JP7542003B2 - Aerosol generating device with inclined heating chamber - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device having an inclined heating chamber. The disclosure is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to portable aerosol generating devices that may be self-contained and low temperature. Such devices may heat tobacco or other suitable material by conduction, convection, and/or radiation, rather than by combustion, to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

The popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or agitate an aerosol substrate to produce an aerosol and/or vapor for inhalation, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

One type of risk reduction or risk modification device is a heated substrate aerosol generator or heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates aerosol and/or vapor by heating a solid aerosol substrate, typically moist tobacco, to temperatures typically ranging from 100°C to 300°C. By heating rather than burning or combusting the aerosol substrate, an aerosol and/or vapor is released that contains the components desired by the user but with reduced or no toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning.

Existing aerosol generators tend to be fairly small and compact, which can make them difficult to use. For example, it is convenient to provide a button for operating the device near the area where the aerosol substrate is inserted during use. In such cases, the user's thumb or finger on the button may get in the way (e.g., against the user's nose) when the user is simultaneously attempting to draw vapor or aerosol from the device. In another example, a slidable cover may be provided that selectively covers or uncovers the opening through which the aerosol substrate is inserted during use. Such a cover may be moved by the user to insert the aerosol substrate into the device during use, and the user's hand operating the cover or the cover itself may get in the way (e.g., against the user's nose) when the user is attempting to draw vapor or aerosol from the device.

Aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying claims.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device, comprising:
The main body,
a heating chamber housed in the body and having an elongated cavity;
an opening in an exterior surface of the body through which a substrate carrier containing an aerosol-generating material is insertable into an elongated cavity of the heating chamber along a cavity axis extending centrally along a length of the elongated cavity; and a user-operated element movably disposed in a movement region in the exterior surface of the body, the movement region extending at least primarily to one side of the opening;
An aerosol generating device is provided, the cavity axis being along a direction extending from an opening that is angled away from the transfer region.

By arranging the cavity axis so that it is oriented away from the transfer region, the direction in which the substrate carrier can be inserted into the heating chamber can follow a path that is spaced a greater distance from the transfer region outside the opening than in other orientations. Thus, the heating chamber becomes more accessible. Furthermore, for the substrate carrier to protrude from the heating chamber and be directly withdrawn by the user in use, or even for other arrangements in which the cavity axis defines the position of the mouthpiece through which the user inhales, the user may be able to position the user's face further away from the transfer region than in other arrangements. For example, the user's mouth may be closer to the opening, but the user's nose is further away from the transfer region. Thus, in certain embodiments, the portion of the substrate carrier that protrudes from the opening in use may extend along the direction of the cavity axis, which may be tilted away from the transfer region.

Optionally, the moving region on the outer surface of the body has a moving region axis perpendicular to the moving region's center of gravity, and the cavity axis is inclined away from the moving region axis by an angle α in the range 0°<α≦45°, preferably in the range 10°<α≦45°, more preferably in the range 15°<α≦35°, and most preferably equal to about 20° or about 30°.

Optionally, the cavity axis and the movement region axis intersect or intersect inside the body.

Optionally, the user-operated element protrudes from an outer surface of the body.

Optionally, the user-operated element is movable towards the body.

Optionally, the user-operated element is movable relative to the opening between a closed position in which the user-operated element covers the opening and an open position in which the opening is substantially unobstructed by the user-operated element.

Optionally, the user-operated element is slidable on the outer surface of the body. The user-operated element may be movable along an arc or a straight line.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device includes a detector for detecting movement of the user-operated element and a controller for controlling operation of the aerosol generating device in response to detection of the movement.

Optionally, the body is elongated between a first end and a second end, and the opening and the user-operated element are located at the second end of the body.

Optionally, the first end of the body has a flat portion on which the aerosol generating device stands.

Optionally, the second end of the body is flat or generally convex.

Optionally, between the first end and the second end, the exterior surface of the body has a first pair of opposing surfaces and a second pair of opposing surfaces, the first pair of opposing surfaces being larger than the second pair of opposing surfaces.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device includes a power storage section, the power storage section being elongated and having a power storage section axis extending centrally along its length, the power storage section axis and the cavity axis converging toward one another toward the first end of the body.

Optionally, the periphery of the opening defines an opening plane, and the central axis of the elongated cavity is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the opening plane.

Optionally, the substrate carrier is elongated and, in use, positioned coaxially with the elongated cavity.

Optionally, the substrate carrier protrudes outwardly from the opening when fully inserted into the elongated cavity.

Optionally, the substrate includes a tobacco-containing material that includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. The substrate may include non-tobacco aerosol formers, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device, comprising:
The main body,
a heating chamber housed in the body and having an elongated cavity;
an opening in an exterior surface of the body through which a substrate carrier containing an aerosol-generating material is insertable into the elongated cavity of the heating chamber along a cavity axis extending centrally along the length of the elongated cavity;
a user-operated element movable relative to the opening between a closed position in which the user-operated element covers the opening and an open position in which the opening is substantially unobstructed by the user-operated element, wherein when the user-operated element is in the open position, the user-operated element is located on an open area of the exterior surface, the open area of the exterior surface having an open area axis perpendicular to a center of gravity of the open area;
An aerosol generating device is provided in which the central axis and the open area axis diverge from each other outside the body in a direction away from the body.

Optionally, the cavity axis and the open area axis intersect inside the body.

Optionally, the cavity axis diverges from the region axis at an angle β in the range 0°<β≦45°, preferably in the range 10°<β≦45°, more preferably in the range 15°<β≦35°, and most preferably equal to about 25° or about 30°.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device, comprising:
The main body,
a heating chamber housed in the body and having an elongated cavity;
an opening in an exterior surface of the body through which a substrate carrier containing an aerosol-generating material is insertable into the elongated cavity of the heating chamber along a cavity axis extending centrally along the length of the elongated cavity;
a user-operable element movable relative to the opening between a closed position in which the user-operable element covers the opening and an open position in which the opening is substantially unobstructed by the user-operable element, the open position of the user-operable element being displaced by a vector from the closed position of the user-operable element;
Equipped with
An aerosol generating device is provided, wherein the angle γ between the vector and the direction extending from the opening in which the cavity axis is located is an obtuse angle.

