RU2841632C2 - Aerosol generating device and method of using aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: device (1) for generating an aerosol comprises article (3) for generating an aerosol. Device (1) comprises: heating chamber (5) for receiving an aerosol-forming article; inductance coil (4a, 4b) for generating a magnetic field for heating article (3) to form an aerosol placed in heating chamber (5). Heating chamber (5) comprises first and second areas. Inductance coil (4a, 4b) is configured to selectively generate a magnetic field for heating or inducing heating of only the first region of the heating chamber during use. Method for using the aerosol generating system is also provided.

EFFECT: reduced power consumption for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming article when placed in the heating chamber of the device.

22 cl, 6 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a device for generating an aerosol and to a method for using it.

In the prior art, aerosol generating devices have been proposed that heat, rather than burn, an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, heated smoking devices have been proposed in which tobacco is heated rather than burned. One purpose of such smoking devices is to reduce the creation of undesirable smoke constituents resulting from the combustion and pyrolytic decomposition of tobacco in conventional cigarettes. These heated smoking devices are generally known as "heat-not-burn" devices.

The heated smoking devices of the above-described type usually comprise a heating chamber, which is equipped, for example, with heating surfaces, and into which an aerosol-forming article is inserted before use. The aerosol-forming article usually comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, which is subsequently heated by a heater of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, in the event of the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the article being used up, the article can be replaced, and thus the heated smoking device is a reusable device, while the article contains a "consumable" product. The aerosol-forming articles are usually shaped and sized in such a way as to imitate conventional cigarettes. Accordingly, the article and the heating chamber in the heated smoking device, into which it is or can be inserted, have a generally cylindrical shape. Typically, the diameter of the articles is from 5 to 10 mm, for example approximately 7.2 mm.

Aerosol-forming articles of the above-described type typically have a wrapper or carrier layer within which an aerosol-forming substrate is retained. A filter material is typically provided at one or both ends of the article, serving as a plug for retaining the aerosol-forming substrate within the article, as well as for filtering the aerosol generated by the heated smoking device during use. In addition, an aerosol cooling element (which can be made, for example, of an assembled sheet of polylactic acid) can be located within the article between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter at one end of the article. A support element (for example, made of a hollow acetate tube) can be further located between the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol cooling element.

In use, the user inserts the product between the heating surfaces of the heating chamber of the heated smoking device. The user then draws air through the free end of the product (the said free end contains a filter material). The heater inside the heated smoking device is activated to transfer thermal energy to the product to form an aerosol, as a result of which volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate. Air is drawn into the heated smoking device by the user, who puffs on the product to form an aerosol. The air flows through at least a part of the device and then into the product and along its length, passing through the aerosol-forming substrate and simultaneously drawing in volatile compounds released from it. Then the mixture of air flow and volatile compounds passes through a cooling segment, where the volatile compounds are cooled and condensed in the form of an aerosol. This aerosol then passes through the filter material before being drawn into the user's lungs. The wrap or carrier layer acts as a baffle during this process and serves to direct the air flow, causing it to flow through the product and along it towards the wearer.

Heating the aerosol-forming substrate rather than burning it requires that the aerosol-forming substrate be heated to a relatively low temperature. Accordingly, a relatively small amount of thermal energy must be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate. Saving energy provides the advantage of reducing the operating costs of the heated smoking device. However, it would be desirable to further reduce the amount of thermal energy required to evaporate the compounds from the article to form the aerosol.

In addition, heating rather than burning the aerosol-forming substrate allows for more efficient use of the substrate, requiring relatively small amounts and thus reducing cost. However, in prior art "heat-not-burn" devices, a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate remains unevaporated after use, thus resulting in wasteful material consumption.

As should be understood, the aerosol generating articles may be provided in different configurations (e.g., with different shapes and/or sizes), have different types and/or shapes of the aerosol-generating substrate, and/or be in different states (e.g., new, used, or partially used). Aerosol generating articles of different types, with different configurations, and/or in different states may respond differently to heating at different temperatures, different values of the duration of temperature application, and/or different amounts of thermal energy transferred. Accordingly, the user's sensations when heating such different articles in the heating chamber of the heated smoking device may be unstable, suboptimal, and even unpleasant for the user, depending on the type, configuration, and/or state of the article used.

In the context of this document, the expression "and/or" is used to refer to either of two options mentioned or to both of two options mentioned. For example, A and/or B is used to refer to either of A and B or both A and B. In addition, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is within the definition of "A and/or B".

It would be desirable to create an aerosol generating device that is improved over the prior art aerosol generating devices. It would be desirable to create such an aerosol generating device that would solve one or more of the above problems. It would be desirable to create such an aerosol generating device that would provide an improved user experience when heating aerosol forming articles of various types, with various configurations and/or in various states. It would also be desirable to create such an aerosol generating device that would require a relatively small amount of energy to generate an aerosol from an aerosol forming article when it is placed in a heating chamber of the device.

A device for generating an aerosol is proposed. The device may contain a heating chamber for placing an article for forming an aerosol. The device may contain an inductance coil for generating a magnetic field for heating the article for forming an aerosol placed in the heating chamber. The device may contain an electric circuit configured to monitor the operating characteristics of the inductance coil.

According to the present invention, a system for generating an aerosol is proposed. The system comprises a device for generating an aerosol and an article for forming an aerosol. The device comprises a heating chamber for placing an article for forming an aerosol and an induction coil for generating a magnetic field for heating the article for forming an aerosol placed in the heating chamber. The heating chamber comprises first and second regions. The induction coil is designed with the possibility of selectively generating a magnetic field for heating or inducing heating only in the first region of the heating chamber during use.

The induction coil may be configured to selectively generate a magnetic field for heating and induce heating only in the first region of the heating chamber when used.

According to the present invention, a system for generating an aerosol is proposed. The system may comprise a device for generating an aerosol and an article for forming an aerosol. The device may comprise a heating chamber for placing an article for forming an aerosol and an induction coil for generating an alternating magnetic field for heating the article for forming an aerosol placed in the heating chamber. The heating chamber may comprise a first and a second region. The induction coil may be configured to selectively generate an alternating magnetic field for heating or inducing heating of only the first region of the heating chamber during use.

Monitoring the performance of the inductor coil provides the advantage of creating an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol comparatively more efficiently than prior art devices.

Monitoring the operating characteristics of the induction coil allows for comparatively more precise regulation of the duration and/or amount of thermal energy supplied to the aerosol forming product located within the heating chamber of the device.

In addition, it is possible to more easily adapt the supply of thermal energy to the type, configuration and/or state of the aerosol-forming article located in the heating chamber of the device. Without reference to any particular theory, it is assumed that the operating characteristics of the inductor vary in accordance with the type, configuration and/or state of the aerosol-forming article located in the heating chamber. For example, the energy transfer from the inductor of the device to the current collector of the article can have the greatest efficiency if the operating frequency of the inductor is equal to or higher than the resonant frequency of the inductor in combination with the current collector. If the operating frequency of the inductor is equal to or higher than the resonant frequency of the inductor and the current collector, then the amount of power transfer between them increases. Accordingly, adjusting the operating frequency of the inductor so that it is equal to or higher than the said resonant frequency makes it possible to improve the heating of the article and, consequently, the generation of an aerosol from it. In addition, by monitoring the operating characteristics of the inductor coil, it is possible to determine whether the operating frequency has reached the resonant frequency or not. In this way, it is possible to determine the characteristics of the product placed in the heating chamber of the device (for example, the resonant frequency of the current collector in combination with the inductor coil), which makes it possible to create an improved user experience from the aerosol generated by the device.

