WO2025093427A1

WO2025093427A1 - Aerosol-generating device provided with a clamp

Info

Publication number: WO2025093427A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/080169
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jérôme Christian COURBAT; Gérard Edmond ZUBER; Houxue HUANG; Enrico TURRINI; Amir Feriani; Eric Albin Jean MISSELWITZ; Frédéric WEIBEL; Siro CANELLO
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-10-31
Filing date: 2024-10-25
Publication date: 2025-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-30

Abstract

The clamp (202) has a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet (31) through the clamp (202) is restricted, and an open configuration in which the transport unit (20) can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet (31) through the clamp (202). The present invention further relates to a method for operating an aerosol-generating device. The present invention also relates to a use of a clamp (202) in an aerosol-generating device (1000).

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE PROVIDED WITH A CLAMP

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device, in particular a handheld device, configured to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a consumer by heating an aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating article for an aerosol-generating device.

Aerosol-generating devices in which an aerosol-generating substrate is heated rather than combusted, are known in the art. Typically, in such aerosol-generating devices an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to an aerosol-generating substrate, which may be located near or in contact with the heat source. Alternatively, the aerosol may be generated by vibration or other means. The known aerosol-generating devices may be powered by a source of energy, like a rechargeable battery.

The present invention aims to provide an improved aerosol-generating device. The present invention further aims to provide an improved aerosol-generating article for an aerosol-generating device.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: at least one aerosolization element configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosolgenerating substrate sheet, a clamp configured to clamp and release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, a transport unit configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the at least one aerosolization element and through the clamp. The clamp has a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp is restricted, and an open configuration in which the transport unit can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp.

By restricting the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp, the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be kept still while generating the aerosol from the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. An unwanted or unintentional displacement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be advantageously prevented in the closed configuration. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be held with respect to the at least one aerosolization element. In particular, the at least one aerosolization element remains stationary with respect to the aerosol-generating substrate sheet during a puff, in particular one inhalation of the consumer. This allows to more thoroughly subject the portion of the substrate to the aerosolization element to aerosolize a majority of the aerosolizable content of the substrate during a puff.

The closed configuration may form a heating configuration for heating the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. By restricting the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, a defined portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be thoroughly heated. This applies even if the aerosol-generating device is subject to acceleration and external forces, due a consumer operating the aerosol-generating device. A repeated heating of a same portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be prevented by moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet by the length of the at least one aerosolization element through the clamp.

The clamp may comprise at least two clamping elements, wherein at least one of the two clamping elements is configured to be moved in relation to the other clamping element. The at least two clamping elements may restrict a movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp. The transport unit may be configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet between the at least two clamping elements.

One or both of the at least two clamping elements may be arranged in and movable with respect to a housing of the aerosol-generating device. In the open configuration, the at least two clamping elements may be arranged sufficiently apart from one another by a clamp distance to allow moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet without being in contact with at least one of the at least two clamping elements. The clamp distance is the distance between the at least two clamping elements in the open configuration of the clamp. The clamp distance may be at least 0.1 millimeters, in particular at least 0.2 millimeters, and more in particular at least 1 millimeter or at least 2 millimeters. The clamp distance may be less than 20 millimeters. The clamp distance may be less than 10 millimeters. The clamp distance may less than 5 millimeters, in particular less than 3 millimeters, and more in particular less than 2 millimeters. This may reduce the risk of tearing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet when the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet is moved through the clamp. The clamp distance may be comprised between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters. This may improve the compactness of the aerosol-generating device.

In the closed configuration of the clamp, an aerosolization chamber may be formed in between the at least two clamping elements. The aerosolization chamber may provide a predominantly enclosed volume wherein an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosolgenerating device may comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The aerosolization chamber may comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The at least one air inlet of the aerosolization chamber may be in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet of the aerosolgenerating device. The at least one air outlet of the aerosolization chamber may be in fluid communication with the at least one air outlet of the aerosol-generating device. The at least one air inlet, respectively the at least one air outlet, of the aerosolization chamber may be formed by a passage connecting an inside of the aerosolization chamberto an outside of aerosolization chamber. The aerosol may be generated in the inside of the aerosolization chamber. The passage may be formed by a through hole provided in at least one of the at least two clamping elements. Alternatively, the passage may be formed by a recess provided in at least one of the at least two clamping elements. The passage may be formed only when the clamp is in the closed configuration.

In the closed configuration, the clamp may allow air to flow through the at least one air inlet of the aerosolization chamber only. In the closed configuration, the clamp may allow an aerosol to flow through the at least one air outlet of the aerosolization chamber only. By restricting the fluid exchange, in particular the heat exchange, the aerosolization chamber may enable reducing heat loss in the closed configuration. The closed configuration of the clamp may maintain the aerosol-generating sheet substrate within the aerosolization chamber. This may enable a consistent and stable aerosolization in the closed configuration. The aerosolization chamber formed in between the at least two clamping elements may be the only aerosolization chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosolgenerating device may be configured such that the aerosolization of the aerosol-generating sheet substrate occurs only in the aerosolization chamber. The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that an aerosol generated in the aerosolization chamber may only flow out of the aerosolization chamber through the at least one air outlet. This may enable preventing that the aerosol flows to other areas of the aerosol-generating device. A discrete portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet arranged in the aerosolization chamber may correspond to an amount of substrate necessary for one inhalation. The heating of more aerosol-generating substrate than required for one inhalation may be prevented.

