RU2849426C1 - Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: aerosol generating device (10) for generating aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate comprises a cavity (200) having an opening (220) for accommodating the aerosol-forming substrate, and at least one induction coil (250, 260) located outside the cavity and configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field inside the cavity during operation. The cavity is formed by side walls (210) extending from the opening. The side walls (210) of the cavity are made of a non-magnetic material, preferably a non-current-receiving material, and are permeable to air.

EFFECT: ensuring radial air flow into the cavity through the side walls.

15 cl, 10 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a device for generating an aerosol. The present invention also relates to a system for generating an aerosol.

Aerosol-generating devices capable of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, are known in the art to which the present invention pertains. Such known devices can generate an aerosol from the substrate by applying heat to the substrate rather than by burning the substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be present as a component of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the article is physically separated from the aerosol-generating device. Such an aerosol-generating article can be placed within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

When in use, the device can provide power to transfer heat from a heat source to an aerosol-generating substrate. During use of such known aerosol-generating devices, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate due to heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating device. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol, which is inhaled by the user.

Many aerosol-generating devices provide heat externally to the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-forming substrate. External heating devices employing induction heating feature metal tubular susceptor elements as cavities for housing consumables, such as aerosol-generating articles. Such systems require intimate contact between the susceptor element and the consumable to ensure efficient heat transfer and proper airflow control. This creates the challenge of manufacturing consumables with very tight diameter tolerances while ensuring proper fit within the device's susceptor cavity. Such tight tolerances mean that consumables can become lodged within the device, as the consumables naturally become moist during consumption. Therefore, removing consumables from such a tubular susceptor/cavity is very difficult. Removing fragmented consumables from the interior of such cavities requires special tools, and care must be taken not to damage the shape and surface of the current collector.

According to the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is proposed for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity with an opening for housing the aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may be defined by sidewalls extending from the opening. At least one induction coil may be located outside the cavity and configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity during operation. The sidewalls of the cavity may be made of a non-magnetic material. The sidewalls of the cavity are permeable to air, which allows radial airflow into the cavity through the sidewalls.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity with an opening for housing the aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity is formed by side walls extending from the opening. At least one induction coil is located outside the cavity and is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity during operation. The side walls of the cavity are made of a non-magnetic material. The side walls of the cavity are permeable to air, which allows radial airflow into the cavity through the side walls.

Existing induction heating devices for externally heating an aerosol-generating article have tubular susceptor cavities. In addition to the problems noted above, the use of a tubular susceptor cavity further limits the device's usability in terms of the variety of consumables that can be used with it. For example, different aerosol-generating articles and consumables may require different airflow control settings. Existing devices also do not facilitate the personalization of the consumer experience by combining multiple types of aerosol-generating consumables.

In the present invention, an aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity for accommodating a consumable article, such as an aerosol-generating article, or a cartridge containing the aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, an inductor located outside the cavity generates a fluctuating electromagnetic field within the cavity for inductively heating a susceptor located in the aerosol-generating article or part of a cartridge that can be placed within the cavity. The side walls of the cavity are made of a non-magnetic material to minimize or eliminate interaction with the fluctuating electromagnetic field. Thus, the device can be designed as an inductively heated device, but in which the cavity of the device itself does not heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The device can be designed as an inductively heated device, in which the susceptor is an element located within the cavity.

The side walls of the cavity may be made of any suitable non-magnetic material, preferably a material or materials having suitable chemical resistance or UV resistance.

The side walls of the cavity can be made of a non-suspending material. A non-suspending material is one that does not undergo any significant interaction or coupling with the fluctuating electromagnetic field. A non-suspending material does not heat up in the fluctuating electromagnetic field. The side walls of the cavity can be made of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polycarbonate. The side walls can be made of a ceramic or glass material. The side walls can be made of a composite material, such as a polymer matrix composite.

The cavity side walls can be made of a non-magnetic metallic material. Such a material can have minimal interaction with the fluctuating electromagnetic field. Therefore, heating of the cavity walls can be minimal or absent. The cavity side walls can be made of a metal selected from a list consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloys, brass, copper, copper alloys, and non-ferromagnetic stainless steels.

For the purposes of this document, the term "aerosol" refers to a dispersion of solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. An aerosol may be visible or invisible. An aerosol may contain vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

For the purposes of this document, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds can be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of powder, granules, beads, particles, thin tubes, strips, or sheets containing one or more of grass leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco ribs, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid, gel, or paste-like aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a heat-stable carrier. The carrier may be in the form of a powder, granules, beads, particles, thin tubes, strips, or sheets. A solid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the surface of the carrier, such as a sheet, foam, gel, or suspension. The aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, may be applied in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material. The tobacco-containing material may contain volatile tobacco flavor compounds. These compounds can be released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients, such as flavoring agents.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomeration of loose tobacco.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an assembled sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "assembled" is used to describe a sheet that is folded, folded, or otherwise compressed or narrowed substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol forming agent. As used herein, the term "aerosol forming agent" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promote aerosol formation and that are substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol forming agents 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 substances are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and most preferably glycerol.

An aerosol-forming substrate may contain a single aerosol-forming agent. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain glycerin as the sole aerosol-forming agent or propylene glycol as the sole aerosol-forming agent. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain a combination of two or more aerosol-forming agents. For example, the aerosol-forming component of the aerosol-forming substrate may be glycerin and propylene glycol.

As used in this document, the term "aerosol-generating article" or "consumable article" refers to an article that comprises or consists of an aerosol-generating substrate. An aerosol-generating article or consumable article may contain components in addition to the aerosol-generating substrate. An aerosol-generating article or consumable article may be a smoking article. An aerosol-generating article or consumable article may generate an aerosol that is directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating article or consumable article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol containing nicotine that is directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating article or consumable article may be in the form of a rod.

For the purposes of this document, the term "cartridge" refers to a component that can be removably positioned within an aerosol-generating device. A cartridge defines or contains an aerosol-generating article or a consumable article containing or consisting of an aerosol-generating substrate.

As used herein, the term "susceptor cartridge" refers to a cartridge containing a susceptor for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device may interact with an aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-generating substrate or with a cartridge holding the aerosol-generating substrate or the aerosol-generating article to generate the aerosol. The aerosol-generating device may heat the aerosol-generating substrate to promote the release of volatile compounds from the substrate. The aerosol-generating device may be an electrically controlled aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may include a nebulizer, such as an electric heater, for heating the aerosol-generating substrate to form the aerosol. The aerosol-generating device includes a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article or cartridge. The aerosol generating device preferably comprises an inductor for generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field within the cavity.