Optionally, the angle γ is in the range of 90°<γ≦135°, preferably in the range of 91°<γ≦100°, and more preferably equal to about 95° or about 100°.

Optionally, the user operable element is movable between the closed and open positions along an arc, and the vector is the chord of the arc.

Each of the above aspects may include any one or more of the features described with respect to the other aspects above.

The present disclosure extends to any novel aspects or features described and/or illustrated herein. Further features of the present disclosure are characterized in other independent and dependent claims.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" as used in this document means "consisting at least in part of." Therefore, when interpreting statements in this document that contain the term "comprising," one or more other features preceded by this term may be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" should be interpreted in the same manner. As used herein, "(s)" following a noun refers to the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as a mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and/or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of aerosol/aerosolize is consistent with each of volatilize, atomize, and vaporize defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a mist or droplets that include atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles. Aerosol also includes a mist or droplets that include any combination of atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles.

A preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment, having a user-operated element in a closed position. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the user-operated element in an open position. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the user-operated element in an open position and a substrate carrier inserted. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 showing a first geometric configuration. , 2A-2C are schematic plan views of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 showing a first geometric configuration, with the user-operated element in a closed position and an open position, respectively. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 showing a second geometric configuration. , 2A-2C are schematic plan views of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 showing a second geometric configuration, with the user-operated element in a closed position and an open position, respectively. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, showing a third geometric configuration. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 showing further geometric relationships. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment, showing a first geometric arrangement. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 10 showing a second geometric configuration. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 10, showing a third geometric configuration.

First Embodiment Referring to FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device 100 comprises a body 102 that houses various components of the aerosol generating device 100. The body 102 includes an exterior surface 110 that defines the shape of the body 102. The exterior surface 110 can be of any shape, so long as it is sized to fit the described components of the aerosol generating device 100. The exterior surface 110 can be formed of any suitable material, or indeed layers of material. The size and shape of the exterior surface 110 is selected to allow a user to hold the aerosol generating device 100 conveniently and comfortably.

The aerosol generating device 100 has a first end 120, shown at the bottom of FIG. 1 and described for convenience as the bottom, base, or lower end of the aerosol generating device 100. A second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100, opposite the first end 120, is shown at the top of FIG. 1 and described for convenience as the top or upper end of the aerosol generating device 100. During use, a user typically orients the aerosol generating device 100 with the first end 120 facing downward and/or in a distal position relative to the user's mouth and the second end 122 facing upward and/or in a proximal position relative to the user's mouth.

The body 102 has a first pair of opposing surfaces 110a and a second pair of opposing surfaces 110b (in addition to the first end 120 and the second end 122), which collectively form the sides of the outer surface 110 and cooperate with the first end 120 and the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 to form the outer surface 110. The first pair of opposing surfaces 110a is larger than the second pair of opposing surfaces 110b, such that the body 102 has a generally wide or tablet shape. The second end 120 has, for example, a flattened portion so that the aerosol generating device 100 can be placed upright (i.e., with the second end 122 at the top) on a surface. The body 102 shown in FIG. 1 is elongated in a direction between the first end 120 and the second end 122 of the body 102.

The second end 122 includes a user-operated element 114. In this embodiment, the user-operated element 114 is a lid, shown in a closed position in FIG. 1 and in an open position in FIG. 2. The user-operated element 114 is arranged to be movable between a closed position and an open position by sliding relative to the body 102. Typically, the user-operated element 114 slides along the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 when moving from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position. In other embodiments, the movement of the user-operated element 114 between the open and closed positions can be rotational or hinged. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second end 122 of the body 102 has a curved profile, such that the user-operated element 114 moves along a curved path between the open and closed positions.

The user-operated element 114 may be freely movable between the open and closed positions such that the user-operated element 114 can rest stably at any point between the two positions. In other embodiments, the user-operated element 114 may be bistable such that the user-operated element 114 is stable in the open and closed positions, but is biased toward either the open or closed positions away from (intermediate) positions between the open and closed positions. Typically, when bistable, the user-operated element 114 is biased toward the open position from a range of intermediate positions closest to the open position, and biased toward the closed position from a range of intermediate positions closest to the closed position.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the open position of the user-operated element 114 is so referred to because in this position, the user-operated element 114 does not cover the opening 108, and the opening 108 is substantially unobstructed by the user-operated element 114. The opening 108 is provided on the exterior surface 110 of the aerosol generating device 100. The opening has an outer periphery 128, which is tangent to the exterior surface 110. The opening 108 allows a user to access the interior of the aerosol generating device 100 (when the opening 108 is uncovered as shown). In particular, the opening 108 connects the exterior of the aerosol generating device 100 to the interior of the heating chamber 104 (not shown in FIG. 2, but see, e.g., FIG. 4). The opening 108 is typically circular, although it will be understood that the opening 108 may have another shape, e.g., a square or a triangular shape.

3 shows the aerosol generating device 100 in use. As can be seen, a substrate carrier 112 may be inserted into the opening 108. The substrate carrier 112 is typically elongated (as shown) and has a first end that is inserted through the opening 108 into the heating chamber 104. The first end of the substrate carrier 112 includes an aerosol substrate configured to be heated such that one or more components of the aerosol substrate are volatilized. The aerosol substrate may typically include a tobacco-containing material that contains a volatile compound. The aerosol substrate may be a solid or semi-solid material. Examples of solids include powders, granules, pellets, shreds, twines, foams, mousses, and sheets. The aerosol substrate may include an aerosol forming agent. Examples of aerosol forming agents include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol, propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. The volatile compound may include nicotine or other flavor compounds such as tobacco or non-tobacco volatiles. The aerosol substrate generally forms an aerosol containing a vapor that can be inhaled by a user upon heating. The substrate carrier 112 has a second end opposite the first end through which the user can draw the vapor or aerosol. Between the first end (containing the aerosol substrate) and the second end, there may be an area for condensing the vapor, cooling the vapor, filtering the vapor, etc. In some embodiments, there may simply be a hollow tube. In any case, the user draws the vapor or aerosol through the substrate carrier 112 and out of the second end of the substrate carrier 112. This is typically accomplished by the user placing their lips around the second end of the substrate carrier 112 and sucking through the substrate carrier 112. In this way, the user can inhale the aerosol or vapor as the aerosol generating device 100 heats the aerosol substrate at the first end of the substrate carrier 112 to form the vapor or aerosol.

