at least one elongate heating element may be pin-shaped. The at least one elongated heating element may have a tapered shape or at least a tapered end. The at least one elongate heating element may have a tip. The at least one elongate heating element may be tapered. The at least one elongate heating element may have any suitable shape arranged to facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the elongate heating element may provide easier engagement or disengagement of the aerosol-forming substrate with the heating element of the device or both.
The at least one heating element may comprise at least one resistive heating element. Preferably, the at least one heating element comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements. Preferably, the resistive heating elements are electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. Advantageously, providing a plurality of resistive heating elements electrically connected in a parallel arrangement may facilitate delivering desired power to at least one heating element while reducing or minimizing the voltage required to provide the desired power. Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate the at least one heating element may facilitate reducing or minimizing the physical size of the power supply.
In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may include an electrically insulating substrate and one or more electrically conductive tracks on the electrically insulating substrate.
Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate is stable at the operating temperature of the at least one heating element. Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate is stable at a temperature of up to about 400 degrees celsius, more preferably at a temperature of about 500 degrees celsius, more preferably at a temperature of about 600 degrees celsius, more preferably at a temperature of about 700 degrees celsius, more preferably at a temperature of about 800 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be at least about 200 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 700 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 600 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 500 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 400 degrees celsius.
The electrically insulating substrate may comprise any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulating substrate may include one or more of the following: paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polyimide. The ceramic may include mica, alumina (Al2O3) or zirconia (ZrO2). Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 40 watts/meter kelvin, preferably less than or equal to about 20 watts/meter kelvin, and desirably less than or equal to about 2 watts/meter kelvin.
Suitable materials for forming the at least one resistive heating element and in particular the one or more conductive tracks include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron, and alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel,And superalloys of iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys.
In some embodiments, the at least one resistive heating element comprises one or more stamped portions of resistive material (such as stainless steel). Alternatively, the at least one resistive heating element may comprise a heating wire or filament, such as a Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire.
In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may comprise an induction heating element. The inductive heating element may include an inductor coil and a power supply configured to provide a high frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. As used herein, high frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current having a frequency between 500kHz and 30 MHz. Advantageously, the at least one heating element may comprise a DC/AC inverter for converting DC current supplied by the DC power source into alternating current. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field upon receiving a high frequency oscillating current from a power supply. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field in the device cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the inductor coil may substantially define a device cavity. The inductor coil may extend at least partially along the length of the device cavity.
The induction heating element may comprise a susceptor element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element comprising a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. Thus, when the susceptor element is located in an alternating electromagnetic field, the susceptor is heated. Heating of the susceptor element may be a result of hysteresis losses and/or eddy currents induced in the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material. In ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials hysteresis losses occur as a result of the magnetic domains within the material being switched under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field. Eddy currents can be induced if the susceptor material is electrically conductive. In the case of conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials, heat may be generated due to both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. Thus, the susceptor element may be heatable due to at least one of hysteresis losses or eddy currents, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material.
The susceptor element is arranged such that when the aerosol-generating article is received in the device cavity, an oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil may induce an electric current in the susceptor element, causing the susceptor element to heat up. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (H field strength) of between 1 kiloamp per meter and 5 kiloamps per meter (kA/m), preferably between 2kA/m and 3kA/m, for example about 2.5 kA/m. Preferably, the electrically operated aerosol-generating device is capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency of between 1MHz and 30MHz, for example between 1MHz and 10MHz, for example between 5MHz and 7 MHz.
In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located in the aerosol-generating article. In these embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably positioned in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may be located in the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the susceptor element is an elongated susceptor extending along the length of the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the article. In case the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be arranged in the inner cavity. In case the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be arranged on the inner surface of the substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more susceptor elements. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of susceptor elements.
In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located in an aerosol-generating device. In these embodiments, the susceptor element may be located in the device cavity. The susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the device cavity. In case the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the inner cavity of the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received in the device cavity. The sensor element may extend into the device cavity in a longitudinal direction of the device cavity. The susceptor element may be elongate. The elongate susceptor element may be leaf-like. The elongate susceptor element may be pin-shaped. The elongate susceptor element may have a conical shape or at least a conical end. The elongate susceptor element may have a tip. The elongate susceptor element may be tapered. The aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more susceptor elements. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of susceptor elements.