In the context of this document, the terms "axial" and "longitudinal" are used to describe the direction between a downstream, near, or mouthpiece end of a component, such as an aerosol-generating device, cartridge, or aerosol-generating article, and the opposite, upstream, or distal end of the component.

In the context of this document, the terms "radial" and "transverse" are used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

In the context of this document, the term "length" is used to describe the maximum longitudinal dimension between the distal or upstream end of a component, such as an aerosol generating device, cartridge, or aerosol generating article, and the opposite downstream or distal end of the component.

In the context of this document, the term "width" is used to describe the transverse dimension of a component such as an aerosol generating device, cartridge, or aerosol generating article.

In the context of this document, the term "diameter" is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of a component such as an aerosol-generating device, cartridge, or aerosol-generating article.

Preferably, at least a portion of the cavity's side walls are made of a radially porous material. Providing radial airflow into the cavity allows for the use of consumables of various configurations with the device.

The side walls may have a longitudinal dimension extending from the cavity opening. Between 50% and 100% of the longitudinal dimension of the side walls may be made of a radially porous material. Substantially all of the side walls may be made of a radially porous material. The radially porous material may be in the form of a mesh or cells. The radially porous material is preferably in the form of a tube, such as a ribbed tube, such as a ribbed tubular polymer mesh. The radial porosity may be formed by openings formed through portions of the side walls.

The side walls may have a total porosity of 40% to 95%, preferably 50% to 90%, preferably 60% to 80%.

The cavity of the device may be substantially cylindrical, for example, substantially circular. The side walls of the cavity may be substantially tubular. Thus, the cavity may accommodate a substantially cylindrical aerosol-generating article or a substantially cylindrical cartridge. The cross-section of the cavity may be substantially circular, although other cross-sectional shapes are also possible, for example, oval or polygonal shapes, such as square, rectangular, or hexagonal. The cavity of the device may have a length of 20 mm to 100 mm. The cavity may, for example, have a length of at least 20, 30, 40, or 50 millimeters. The cavity may have a length of less than 100, 80, or 60 millimeters. The cavity may have a width of 3 mm to 30 mm. The cavity may have a width of at least 3, 5, or 10 millimeters. The cavity may have a width of less than 30, 20, or 15 millimeters.

An aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing with a cavity located adjacent to or within the housing. Preferably, the housing is provided with one or more air inlets to provide an air flow path into the cavity. Preferably, the one or more air flow paths extend from the one or more air inlets to the outer surface of the side walls of the cavity, thereby providing a radial air flow into the cavity. The housing may comprise side walls.

The device may comprise a base with a cavity for supporting an aerosol-generating substrate or an aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-generating substrate when positioned within the cavity. The cavity base may be configured to move longitudinally within the side walls of the cavity. For example, the cavity base may resemble a plunger or piston configured to move longitudinally within the cavity. The cavity base may move longitudinally between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the cavity base is located closer to the cavity opening than in the second position. Movement of the cavity base within the cavity may thus facilitate the removal of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge placed within the cavity, allowing the article or cartridge to be at least partially ejected from the cavity opening. The housing may comprise the cavity base.

The cavity base may be biased by a biasing element. For example, the cavity base may be biased by a spring. The biasing element or spring may press the cavity base toward the cavity opening. Such a biasing element may facilitate movement of the base and removal of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge from the cavity.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a locking device or locking means for releasably retaining the cavity base in its first position. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a locking device or locking means for releasably retaining the cavity base in a second position. Thus, the cavity base may be stable in one or both of its first position and second position when locked, and movable from this position when the locking device is released.

The first position of the cavity base may be defined by a stop that prevents further movement of the cavity base toward the cavity opening. For example, the stop may comprise a projection formed by or within the side walls, or a projection extending radially from the side walls.

The side walls of the cavity may have a near end toward the cavity opening and a far end. The far end of the side walls may terminate in an end surface or a lid. The base of the cavity may be located on the near side toward the end surface or lid. The opening may be defined through the end surface or lid.

The side panels can be integral with the device body, or they can be connected to the device body. The side panels can be detachable or permanently connected to the device body.

The cavity base may have a first surface facing the cavity opening and a second surface facing away from the cavity opening. The second surface may be connected or linked to a pusher, wherein the pusher extends from the second surface. The pusher may be sized to pass through an opening in the end surface or lid. Thus, movement of the cavity base may be caused by the action of the pusher. The pusher may protrude from the housing of the aerosol-generating device when an aerosol-generating substrate, or an aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-generating substrate, or a cartridge containing the aerosol-generating article or the aerosol-generating substrate is positioned within the cavity. The cavity base and the pusher may form a manually actuated ejector to facilitate the removal of the aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating article, or the cartridge from the cavity.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a removable mouthpiece, wherein the removable mouthpiece can be removably attached to the aerosol-generating device in a position that covers the opening of the cavity. The removable mouthpiece can be removed to allow insertion of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge into the device. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article or cartridge may comprise a mouthpiece.

The aerosol-generating device is preferably configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article or cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a current collector for interacting with a fluctuating electromagnetic field generated by at least one induction coil for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one induction coil may be adjacent to the cavity. The at least one induction coil may radially surround a portion of the cavity.

An aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor, such as an induction coil, and a power source. The power source may be configured to pass an alternating current through the inductor such that the inductor generates a fluctuating or oscillating electromagnetic field. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. The alternating current may be high-frequency alternating current. The alternating current may have a frequency from 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 30 megahertz (MHz). When the inductor is a tubular induction coil, the alternating current may have a frequency from 500 kilohertz (kHz) to 30 megahertz (MHz). When the inductor is a planar inductor, the alternating current may have a frequency from 100 kilohertz (kHz) to 1 megahertz (MHz).

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first induction coil and a second induction coil, wherein both the first induction coil and the second induction coil are configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity during operation. The first induction coil may be configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field in a first portion of the cavity, and the second induction coil may be configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field in a second portion of the cavity. Thus, the first induction coil and the second induction coil may be configured to heat current collectors or portions of a current collector or current collectors located in different portions of the cavity.