It can be seen from FIG. 3 that the user-operated element 114 includes a rounded protrusion that protrudes upward (or generally away from the body 102) from the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100. A user who attempts to place their lips around the second end of the substrate carrier 112 (the end that protrudes from the aerosol generating device 100) may find that the protrusion interferes with their nose. This may cause irritation or discomfort to the user. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the substrate carrier 112 when inserted into the aerosol generating device 100 through the opening 108 is angled away from the position of the user-operated element 114 when in the open position. This orients the second end of the substrate carrier 112 away from the protrusion, providing space for the user's nose when the user places their lips on the second end of the substrate carrier 112.

The arrangement of the components of the aerosol generating device 100 is shown in more detail in FIG. 4, which shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100. The heating chamber 104 has an elongated cavity 106 having a cavity axis A, indicated by a line labeled A-A in the figure, extending centrally along the length of the elongated cavity 106. The cavity axis A can be used to define the tilt arrangement described above with reference to FIG. 3. Although the substrate carrier 112 is not shown in FIG. 4, it can nevertheless be seen that the aerosol generating device 100 is arranged such that the tilt of the heating chamber 104 (and the cavity axis A) ensures that the substrate carrier 112 is tilted away from the open position of the user-operated element 114 when the substrate carrier 112 is inserted into the heating chamber 104. In this regard, the elongated cavity 106 acts like a guide to define the tilt angle of the substrate carrier 112 inserted into the heating chamber 104 through the opening 108. This arrangement is also aided by the fact that the substrate carrier 112 is elongated, linear and/or rod-shaped.

The user-operated element 114 slides within a region of movement B, which is shown in cross section by the line designated B-B in the figure. To move between the open and closed positions, the user-operated element 114 moves along a path that is an arc in the illustrated embodiment. The second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 is generally convex, and the convex shape determines the arc that the user-operated element 114 slides along.

It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the cavity axis A is angled away from the movement region B. FIGS. 5A and 5B show plan views of the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100, whereby movement region B (shown as a shaded region in FIGS. 5A and 5B) can be seen to encompass all areas that the user-operated element 114 overlaps within its range of movement. Movement region B is shown with a dashed border where other features do not overlap movement region B. For example, in FIG. 5A, the lower portion of movement region B overlaps with the user-operated element 114 (shown as a solid line and in its closed position), while the upper portion of movement region B is shown as a dashed line to indicate the outer extent of the position that the user-operated element 114 would occupy if it were moved to its open position (shown in FIG. 5B in the open position).

Essentially, the movement region B is the area outside the aerosol generating device 100 that is underneath the user-operated element 114 as the element 114 moves between the closed position (shown in FIG. 5A) and the open position (shown in FIG. 5B), and includes the area covered by the element 114 when the element 114 is in each of the closed and open positions. The movement of the element 114 is such that the movement region B is located primarily on one side of the opening 108 (towards the top of FIGS. 5A and 5B). The cavity axis A is tilted away from the side of the opening 108 where the movement region B is located primarily, as shown in FIG. 4.

The center of gravity of the moving region B is the geometric center of the moving region B. The moving region B has a moving region axis C, indicated by the line denoted C-C in the figure, defined as the normal of the moving region B at the center of gravity of the moving region B. The moving region axis C runs through the center of gravity, perpendicular to the outer surface 110 of the aerosol generating device 100 at that time, or perpendicular to the moving region B. Returning to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the cavity axis A is tilted away from the moving region axis C. The cavity axis A and the moving region axis C are tilted away from each other by an angle α. The angle α is shown to be about 20° in the illustrated embodiment. More generally, the angle α is in the range of 15°<α≦35°. In other embodiments, the angle α may be in the range of 10°<α≦45°, or even 0°<α≦45°, depending on the exact geometry of the aerosol generating device 100. The magnitude of angle α can be selected to tilt cavity axis A away from transfer region B sufficiently so that a user can place their lips around the second end of substrate carrier 112 (of a predetermined length) and draw vapor or aerosol through substrate carrier 112 without their nose (or other part of their face) coming into contact with user-operated element 114.

The angle α can also be selected so that the heating chamber 104 does not protrude too far out of the body 102 of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, in a direction extending between the second pair of faces 110b of the exterior surface 110 or in a direction perpendicular to the length of the aerosol generating device 100 (between the first end 120 and the second end 122). This can help the aerosol generating device 100 have a size and shape that is aesthetically pleasing and easy for a user to grip firmly, e.g., not too wide. The exact value of the angle α can be selected to accommodate the aerosol generating device 100 to the size and shape of the user-operated element 114 and the desired shape and size of the exterior surface 110.

4 also shows a power storage unit 126, which in this embodiment is a battery for powering a heater (not shown) of the heating chamber 104 to cause heating and thereby volatilize a portion of the aerosol substrate, as described above. In an embodiment in which the power storage unit 126 is a battery, the heating chamber 104 may include an electric heater (not shown). The power storage unit 126 is electrically connected to the heating chamber 104 via the controller 118. The controller 118 may function to adjust the heating profile of the heater, for example, to ensure rapid initial heating and shorten the time from activation to generation of sufficient vapor or aerosol that a user can draw on the substrate carrier 112 (known as time to first puff). Additionally or alternatively, the controller 118 may function to prevent overheating of the aerosol substrate, for example, by receiving temperature information from the heating chamber 104 and operating to maintain the temperature below a predetermined threshold temperature.