In the closed configuration of the clamp, the at least two clamping elements may be configured to bring the at least one aerosolization element in surface contact with the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. A surface contact between the at least one aerosolization element with the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may allow improving the aerosolization of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. When the at least one aerosolization element is a heater element, a direct physical surface contact may improve the heat exchange between the aerosol-generating substrate sheet and the heater element. The at least two clamping elements may be identical in shape and dimension. This may simplify the manufacturing of the device. Alternatively, the at least two clamping elements may have different shape or dimension or both from one another. This may improve clamping or aerosolization, in particular heating, or both.

The at least one aerosolization element may be mounted to the clamp. The clamp with the aerosolization element may allow aerosolizing and clamping the aerosol-generating substrate sheet simultaneously. A clamped portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be thoroughly aerosolized. This may enable to evenly aerosolize the clamped aerosol-generating substrate sheet with the at least one aerosolization element. In particular, the under-heating of areas of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet may be reduced or avoided. The at least one aerosolization element may be configured to aerosolize a clamped portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet only. As the transport unit is configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp in the open configuration, a different portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be clamped and aerosolized between successive puffs. This may prevent that some areas of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be aerosolized twice. In particular, this allows avoiding that some areas of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be over-heated. Each of the at least two clamping elements may be provided with at least one respective aerosolization element. An aerosolization element may be provided on each clamping element such that two opposite sides of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be aerosolized, in particular simultaneously. The at least one aerosolization element may comprise at least one of: an electric heater, a dielectric heater, a resistive heater, an induction heater, a susceptor, a microwave heater and an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer may be electrically coupled to an ultrasound generator.

The clamp may be provided with two or more aerosolization elements. The redundancy of aerosolization elements may help managing a possible failure of one of the aerosolization elements. The clamp may comprise a first clamping element and a second clamping element. The first clamping element may comprise a first aerosolization element and the second clamping element may comprise a second aerosolization element. The first aerosolization element may be a different type of aerosolization element than the second aerosolization element. Alternatively, the first aerosolization element and the second aerosolization element may be of the same type. In particular, the first aerosolization element and the second aerosolization element may respectively be a heating element. The first aerosolization element and the second aerosolization may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate sheet at different temperatures or different durations or both. The first aerosolization element may be configured to heat one side of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet at a temperature greater than the second aerosolization element is configured to heat an opposite side of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The first aerosolization element may be configured to heat one side of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet for a longer period of time than the second aerosolization element is configured to heat an opposite side of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. Alternatively, the first aerosolization element and the second aerosolization element may be configured to operate at a same heating temperature or during a same period of time or both. A heating temperature or a heating duration, or both, of each aerosolization element may be defined according to chemical properties of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise two opposite sides having different chemical properties. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may have one side coated with an additive and another opposite side free of additive.

The at least one of the clamping elements may have a cavity. The cavity may provide a volume in the clamp wherein an aerosol can flow in the closed configuration. The cavity may be formed by a partial material removal in the clamping element, in particular in a thickness of the clamping element. Alternatively, the cavity may be formed simultaneously with the clamping element by a molding process. The at least one aerosolization element may be arranged in a manner that, in the closed configuration of the clamp, a first side of the aerosolization element may be configured to contact the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet and a second side of the aerosolization element, opposite to the first side, may be configured to face the cavity.

At least 20%, in particular at least 50%, of a perimeter of at least one of the clamping elements surrounding the cavity may be adapted to contact the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in a closed configuration.

A perimeter of at least one of the clamping elements surrounding the cavity may be at least partially provided with a friction increasing means, in particular a rougher surface or silicon rubber. A perimeter of at least one of the clamping elements surrounding the cavity is at least partially provided with a sealing element. The sealing element may be made of silicon rubber. The friction increasing means and the sealing element may be one same element, in particular an element made of silicon rubber.

The clamp may be provided with at least two clamping elements and the respective perimeter of each clamping element may be configured to form a form-fit connection with one another in the closed configuration. In particular, a perimeter of a first clamping element may be at least partially provided with a recess or a groove, and a perimeter of a second clamping element may be at least partially provided with a tongue, such that in the closed configuration of the clamp, the tongue may fit at least partially in the recess of the groove. This allows improving the mechanical stability of the clamp in the closed configuration.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing provided with a mouthpiece for enabling consumer inhalation, and only one of the at least two clamping elements may be fixedly mounted to the housing of the aerosol-generating device. One the at least two clamping elements may be kept stationary with respect to the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The clamp may be provided inside or within the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The clamp may be formed distinctly from the housing of the aerosol-generating device.