The susceptor element may comprise any suitable material. The susceptor element may be formed of any material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the elongate susceptor element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminium, nickel-containing compounds, titanium and metal material composites. Preferably the susceptor element comprises metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor element may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as ferrite iron, ferromagnetic alloys (e.g. ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles and ferrite. Suitable susceptor elements may be or include aluminum. The susceptor element preferably comprises more than 5%, preferably more than 20%, more preferably more than 50% or more than 90% of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. The preferred elongate susceptor element may be heated to a temperature exceeding 250 degrees celsius.
The susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core on which a metal layer is provided. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a metal track formed on an outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating system comprises at least one resistive heating element and at least one inductive heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating system comprises a combination of resistive heating elements and inductive heating elements.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of heating elements. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first heating element and a second heating element. In some embodiments, the second heating element may be spaced apart from the first heating element. The second heating element may be spaced apart from the first heating element in a longitudinal direction of the device cavity. The provision of heating elements spaced apart from each other may allow the aerosol-generating device to individually heat different sections of the aerosol-forming substrate as it is received in the device cavity.
The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a first aerosol-forming substrate segment and a second aerosol-forming substrate segment. The first aerosol-forming substrate segment may be adjacent to the second aerosol-forming substrate segment in the longitudinal direction. The first heating element may be arranged to heat the first longitudinal substrate section and the second heating element may be arranged to heat the second longitudinal substrate section when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the device cavity.
The second aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a different composition than the first aerosol-forming substrate segment. The different compositions of the first aerosol-forming substrate segment and the second aerosol-forming substrate segment may enable aerosols having different compositions to be generated from a single aerosol-generating article. This may enable a user to select a particular aerosol-forming substrate to be heated to generate a particular aerosol during the experience.
The first and second heating elements may be configured to sequentially heat the first and second aerosol-forming substrate segments during a user experience. This may be advantageous for establishing a predetermined user experience, wherein at least two types of aerosols are generated sequentially at a predetermined time.
The first heating element may be arranged to heat the first aerosol-forming substrate segment to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the first aerosol-forming substrate segment, without heating the second aerosol-forming substrate segment to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the second aerosol-forming substrate segment. The second heating element may be arranged to heat the second aerosol-forming substrate segment to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the second aerosol-forming substrate segment, without heating the first aerosol-forming substrate segment to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the first aerosol-forming substrate segment. In other words, each heating element may be arranged to heat a separate aerosol-forming substrate segment. This may facilitate sequential heating of such aerosol-forming substrate segments.
Preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises a power supply. The power source may be a DC voltage source. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a battery. For example, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. Or the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows storage of energy sufficient for use of the aerosol-generating device with one or more aerosol-forming substrates.
The power source may be electrically connected to the at least one heating element for supplying power to the at least one heating element. When the heating element receives power from the power source, the heating element may generate heat. The power source may be configured to supply sufficient power to the at least one heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the substrate.
Preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises a housing. Preferably, the housing at least partially defines a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.
Preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises at least one air inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating device comprises a housing, preferably the housing at least partially defines the at least one air inlet. Preferably, the at least one air inlet is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the cavity. In embodiments where the at least one heating element is at least one elongate heating element positioned within the cavity, preferably the at least one elongate heating element extends into the cavity from an upstream end of the cavity.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the at least one heating element. The controller may be any suitable controller. The controller may include any suitable circuitry and electrical components. Preferably, the controller includes a processor and a memory. The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a sensor to detect an air flow indicative of the user inhaling the smoke. The air flow sensor may be an electromechanical device. The air flow sensor may be any of the following: mechanical devices, optical devices, electro-mechanical devices, and microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based sensors. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a manually operated switch for the user to initiate the inhalation.
Preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises an indicator for indicating when the at least one heating element is activated. The indicator may comprise a light that is activated when the at least one heating element is activated.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one of an external plug or socket and at least one external electrical contact allowing the aerosol-generating device to be connected to another electrical device. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a USB plug or a USB socket to allow the aerosol-generating device to be connected to another USB-enabled device. For example, a USB plug or socket may enable the aerosol-generating device to be connected to a USB charging device for charging a rechargeable power source within the aerosol-generating device. Additionally or alternatively, a USB plug or socket may support data transfer to or from the aerosol-generating device. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating device may be connected to a computer to transmit data to the device, such as a new heating profile for a new aerosol-generating article.