The first induction coil may be configured to generate a first fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity, wherein the first fluctuating magnetic field has first magnetic field properties, and the second induction coil may be configured to generate a second fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity, wherein the second fluctuating magnetic field has second magnetic field properties, wherein the second magnetic field properties differ from the first magnetic field properties. The device may be configured to control the first and second induction coils to ensure control of the heating of the current collector within the cavity or to enable the device to be configured to operate with current collectors of different types located within the cavity. For example, the device may be configured to heat a current collector of the first type located in an aerosol-generating article and a current collector of the second type located in a removable cartridge, wherein both the aerosol-generating article and the removable cartridge have dimensions such as to fit within the cavity. By using more than one induction coil, the device can heat current collectors of various sizes and shapes, such as rod- or blade-shaped current collectors, as well as tubular current collectors. The aerosol-generating device can be configured to accommodate a wider variety of consumables, providing the user with greater choice.

The aerosol-generating device preferably comprises at least one power source, such as a power source for supplying power to at least one induction coil of the device. The device preferably comprises at least one controller, such as a controller configured to control the supply of power to at least one induction coil.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a detector or detection means for detecting the presence of an aerosol-forming substrate, a cartridge, or an aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-forming substrate within the cavity.

The device may be configured to operate with an aerosol-generating article or a cartridge of a first type and an aerosol-generating article or a cartridge of a second type, different from the aerosol-generating article or a cartridge of the first type, wherein the aerosol-generating article or a cartridge of the first type comprises an aerosol-forming substrate and a current collector of a first configuration for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-generating article or a cartridge of the second type comprises an aerosol-forming substrate and a current collector of a second configuration for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The current collector of the first configuration and the current collector of the second configuration may differ in one or more current collector parameters selected from a list consisting of the current collector material, the current collector shape, the current collector dimensions, and the current collector position relative to the aerosol-forming substrate.

The device may be configured to determine which of the first type of aerosol-generating article and the second type of aerosol-generating article has been placed in the cavity. The device may be configured to control at least one induction coil to create a fluctuating magnetic field suitable for heating the current collector of the aerosol-generating article of the given type.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as defined above and an aerosol generating article or cartridge configured to be placed within a cavity of the aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article or cartridge comprises:

an aerosol-forming substrate and a current collector for heating the aerosol-forming substrate when interacting with a fluctuating magnetic field generated by an induction coil of the aerosol-generating device.

The current collector may be or may comprise any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred current collector materials may be heated to a temperature above 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, or 400 degrees Celsius. Preferred current collector materials may comprise a metal suitable for interaction with a fluctuating electromagnetic field. Preferred current collector materials may comprise a ferromagnetic material, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, nickel, or cobalt. Preferred current-collecting materials may comprise or be formed from 400-series stainless steel, such as 410, 420, or 430 stainless steel. Different materials will dissipate different amounts of energy when placed in electromagnetic fields of similar frequency and field strength. Therefore, current-collecting material parameters, such as material type and size, can be varied to achieve the desired power dissipation within a known electromagnetic field.

The aerosol generating article or cartridge may be in the form of a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the rod is sized to fit within the cavity of the aerosol generating device, and wherein the aerosol forming substrate is located within the rod.

One or more current collectors may be located within the rod for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, one or more current collectors may be located radially in the center of the rod, or one or more current collectors may be located in a radially outer portion of the rod. One or more current collectors may surround a portion of the rod. The outer layer of the rod may contain one or more current collectors. The one or more current collectors may be in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The one or more current collectors may be a component of a disposable aerosol-generating article, such as an aerosol-generating article sized to fit within the cavity of an aerosol-generating device, or within a reusable cartridge sized to fit within the cavity of an aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating article or cartridge may define an airflow path extending between the distal end of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge. The aerosol-generating article or cartridge may define an airflow path in which at least a portion of the airflow path through the article extends between radial air inlets located between the distal end of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge, and an air outlet at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article or cartridge. Air may enter the radial air inlets of the article or cartridge through the air-permeable walls of the cavity of the aerosol-generating article.

An aerosol-generating article or cartridge suitable for use with the system may be an elongated aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate located within a housing or wrapper, and in which one or more openings or regions of porosity formed within the housing or wrapper provide a radial flow of air into the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate, such as an aerosol-forming substrate consisting of or containing tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may be or contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, such as an aerosol-forming substrate containing glycerin or propylene glycol.

An aerosol-generating article suitable for use with the system may be a disposable aerosol-generating article intended for disposal after a single use. The aerosol-generating article may comprise multiple components, including an aerosol-generating substrate contained within a rod-shaped wrapper. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor located within the wrapper. The wrapper of the aerosol-generating article may comprise or consist of the susceptor.

An aerosol-generating article or cartridge-type element suitable for use with the system may comprise a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The reusable portion may be a cartridge configured to be positioned within a cavity. The cartridge may have a housing containing a current-collecting material and defining a cavity within the cartridge for accommodating an aerosol-generating substrate. The disposable portion may be an article or consumable component containing the aerosol-generating substrate. The cartridge cavity may be configured to accommodate one or more separate consumable articles.

The reusable portion or cartridge may have a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension, and one or more openings or areas of porosity may be defined through the walls of the housing to form one or more radial air inlet openings into the cavity of the cartridge.

The cartridge housing may define an axial air inlet. The axial air inlet may allow air to enter the housing in an axial direction. The housing may define an air outlet. The air outlet may be located downstream of the axial air inlet. The air outlet may be an axial air outlet. The air outlet may allow air to flow out of the housing in an axial direction. The housing may define a first air flow path from the axial air inlet to the air outlet. Advantageously, the axial air inlet and axial air outlet may allow the cartridge to be used with consumables configured to allow axial air flow therethrough, wherein, for example, the consumable has an impermeable barrier around the circumference, but a permeable barrier or no barrier at its axial ends.

The cartridge housing may have a near, or downstream, end and a far, or upstream, end. The housing may be a partially or fully hollow tube. The tube may be defined between the near, or downstream, end and the far, or upstream, end. The tube may define a cavity for containing the aerosol-forming substrate.

The cartridge cavity may be suitable for housing one or more disposables. As noted above, the term "disposable" may refer to a product containing or consisting of an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may be suitable for housing multiple disposables. Advantageously, the ability to hold multiple disposables may allow the user to customize their experience by using several disposables with different flavors.

Each consumable may have a length spanning the axial direction between the upstream end and the downstream end. Each consumable may have a diameter spanning the transverse direction. The cartridge cavity may be suitable for accommodating multiple consumables, such that the consumables are arranged within the cavity in the axial direction. The cavity may be suitable for accommodating multiple consumables, such that the upstream end of the first consumable placed in the cavity is adjacent to and optionally abuts the downstream end of the second consumable placed in the cavity. Furthermore, the upstream end of the second consumable placed in the cavity may be adjacent to and optionally abuts the downstream end of the third consumable placed in the cavity. The cavity may be suitable for accommodating multiple consumables, such that the first consumable placed in the cavity is located entirely downstream of the second consumable placed in the cavity. Furthermore, the second consumable placed in the cavity can be positioned entirely downstream from the third consumable placed in the cavity. The advantage of this cavity arrangement can allow the user to personalize their experience by using different orders of consumables with different flavors within the cavity.