The term "current collector" refers to an element that is heated by a changing or alternating magnetic field. Typically, the current collector is conductive, and the heating of the current collector is a result of eddy currents induced in the current collector, or hysteresis losses. Both hysteresis losses and eddy currents may occur in the current collector. The current collector may include conductive elements made of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminum, and any other. Preferably, the current collector element is a ferrite element. The material and geometric shape of the current collector may be selected to provide the desired electrical resistance and heat generation.

In operation of the induction heater, a high-frequency alternating current is passed through one or more inductors to generate one or more corresponding changing or alternating magnetic fields that induce a voltage in a current collector of the article. The induced voltage causes a current to flow in the current collector, and this current causes Joule heating of the current collector, which in turn causes heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. If the current collector is ferromagnetic, then hysteresis losses in the current collector may also cause heat generation.

The term "high frequency" means a frequency in the range of from about 500 kilohertz (kHz) to about 30 megahertz (MHz) (including the range from 500 kHz to 30 MHz), in particular from about 1 megahertz (MHz) to about 10 MHz (including the range from 1 MHz to 10 MHz), and even more in particular from about 5 megahertz (MHz) to about 7 megahertz (MHz) (including the range from 5 MHz to 7 MHz).

Throughout this description, the term "magnetic field" may refer to a changing or alternating magnetic field.

Throughout this description, the term "current" may refer to alternating current.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used to describe a substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when heated. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrates described herein may be visible or invisible to the human eye. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a solid, a fluid, or a mixture of a solid and a fluid. If the aerosol-forming substrate is a fluid, it is preferably retained within a matrix and/or a coating layer at least until the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the heating chamber.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a suspension of relatively fine particles in a carrier fluid.

In the context of this document, the term "heating chamber" is used to designate a space within which an article for forming an aerosol, containing an aerosol-forming substrate, is placed or can be placed and heated or can be heated. The first and second main boundary surfaces at least partially form the periphery of the heating chamber.

In the context of this document, the phrase "monitoring the performance of an inductor" is used to mean directly or indirectly monitoring one or more characteristics of an inductor. For example, the electric current flowing into, through and/or out of the inductor may be directly and/or indirectly monitored. Additionally or alternatively, the characteristics of one or more additional elements (e.g., a heating chamber and/or an article placed therein) may be monitored, for example, in such a way that the performance of the inductor may be indirectly monitored.

In some embodiments, the heating chamber comprises a first and a second region. The inductor coil may be configured to selectively generate a magnetic field when used, for example, to heat and/or induce heating of only the first region of the heating chamber.

According to the present invention, a device for generating an aerosol is proposed, comprising: a heating chamber for placing an article for forming an aerosol; and an induction coil for generating a magnetic field for heating the article for forming an aerosol placed in the heating chamber, wherein the heating chamber comprises first and second regions, and the induction coil is configured to selectively generate a magnetic field for heating and/or inducing heating of only the first region of the heating chamber during use.

In some embodiments, the device may comprise an electrical circuit, for example, configured to monitor the operating characteristics of an inductor. In the present invention, the terms "electrical" and "electronic" may be used interchangeably.

In some embodiments, said first and second regions may have substantially the same shape and/or volume. The first region may be adjacent to the second region or located at a distance from it. In some embodiments, the heating chamber may consist of the first and second regions.

The heating chamber may comprise a main flow axis, for example a fluid flow through the heating chamber in use. The heating chamber may comprise a first main boundary surface. The heating chamber may comprise a second main boundary surface. The first and/or second main boundary surfaces may be substantially flat. The first and second main boundary surfaces may extend parallel to and face each other. The first and second main boundary surfaces may define a main flow axis. The first region may be located upstream or downstream of the second region, for example, along the main flow axis. The heating chamber may comprise, for example, an upstream end and a downstream end. The heating chamber may be designed or arranged so that, in use, the fluid flows from the upstream end to or in the direction of the downstream end (for example, along the main flow axis). The heating chamber may have a non-circular cross-section, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and/or the main flow axis. The first region may be located, for example, at or adjacent to the upstream end of the heating chamber, and it may be located at a distance from its further downstream end. The second region may be located, for example, at or adjacent to the downstream end of the heating chamber, and it may be located at a distance from its upstream end.

In some embodiments, the electrical circuit may be configured to control (e.g., by changing or stopping) the inductor that generates the magnetic field, for example, based on the monitored performance of the inductor. In some embodiments, the electrical circuit may be configured to control (e.g., by changing or stopping) the inductor that generates the magnetic field for heating and/or inducing heating in the first region (if present) of the heating chamber. In some embodiments, the electrical circuit may be configured to activate the inductor that generates the magnetic field for heating and/or inducing heating in the second region (if present) of the heating chamber, for example, after the generation of the magnetic field for heating and/or inducing heating in the first region has been controlled (e.g., by changing or stopping).

Controlling (e.g. by changing or stopping) the inductance coil generating the magnetic field provides the advantage of being able to improve the user's sensations from the device. For example, the electrical circuit may stop heating a used or damaged article in the device. Additionally or as an alternative, the electrical circuit may stop heating an article having an incorrect configuration (e.g. an incompatible configuration, in particular an incorrect position, size, shape, etc. of the current collector) in the device. Thus, the electrical circuit provides the advantage of being able to stop heating counterfeit or other unwanted articles in the heating chamber of the device. Additionally or as an alternative, the electrical circuit may change the magnetic field generated by the inductance coil to heat the article placed in the heating chamber of the device more efficiently and/or with a more suitable heating mode (e.g. one that provides the ability to improve the user's sensations).

In some embodiments, the electrical circuit may be configured to monitor (e.g., directly or indirectly) the current flowing into and/or through and/or out of the inductor. The electrical circuit may comprise a current sensor, for example configured to measure the current flowing into and/or through and/or out of the inductor. The current sensor may comprise a Hall effect sensor and/or a shunt resistor and/or a current transformer and/or a magnetic current sensor and/or a current sensor of any other suitable type.

In some embodiments, the electrical circuit may be configured to control (e.g., by changing or stopping) the inductor that generates the magnetic field if the monitored current flowing through the inductor differs from the expected or desired (e.g., reference) current. The electrical circuit may be configured to control (e.g., by changing or stopping) the inductor that generates the magnetic field if the monitored current flowing through the inductor is less than, equal to, or greater than the expected or desired (e.g., reference) current. The electrical circuit may be configured to control (e.g., by changing or stopping) the inductor that generates the magnetic field if the monitored current flowing through the inductor differs from the expected or desired (e.g., reference) current for a period of time equal to or greater than a specified period of time. The electrical circuit may comprise a switch configured to selectively provide or prevent electrical energy from being supplied to the inductor, for example, to control (e.g. by changing or stopping) the inductor generating a magnetic field.

The expected or desired (e.g., reference) current may be a threshold current, such as a preset threshold current. The expected or desired (e.g., reference) current may be a range of current. The expected or desired (e.g., reference) current may be characterized by a threshold rate of change of current over time, such as a preset threshold rate of change of current over time. The expected or desired (e.g., reference) current may be characterized by a current profile, such as a curve or graph of current versus voltage and/or time.

The specified predetermined period of time may be any suitable period of time, such as 10 seconds, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 second or less. The specified predetermined time interval may be less than 1000 milliseconds, such as less than 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 75, 50, 25, 20, 15, 10 or 5 milliseconds.