In those embodiments in which the aerosol-generating device comprises a USB plug or socket, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a removable cover that covers the USB plug or socket when not in use. In embodiments in which the USB plug or socket is a USB plug, the USB plug may additionally or alternatively be selectively retractable within the device.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising:
at least one heating element;
A housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion having a first cavity,
Wherein the second housing portion is movable relative to the first housing portion between an open position and a closed position;
Wherein in the closed position the first and second housing portions define a device cavity having an upstream end and a downstream end and defining a longitudinal direction between the upstream end and the downstream end,
Wherein the at least one heating element is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the device cavity; and
Wherein in the open position, an opening is formed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion to allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into or removed from the first cavity in a direction different from the longitudinal direction.
Advantageously, the aerosol-generating device of this aspect enables the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into the cavity of the device and removed from the cavity of the device in a direction other than the longitudinal direction of the cavity. This may enable the substrate to be inserted into the device cavity and particularly easily removed from the device cavity, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the substrate or the device when inserting and removing the aerosol-forming substrate.
In particular, the opening between the first housing part and the second housing part allows the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into or removed from the first cavity in a direction different from the longitudinal direction. The direction different from the longitudinal direction may be any suitable direction different from the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
The device lumen may be an elongate lumen. In other words, the device lumen may have a length that is greater than other dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the lumen. The length of the elongate device lumen may extend in a longitudinal direction. Typically, the device lumen is a cylindrical lumen. However, the device lumen may have any suitable shape and size. For example, the device lumen may have any suitable cross-section. In particular, the device lumen may have a circular, oval, stadium-shaped, square or triangular cross-section.
The device cavity may be configured to define an aerosol-forming substrate around the longitudinal direction. In other words, the device cavity may be configured to form a tube that surrounds or encloses the sides of the aerosol-forming substrate. The device lumen may have an open end. The device lumen may be open at both ends. The device lumen may have an open end and a substantially closed end. The open end may be at a downstream end of the device lumen and the substantially closed end may be at an upstream end of the device lumen. The substantially closed end may include one or more air inlets configured to enable ambient air to be drawn into the device cavity.
The device cavity may have one or more air inlets configured to enable ambient air to be drawn into the device cavity. The first housing portion may include one or more air inlets configured to enable ambient air to be drawn into the device cavity. The second housing portion may include one or more air inlets configured to enable ambient air to be drawn into the device cavity.
The aerosol-generating device of this aspect comprises at least one heating element. Preferably, the apparatus of this aspect comprises a plurality of heating elements. In some embodiments, at least one heating element is disposed in the first housing portion. In some embodiments, at least one heating element is disposed in the second housing portion.
The at least one heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is arranged to heat an outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one heating element is arranged to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the device cavity. Where the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a lumen, in some embodiments the at least one heating element may be arranged to be inserted into the lumen of the aerosol-forming substrate when the substrate is received in the device lumen. The at least one heating element may be an elongate heating element. The at least one elongate heating element may be blade-like. The at least one elongate heating element may be pin-shaped. The at least one elongated heating element may have a tapered shape or at least a tapered end. The at least one elongate heating element may have a tip. The at least one elongate heating element may be tapered. The at least one elongate heating element may have any suitable shape arranged to facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the elongate heating element may provide easier engagement or disengagement of the aerosol-forming substrate with the heating element of the device or both.
Preferably, the resistive heating elements are electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. Advantageously, providing a plurality of resistive heating elements electrically connected in a parallel arrangement may facilitate delivering desired power to at least one heating element while reducing or minimizing the voltage required to provide the desired power. Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate the at least one heating element may facilitate reducing or minimizing the physical size of the power supply.
In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may include an electrically insulating substrate and one or more electrically conductive tracks on the electrically insulating substrate.
Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate is stable at the operating temperature of the at least one heating element. Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate is stable at a temperature of up to about 400 degrees celsius, more preferably at a temperature of about 500 degrees celsius, more preferably at a temperature of about 600 degrees celsius, more preferably at a temperature of about 700 degrees celsius, more preferably at a temperature of about 800 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be at least about 200 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 700 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 600 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 500 degrees celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 400 degrees celsius.