As shown in FIG. 4, the power storage unit 126 has a generally cylindrical shape. The power storage unit axis D, indicated by the line designated D-D in the figure, extends longitudinally along the center of the power storage unit 126 and is therefore, in this embodiment, the central axis of the cylindrical shape. As can be seen in the figure, the cavity axis A is inclined relative to the power storage unit axis D. More specifically, as shown, the cavity axis A and the power storage unit axis D converge toward each other toward the first end 120 of the body 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity axis A is inclined relative to the power storage unit axis D at an angle greater than the angle α between the cavity axis A and the moving region axis C. In other words, the power storage unit axis D is angled with the moving region axis C such that these two axes C, D diverge as they extend from the aerosol generating device 100 toward the outside of the second end 122. However, in some embodiments, the power storage unit axis D is instead parallel to the moving region axis C. Such an embodiment may be beneficial, for example, to reduce the width of the body 102 toward the second end 122 so that the body 102 does not flare outwardly toward the second end 122 and/or can have a uniform cross-sectional shape along its length, e.g., such that the body 102 is an oval cylinder, etc., thus improving the comfort of a user holding the aerosol generating device 100.

It should be noted that the extensions of the cavity axis A and the moving region axis C toward the first end 120 of the aerosol generating device 100 intersect inside the body 102. However, this is not necessarily the case, and in some embodiments, for example when the angle α is smaller than that shown in FIG. 4, the cavity axis A and the moving region axis C intersect outside the body 102 (e.g., below the first end 120). Similarly, the cavity axis A and the moving region axis C may not intersect, but may simply have a closest, e.g., "intersecting", point along their length within or outside the body 102, without actually meeting. This may be the case when the shape of the aerosol generating device 100 has little symmetry, particularly when the cavity axis A and the moving region axis C lie in parallel planes. Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the cavity axis A and the power storage axis D intersect when extended toward the first end 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity axis A and power reservoir axis D must extend below the first end 120 in order to intersect. In other words, the intersection is on the outside of the body 102. In other embodiments, the intersection of the cavity axis A and power reservoir axis D is on the inside of the body 102. This can be changed by changing the tilt angle of the heating chamber 104 and/or the power source 126. Again, in cases of lesser symmetry, the cavity axis A and power reservoir axis D may not intersect, but instead may simply "intersect" in the above sense.

6, 7A and 7B, the geometry of the aerosol generating device 100 can be described differently with reference to the position of the user-operated element 114 in the open position. The open position of the user-operated element 114 defines an open area F, shown in cross-section by the line labeled F-F in FIG. 6 and in plan view by the shaded area labeled F in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The open area axis G, shown by the line labeled G-G in FIG. 6, is defined as a line passing through the center of gravity of the open area F and perpendicular to the exterior surface 110 at that point, or perpendicular to the open area F. The center of gravity of the open area F is the geometric center of the open area F. The open area F has an open area axis G, shown by the line labeled G-G in the drawings, defined as a normal to the open area F at the center of gravity of the open area F. As can be seen most clearly in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the open area F is the "footprint" of the user-operated element 114 in the open position.

The open area F is shown bordered by a dashed line where no other features overlap the open area F. For example, in FIG. 7A, the user-operated element 114 is shown as a solid line in a closed position toward the bottom of FIG. 7A. In contrast, the open area F is shown as a dashed line bordering a shaded area having the same shape and size as the user-operated element 114, but located toward the top of FIG. 7A. The open area encompasses the area that the user-operated element 114 overlaps when the user-operated element 114 is in the open position. That is, the open area F indicates the position that the user-operated element 114 would occupy when moved to its open position. In FIG. 7B, the user-operated element 114 is shown in the open position, where the user-operated element 114 overlaps (by definition) the open area F. In effect, the open area F is the area outside the aerosol generating device 100 that is underneath the user-operated element 114 when the user-operated element 114 is in the open position (so that in FIG. 7B, the open area F and the user-operated element 114 are exactly aligned with each other).

It is clear that the open area F is located toward one side of the opening 108 (toward the top in FIGS. 7A and 7B). Correspondingly, the open area axis G is located toward this side of the opening 108 (toward the top in FIGS. 7A and 7B), since only the position of the user-operated element 114 in the open position is taken into account when defining the open area F. As can be seen in FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B, the heating chamber 104 (and the corresponding cavity axis A) is inclined away from the open area F. In other words, the open area axis G and the cavity axis A diverge from each other outside the body 102 in a direction toward the outside from the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle β between the open area axis G and the cavity axis A is about 25°. More generally, the angle β is in the range of 15°<β≦35°. In other embodiments, depending on the exact geometry of the aerosol generating device 100, the angle β may be in the range 10°<β≦45°, or even in the range 0°<β≦45°. As mentioned above, different tilt angles may be selected to implement different configurations for various reasons (ergonomic, practical, aesthetic, etc.).

In some cases, the extensions of the cavity axis A and the open area axis G toward the first end 120 of the aerosol generating device 100 intersect inside the body 102. However, this is not necessarily the case, and in some embodiments, the cavity axis A and the open area axis G intersect outside the body 102 (e.g., below the first end 120), such as when the angle β between the cavity axis A and the open area axis G is smaller than that shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, the cavity axis A and the open area axis G may not intersect, but instead simply have a point along their length within or outside the body 102 where they are closest to each other, e.g., "intersect," but do not actually meet. This may be the case when the shape of the aerosol generating device 100 is less symmetrical, particularly when the cavity axis A and the open area axis G lie on parallel planes.

Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the cavity axis A and the power storage axis D intersect when extending towards the first end 120 (not shown in FIG. 6, but see FIG. 4). Again, this intersection is on the outside of the body 102. In other embodiments, the intersection of the cavity axis A and the power storage axis D is on the inside of the body 102. This can be altered by changing the tilt angle of the heating chamber 104 and/or the power source 126. Again, in cases of lesser symmetry, the cavity axis A and the power storage axis D may not intersect, but instead may simply "intersect" in the above sense.