In some embodiments, the electrical circuit may be configured to monitor the temperature of the heating chamber and/or the aerosol forming article placed in the heating chamber. The electrical circuit may comprise a temperature sensor, for example configured to measure the temperature of the heating chamber and/or the aerosol forming article placed in the heating chamber. The temperature sensor may be one or more temperature sensors. The temperature sensor may be a contact and/or non-contact sensor. The temperature sensor may be a thermostat, a thermistor, a resistance temperature sensor and/or a thermocouple.

The electrical circuit can be configured to control (e.g. by changing or stopping) the induction coil generating the magnetic field if the monitored temperature of the heating chamber and/or the aerosol forming article placed therein differs from the expected or required (e.g. reference) temperature. The electrical circuit can be configured to control (e.g. or stop the induction coil generating the magnetic field when the monitored temperature of the heating chamber and/or the aerosol forming article placed therein is less than the expected or required temperature) or greater than (e.g. reference temperature. The electrical circuit can be configured to control (e.g. by changing or stopping) the induction coil generating the magnetic field if the monitored temperature of the heating chamber and/or the aerosol forming article placed therein differs from the expected or required (e.g. reference) temperature for a period of time equal to or greater than a predetermined period of time.

The expected or required (e.g. reference) temperature may be a threshold temperature, such as a preset threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may be 400 degrees Celsius, such as 300, 270, 250, 225, 200, 175, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100 or 90 degrees Celsius. The expected or required (e.g. reference) temperature may be a temperature range, such as from about 90 to 400 degrees Celsius, such as from about 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 270 or 300 to 400 degrees Celsius. The expected or desired (e.g. reference) temperature may be characterized by a threshold rate of change of temperature over time, such as a predetermined threshold rate of change of temperature over time. The expected or desired (e.g. reference) temperature may be a temperature profile, such as a curve or graph of temperature versus voltage and/or current and/or time.

In some embodiments, the electrical circuit may be configured to prevent the inductor from being reactivated, such as after the inductor has stopped generating a magnetic field (e.g., if and/or until a new aerosol-forming article is placed in the heating chamber).

In some embodiments, the inductor may comprise a first and a second inductor. The first inductor may be arranged or made or be configurable with the ability to generate a magnetic field in the first region (for example, only in the first region) of the heating chamber. The second inductor may be arranged or made or be configurable with the ability to generate a magnetic field in the second region (for example, only in the second region) of the heating chamber. The electrical circuit may be configured to control (for example, by changing or stopping) the first and/or second inductors generating a magnetic field, for example, based on the monitored operating characteristics of the first and/or second inductor.

The electrical circuit may be made or be configurable with the ability to change or regulate the operating frequency of the inductor. If several inductors are provided (i.e. a plurality of inductors), the electrical circuit may be made or be configurable with the ability to change or regulate the operating frequency of one, some or all inductors, for example, individually or together. If several inductors are provided, the electrical circuit may be made with the ability to control or be controlled to generate a magnetic field in such a way that the operating frequency of one inductor differs from the operating frequencies used to generate magnetic one or more other inductors.

The electrical circuit may comprise one or more inverters, such as those configured or configured to generate alternating current (e.g. based on direct current).

In some embodiments, the device may comprise means or a mechanism for changing the current collector, for example, arranged, made or configured with the ability to change the operation of the current collector of the article for forming an aerosol placed in the heating chamber. The means for changing the current collector may be mechanical, thermal and/or chemical means for changing the operation of the current collector. The means or mechanism for changing the current collector may be arranged or made or be configured with the ability to change the current collector of the article for forming an aerosol placed in the heating chamber. The means or mechanism for changing the current collector may be arranged or made with the ability to change the state of the current collector, for example, to deform and/or break the current collector of the article for forming an aerosol placed in the heating chamber. The electrical circuit may be made or be configured with the ability to control the means or mechanism for changing the current collector, for example, to change the state of the current collector of the article for forming an aerosol placed in the heating chamber. The electrical circuit can be made or configured with the ability to control the means or mechanism for changing the current collector for changing the state of the current collector of the article for generating an aerosol placed in the heating chamber after and/or if the control of the magnetic field generation by the inductance coil is performed or has been performed (for example, by changing or stopping). The means or mechanism for changing the current collector can comprise a hook. The means or mechanism for changing the current collector can be controlled with the ability to move between the interaction and exit positions. In the interaction position, the means or mechanism for changing the current collector can interact and/or contact with a part (for example, the current collector) of the article for generating an aerosol placed in the heating chamber. In the exit position of interaction, the means or mechanism for changing the current collector can be free from the article for generating an aerosol placed in the heating chamber. Changing the article can include moving the means or mechanism for changing the current collector from the interaction position to the exit position of interaction. The means or mechanism for changing the current collector can comprise means for heating, for example, overheating, the article placed in the heating chamber. For example, the means or mechanism for changing the current collector may comprise means for heating the article placed in the heating chamber to a change temperature, which, for example, may be higher than the normal operating temperature of heating the article (for example, the temperature at which the release of volatile compounds from the article occurs). The change temperature may be set or selected to change (for example, directly or indirectly) the shape and/or size and/or state of the current collector of the article placed in the heating chamber. In some embodiments, the change temperature may be set or selected to change the shape and/or size and/or state of the aerosol-forming substrate of the article placed in the heating chamber, and, for example, to thereby change the shape, size and/or state of the current collector of the article.

In some embodiments, the device may comprise initiating means or a mechanism for activating the device, such as for activating the generation of an aerosol by the device. The initiating means or mechanism may comprise a manually controlled or manually operable actuator or activator, such as a switch or a button. Additionally or alternatively, the initiating means or mechanism may comprise an automatically controlled or automatically operable actuator or activator, such as a switch activated by a threshold pressure or a flow rate of a fluid. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a check valve or a one-way valve configured or configured to limit the flow through or within the device to one direction, such as configured or configured to allow inhalation through the device and prevent exhalation through the device. Inhalation through the device may be a flow of fluid (e.g. air) toward the first end, if present. Exhalation through the device may be a flow of fluid (e.g. air) toward the second end, if present.

The resistance to draw (RTD) of an aerosol generating device with an aerosol generating article placed in a heating chamber may be between approximately 80 mm H2O and approximately 140 mm H2O. In the context of this document, the resistance to draw is expressed in pressure units of "mm H2O" or "mm H2O" and is measured according to ISO 6565:2002.

The device may comprise a cooling chamber, for example, in fluid communication with the heating chamber. The cooling chamber may be in fluid communication with the mouthpiece or the mouthpiece end of the device (if present). The cooling chamber may be made or configured with the possibility of cooling a mixture of fluid and evaporated compounds flowing into it. The cooling chamber may have a cross-sectional area (for example, perpendicular to the direction of flow into the cooling chamber) greater than the cross-sectional area of the heating chamber (for example, perpendicular to the main axis of the flow).

In some embodiments, the device may be configured to recognize an aerosol-forming article, such as a type or kind of aerosol-forming article.

According to the present invention, a device is proposed for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming article, configured to recognize or identify the aerosol-forming article, for example the type or kind of the aerosol-forming article.

In some embodiments, the device may be configured or arranged to selectively provide or prevent heating of the article to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the device may be configured or arranged to selectively provide heating of the article to form an aerosol, for example, if the article for forming an aerosol has been recognized or identified (e.g., as suitable). In some embodiments, the device may be configured or arranged to selectively prevent heating of the article to form an aerosol, for example, if the article for forming an aerosol has not been recognized or identified (or, for example, has been identified as unsuitable).