The cavity may be configured to securely retain one or more consumables positioned within the cavity. For example, the cavity may be sized to securely retain one or more consumables positioned within the cavity using an interference fit or friction fit. This may advantageously eliminate the need for a separate mechanism to securely retain the consumables within the cavity.

The cartridge housing may define a first radial air inlet. The first radial air inlet may be located upstream of the air outlet. The first radial air inlet may be located downstream of the axial air inlet. A second air flow path may be defined from the first radial air inlet to the air outlet. The first radial air inlet may provide air entry into the housing in a radial direction.

The cartridge housing may define a second radial air inlet. The second radial air inlet may be located upstream of the air outlet. The second radial air inlet may be spaced axially along the housing from the first radial air inlet. The second radial air inlet may be located downstream of the first radial air inlet. A third air flow path may be defined from the second radial air inlet to the air outlet. The second radial air inlet may provide air flow into the housing in a radial direction.

The cartridge housing may define a third radial air inlet. The third radial air inlet may be located upstream of the air outlet. The third radial air inlet may be axially spaced along the housing from the first and second radial air inlets. The third radial air inlet may be located downstream of the second radial air inlet. A fourth air flow path may be defined from the third radial air inlet to the air outlet. The third radial air inlet may provide air flow into the housing in a radial direction.

A first radial air inlet may be positioned so as to be aligned with a first consumable placed in the cavity. In use, air may pass through the first radial air inlet and then through the first consumable, for example, through a permeable outer or circumferential portion of the first consumable. The air may then flow axially through the housing. When a second consumable is placed in the cavity, the air may flow axially through the second consumable after passing through the first consumable. When a third consumable is also placed in the cavity, the air may flow axially through the third consumable after passing through the second consumable.

A second radial air inlet may be positioned so as to align with a second consumable located within the cavity. In use, air may flow through the second radial air inlet and then through the second consumable, for example, through a permeable outer or circumferential portion of the second consumable. The air may then flow axially through the housing. When a third consumable is also located within the cavity, air may flow axially through the third consumable after passing through the second consumable.

A third radial air inlet may be positioned so as to align with a third consumable located within the cavity. In use, air may flow through the third radial air inlet and then through the third consumable, such as through a permeable outer or circumferential portion of the third consumable. The air may then flow axially through the housing.

Preferably, using radial air inlets can improve the user experience, as fresh air can pass through each disposable. Conversely, with only an axial air inlet, the air passing through the second disposable may not be fresh, as it has already passed through the first disposable. In this context, the term "fresh air" is used to refer to air that has not yet passed through the disposable.

The cartridge housing may define both an axial air inlet and one or more radial air inlets. For example, the housing may define an axial air inlet and any one, two, or all of the first, second, and third radial air inlets. Any one, two, or all of the first, second, and third radial air inlets may be located downstream of the axial air inlet. The air outlet may be located downstream of the axial air inlet and the radial air inlet(s). The air flow path from the axial air inlet to the air outlet may merge with any one, two, or all of the air flow paths from the first, second, or third air inlet to the air outlet. Advantageously, the inclusion of an axial air inlet and a radial air inlet may reduce the draw resistance of the cartridge by providing a higher air flow velocity into the housing. This can also advantageously allow the cartridge to be used with a wider range of consumables. This is because the cartridge can be suitable for use with consumables designed for axial airflow and consumables designed for radial airflow.

Any one, two, or all of the first, second, and third radial air inlets may be formed by an air-permeable portion of the cartridge housing. Thus, the first radial air inlet may be formed by the first air-permeable portion of the housing. The second radial air inlet may be formed by the second air-permeable portion of the housing. The third radial air inlet may be formed by the third air-permeable portion of the housing.

Any one, two, or all of the first, second, and third air-permeable body portions may comprise one or more porous materials and a plurality of openings, such as a plurality of slits.

Any one, two, or all of the first, second, and third air-permeable portions of the housing may have a porosity of from 40% to 95%, or from 50% to 90%, or from 60% to 80%. In this context, the term "porosity" may be used as a measure of the free space through the wall of the housing by area. Thus, if the air-permeable portion comprises a plurality of openings surrounded by a solid material, the percentage of the cross-sectional area of the air-permeable portion formed by the openings may be from 40% to 95%, or from 50% to 90%, or from 60% to 80% (with the remaining 60% to 5%, or from 50% to 10%, or from 40% to 20% formed by a solid material). Advantageously, these porosity ranges can provide an optimal combination of a number of factors, including the ability to pass an appropriate amount of air through the cartridge, ensuring an appropriate level of heating of the current-receiving material of the housing near the air-permeable parts, ensuring optimal resistance to tightening of the cartridge and maintaining the structural integrity of the housing.

The first air-permeable portion may comprise a first annular or substantially annular air-permeable strip in the housing. The first annular air-permeable strip may comprise a first plurality of openings in the housing.

The second air-permeable portion may comprise a second annular or substantially annular air-permeable strip in the housing. The second annular air-permeable strip may comprise a second plurality of openings in the housing. The second annular air-permeable strip may be spaced axially along the housing from the first annular air-permeable strip.

The third air-permeable portion may comprise a third annular or substantially annular air-permeable strip in the housing. The third annular air-permeable strip may comprise a third plurality of openings in the housing. The third annular air-permeable strip may be spaced axially along the housing from the first and second annular air-permeable strips.

The first breathable strip may have a first airflow permeability. The second breathable strip may have a second airflow permeability. The third breathable strip may have a third airflow permeability. The first permeability may differ from the second permeability. The first permeability may differ from the third permeability. The second permeability may differ from the third permeability. The first breathable strip, the second breathable strip, and the third breathable strip may have different permeabilities.

Advantageously, these different permeabilities can allow the user to personalize their experience by deciding where to place the disposables in the cartridge based on the expected airflow rate through the air-permeable strips. For example, if the user wishes to maximize the flavor and aroma present in a particular disposable, that disposable can be placed in the cavity so that it aligns with the air-permeable strip with the highest permeability.

Any one, two, or all of the first, second, and third annular air-permeable bands of the housing may occupy at least 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90% of the housing's circumference. Thus, it should be understood that the annular air-permeable bands may, but do not necessarily, extend around the entire circumference or periphery of the housing.