8, the geometry of the aerosol generating device 100 can also be described with reference to the displacement of the user-operated element 114. In FIG. 8, a vector H is drawn between the closed position of the user-operated element 114 and the open position of the user-operated element 114. Because the user-operated element 114 moves in a curved path between the closed and open positions, in FIG. 8, the center of gravity of the side view of the user-operated element 114 is used to uniquely define the end points of the vector H. Because the movement of the user-operated element 114 between the open and closed positions is a circular arc, the vector H is the chord of this arc. In other cases, the center of gravity of the volume of the user-operated element 114 can be used to uniquely define the start and end points of the vector H. In yet another case, the point on the outer surface of the user-operated element 114 that intersects with the cavity axis A when the user-operated element 114 is in the closed position is a location that can be used to uniquely define the start and end points of the vector H.

It can be seen in the drawing that the vector H can extend rearward (to the left of the closed position in FIG. 8) to intersect with the cavity axis A. An angle γ is formed between the vector H and the cavity axis A. This angle γ is the angle between the vector H and the direction extending from the opening 108 where the cavity axis A is. The angle γ is an obtuse angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle γ is about 95°. More typically, the angle γ is in the range 91°<γ≦100°. In other embodiments, depending on the exact geometry of the aerosol generating device 100, the angle γ can be in the range 90°<γ≦135°. As mentioned above, different tilt angles can be selected to implement different arrangements for various reasons (ergonomic, practical, aesthetic, etc.).

In this definition, the magnitude of the angle γ depends not only on the inclination of the heating chamber 104 and the cavity axis A, but also on the curvature of the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 and the angular distance around the curve of the second end 122 traversed by the user-operated element 114; the tighter the curve and the greater the distance along the curve that the user-operated element 114 travels, other things being equal, the larger the angle γ. As mentioned above, it is possible to use another point of the user-operated element 114 instead of the center of gravity to define the vector H, as long as the same point is used for the start and end points of the vector. Due to the curved path that the user-operated element 114 takes as it travels between the open and closed positions, the direction and length of the vector H will change if a point other than the center of gravity is selected. However, this does not affect the validity of the geometric description of the inclination, provided that appropriate modifications are made to the value of the angle γ (which may not be obtuse).

9 highlights further geometric relationships of the components of the aerosol generating device 100. Here, the perimeter 128 of the opening 108 is shown as defining an opening plane E, which is shown in cross section by the line designated E-E in the figure. That is, the edge(s) of the opening 108 that define the opening perimeter 128 are in the opening plane E. In other words, as can be seen when looking towards the opening 108, the perimeter 128 of the opening 108 may form a two-dimensional shape, typically a circle. This two-dimensional shape is in the opening plane E, which is the plane defined by the opening 104. Of course, in variations of this embodiment, the perimeter 128 of the opening 108 may also define a non-planar shape, for example a curved surface that is curved in one or more directions.

The opening plane E defines an opening axis J, shown by a line denoted as J-J in FIG. 8, which extends through the center (e.g., center of gravity) of the opening 108 and perpendicular or orthogonal to the opening plane E. In the illustrated embodiment, it is clear that the opening axis J does not coincide with the cavity axis A. Instead, the opening axis J and the cavity axis A diverge from each other from the intersection at the center of gravity of the opening 108 toward the outside of the body 102 in a direction away from the aerosol generating device 100. In other words, the cavity axis A is inclined relative to the opening axis J. Note that this arrangement decouples the inclination of the heating chamber 104 (embodied in the direction of the cavity axis A) from the shape and orientation of the outer surface 110 at the time the opening 108 is formed in the outer surface 110 (embodied in the direction of J, which can be thought of as an axis perpendicular to the outer surface 110 at the center of gravity of the opening 108 when the opening is covered so that it is flush with the surrounding outer surface 110). In other words, the heating chamber 104 does not require the exterior surface 110 to be any particular shape or have any particular orientation. In particular, the cavity axis A need not be orthogonal to the exterior surface 110. The geometries defined above by reference to the inclination of the cavity axis A relative to the moving region B, moving region axis C, open region F, open region axis G, and/or vector H can all be similarly defined by reference to the inclination of the opening surface E or opening axis J relative to the moving region B, moving region axis C, open region F, open region axis G, and/or vector H, although the magnitude of the angle may differ.

Of course, in variations of this embodiment, the aperture plane E defined by the perimeter 128 of the aperture 108 may not be two-dimensional or flat, but may be a non-planar shape, e.g., a curved surface that is curved in one or more directions. In such variations, it is still possible to define an aperture axis J, but only because it extends through the center or centroid of the aperture 108 and perpendicular or orthogonal to the aperture plane E (at the center or centroid).

The user-operated element 114 has been described above as a selectively movable lid to cover or uncover the opening 108. However, in other embodiments, the user-operated element 114 has a different function. In some embodiments, the user-operated element 114 is a button configured to move in a direction toward the body 102 to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In such embodiments, the movement area B extends only to the outer periphery of the button, and its movement is only toward or away from the body 102 of the aerosol generating device 100. Such a movement area B may appear as an open area F shown in Figures 7A and 7B because the "footprint" of the movement is limited to the area of the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 directly below the user-operated element 114, where "below" means toward the body 102. This movement area B tends to be entirely to one side of the opening 108 (to the right of the opening 108 as the aerosol generating device 100 is oriented as shown in Figure 4). However, it should be noted that this change in the definition of the moving area B will slightly shift the location of the center of gravity (e.g., to axis G in FIG. 7), but the above definition of the inclination of the heating chamber 104 with respect to an axis perpendicular to the moving area B at the center of gravity of the moving area B will still remain unchanged, even though the angle α has a different (larger) value. It should further be noted that the reason for having an inclined heating chamber 104 is still valid, since the user-operated element 114 in the form of a button still protrudes, e.g., is a protrusion, from the aerosol generating device 100. In some cases, even if the user-operated element 114 does not protrude (or protrudes much less than shown in FIG. 4), it may still be advantageous to incline the heating chamber 104, since this allows the user to use his or her thumb or finger to operate the button without hitting it against his or her nose.