The device may be configured to recognize or identify an article for generating an aerosol based on one or more parameters of the article. Suitable parameters may include: the size of the article; the shape of the article; the volume of the article; one or more dimensions of the article; the density of one or more parts of the article; the mass or weight of the article or a part thereof; one or more marks or markers in and/or on the article, visible or of another type (e.g., manifested under the influence of a specific wavelength of electromagnetic radiation and/or a chemical substance and/or temperature and/or pressure); the permeability of at least a part of the article; the properties of the materials of the article or a part thereof; the intensity and/or position and/or direction of the magnetism of the article or a part thereof; the capacitance of the article or a part thereof; the electrical resistance of the article or a part thereof; and the like.

According to the present invention, a system for generating an aerosol is proposed, comprising an aerosol generating device described in this document and an article for forming an aerosol.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming article may be shaped to exactly match the heating chamber, such as the shape and/or dimensions of the heating chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-forming article may comprise one or more additional parts configured (e.g., sized and/or shaped) to protrude from the heating chamber when placed inside it. The additional part(s) may be attached or connected to the main part of the aerosol-forming article. The additional part(s) may extend from the side, edge or end of the aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming article may have a substantially parallelepiped shape. The aerosol-forming article may have a width, a length and a thickness. The thickness may be less than the width and the length. The article may have a non-circular cross-section. The article may have a first main surface that is substantially flat. The article may have a second main surface that is substantially flat. The first and second main surfaces may be substantially parallel to each other, for example, they may extend generally parallel to each other. The article may comprise an upstream end. The article may comprise a downstream end. The article may be made or arranged in such a way that, when inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol forming device, the fluid may flow through the article (for example, from the upstream end to the downstream end). The article may have a non-circular cross-section, for example, if this cross-section is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the article (for example, the direction extending from the upstream end to the downstream end of the article). The article may comprise first and second regions, which, for example, may be designed to align with the first and second regions of the heating chamber (when the article is inserted into it).

Providing a non-circular cross-section provides the advantage of reducing the number of relative orientations in which the article can be inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device (if the article is shaped in such a way that it exactly fits the heating chamber). Accordingly, the user of the device is provided with the ability to more quickly and easily align the article with the device in the target or desired orientation (which may otherwise be difficult). The advantage is that it is possible to correctly align the elements of the article with the elements of the device, which allows for an increase in the efficiency of using the article in the device (e.g. heating the article in the device). Thus, the user of the device is provided with the ability to simplify the insertion of the article into the device.

In some embodiments, the article may comprise one or more metal elements (e.g., current collectors). One, some, or all of said one or more metal elements may be located in and/or on the article (e.g., an aerosol-forming substrate). One, some, or all of said one or more metal elements may be located in and/or on the first and/or second region of the aerosol-forming substrate (if the first and second regions are provided). One of the first and second regions may consist of metal elements. Said one or more metal elements may extend at least partially along the length of the article. Said one or more metal elements may extend at least partially along the width of the article. Said one or more metal elements may extend through the thickness of the article. Said one or more metal elements may have any suitable shape, such as a loop, a coil, a strip, a sphere, a strand, a particle, an irregular shape, and the like. The one or more metallic elements may comprise a metallic shell or covering layer of any suitable shape (for example, as described above) that surrounds the non-metallic material and/or that may be hollow.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing aerosol-forming material.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, grains, thin tubes, strips or sheets containing one or more of the following: grass leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco rib fragments, expanded tobacco or homogenized tobacco.

If desired, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aromatic compounds that are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is present in the form of a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds that are released upon heating of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. If desired, the solid or liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may be in the form of a powder, granules, beads, grains, ropes, strips or sheets. The solid or liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied throughout the carrier, such as throughout its volume. Alternatively, the solid or liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or suspension. The solid or liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, it may be applied in a pattern to provide non-uniform delivery of the aroma agent during use.

The aerosol forming article may contain a volatile aroma generating component. Each of the additional parts of the aerosol forming substrate, if any, may contain a volatile aroma generating component.

In the context of this document, the term "volatile aroma-generating component" is used to describe any volatile component that is added to an aerosol-forming substrate for the purpose of providing aroma.

The volatile aroma-generating component may be present in the form of a liquid or a solid. The volatile aroma-generating component may be connected or otherwise associated with a support element. The support element may be any suitable substrate or support for placing, holding or retaining the aroma-generating component. For example, the support element may be a fiber support element that may be saturated or configured to be saturated with a fluid, such as a liquid.

In some embodiments, the volatile aroma-generating component may have any suitable structure in which the structural material surrounds the flavoring agent or flavoring agents with the ability to release them. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the volatile aroma-generating component comprises a matrix structure forming a plurality of domains, wherein the flavoring agent is retained within said domains until its release occurs, for example until the aerosol-forming substrate is subjected to an external force. Alternatively, the volatile aroma-generating component may comprise a capsule. Preferably, the capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core containing the flavoring agent. Preferably, the outer shell is sealed until an external force is applied, but is brittle or friable, which allows the flavoring agent to be released when an external force is applied. The capsule may be made in various physical forms, including, but not limited to, a single capsule, a multi-piece capsule, a single-layer capsule, a multi-layer capsule, a large capsule, and a small capsule.

If the volatile aroma-generating component comprises a matrix structure forming a plurality of domains enclosing the aroma-forming agent, the aroma-delivery element enables a stable release of the aroma-forming agent when the aerosol-forming substrate is subjected to an external force. Alternatively, if the volatile aroma-generating component is a capsule configured to break or rupture to release the aroma-forming agent when the smoking article is subjected to an external force (for example, without limitation, if the capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core), then said capsule may have any desired rupture resistance. The rupture resistance is the force (applied to the capsule from the outside of the aerosol-forming substrate) at which the capsule ruptures. The rupture resistance may be a peak in a curve of the force versus compression of the capsule.

The volatile aroma-generating component may be configured to release the aroma in response to an activating action. Such an activating action may include applying a force to the filter, changing the temperature of the filter, a chemical reaction, or any combination of the above.

Suitable flavoring agents include, but are not limited to, materials that contain natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, and linalool.

In the context of this document, the term "menthol" is used to describe the compound 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol in any of its isomeric forms.

Menthol may be used in solid or liquid form. In solid form, menthol may be provided in the form of particles or granules. The term "solid menthol particles" may be used to describe any material in the form of granules or solid particles containing at least about 80% menthol by weight.

Preferably, 1.5 mg or more of a volatile aroma-generating component is included in the aerosol-forming substrate.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aerosol-forming substance.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promote aerosol formation and are substantially stable against thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols 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 forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol-forming substance. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol-forming substances.

Preferably, the content of the aerosol-forming substance in the aerosol-forming substrate is more than 5% on a dry weight basis.

The aerosol forming substance content of the aerosol forming substrate may be from about 5% to about 30% on a dry weight basis.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol forming substance content of the aerosol forming substrate is approximately 20% on a dry weight basis.

According to the present invention, a method of using a device for generating an aerosol is proposed, comprising the steps of:

provide an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber, an induction coil and an electrical circuit;

insert the aerosol forming product into the specified heating chamber;

generate a magnetic field using an induction coil to heat the heating chamber and/or the article placed therein to form an aerosol; and

monitor the performance of the inductor coil using an electrical circuit.