The cartridge may be a current-receiving cartridge that can be used with an aerosol-generating device capable of inductively heating the current-receiving material of the cartridge, such as with the aerosol-generating device described above. For example, the cartridge may be configured for use with an aerosol-generating device comprising an inductor, such as an induction coil. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source. The power source may be configured to pass an alternating current through the inductor such that the inductor generates a fluctuating electromagnetic field. The device may be configured such that the cartridge can be located within the fluctuating electromagnetic field. The alternating current may be high-frequency alternating current. This, in turn, may lead to the generation of eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the current-receiving material. This may lead to heating of the current-receiving material. Thus, the power source and the inductor can be designed to inductively heat the current-receiving material.

The current-carrying material may comprise more than 50, 60, 70, or 80% of the housing by weight. The housing may consist of the current-carrying material or be formed from it. A higher proportion of the housing formed from current-carrying material may result in greater inductive heating of the housing in an aerosol-generating system with inductive heating.

The current-collecting material may come into contact with the consumable or aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity during use. This can advantageously result in more efficient heat transfer from the current-collecting material to the consumable or aerosol-forming substrate during use.

The cartridge cavity may have a length of 20 mm to 100 mm. The cavity may have a length of at least 20, 30, 40, or 50 millimeters. The cavity may have a length of less than 100, 80, or 60 millimeters. The cavity may have a width of 3 mm to 30 mm. The cavity may have a width of at least 3, 5, or 10 millimeters. The cavity may have a width of less than 30, 20, or 15 millimeters. The cavity may have a substantially cylindrical shape, such as a substantially regular cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a circular cross-section, an oval cross-section, or a polygonal cross-section.

The cartridge may contain a reusable mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may contain or be made of polymer or ceramic. A reusable cartridge can be more environmentally friendly than a disposable cartridge.

The airflow path can be determined through the mouthpiece. During use, air can be drawn into the cartridge through the cartridge body and then through the mouthpiece to the user.

The present invention may provide a method for generating an aerosol using an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating system as described above. The method may include the steps of placing an aerosol-generating article or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device and activating at least one induction coil of the aerosol-generating device to generate a fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity of the device, wherein the fluctuating magnetic field interacts with the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up to an operating temperature, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. The method may further include the step of performing a puff through a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate to inhale the aerosol.

When the user inhales through the mouthpiece, which, depending on its configuration, may be the mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating device, a cartridge mouthpiece, or a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating device, air is preferably drawn into the aerosol-generating device through an air inlet formed in the device body and into the cavity of the device. In preferred configurations, air is drawn into the cavity of the device through an air-permeable region in the side walls of the cavity. The air then passes over a heated aerosol-generating substrate, capturing volatile compounds, and is directed toward the user's mouth. The aerosol is formed in the airflow and inhaled by the user.

The method may include the additional step of ejecting the aerosol generating article or cartridge from the aerosol generating device after use.

The cavity of the device may comprise a cavity base configured to move longitudinally between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the cavity base is located closer to the cavity opening than in the second position. The method may then include the steps of inserting an aerosol-generating article into the cavity until it contacts the cavity base, applying pressure to move the cavity base from the first position to the second position, wherein the second position is the operating position, and maintaining the cavity base in the second position while generating the aerosol. The method may then include the step of ejecting the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-generating device by moving the cavity base from the second position to the first position, wherein the first position is the ejection position, thereby causing the aerosol-generating article to move in the direction of the cavity opening.

The present invention includes the following numbered examples.

Example Ex1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

a cavity having an opening for placing an aerosol-forming substrate,

wherein the cavity is defined by side walls extending from the opening; and

at least one induction coil located outside the cavity and configured to generate, during operation, a fluctuating magnetic field inside the cavity;

wherein the side walls of the cavity are made of a non-magnetic material, and

In this case, the side walls of the cavity are permeable to air, which ensures a radial flow of air into the cavity through the side walls.

Example Ex2. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex1, in which the side walls of the cavity are made of a non-receiving material.

Example Ex3. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex1 or Ex2, in which the side walls of the cavity are made of a polymeric material.

Example Ex4. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex1 or Ex2, in which the side walls are made of a ceramic material or a glass material.

Example Ex5. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the side walls are made of a composite material, such as a polymer matrix composite material.

Example Ex6. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex1, wherein the side walls of the cavity are made of a non-magnetic metallic material.

Example Ex7. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex6, wherein the side walls of the cavity are made of a metal selected from the list consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloys, brass, copper, copper alloys, and non-ferromagnetic stainless steels.

Example Ex8. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein at least part of the side walls are made of a radially porous material.

Example Ex9. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex8, wherein the side walls have a longitudinal dimension extending from the cavity opening, wherein 50% to 100% of the longitudinal dimension of the side walls are made of a radially porous material.

Example Ex10. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein substantially all of the side walls are made of a radially porous material.

Example Ex11. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex8-Ex10, wherein the radially porous material is a mesh or cells.

Example Ex12. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the side walls have a total porosity of from 40% to 95%, preferably from 50% to 90%, preferably from 60% to 80%.

Example Ex13. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the cavity is substantially cylindrical.

Example Ex14. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the side walls are substantially tubular.

Example Ex15. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the cross-section of the cavity is substantially circular.

Example Ex16. An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, comprising a cavity base for supporting an aerosol-generating substrate or an aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-generating substrate when placed in the cavity.

Example Ex17. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex16, wherein the base of the cavity is movable in the longitudinal direction within the side walls of the cavity.

Example Ex18. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex17, wherein the base of the cavity is configured to move longitudinally between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the base of the cavity is located closer to the opening of the cavity than in the second position.

Example Ex19. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex16-Ex18, wherein the base of the cavity is biased by a spring.

Example Ex20. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex19, in which the base of the cavity is pressed by a spring towards the opening.

Example Ex21. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex18-Ex20, wherein the device comprises a lock for releasably holding the base of the cavity in the second position.

Example Ex22. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex18-Ex21, wherein the device comprises a lock for releasably holding the base of the cavity in the first position.

Example Ex23. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex18 to Ex22, wherein the first position is determined by a stop, wherein the stop prevents further movement of the base of the cavity towards the opening of the cavity.

Example Ex24. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex23, wherein the stop comprises a projection formed by the side walls or a projection extending radially from the side walls.

Example Ex25. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the side walls have a proximal end facing the opening of the cavity and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the side walls terminates in an end surface or lid.

Example Ex26. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex25, in which an opening is formed through the end surface or the cover.