The electrically insulating substrate may comprise any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulating substrate may include one or more of the following: paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polyimide. The ceramic may include mica, alumina (Al2O3) or zirconia (ZrO2). Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 40 watts/meter kelvin, preferably less than or equal to about 20 watts/meter kelvin, and desirably less than or equal to about 2 watts/meter kelvin.
Suitable materials for forming the at least one resistive heating element and in particular the one or more conductive tracks include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron, and alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel,And superalloys of iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys.
In some embodiments, the at least one resistive heating element comprises one or more stamped portions of resistive material (such as stainless steel). Alternatively, the at least one resistive heating element may comprise a heating wire or filament, such as a Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire.
In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may comprise an induction heating element. The inductive heating element may include an inductor coil and a power supply configured to provide a high frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. As used herein, high frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current having a frequency between 500kHz and 30 MHz. Advantageously, the at least one heating element may comprise a DC/AC inverter for converting DC current supplied by the DC power source into alternating current. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field upon receiving a high frequency oscillating current from a power supply. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field in the device cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the inductor coil may substantially define a device cavity. The inductor coil may extend at least partially along the length of the device cavity.
The induction heating element may comprise a susceptor element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element comprising a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. Thus, when the susceptor element is located in an alternating electromagnetic field, the susceptor is heated. Heating of the susceptor element may be a result of hysteresis losses and/or eddy currents induced in the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material. In ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials hysteresis losses occur as a result of the magnetic domains within the material being switched under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field. Eddy currents can be induced if the susceptor material is electrically conductive. In the case of conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials, heat may be generated due to both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. Thus, the susceptor element may be heatable due to at least one of hysteresis losses or eddy currents, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material.
The susceptor element is arranged such that when the aerosol-generating article is received in the device cavity, an oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil may induce an electric current in the susceptor element, causing the susceptor element to heat up. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (H field strength) of between 1 kiloamp per meter and 5 kiloamps per meter (kA/m), preferably between 2kA/m and 3kA/m, for example about 2.5 kA/m. Preferably, the electrically operated aerosol-generating device is capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency of between 1MHz and 30MHz, for example between 1MHz and 10MHz, for example between 5MHz and 7 MHz.
In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located in the aerosol-generating article. In these embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably positioned in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element may be located in the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the susceptor element is an elongated susceptor extending along the length of the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the article. In case the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be arranged in the inner cavity. In case the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be arranged on the inner surface of the substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more susceptor elements. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of susceptor elements.
In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located in an aerosol-generating device. In these embodiments, the susceptor element may be located in the device cavity. The susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the device cavity. In case the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the inner cavity of the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received in the device cavity. The sensor element may extend into the device cavity in a longitudinal direction of the device cavity. The susceptor element may be elongate. The elongate susceptor element may be leaf-like. The elongate susceptor element may be pin-shaped. The elongate susceptor element may have a conical shape or at least a conical end. The elongate susceptor element may have a tip. The elongate susceptor element may be tapered. The aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more susceptor elements. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of susceptor elements.
The susceptor element may comprise any suitable material. The susceptor element may be formed of any material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the elongate susceptor element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminium, nickel-containing compounds, titanium and metal material composites. Preferably the susceptor element comprises metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor element may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as ferrite iron, ferromagnetic alloys (e.g. ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles and ferrite. Suitable susceptor elements may be or include aluminum. The susceptor element preferably comprises more than 5%, preferably more than 20%, more preferably more than 50% or more than 90% of ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. The preferred elongate susceptor element may be heated to a temperature exceeding 250 degrees celsius.
The susceptor element may comprise a non-metallic core on which a metal layer is provided. For example, the susceptor element may comprise a metal track formed on an outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.
In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating system comprises at least one resistive heating element and at least one inductive heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating system comprises a combination of resistive heating elements and inductive heating elements.
Preferably, the at least one heating element of this aspect is configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the closed position and the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the device cavity. Thus, when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the closed position, the at least one heating element may protrude from the first housing portion into the device cavity. Thus, when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the closed position, the at least one heating element may extend or protrude from the second housing portion into the device cavity.