In some embodiments, the method may include step e), which comprises controlling (e.g., by changing or stopping) the generation of a magnetic field by the inductor using an electrical circuit, for example, based on the monitored operating characteristics of the inductor.

All scientific and technical terms used in this document have the meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided in this document are intended to facilitate the understanding of certain terms frequently used in this document.

Throughout the present description and claims in this application, the words "comprise" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to" and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the present description and claims in this application, the singular includes the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, when the singular is used, the present description should be construed as implying the plural as well as the singular, unless the context otherwise requires.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the present invention. Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular their individual features, may be considered independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one aspect or embodiment of the present invention apply to all aspects or embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

The present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a partial sectional view in the plane A-A shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged sectional view of region B in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a heating arrangement for use in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of an aerosol forming article for use in the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a method of using the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1, 2 and 3 show a device 1 for generating an aerosol, comprising a first, mouthpiece, end 1a and a second, distal, end 1b with a casing 2 passing between them. In this embodiment, the device 1 has a generally parallelepiped shape. In this embodiment, the casing 2 is made of a plastic material and can be molded to give it the required shape in accordance with molding technologies known from the prior art. However, in some embodiments, the casing 2 may be optional and, if present, it may have any suitable shape and be made of any suitable material and/or combination of materials.

The mouthpiece end 1a (which is the downstream end) of the housing 2 comprises a mouthpiece 2a, which is removably attached to the rest of the housing 2 by means of a tight fit. However, in some embodiments, the mouthpiece 2a may be formed as a single unit with the rest of the housing 2. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the mouthpiece 2a may be absent.

The device 1 comprises an electrical circuit E, which in this embodiment is located inside the housing 2. However, in some embodiments, the electrical circuit E may be located in any suitable place relative to the device 1. The far end 1b of the device 1 comprises optional electrical connections EC for connecting (e.g. for programming purposes) to the electrical circuit E inside the optional housing 2, for receiving data from a memory (not shown) inside the housing 2 and/or for charging a power source (not shown) inside the housing 2. The electrical connections EC may be one or more of the following: micro-USB, USB-C or a dedicated connection. The far end 1b of the device 1 may also comprise a signaling mechanism (not shown), for example an audio device such as a speaker, and/or a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED). The signaling mechanism may be configured or configurable to signal to the user of the device 1 about a change in the state of the device 1, for example that charging of the power source is required.

In the device 1, an article 3 for forming an aerosol is located, containing an aerosol-forming substrate 30 and shown in Figs. 2 and 3. However, as should be understood by those skilled in the art, the article 3 is separate from the device 1 and is not a part of it.

As best shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the device 1 also comprises a heater 4, a heating chamber 5, an optional aroma generating chamber 6 and an optional cooling chamber 7, located in an optional casing 2 between the mouthpiece and the ends 1a, 1b of the device 1. The heating chamber 5 is located in close proximity to the optional aroma generating chamber 6 and is in fluid communication with it. The optional aroma generating chamber 6 is in fluid communication with the cooling chamber 7, which, in turn, is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece end 1b of the device 1. An optional button 8 is located adjacent to the optional aroma generating chamber 6.

In this embodiment, the heating chamber 5 comprises first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b. In addition, auxiliary boundary surfaces (not shown) extend between the first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b. In this embodiment, the first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b are substantially flat and made of a plastic material. However, in some embodiments, the first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b can be made of any suitable material, such as a metal (for example, iron or an alloy thereof). In this embodiment, the heating chamber 5 has a generally parallelepiped shape. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the device 1 is in a first, closed state, in which the first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b face each other and are arranged in parallel. The first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b form a main flow axis P, passing from the upstream end US to the downstream end DS, for the fluid flowing through the article 3 located therebetween. At one end (the upstream end US) of the heating chamber 5 there is an inlet 5c, communicating via the fluid with the region outside the casing 2. At the opposite end (the downstream end DS) of the heating chamber 5 there is an outlet 5d. The main flow axis P passes between the inlet 5c and the outlet 5d (e.g. the upstream and downstream ends US, DS) parallel to the flow path passing therebetween. The heating chamber 5 contains the first and second regions R1, R2 (as can be seen in Fig. 4). The first region R1 is located adjacent to the upstream end US of the heating chamber 5. The second region R2 is located adjacent to the downstream end DS of the heating chamber 5.

The heater 4 comprises first and second inductance coils 4a, 4b. The inductance coils 4a, 4b of the heater 4 are arranged to heat the current collector S of the aerosol-forming substrate 3, located in the heating chamber 5 (as will be described in more detail below). In this embodiment, the inductance coils 4a, 4b are built into the casing 2, however, in some embodiments, the inductance coils 4a, 4b may instead be located inside the chamber of the casing 2. As shown more clearly in Fig. 5, the longitudinal axis L of each inductance coil 4a, 4b is substantially perpendicular to the main flow axis P, so that the magnetic field M generated in this way (in use) is parallel to the main flow axis P. The first inductance coil 4a is configured to generate a magnetic field in the first region R1 of the heating chamber 5 in use. The second inductance coil 4b is designed with the possibility of generating a magnetic field in the second region R2 of the heating chamber 5 during use. The heater 4 is operatively connected or designed with the possibility of being connected to a power source.

The first main boundary surface 5a is attached to the first part 2b of the casing 2, while the second main boundary surface 5b is attached to the second part 2c of the casing 2. The first part 2b of the casing 2 and, therefore, the first main boundary surface 5a are capable of sliding relative to the second part 2c of the casing 2 and the second main boundary surface 5b in a direction parallel to the main flow axis P.

In this embodiment, the first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b may comprise corrugations having parallel peaks and valleys (not shown). Said peaks and valleys extend in a direction parallel to the main flow axis P.

The first part 2b of the casing 2 comprises an additional part 2d, which extends outside the first main boundary surface 5a in a direction substantially parallel to it. The additional part 2d is designed with the possibility of elastic deformation in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the first main boundary surface 5a. The free end 2e of the additional part 2d tapers to a cone.

An extraction hole 2f passes through the second part 2c of the casing 2 at a location located earlier downstream relative to the heating chamber 5. The extraction hole 2f is shaped and sized to allow the used article 3 to be extracted through it from the device 1. The extraction hole 2f is connected to the heating chamber 5 via an extraction passage 20. The guide surfaces of the extraction hole 2f are arranged to facilitate the sliding extraction of the used article 3 from the device 1 during use. The guide surfaces extend in a direction forming an acute angle with the main flow axis P of the heating chamber 5. In this embodiment, the guide surfaces are curved. The extraction hole 2f may be an air inlet of the device 1. In some embodiments, the device 1 may comprise one or more additional or alternative air inlets passing through the casing 2 and communicating with the heating chamber 5 via a fluid medium.

In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 2a comprises a transparent portion 2g (as shown in Fig. 1) through which the generation of aerosol can be seen during use of the device 1.

Inside the device 1 there is a stop element 9, which is configured to move relative to the casing 2 into the heating chamber 5 and/or out of it. The stop element 9 is configured to pull the article 3 out of the heating chamber 5. The stop element 9 is located inside a groove in the device 1, adjacent to and aligned with the optional chamber 6 for generating an aerosol and the heating chamber 5. The stop element 9 and the additional part 2d of the first part 2b of the casing 2 comprise a connecting mechanism for releasably connecting these two components to each other. The connecting mechanism comprises an interaction element or lock 9a and a counter recess 9b. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the additional part 2d comprises a recess 9b, and the stop element 9 comprises an interaction element or lock 9a. However, in some embodiments of the invention, the additional part 2d may comprise an interaction element or lock 9a, and the stop element 9 may comprise a recess 9b. The interaction element or retainer 9a is elastically pressed (for example by means of a spring) in the direction of the position in which it interacts with the recess 9b and enters it, thus connecting the additional part 2d and the stop element 9 with each other.