Example Ex27. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples Ex16-Ex26, wherein the base of the cavity has a first surface facing the opening of the cavity and a second surface facing away from the opening of the cavity, wherein the second surface is connected or coupled to a pusher, wherein the pusher extends from the second surface.

Example Ex28. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex27, depending on example Ex26, wherein the size of the opening in the end surface or cover allows the plunger to pass through it.

Example Ex29. An aerosol-generating device according to example Ex28, wherein the plunger projects from the housing of the device when the aerosol-generating substrate or the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-generating substrate is located within the cavity.

Example Ex30. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples Ex27-Ex29, wherein the cavity base and the pusher form a manually operated ejector to facilitate removal of the aerosol-forming substrate from the cavity.

Example Ex31. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a current collector for interacting with a fluctuating electromagnetic field generated by an induction coil to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex32. An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous examples, further comprising a removable mouthpiece, wherein the removable mouthpiece is removably attached to the aerosol generating device in a position closing the opening of the cavity.

Example Ex33. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein at least one induction coil radially surrounds a portion of the cavity.

Example Ex34. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, comprising a first induction coil and a second induction coil, wherein both the first induction coil and the second induction coil are configured to generate, during operation, a fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity.

Example Ex35. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex34, wherein the first induction coil is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field in a first portion of the cavity, and the second induction coil is configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field in a second portion of the cavity.

Example Ex36. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex34 or Ex35, wherein the first induction coil is configured to generate a first fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity, wherein the first fluctuating magnetic field has first magnetic field properties, and the second induction coil is configured to generate a second fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity, wherein the second fluctuating magnetic field has second magnetic field properties, wherein the second magnetic field properties differ from the first magnetic field properties.

Example Ex37. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the device further comprises a power source for supplying power to at least one induction coil.

Example Ex38. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a controller configured to control the supply of power to at least one induction coil.

Example Ex39. An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the device comprises a detector for detecting the presence of an aerosol-generating substrate or an aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-generating substrate within the cavity.

Example Ex40. An aerosol generating device according to any previous example, in which the device is configured to operate with an aerosol generating article of a first type and an aerosol generating article of a second type, different from the aerosol generating article of the first type, wherein the aerosol generating article of the first type comprises an aerosol forming substrate and a current collector of a first configuration for heating the aerosol forming substrate, and the aerosol generating article of the second type comprises an aerosol forming substrate and a current collector of a second configuration for heating the aerosol forming substrate.

Example Ex41. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex40, wherein the current collector of the first configuration and the current collector of the second configuration differ in one or more current collector parameters selected from a list consisting of the current collector material, the current collector shape, the current collector dimensions, and the position of the current collector relative to the aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex42. An aerosol generating device according to example Ex41, in which the device is configured to detect which of the aerosol generating article of the first type and the aerosol generating article of the second type has been placed in the cavity, and to control at least one induction coil to create a fluctuating magnetic field suitable for heating the current collector of the aerosol generating article of this type.

Example Ex43. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as defined in any preceding example and an aerosol generating article configured to be positioned within a cavity of the aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises:

an aerosol-forming substrate and a current collector for heating the aerosol-forming substrate when interacting with a fluctuating magnetic field generated by an induction coil of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex44. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex43, wherein the aerosol generating article is in the form of a rod having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the rod is sized to fit into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, and wherein the aerosol forming substrate is located within the rod.

Example Ex45. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex44, in which one or more current collectors are located inside the rod for heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex46. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex45, wherein one or more current collectors are arranged radially centrally within the rod.

Example Ex47. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex44, wherein one or more current collectors are located on a radially outer portion of the rod.

Example Ex48. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex45 or Ex46, in which one or more current collectors surround a portion of the rod.

Example Ex49. An aerosol generating system according to any of examples Ex45 to Ex48, wherein the outer layer of the rod comprises one or more current collectors.

Example Ex50. An aerosol generating system according to any of examples Ex45-Ex49, wherein one or more current collectors are located in contact with an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex51. An aerosol generating system according to any of examples Ex43 to Ex50, wherein the aerosol generating article defines an air flow path passing between a distal end of the aerosol generating article and a proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

Example Ex52. An aerosol generating system according to any of examples Ex43 to Ex51, wherein at least part of the air flow path through the article passes between radial air inlets located between the distal end of the aerosol generating article and the proximal end of the aerosol generating article, and an air outlet at the distal end of the aerosol generating article.

Example Ex53. An aerosol generating system according to any of examples Ex43-Ex52, wherein the aerosol generating article is an elongated aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate located within a housing or wrapper, and wherein one or more openings or regions of porosity formed within the housing or wrapper provide a radial flow of air into the aerosol generating article.

Example Ex54. An aerosol generating system according to any of examples Ex43 to Ex53, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, such as an aerosol-forming substrate consisting of or containing tobacco material.

Example Ex55. An aerosol generating system according to any of examples Ex43-Ex54, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, for example an aerosol-forming substrate comprising glycerol or propylene glycol.

Example Ex56. An aerosol generating system according to any of examples Ex43 to Ex55, wherein the aerosol generating article is a disposable aerosol generating article intended to be discarded after a single use.

Example Ex57. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex56, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a plurality of components including an aerosol forming substrate collected within a rod-shaped wrapper.

Example Ex58. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex57, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a current collector located inside the wrapper.

Example Ex59. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex57, wherein the wrapper comprises or consists of a current collector.

Example Ex60. An aerosol generating system according to any of examples Ex43-Ex55, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a reusable part and a disposable part, wherein the reusable part is made in the form of a cartridge adapted to be placed in a cavity, the cartridge having a housing containing a current-collecting material and defining a cavity of the cartridge for placing an aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein the disposable part contains an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex61. An aerosol generating system according to example Ex60, wherein the cartridge has a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension, and one or more openings or regions of porosity are formed through the walls of the housing to form one or more radial air inlets into the cavity of the cartridge.

Example Ex62. An aerosol-generating article adapted for use with an aerosol-generating device according to any of the examples Ex1 to Ex42.

Example Ex63. An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating system according to any of the examples Ex43 to Ex61.

Example Ex64. A method for generating an aerosol using an aerosol generating device according to any of the examples Ex1 to Ex42 or an aerosol generating system according to any of the examples Ex43 to Ex61, comprising the steps of:

placing an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a current collector in the cavity of an aerosol-generating device, and

activating at least one induction coil of the aerosol generating device to generate a fluctuating magnetic field within the cavity, wherein the fluctuating magnetic field interacts with the current collector, causing the current collector to heat up to an operating temperature, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form the aerosol.