In yet another embodiment, the user-operated element 114 may be arranged to move through the full range of the movement region B shown in FIG. 4 and further move from the open position shown in FIG. 4 closer to the body 102, for example to control the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, the movement region B and the movement region axis C remain as shown in FIG. 4, and the above description of this arrangement applies.

Embodiments in which the user-operated element 114 operates as a button may include a biasing means for pushing the user-operated element 114 away from the body 102. This allows the user-operated element 114 to default to a state in which the user-operated element 114 is not pressed, thus avoiding erroneous operation. The user-operated element 114 may also activate the aerosol generating device 100 to perform a heating cycle when the user-operated element 114 is pressed (or held for a predetermined time), or in some cases, the aerosol generating device 100 may only operate when the user-operated element 114 is continued to be pressed, and heating may cease when the user-operated element 114 is released. In either case, the controller 118 may be configured to determine the position of the user-operated element 114 and selectively activate the heater based on the determined position of the user-operated element 114. In yet another embodiment, the controller 118 may be configured to prevent heating if the user-operated element 114 is detected to be in a closed position.

As used herein, a heating cycle refers to a predetermined period of time during which power is supplied to a heater. For example, the total time it takes for a heating cycle to be completed can be the time it takes for all or a majority of the volatilizable portion of the aerosol substrate (e.g., the portion that the user desires to inhale) to be heated and form a vapor or aerosol. A heating cycle can include supplying a predetermined amount of power at a predetermined time, supplying a series of predetermined amounts of power at corresponding predetermined times, or can function as a feedback loop that measures the temperature (e.g., of a portion of the heating chamber 104) and adjusts the power supplied to move the temperature closer to a desired temperature.

An example of a mechanism for operating the user-operated element 114, in the form of a sliding lid, is shown in FIG. 4. A curved guide is provided to define and limit the movement of the user-operated element 114. This can help to prevent the user-operated element 114 from sliding too far in either direction and ensure that the closed position actually covers the opening 108 to prevent dirt or dust from entering the heating chamber 104. The curved guide may have sensors on either end to detect the position of the user-operated element 114. Furthermore, the guide can ensure that the user-operated element 114 can only be pushed towards the body 102 when it is in the open position. This can help to ensure that the aerosol generating device 100 cannot be activated and the substrate carrier 112 cannot be inserted into the heating chamber 104 when the user-operated element 114 covers the opening 108.

Second Embodiment Referring to Figures 10-12, the aerosol generating device 100 according to the second embodiment is identical to the aerosol generating device 100 according to the first embodiment, except that the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 is substantially planar or flat. In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar features, and for the sake of brevity, only the differences between the second and first embodiments will be described below.

In a second embodiment, the user-operated element 114 includes a protrusion that protrudes outward from the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100. As shown in FIG. 10, both the heating chamber 104 and the cavity axis A are angled away from the position of the user-operated element 114 when the user-operated element 114 is in the open position. This causes the second end of the substrate carrier 112 inserted into the heating chamber 104 to be oriented away from the user-operated element 114, creating space for the user's nose when the user places their lips on the second end of the substrate carrier 112.

10 highlights the tilted arrangement using a geometric representation similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B for the first embodiment. Although the substrate carrier 112 is not shown in FIG. 10, it can nevertheless be seen that the aerosol generating device 100 is arranged such that the tilt of the heating chamber 104 (and the cavity axis A) ensures that the substrate carrier 112 is tilted away from the open position of the user-operated element 114 when inserted into the heating chamber 104. In this regard, the elongated cavity 106 of the heating chamber 104 acts like a guide to define the tilt angle of the substrate carrier 112 inserted into the heating chamber 104 through the opening 108.

The user-operated element 114 slides through a movement region B, shown here in cross section by line B-B. The closed position of the user-operated element 114 is shown in dashed lines, and the open position is shown in solid lines. The movement region B extends to the outer extent of these positions. Also, the user-operated element 114 moves in a straight line to move between the open and closed positions along the planar or flat second end 122. It can be clearly seen in FIG. 10 that the cavity axis A is tilted away from the movement region B.

The moving region B has a moving region axis C, shown in cross section by line C-C in FIG. 10. The cavity axis A is inclined relative to the moving region axis C. More specifically, the cavity axis A and the moving region axis C are inclined away from each other by an angle α. In this embodiment, the angle α is about 30°. More typically, the angle α is in the range of 15°<α≦35°. In a variation of the second embodiment, depending on the exact geometry of the aerosol generating device 100, the angle α may be in the range of 10°<α≦45°, or even in the range of 0°<α≦45°. The magnitude of the angle α may be selected to tilt the cavity axis A away from the moving region B sufficiently so that a user can place their lips around the protruding end of the substrate carrier 112 and draw vapor or aerosol through the substrate carrier 112 without the user's nose (or other part of the user's face) hitting the user-operated element 114. At the other end, the angle α can be selected so that the heating chamber 104 does not protrude too far in a direction perpendicular to the length of the aerosol generating device 100. This can make the aerosol generating device 100 look aesthetically pleasing and can also help to make it easier for a user to grip. The exact value of α can be selected to accommodate the aerosol generating device 100 to the size and shape of the user-operated element 114 and the desired shape and size of the exterior surface 110.

10, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a power storage unit 126 and a controller 118, as described above in relation to the first embodiment. The power storage unit 126 may have a corresponding power storage axis D that is inclined relative to the cavity axis A, as described in relation to the first embodiment, e.g., with reference to FIG. 4.