The button 8 comprises a mechanism for releasing an aroma. The button 8 is located in the opening 8a for the button, which is located adjacent to the optional chamber 6 for generating the aroma and passes through the additional part 2d of the first part 2b of the casing 2. The button 8 is configured to move, during use, inward and outward from the optional chamber 6 for generating the aerosol. The button 8 comprises a locking surface 8b, which is configured to move toward the article 3 located in the optional chamber 6 for generating the aerosol, during use. The button 8 comprises annular projections located at its ends or adjacent to them. The opening 8b for the button comprises first and second internal stops, made according to the size and located with the possibility of interacting with the annular projections of the button 8, in order to thus hold the button 8 in the opening 8b for the button, simultaneously also providing the possibility of moving the button 8 inward and outward from the optional chamber 6 for generating the aerosol.

The cooling chamber 7 has a cross-sectional area (e.g. height and/or width) perpendicular to the direction of flow flowing into the cooling chamber 7, greater than that of the fluid flow passage which fluidly connects the optional aerosol generating chamber 6 to the cooling chamber 7. The cooling chamber 7 also has a cross-sectional area (e.g. height and/or width) perpendicular to the direction of flow flowing into the cooling chamber 7, greater than that of the fluid passage which fluidly connects the cooling chamber 7 to the mouth end 1a of the device 1.

In this embodiment, the electrical circuit E comprises a temperature sensor E1, intended for measuring the temperature of the heating chamber 5 and/or of the article 3 placed therein. Although the temperature sensor E1 is shown as being built into one of the main boundary surfaces 5a, this is not necessarily the case, and, additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor E1 may be located in any suitable place. In some embodiments, more than one temperature sensor E1 may be provided, for example, at least one of several temperature sensors E1 (i.e. a plurality of temperature sensors) may be configured to measure the temperature of the heating chamber 5, and at least another one of several temperature sensors E1 may be configured to measure the temperature of the article 3 placed inside the heating chamber 5.

In this embodiment, the electrical circuit E also comprises a current monitoring sensor. The current monitoring sensor is configured to measure the current flowing through the first and second inductance coils 4a, 4b and/or to them and/or from them. The electrical circuit comprises a processor operatively connected to a temperature sensor E1 and a current monitoring sensor. The processor is also operatively connected to a heater 4 and/or a power source for selectively providing or preventing the supply of electrical energy to the heater 4. The processor is configured to receive temperature data from the temperature sensor E1 corresponding to the measured temperature of the heating chamber 5 and/or the temperature of the article 3 placed therein. The processor is configured to receive current data from the current monitoring sensor corresponding to the measured current passing through the first and second inductance coils 4a, 4b. The processor is also configured to compare the received temperature data and current data with the expected or required (e.g. reference) temperature data and the expected or required (e.g. reference) current data. In some embodiments, expected or desired (e.g., reference) temperature data and/or current data may be stored in device 1.

As shown in more detail in Fig. 5, the article 3 for forming an aerosol comprises a main part 3a and an optional additional part 3b extending from it. The main part 3a is sized and shaped in such a way that it exactly corresponds to the size and shape of the heating chamber 5 when placed inside it. In this embodiment, the main part 3a comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 30 in the form of a matrix material, inside which a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 30 is retained. The main part 3a of the article 3 has an upstream end UE and a downstream end DE, from which the optional additional part 3b extends. The main part 3a of the article 3 comprises first and second regions R1, R2. The first region R1 is located adjacent to the upstream end UE of the main part 3a of the article. The second region R2 is located adjacent to the downstream end DE of the main part 3a of the article.

In this embodiment, the current collector S is located in the second region R2 of the main part 3a of the article 3. However, in some embodiments, the current collector S can be located on the second region R2 or both on and inside the second region R2 of the main part 3a of the article 3. The current collector S has the shape of a coil and is made of a magnetizable material, for example iron or its alloy. The current collector S is located so that it is aligned with the first inductance coil 4a of the heater when the article 3 is placed inside the heating chamber 5 (as shown in Fig. 3). In this embodiment, the first region R1 of the main part 3a of the article 3 does not contain the current collector S. The optional additional part 3b of the article 3 contains a retaining material, inside which a volatile aroma-generating component 3 c is retained in the form of a capsule 3c. The capsule 3c contains a flavoring agent, which in this embodiment is methanol.

Let us now turn to Fig. 6, which shows a method of using the device 1. In a first step S1, an aerosol generating device is provided to the user. In a second step S2, the user of the device 1 inserts the aerosol forming article 3 into the heating chamber 5 of the device 1. In this embodiment, said insertion results in the user shifting the first part 2b of the casing 2 relative to the second part 2c of the casing 2 in the direction of arrow C, moving the heating chamber 5 into an open state. Then, the article 3 is placed in the inner region of the open device 1. Then, the first part 2b of the casing 2 is shifted relative to the second part 2 c of the casing 2 in the direction D (i.e. opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow C) until the free end 2e of the additional part 2d of the casing 2 is located above (relative to) the aerosol-forming substrate 3. Then, the user applies a perpendicular force to the additional part 2d to elastically press the tapered free end 2e of the additional part 2d to the article 3. Then, the user continues to shift the first part 2b of the casing 2 relative to the second part 2 c of the casing 2 in the direction C. As a result, the article 3 interacts with the free end 2e of the additional part 2d and moves with its help and together with it along its longitudinal direction. In this way, the article 3 is moved into the heating chamber 5. The first part 2b of the casing 2 is moved in the direction of the arrow C until the free end 2e of the additional part 2d interacts with the stop provided on the second part 2c of the casing 2, which limits further sliding in this direction. In this closed state, the first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b of the heating chamber 5 are located parallel and facing each other, and the article 3 is located in the heating chamber 5 (as shown in Figs. 2 and 3).

The article 3 is inserted into the heating chamber 5 of the device 1 in such a way that the first region R1 of the main part 3a of the article 3 is aligned with the first region R1 of the heating chamber 5, and the second region R2 of the main part 3a of the article 3 is aligned with the second region R2 of the heating chamber 5. The optional additional part 3b of the article 3 extends beyond the heating chamber 5 into the optional chamber 6 for generating the aroma. The capsule 3c inside the optional additional part 3b is located in the optional chamber 6 for generating the aroma and is aligned with the button 8 when the device 1 is in the closed state.

In the closed state, the interaction element or retainer 9a is aligned with the recess 9b and elastically pressed into the position of interaction with it. Thus, the stop element 9 is connected to the additional part 2d of the first part 2b of the casing 2 by means of a connecting mechanism.

Then, in the third step S3, the first and second inductance coils 4a, 4b are activated to generate magnetic fields in the first and second regions R1, R2 of the heating chamber 5 for heating the article 3 therein. This activation can be initiated by an initiating mechanism (not shown), such as a flow sensor and/or a pressure sensor, which can be configured to respond to an air flow and/or to a change in air pressure as a result of the user taking a puff on the mouth end 1a of the device 1. However, in some embodiments, the initiating mechanism can comprise a switch that is manually activated and/or configured to be manually activated. The initiating mechanism (if present) can be operatively connected to the electrical circuit E. Electric energy from the power source is supplied to the first and second inductance coils 4a, 4b under control from the electrical circuit E (for example, by activating the switch). The flow of electrical energy through the first and second inductance coils 4a, 4b generates magnetic fields in the first and second regions R1, R2 of the heating chamber 5.