Example Ex65. The method according to example Ex64, further comprising the step of drawing through a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an aerosol-forming substrate to inhale the aerosol.

Example Ex66. The method according to example Ex64 or Ex65, including the additional step of ejecting the aerosol-generating article from the aerosol-generating device after use.

Example Ex67. The method according to any of examples Ex64-Ex65, in which the cavity comprises a cavity base configured to move longitudinally between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the cavity base is located closer to the cavity opening than in the second position, wherein the method includes the steps of inserting an aerosol-generating article into the cavity until it contacts the cavity base, applying pressure to move the cavity base from the first position to the second position, wherein the second position is the working position, and holding the cavity base in the second position during aerosol generation.

Example Ex68. The method according to example Ex67, including the step of pushing the aerosol generating article out of the aerosol generating device by moving the base of the cavity from a second position to a first position, wherein the first position is the pushing position, thereby causing the aerosol generating article to move in the direction of the opening of the cavity.

Below we will describe specific examples with reference to graphic materials, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the electronic components of the aerosol generating device;

Fig. 4 shows examples of mesh configurations used to form an air-permeable cavity of an aerosol generating device;

Fig. 5, 6 and 7 show the insertion of an aerosol generating article into the cavity of an aerosol generating device and its removal;

Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the cavity of the device interacting with an aerosol generating article of a disposable type containing an internal current collector;

Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the cavity of the device interacting with an aerosol-generating article, partially of a reusable type, containing a current-collecting cartridge; and

Fig. 10 shows an isometric view of the aerosol generating device with a removable mouthpiece attached.

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol-generating device according to a specific embodiment of the invention. Device 10 comprises a housing 20, which houses a battery power source, a first induction coil, a second induction coil, electronics containing a controller for controlling the supply of power from the battery to the first and second induction coils, and a cavity for housing an aerosol-forming substrate. A control button 30 is located on housing 20. The opening into the cavity is closed by an openable lid 40.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 10 of Fig. 1. The battery 110 is located in the first part of the housing together with the electronics 120. The electronics 120 comprises electronics 126 for controlling the charging of the battery 110, a controller 125 for controlling the power supplied to the first and second induction coils, and electrical connections between the battery 110, the induction coils, the control button 30 and the charging means, for example, the charging port 95 formed in the housing.

Cavity 200 is located in the second portion of the cavity. Cavity 200 is formed by tube 210 made of polypropylene mesh, which has an opening 220 passing through housing 20 and allowing the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into the cavity and removed. Opening lid 40 can be opened by sliding to expose opening 220. Tube 210 made of polypropylene mesh forms the side walls of the cavity. An air inlet formed in the housing allows air to enter the second portion of the housing. The side walls of the cavity have a porosity of greater than 80%, which effectively ensures unimpeded radial air flow into the cavity.

The upper part of the tube 210 is surrounded by a first induction coil 250. The first induction coil 250 is connected to the battery 110 via a controller and is configured to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field in the upper part of the cavity 200.

The lower part of the tube 210 is surrounded by a second induction coil 260. The first induction coil 250 is connected to the battery 110 via a controller and is configured to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field in the lower part of the cavity 200.

Cavity base 280 is located at the lower end of cavity 200. Cavity base 280 is configured to slide longitudinally within tube 210. The lower portion of the cavity base is connected to pusher 290, which passes through an opening formed in the housing so that the user can use it to move the cavity base within the cavity. The cavity base and pusher form part of the extraction mechanism.

The arrangement of the electrical components of the aerosol generating article is schematically shown in Fig. 3. The battery 110 is a rechargeable battery connected to the charging port 95 via the electronics 126 for controlling the battery charging. The charging port 95 can be any suitable charging port, for example a USB charging port. The battery 110 supplies power for operating the first induction coil 250 and the second induction coil 260. Power from the battery 110 is supplied to the first and second induction coils via the controller 125. The control electronics include an inverter for converting direct current supplied from the battery into alternating current for powering the first and second induction coils. The first and second induction coils can operate independently or together. The controller 125 controls the operation of the first and second induction coils in response to control signals supplied by the user button 30. The memory may store one or more predetermined operating profiles that are to be implemented by the controller in response to signals from the operating button 30.

During use, the user opens opening 220 of cavity 200 by sliding cover 40 into its open position. An aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a current collector is inserted into cavity 200. The aerosol-generating article may be a completely disposable cylindrical aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and a current collector in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may be a cylindrical reusable cartridge containing a disposable aerosol-forming substrate. The reusable cartridge itself may form the current collector.

The aerosol-generating article is inserted into cavity 200 such that its current collector is located within the portion of the cavity exposed to the fluctuating electromagnetic field during operation of device 10. The user activates device 10 using operating button 30. The controller controls the power to the induction coils to generate the fluctuating electromagnetic field. The current collector is heated by the fluctuating electromagnetic field and, in turn, heats the aerosol-generating substrate to generate the inhalable aerosol. The power supplied to the induction coils is controlled to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate within a predetermined range. At the end of the use session, the power to the induction coils is turned off. The user can then remove the aerosol-generating article from the cavity.

The side walls of the cavity are formed by an air-permeable tube 210 made of polypropylene mesh. The tube can be formed by taking a sheet of polypropylene mesh, twisting the sheet of polypropylene mesh into a tube, and fastening the adjoining ends of the sheet, for example, using a welding or gluing process. In other specific embodiments, the side walls of the cavity can be formed from a non-metallic metal mesh tube or an air-permeable ceramic tube. A metal tube, for example, can be formed by twisting a sheet of metal mesh into a tube and fastening the adjoining ends, for example, by welding. A ceramic tube can be formed by twisting a green ceramic mesh into a tube and firing to form a breathable ceramic tube. Fig. 4 shows mesh configurations that can be formed in the form of a tube to form the side walls of the cavity. Air-permeable tubes can also be formed using powder formation processes, such as by sintering polymer, metal, or ceramic powders into an air-permeable tube.

Fig. 5, 6 and 7 show in more detail the cavity base 280 and the extraction mechanism.

Fig. 5 shows a cavity base 280 and an extraction mechanism arranged to accommodate an aerosol-generating article 300. The extraction base 280 is made in the form of a plunger that can slide in the longitudinal direction inside an air-permeable tube 210 that forms the side walls of the cavity 200. The tube 210 is located near the housing 20. The spring 400 is located near the housing 20 and acts on the lower surface 281 of the cavity base 280, pushing the cavity base 280 toward the opening 220 of the cavity 200. The cavity base is pressed against an internal projection 211 formed inside the side walls 210 of the cavity. The internal projection 211 prevents further movement of the cavity base 280 toward the opening 220 and determines the position of receiving the cavity base. The pusher 290 is connected to the lower surface 281 of the base 280 of the cavity and extends from it in the longitudinal direction and through the opening in the housing 20, the size of which corresponds to the cross-section of the pusher 290. When the base of the cavity is in the position of placement, the end of the pusher 290 lies flush with the outer surface of the housing.