It should be noted that the extensions of the cavity axis A and the moving zone axis C toward the first end 120 of the aerosol generating device 100 intersect inside the body 102. However, this is not necessarily the case, and in some implementations, the intersection of the cavity axis A and the moving zone axis C is outside the body 102 (e.g., below the first end 120), such as when the angle α is smaller than shown in FIG. 10. Similarly, the cavity axis A and the moving zone axis C may not intersect, but instead may simply have a point along their length within or outside the body 102 where they are closest to each other, e.g., "intersect," but do not actually meet, as described with reference to the first embodiment.

11 highlights the tilted arrangement using a geometric representation similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B for the first embodiment. The user-operated element 114 is shown in an open position in FIG. 11, with the opening 108 remaining uncovered. The open position defines an open area F, shown in cross section by line F-F in FIG. 11. The open area axis G, shown by the line labeled G-G in the figure, is again defined as a line passing through the center of gravity of the open area F and perpendicular to the outer surface 110 at that point. As can be seen, the heating chamber 104 (and the corresponding cavity axis A) is tilted away from the open area F. In other words, the open area axis G and the cavity axis A diverge from each other outside the body 102 in a direction away from the body 102. In the second embodiment, the angle β between the open area axis G and the cavity axis A is about 30°. More generally, the angle β is in the range 15°<β≦35°. In a variation of the second embodiment, depending on the exact geometry of the aerosol generating device 100, the angle β can be in the range 10°<β≦45°, or even in the range 0°<β≦45°. It can be seen that this is another way of describing the inclination of the heating chamber 104 and the cavity axis A, using a different geometry than that provided with respect to FIG. 10.

In some cases, the extensions of the cavity axis A and the open area axis G toward the first end 120 of the aerosol generating device 100 intersect inside the body 102. However, this is not necessarily the case, and in some embodiments, the intersection of the cavity axis A and the open area axis G is outside the body 102 (e.g., below the first end 120), such as when the angle β between the cavity axis A and the open area axis G is smaller than shown in FIG. 11. As noted above, the cavity axis A and the open area axis G may not intersect, but instead may simply "intersect" in the above sense.

12 highlights the tilted arrangement using a geometric representation similar to that described with reference to FIG. 8 for the first embodiment. A vector H is drawn between the closed position of the user-operated element 114 and the open position of the user-operated element 114. Since the user-operated element 114 moves in a straight line path between these positions, any point on the user-operated element 114 can be used and the same vector H will result, as long as the same point is used for the start and end of the vector (which is generally not the case for the convex variant shown in FIG. 8). It can be seen that the vector H can extend backwards (to the left in FIG. 12) to intersect with the cavity axis A. An angle γ is formed between the vector H and the cavity axis A. More specifically, this angle γ is the angle between the vector H and the direction extending from the opening 108 where the cavity axis A is. The angle γ is an obtuse angle, which represents another way of defining the tilt of the heating chamber 104 and the cavity axis A.

In the second embodiment, the angle γ is about 100°. More typically, the angle γ is in the range 91°<γ≦100°. In variations of the second embodiment, depending on the exact geometry of the aerosol generating device 100, the angle γ may be in the range 90°<γ≦135°. As mentioned above, different tilt angles may be selected to implement different arrangements for various reasons (ergonomic, practical, aesthetic, etc.). As can be seen in FIG. 12, the movement of the user-operated element 114 between the open and closed positions is a straight line in this embodiment, and the vector H coincides with this straight line.

Although the user-operated element 114 is shown in FIG. 10 as a slidable cover to selectively cover or uncover the opening 108, in other embodiments the user-operated element 114 may have a different function. For example, the user-operated element 114 may be a button configured to move in a direction toward the body 102, for example, to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, the "footprint" of the movement would be limited to the area of the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 that is directly under the user-operated element 114 and is mostly or completely on one side of the opening 108 (to the right of the opening in FIG. 10), so that the movement area B would only extend to the protrusion that forms the button (the movement area is more similar to area F in FIGS. 7A and 7B). However, it should be noted that such a change in the definition of the movement area B would result in a slight shift in the location of the center of gravity (e.g., to axis G in FIGS. 7A and 7B), but the above definition of the inclination of the heating chamber 104 relative to the center of gravity of the movement area would still remain unchanged. Note that the button still protrudes from the aerosol generating device 100, so the reasons for having a sloped heating chamber 104 are still valid. In some cases, even if the button does not protrude (or protrudes much less than shown in FIG. 10), it may still be advantageous to have a sloped heating chamber 104, since this allows the user to use their thumb or finger to operate the button without hitting it against their nose.

In another further embodiment, the user-operated element 114 may be arranged to slide within the full range of the movement region B shown in FIG. 10 and to move from the open position shown in FIG. 10 closer to the body 102, for example to further control the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, the movement region axis C remains as shown in FIG. 10 and the above description of this arrangement applies.

In the second embodiment, since the second end 122 is planar or flat, for a given inclination of the cavity axis A, the angles α and β have the same value. This can be seen from the fact that the angles α and β are in each case measured between the inclined cavity axis A and the normal to the planar second end 122. If the second end 122 is planar, a further relationship between γ and either α or β can be derived. The relationship between γ and either α or β is γ = α + 90° = β + 90° for a given angle of inclination relative to the cavity axis A, if the second end 122 is planar or flat.

DEFINITIONS AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS From the above description, it will be understood that many features of the various embodiments are interchangeable. The disclosure extends to further embodiments, including features that combine features from the various embodiments together in a manner not specifically mentioned.

Embodiments have been described in which the user-operated element 114 is a door that selectively covers or does not cover the opening 108, the user-operated element 114 is not movable to cover the opening 108 but instead functions as a button to activate the aerosol generating device 100, and further in which the user-operated element serves both as a door and a button. The slope of the heating chamber 104 and other geometries of the aerosol generating device 100 are generally the same in each of these embodiments, but are most accurately defined using the different definitions provided, which may overlap but have different advantages depending on the function of the user-operated element 114.