At the fourth stage S4, the operating characteristics of the inductance coils 4a, 4b are monitored using the electrical circuit E.

The current monitoring sensor measures the current flowing through the first and second coils 4a, 4b and transmits current data corresponding to the measured current to the processor.

Then the received current data is compared with the expected or required (e.g. reference) current data. The magnetic field generated in the second region R2 of the heating chamber 5 by means of the second inductor 4b causes heating of the current collector S inside the second region R2 of the main part 3a of the article 3. The magnetic field generated in the first region R1 of the heating chamber 5 by means of the first inductor 4a does not cause heating due to the absence of the current collector S in the first region R1 of the main part 3a of the article 3. Therefore, the current flowing through the first coil 4a is comparatively low, while the current flowing through the second coil is comparatively high. The current data is compared with the expected or required (e.g. reference) current data, which in this embodiment is a threshold current value. The current data for the first inductor 4a is below the threshold value specified by the expected or required (e.g. reference) current data. The current data for the second inductor 4b is above the threshold value specified by the expected or required (e.g. reference) current data.

In the fifth step S5, the processor of the electric circuit E stops generating the magnetic field in the first region R1 of the heating chamber 5 by means of the first inductor 4a in response to the relatively low measured current in the current data. The second inductor 4b continues to generate the magnetic field in the second region R2 of the heating chamber 5 by means of the second inductor 4b.

It should be borne in mind that if the article 3 is inserted into the heating chamber 5 incorrectly, for example in such a way that the first and second regions R1, R2 of the main part 3a of the article 3 are not aligned with the first and second regions R1, R2 of the heating chamber 5, then the measured current in the inductance coils 4a, 4b may be different. If the first and second regions R1, R2 of the article 3 are not aligned with the first and second regions R1, R2 of the heating chamber, then the currents measured by the current monitoring sensor through each inductance coil 4a, 4b will be lower than the threshold value specified by the expected or required (for example, reference) data on the current. Therefore, with this arrangement, the processor can be designed with the possibility of stopping the generation of a magnetic field in both inductance coils 4a, 4b. In addition, if another article is inserted into the heating chamber 5 to form a substrate having a different configuration (for example, with the absence of a current collector S or with the presence of a current collector in a different place), then the processor can also stop the generation of magnetic fields by one or both inductance coils 4a, 4b.

In this embodiment, air is drawn through the device 1 as a result of the user taking a puff on the mouthpiece end 1a of the device 1. The air flows from the extraction opening 2f through the inlet 5c of the heating chamber 5 along the main flow axis P (i.e. parallel to it) of the heating chamber and exits the heating chamber 5 through the outlet 5d. The air passes through the main part 3a of the article 3 from its upstream end UE to its downstream end DE, as a result of which the vaporized compounds are entrained in the air flow through the heating chamber 5. When the mixture of the air flow and the vaporized compounds reaches the cooling chamber 7, this mixture expands due to the increased cross-sectional area of the cooling chamber 7. The said mixture is cooled in the cooling chamber 7, the vaporized compounds combine and form an aerosol. This aerosol is then drawn through the mouthpiece 2a and supplied to the user taking a puff on it.

The user can press the button 8 inside the optional chamber 6 for generating an aerosol to rupture the adjacent capsule 3 c inside the optional additional part 3b of the article 3, thus ensuring the release of flavors from it. The flavors released from the capsule 3 c will then be drawn in by the user through the air flow through the device 1, created as a result of the user pulling on the mouthpiece end 1a of the device 1.

After using the article 3, it can be removed from the device 1. The user moves the first part 2b of the casing 2 relative to the second part 2c of the casing 2 in the direction D, moving the device 1 away from the closed state in the direction of the open state. The stop element 9 (which is connected to the additional part 2d of the first part 2b of the casing 2 by means of a connecting mechanism) is pulled by the first part 2b of the casing 2 to contact the article 3 and push it out of the optional chamber 6 for generating an aerosol and the heating chamber 5. The continued advancement of the first part 2b of the housing (relative to the second part 2c of the casing 2) in the direction of the arrow D leads to the pushing of the used article 3 by means of the stop element 9 into the opening 2f for removal. The guide surfaces of the opening 2f for removal guide the article 3 to the exit from the device 1, from where it can be taken out by any suitable means.

The product 3 is removed from the device 1 when the supply of volatile compounds contained therein is used up, or when the set number of puffs has been taken on the device 1, or when the user decides to replace the product 3 for any other reason (for example, to experience a different aroma).

Although the device 1 is described as comprising first and second inductors 4a, 4b, this is not necessarily the case, and instead the device 1 may comprise only one inductor, or it may comprise more than two inductors. Additionally or alternatively, the or each inductor may be located at any suitable location relative to the heating chamber 5, for example the first coil 4a may be located adjacent to the first main boundary surface 5a, and the second coil 4b may be located adjacent to the second main boundary surface 5b. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the inductors may be configured to generate a magnetic field within a smaller portion, a larger portion, or substantially all of the heating chamber 5.

Although the electrical circuit E of the device is described as monitoring the performance of the inductors 4a, 4b by measuring the current flowing through them, this is not necessarily the case, and, in addition or as an alternative, the performance of the inductors 4a, 4b may be monitored indirectly by measuring the temperature of the heating chamber 5 (for example, its first and/or second region R1, R2) and/or the article 3 (or part thereof) placed therein using the temperature sensor E1. In some embodiments, in addition or as an alternative, the processor may be configured to selectively stop one or both inductors 4a, 4b as a response to the measured temperature compared to the expected or required (for example, reference) temperature data.

Additionally or alternatively, the current data generated by the current monitoring sensor may correspond to one or more characteristics of the article 3 for forming a substrate. For example, the current data may comprise operational information related to one or more of the following: operational parameters of the article; the required duration of heating of the article; the required total thermal energy transferred to the article; the number of heating cycles to which the article may be subjected; and the type and/or state of the article inside the heating chamber 5. In some embodiments, the device 1 may comprise a display, such as a screen, which may be configured to display one or more images related to the articles for forming an aerosol. If, as a result of monitoring the operational characteristics of the inductance coils 4a, 4b, an article of a certain type is detected, then an image corresponding to this detected article may be displayed on the screen of the device.

Although the generation of the magnetic field in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 is described as being stoppable, instead, as an alternative, the generation of the magnetic field may be controllable (e.g. variable), for example the electrical energy supplied to one or both of the inductors 4a, 4b may be increased or decreased, and/or the frequency of the magnetic field may be adjusted (e.g. increased or decreased). Although the electrical circuit E is described as stopping the generation of the magnetic field by the first inductor 4a and ensuring that the generation of the magnetic field by the second inductor 4b continues, this is not necessarily the case, and instead the generation of the magnetic field by the second coil 4b may also be stopped, for example if the current collector S in the second region R2 of the main part 3a of the article 3 has such a size, shape, position and/or configuration that result in the creation of a current through the second coil 4b that is smaller than the threshold value set by the expected or required (e.g. reference) current data. In some embodiments, the current collector S may move inside the heating chamber 5 during heating of the article 3, for example, due to expansion and/or contraction of the article 3. If the current collector S moves inside the heating chamber 5, then the current measured when flowing through the first and/or second inductance coils 4a, 4b may change. This change in current may lead to the electrical circuit E stopping the generation of a magnetic field by one or both of the inductance coils 4a, 4b.