When the user inserts the aerosol-generating article 300 into the cavity 200, the distal end of the article contacts the base 280 of the cavity. When insertion force (Fc) is applied, the distal end of the article pushes the base of the cavity into the cavity, overcoming the force of spring 400. Elastic projections 500 extend into the bottom of the cavity (either located on the side walls of the cavity or on the housing adjacent to the distal end of the side walls). When the base of the cavity is pushed toward the base of the cavity by the insertion force, the elastic projections deflect and allow the base of the cavity to pass. The elastic projections then regain their shape to secure the base of the cavity in the bottom of the cavity. The elastic projections hold the cavity base in this position, counteracting the force of the compressed spring 400. When the cavity base 280 is fixed by the elastic projections 500, the cavity base 280 is in the working position, and the aerosol-generating article is located inside the cavity to be heated. When the cavity base 280 is in the working position (as shown in Fig. 6), the pusher 290 passes through the opening in the housing.

To remove the aerosol-generating article 300 after use, the user applies an extraction force (Fe) to the pusher 290. The extraction force should be sufficient for the cavity base 280 to deflect the elastic projections 500 and move in the longitudinal direction toward the opening 220 of the cavity 200. As soon as the cavity base 280 passes the elastic projections 500, the spring 400 presses the cavity base back into the receiving position, in which it is located with the help of the internal projection 211. Moving the cavity base 280 back to the receiving position moves the aerosol-generating article back from the opening 220, from where it can be removed.

Specific embodiments of the aerosol-generating device are designed to operate with different types of consumables. For illustrative purposes only, two different types of consumables are shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

Fig. 8 shows a disposable aerosol-generating article 700 located within the cavity of an aerosol-generating device. The disposable aerosol-generating article is formed from a plurality of elements assembled within cigarette paper to form a rod having a distal end and a mouthpiece end. One element of the rod is a rod of aerosol-generating substrate 710, which may be an assembled sheet of homogenized tobacco material. A strip of susceptor material 720 is located within the rod of aerosol-generating substrate for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. When the device is in operation and the susceptor is heated, the user can draw on the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating article. Air flows through the air-permeable side walls 210 of the cavity into the far end of the rod, through the aerosol-generating substrate, and into the user's mouth (the arrows in Fig. 8 indicate the air flow). After use, the entire aerosol-generating article 700 can be discarded.

Fig. 9 shows a partially reusable aerosol-generating article 800 located within a cavity of an aerosol-generating device. The partially reusable aerosol-generating article 800 comprises a porous tubular cartridge 801 containing a first packet of aerosol-forming substrate 810 and a second packet of aerosol-forming substrate 820. The first and second packets of aerosol-forming substrate are coaxially located within the tubular cartridge 801. The porous tubular cartridge 801 is made of magnetic stainless steel and serves as a current collector for heating the aerosol-forming substrate located within.

In use, the user inhales through a mouthpiece contained in the aerosol-generating article 800 or a mouthpiece attached to the aerosol-generating device 10. Air passes through the air-permeable side walls 210 of the cavity and radially enters the porous tubular cartridge 801. In this way, fresh air can be supplied to each of the first and second aerosol-generating substrate packets. Air and aerosol generated by heating the substrates are drawn into the user's mouth (the arrows in Fig. 8 indicate the air flow).

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device 10 with a removable mouthpiece 1000 attached to an opening in the cavity. The removable mouthpiece can be removed to allow the insertion and removal of an aerosol-generating article, such as the article 800 described with reference to Fig. 9. The mouthpiece is preferably in the form of a tube made of a polymer or paper material and is intended to allow the user to draw the aerosol from the aerosol-generating device during use. The removable mouthpiece 1000 can be omitted if the user consumes an aerosol-generating article that has its own built-in mouthpiece, such as the aerosol-generating article 700 described with reference to Fig. 8.

For the purposes of the present description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., shall be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. In this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within the common standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances, when used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages listed above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the essential and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. All ranges also include the disclosed high and low points and include any intermediate ranges therebetween that may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims (20)

1. A device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, comprising: a cavity with an opening for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate, defined by side walls extending from the opening; a cavity base for supporting an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate when placed in the cavity, wherein the cavity base is configured to move longitudinally within the side walls forming the cavity; a pusher for moving the base of the cavity, protruding from the body of the aerosol generating device, when an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate is located within the cavity; and at least one induction coil located outside the cavity and configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field during operation. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the side walls of the cavity are made of a non-susceptible material or a non-magnetic material. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the side walls of the cavity are permeable to air to provide a radial flow of air into the cavity through the side walls. 4. The device according to claim 3, in which the side walls have a longitudinal dimension extending from the opening of the cavity, wherein from 50% to 100% of the longitudinal dimension of the side walls are made of a material that is porous in the radial direction. 5. A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein all side walls are made of a radially porous material. 6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the cavity is configured to move longitudinally between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the base of the cavity is located closer to the opening of the cavity than in the second position. 7. The device according to claim 6, comprising a retainer for releasably holding the base of the cavity in the second position. 8. The device of claim 6, comprising a retainer for releasably holding the base of the cavity in the first position. 9. A device according to any one of paragraphs 6-8, in which the first position is defined by a stop that prevents further movement of the base of the cavity toward the opening of the cavity. 10. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the base of the cavity has a first surface facing the opening of the cavity and a second surface facing away from the opening of the cavity, wherein the second surface is connected or linked to a pusher extending from the second surface. 11. A device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the cavity base and the pusher form a manually operated ejector to facilitate removal of the aerosol-forming substrate from the cavity. 12. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base of the cavity is configured to be displaced by a displacing element. 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the biasing element is designed to press the base of the cavity in the direction of the opening of the cavity. 14. A device according to any of the preceding paragraphs, configured to operate with an article for generating an aerosol of a first type and with an article for generating an aerosol of a second type, different from the article of the first type, wherein the article of the first type comprises an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor of a first configuration for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and the article of the second type comprises an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor of a second configuration for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. 15. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, and an aerosol generating article configured to be placed within a cavity of the aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises: an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor for heating the aerosol-forming substrate upon interaction with a fluctuating magnetic field generated by an induction coil of the aerosol-generating device.