Although the above description shows the moving region B, the open region F and the vector H extending or located on one side of the opening 108, which side is offset between the second pair of opposing surfaces 110b in a direction toward the center of gravity of the second end 122 of the aerosol generating device 100 and away from the edge of the second end 122 (e.g., toward the right in Figs. 1-4, 6 and 8-12), this need not necessarily be the case. For example, the moving region B, the open region F and the vector H may extend or be located to the left, front or rear of the aerosol generating device 100 as oriented in Figs. 1-4, 6 and 8-12, e.g., closer to the edge of the second end 122 than the center of gravity of the second end 122. The cavity axis A remains tilted away from the moving region B, the open region F or the vector H, as described above, but the direction of tilt varies depending on the location of the moving region B, the open region F or the vector H.

The first embodiment above relates to a convexly curved second end 122. Convex in this context is general rather than specific, and includes, for example, a shape formed of a series of planar sections angled relative to one another to form a generally convex shape. Similarly, while the curved second end 122 is shown as an arc of a circle, this can be generalized to a convex second end 122 having any curved shape. The second embodiment covers the case where the second end 122 is not convex, but is a flat plane, but again is general rather than specific. For example, the edge of the second end 122 may be curved, e.g., have a radius, and the second end 122 may have features that disrupt its generally planar nature, such as one or more protrusions, undulations, or depressions.

It will be apparent that the principles described herein can be applied to aerosol generating devices 100 that accept a wide range of substrate carriers 112. Indeed, any interchangeable substrate carrier can be used, with the inclination generally improving access. If the substrate carrier 112 is elongated and protrudes from the aerosol generating device 100 in use, for example if the user is intended to interact with the protruding end of the substrate carrier 112, there is an additional benefit, as described above, of better positioning the user's mouth and face away from the aerosol generating device 100. Indeed, the inclined arrangement described herein is useful because it allows a variety of different aerosol generating devices 100 to all use a common design for the substrate carrier 112, while providing design freedom for the shape of the exterior surface 110 and the user-operable elements 114, thus benefiting from economies of scale in the manufacture of the substrate carrier 112 (since there is no need to design a different substrate carrier 112 for each aerosol generating device 100).

The above descriptions of various geometric arrangements refer to various planes and axes. Although their definitions depend on the particular portion of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g., the opening perimeter 128, the elongated cavity 106, the open area B, etc.), the axes and planes are virtual or imaginary. As such, they generally extend beyond the structural constraints of the associated components, for example, beyond the body 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 or outside the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device 100.

As used herein, the term "vapour" (or "vapor") means: (i) the form into which a liquid is spontaneously transformed by the action of a sufficient degree of heat; or (ii) liquid/moisture particles suspended in the atmosphere and visible as a cloud of steam/smoke; or (iii) a fluid that fills space like a gas, but can be liquefied by pressure alone when below a critical temperature. Consistent with this definition, the term "vaporize" (or "vaporize") means: (i) to change or cause to change into vapor, and (ii) when the particles change physical state (i.e., from a liquid or solid to a gaseous state).

As used herein, the term "aerosol" shall mean a system of particles dispersed in air or gas, such as a mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to make into an aerosol and/or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of aerosol/aerosolize is consistent with each of volatilize, atomize, and vaporize defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe a mist or droplets that include atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles. Aerosol also includes a mist or droplets that include any combination of atomized, volatilized, or vaporized particles.

Claims (15)

An aerosol generating device (100), comprising:
A main body (102);
a heating chamber (104) housed within the body (102) and having an elongated cavity (106);
an opening (108) in an outer surface (110) of the body (102) through which a substrate carrier (112) containing an aerosol-generating material is insertable into the elongated cavity (106) of the heating chamber (104) along a longitudinal cavity axis (A) of the elongated cavity (106), the periphery (128) of the opening (108) defining an opening plane (E) having an opening axis (J) perpendicular to the opening plane (E) at a center of gravity of the opening (108);
a user-operated element (114) movably disposed in a movement area (B) of the outer surface (110) of the body (102) ;
a first end (120) forming the exterior surface (110) of the body (102) and a second end (122) opposite the first end (120), the opening (108) and the user-operated element (114) being located at the second end (122);
said transition region (B) extending at least primarily to one side of said opening (108);
Both the opening axis (J) and the cavity axis (A) are inclined away from a moving region axis (C) perpendicular to the moving region (B) at the center of gravity of the moving region (B) as they move from the first end (120) side to the second end (122 ) side .
An aerosol generating device (100). The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the cavity axis (A) is inclined away from the movement region axis (C) by an angle α in the range of 0°<α≦45°. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 2, wherein the cavity axis (A) and the moving region axis (C) intersect inside the body (102). The aerosol generating device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user-operated element (114) protrudes from the outer surface (110) of the body (102). The aerosol generating device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the user-operated element (114) is movable toward the body (102). 5. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the user-operated element (114) is movable relative to the opening (108) between a closed position in which the user-operated element (114) covers the opening (108) and an open position in which the opening (108 ) is substantially unobstructed by the user-operated element (114). 7. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the user-operated element (114) is slidable on the outer surface (110) of the body (102). The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 7 , wherein the user-operable element (114) is movable along an arc. 9. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the body (102) is elongated in a direction between the first end (120) and the second end (122). 10. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1 , wherein the second end (122) of the body (102) is generally convex. 11. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein between the first end (120) and the second end (122), the outer surface (110) of the body (102) has a first pair of opposing surfaces (110a) and a second pair of opposing surfaces (110b), the first pair of opposing surfaces (110a) being larger than the second pair of opposing surfaces (110b). 12. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, further comprising a power storage section (126), the power storage section (126) being elongated, and a power storage section axis (D) and a cavity axis (A) extending in the longitudinal direction of the power storage section (126) converging toward each other toward the first end (120). 13. The aerosol generating device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the substrate support (112) is elongated and arranged coaxially with the elongated cavity (106) . 14. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 13, wherein the substrate carrier (112) protrudes outwardly from the opening (108) when fully inserted into the elongated cavity (106) . The aerosol generating device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a detector for detecting movement of the user-operated element (114) and a controller (118) for controlling operation of the aerosol generating device (118) in response to the detection of the movement.

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