In some embodiments, the electrical circuit E may comprise a memory that may store one or more of the following: measured current data; measured temperature data; data corresponding to the number of activations of the device 1; data corresponding to the number of times the magnetic field generation by the coil was stopped; data corresponding to the movement of the current collector S within the heating chamber 5 (if any); and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the above-described data may be transmitted from the device 1, for example from the electrical connection EC and/or via wireless transmission.

Although the first part 2b of the casing 2 is described as being slidable relative to the second part 2c of the casing 2, this is not necessarily the case and instead the first part 2b may be rotatable relative to the second part 2c and/or it may be detachable therefrom. In some embodiments the first part 2b may be fixed relative to the second part 2c of the casing 2 (so that the first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b of the heating chamber 5 will also be fixed relative to each other). If the first and second parts 2a, 2b are fixed relative to each other, the device 1 may comprise a carriage for holding and/or directing the aerosol-forming substrate inward and/or outward from the heating chamber 5. The device may be configured to support said carriage with the possibility of relative sliding.

In some embodiments, the device 1 may comprise several heaters (i.e. a plurality of heaters), which may include both a heater configured or arranged to heat the first and/or second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b (for example, a heater 4 of the type shown in Fig. 4), and a heater configured to heat the current collector of the article 3, located in the heating chamber 5 (for example, a heater 14 of the type shown in Fig. 5). Alternatively, the device 1 may comprise several heaters, including a first heater configured to heat the first main boundary surface 5a, and a second heater configured to heat the second main boundary surface 5b. In some embodiments, the device 1 may comprise several heaters, of which one heater is configured to heat at least a portion of the surface of the article 3 located between the first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b, and the second heater is configured to heat the inner region of the article 3. In the case of multiple heaters, they may be configured to heat at different times and/or to different temperatures. In some embodiments, in which the device 1 comprises one heater 4 or several heaters, it or they may be arranged or configured to heat only one of the first and second main boundary surfaces 5a, 5b.

In some embodiments, the device 1 may comprise means or a mechanism for changing the current collector, designed to change the operation of the current collector S of the article 3 for forming an aerosol, located inside the heating chamber 5. In some embodiments, the means or mechanism for changing the current collector may comprise a hook. The hook may be automatically moved to interact with the article 3 after it is heated in the heating chamber 5. The hook may be configured to move to change the state of the current collector, for example to break and/or deform the current collector S after the article 3 is heated in the heating chamber 5. The movement of the hook for breaking or deforming the current collector may be controlled automatically by means of the electrical circuit E, or it may be controlled manually by the user of the device 1. In some embodiments, the hook may be moved to interact with the article 3, for example the current collector S of the article 3. Changing the current collector may include removing the article 3 from the heating chamber 5 of the device 1; for example, the removal of the article 3 from the heating chamber 5 may initiate or provide the possibility of changing the current collector S of the article 3 using said hook (or other means for changing the current collector). In this way, the possibility of changing the article 3 for forming an aerosol is provided after it has been used in the heating chamber 5, and/or the possibility of preventing reuse (e.g. reheating) of the article 3 in the heating chamber 5 of the device 1 for generating an aerosol is provided.

Additionally or alternatively, although the heating chamber 5 and the article 3 are shown as having a generally parallelepiped shape, this is not necessarily the case and instead the heating chamber 5 and/or the article 3 may have any suitable shape.

The accompanying drawings are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and are provided for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. The drawings illustrate one or more aspects described in the present invention. However, it should be understood that other aspects not illustrated in the drawings are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (25)

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber for accommodating an article for forming an aerosol; and a first inductor coil for generating a magnetic field for heating the article for forming an aerosol, placed in the heating chamber, wherein the heating chamber comprises first and second regions, wherein the first inductor coil is configured to selectively generate a magnetic field, when used, for heating or inducing heating in the first region of the heating chamber, wherein the first region is adjacent to the second region or located at a distance from it, wherein a second inductor coil is provided for generating a magnetic field in the second region of the heating chamber. 2. The device according to claim 1, which comprises an electrical circuit configured to monitor the operating characteristics of one or both of the first and second inductance coils. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to control one or both of the first and second inductance coils generating the magnetic field, based on the monitored operating characteristics of one or both of the first and second inductance coils. 4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to monitor current flowing through one or both of the first and second inductance coils. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the electrical circuit comprises a current sensor configured to measure current flowing through one or both of the first and second inductance coils. 6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, in which the electrical circuit is configured to control one or both of the first and second inductance coils generating a magnetic field if the monitored current flowing through one or both of the first and second inductance coils differs from the expected current. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to control one or both of the first and second inductors generating the magnetic field if the monitored current flowing through one or both of the first and second inductors differs from the expected current for a period of time equal to or greater than a specified period of time. 8. A device according to any one of paragraphs 2-7, in which the electrical circuit is configured to monitor the temperature of at least one of the heating chamber and the aerosol forming article located in the heating chamber. 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the electrical circuit comprises a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of at least one of the heating chamber and the aerosol forming article located in the heating chamber. 10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to control one or both of the first and second inductance coils generating a magnetic field if the monitored temperature of at least one of the heating chamber and the aerosol forming article placed in the heating chamber differs from the expected temperature. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the electrical circuit is configured to control one or both of the first and second inductance coils generating a magnetic field if the monitored temperature of at least one of the heating chamber and the aerosol forming article placed in the heating chamber differs from the expected temperature for a period of time equal to or greater than a specified period of time. 12. The device according to any one of paragraphs. 3-11, in which the electrical circuit is configured to prevent reactivation of one or both of the first and second induction coils after the generation of a magnetic field by said induction coils has stopped, unless or until a new article for forming an aerosol is placed in the heating chamber. 13. The device according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the magnetic field is a changing magnetic field. 14. A device according to any one of paragraphs 2-13, in which the electrical circuit is designed with the ability to stop heating counterfeit or other unwanted products in the heating chamber of the device. 15. A device according to any one of paragraphs 1-14, which additionally comprises means or a mechanism for changing the current collector. 16. A device according to any one of paragraphs 1-15, which additionally comprises a cooling chamber. 17. A device according to any one of paragraphs 1-16, which further comprises a chamber for generating an aroma. 18. The device according to claim 17, which further comprises a button located adjacent to the aroma generating chamber, wherein the button comprises an aroma release mechanism. 19. A method of using a device for generating an aerosol, comprising the steps of: a) providing an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber for containing an article for forming an aerosol, a first induction coil and an electrical circuit, wherein the heating chamber comprises first and second regions, and the first region is adjacent to or located at a distance from the second region; b) generating a magnetic field using the first induction coil to heat or induce heating in the first region of the heating chamber; and c) providing a second induction coil configured to generate a magnetic field in a second region of the heating chamber. 20. The method according to claim 19, including step d), in which the operating characteristics of one or both of the first and second inductors are monitored using an electrical circuit. 21. The method of claim 20, including step e), which comprises controlling the generation of a magnetic field by one or both of the first and second inductors using an electrical circuit based on the monitored operating characteristics of the inductor. 22. The method according to any one of paragraphs 19-21, according to which the magnetic field is a changing magnetic field.

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