Where the heating element extends into the device cavity from one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the heating element may extend into the device cavity in any suitable direction. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the heating element extends into the device cavity in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Where the device comprises a plurality of heating elements extending into the device cavity, it may be preferred that all of the heating elements are substantially parallel to one another.
The apparatus of this aspect may include any suitable number of heating elements. For example, the device may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve heating elements. Where the apparatus includes a plurality of heating elements, the heating elements may be spaced apart. The heating elements may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the device cavity, between the upstream and downstream ends of the device cavity. The heating elements may be spaced apart in a transverse direction of the device cavity parallel to the longitudinal direction.
In some embodiments, the device of this aspect comprises at least two heating elements, namely a first heating element and a second heating element, the second heating element being spaced apart from the first heating element in the longitudinal direction of the device lumen. In these embodiments, the device may be suitable for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising two or more sections of aerosol-forming substrate, the two sections being spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, as described above with respect to the previous aspect. In these embodiments, the first heating element may be arranged to heat a first section of the aerosol-forming substrate received in the device cavity and the second heating element may be arranged to heat a second section of the aerosol-forming substrate received in the device cavity. The device may be configured to heat the first and second heating elements at different times or to different temperatures to alter the aerosol generated by the system and alter the user's experience.
In some embodiments of the device of this aspect, the device comprises at least one heating element extending from the first housing portion and at least one heating element extending from the second housing portion. Advantageously, providing heating elements on both the first housing portion and the second housing portion enables insertion of the heating elements into the aerosol-forming substrate from different sides, which may reduce variations in the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. Further, movement of the first and second housing portions between the open and closed positions enables easy insertion and removal of aerosol-forming substrates into and from such devices.
The second housing part is movable relative to the first housing part. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be movably coupled. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be movably coupled together by any suitable coupling means.
In some embodiments, the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be slidably coupled together. In these embodiments, the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be provided with complementary rails that enable the second housing portion to slide relative to the first housing portion between an open position and a closed position.
In some embodiments, the second housing portion may be removably coupled to the first housing portion. In these embodiments, the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be in an open position when the second housing portion is removed from the first housing portion. In these embodiments, the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be in the closed position when the second housing portion is removably coupled to the first housing portion.
In some preferred embodiments, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are rotatably coupled together. The second housing portion may be rotatably coupled to the first housing portion and may be rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be rotatably coupled by any suitable means. For example, the first housing portion and the second housing portion may be rotatably coupled by a pivot or hinge.
The second housing portion may be rotatable relative to the first housing portion in any suitable direction. Preferably, the second housing part is rotatable relative to the first housing part in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This may facilitate insertion and removal of the aerosol-forming substrate into and from the cavity of the device when the first and second housing portions are in the open position in a direction different from the longitudinal direction.
In some preferred embodiments, the second housing portion includes a second cavity. The second chamber may be arranged such that in the closed position the first chamber and the second chamber define a device chamber. In other words, when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the closed position, the first cavity and the second cavity may be aligned to form a larger cavity, i.e. the device cavity.
In some embodiments, the second cavity is different from the first cavity. This may enable the first and second chambers to form a device chamber having an asymmetric shape.
Preferably, the second cavity is substantially identical to the first cavity, having the same shape and size. For example, the first cavity may be substantially semi-cylindrical and the second cavity may be substantially semi-cylindrical, the first and second cavities forming a substantially cylindrical device cavity when the first and second housing portions are in the closed position. The first and second cavities may be of any suitable size and shape for accommodating any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate.
In all other aspects, the aerosol-generating device of this aspect may be the same as the aerosol-generating device described above in relation to the previous aspect.
For example, the apparatus preferably comprises: one or more air inlets configured to enable ambient air to be drawn into the device cavity; a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element; and a controller for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the at least one heating element.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising:
An aerosol-generating device according to the preceding aspect; and
An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.
The aerosol-generating article used in combination with the aerosol-generating device of the present aspect may comprise the same features as the aerosol-generating article described above in relation to the previous aspect of the invention. However, it should also be appreciated that other aerosol-generating articles may also be suitable for use with the device of the previous aspect in this system. For example, an aerosol-generating article having a substantially constant outer diameter along its length may be suitable for use with the device of the previous aspect.