The housing of the aerosol-generating device may comprise a storage compartment for storing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, in particular for storing a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet upstream of the aerosolization element with respect to a transportation direction of the aerosol-generating substrate. The storage compartment may be configured to store a bobbin of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The housing of the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a waste compartment for storing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, in particular for storing a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet downstream to the aerosolization element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing provided with a mouthpiece for consumer inhalations, and each of the at least two clamping elements may be movably mounted to the housing of the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, this may allow providing a more uniform clamping force. The at least two clamping elements may be mechanically coupled with one another by means of an elastic element. The elastic element may be a compression spring or a torsion spring. At least one of the clamping elements may be mechanically coupled to an actuator. The movement of the actuator may be transferred to one of the clamping elements, which is configured to transfer movement to the other clamping elements by means of the elastic element. The elastic element allows actuating the at least two clamping elements by means of a common actuator.

The transport unit may comprise a first moving mechanism and a second moving mechanism, and the clamp may be arranged between the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism, and the clamp, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism may be respectively actuatable by a common motor. The clamp, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism may be actuatable by a single motor. The first moving mechanism may be arranged upstream of the aerosolization element with respect to a transportation direction of the aerosolgenerating substrate. The second moving mechanism may be arranged downstream of the aerosolization element with respect to a transportation direction of the aerosol-generating substrate. The first moving mechanism may comprise a roller, in particular a first pair of rollers. The second moving mechanism may comprise a roller, in particular a second pair of rollers. Each roller may have a respective external diameter comprised between 3 millimeters and 15 millimeters, in particular between 4 millimeters and 10 millimeters, more in particular between 4.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters. The first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers may be respectively actuatable by a motor, in particular by a common motor.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an eccentric bearing arranged to move at least one of the at least two clamping elements. The eccentric bearing may be driven by a motor, in particular by the common motor, in particular by the single motor of the aerosol-generating device. The eccentric bearing may be configured to convert a rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion of at least one of the at least two clamping elements. The linear motion may allow moving the clamp between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The eccentric bearing may be supported by a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft may be coupled to a driving wheel. The driving wheel may be driven by a motor, in particular the common motor. The eccentric bearing may be configured to move at least one of the clamping elements against the resistance of at least one elastic element. The at least one elastic element may connect the at least one clamping element to an element stationary with respect the at least one clamping element. In particular, the at least one elastic element may connect the at least one clamping element to the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The at least one elastic element may comprise a spring, in particular one of a compression spring, an extension spring and a torsion spring. The spring may be a helical spring, a disk spring or a leaf spring. A direction of transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet by means of the transport unit may be inclined, in particular substantially perpendicular, to a motion direction of the at least two clamping elements between the closed configuration and the open configuration.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a track configured to support the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The transport unit may be configured to slide the aerosol-generating substrate sheet at least partially on the track. The track may comprise several track segments. A first track segment may be provided upstream the first moving mechanism with respect to the transportation direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. A region defined between the rollers of the first moving mechanism may be free of any track. Thus, the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be transported through the rollers of the first moving mechanism. A second track segment may be provided between the first moving mechanism and the clamp. A region defined between the clamping elements of the clamp may be free of any track. This may allow clamping the aerosol-generating substrate sheet between the two clamping elements. A third track segment may be provided between the clamp and the second moving mechanism. A region defined between the rollers of the second moving mechanism may be free of any track. This may allow transporting the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the rollers of the second moving mechanism. A fourth track segment may be provided downstream the second moving mechanism with respect to the transportation direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. At least one track segment may be covered by a low friction layer, in particular polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE).

The actuation of the clamp, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism may be mechanically decoupled from one another. One common motor may be configured actuate the clamp, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism. The aerosol-generating device may be provided with one single motor. The actuation of the clamp, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism may be mechanically decoupled from one another by means of a free-wheel bearing. A first free-wheel bearing may be arranged between the motor and the eccentric bearing. The first free-wheel bearing may allow a motion transmission between a rotatable shaft of the motor and the eccentric bearing in one rotational direction only. A second free-wheel bearing may be arranged between the motor and the first moving mechanism. A third free-wheel bearing may be arranged between the motor and the second moving mechanism.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a synchronization system comprising a gear mechanism powered by a single motor, wherein free-wheel bearings are used to decouple the clamping elements motion from the moving mechanisms.

A controller may be configured to activate the transport unit between successive consumer inhalations. The transport unit may be activated by a controller, in reaction to a consumer action, in particular regarding individual puffs.

The controller may be a system of several separate control units. The control units may be connected to transmit data to each other.

The controller may be configured to activate the at least one aerosolization element to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in response to a consumer inhalation. The controller may be electrically connected to a sensor configured to detect a consumer inhalation. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a sensor to detect a consumer inhalation. The sensor may be arranged upstream of an air inlet of the aerosolization chamber. The sensor may be a flow sensor or a pressure sensor. The flow sensor may be configured to detect air flow changes that occur when a consumer draws on the aerosol-generating device. The pressure sensor may be configured to detect pressure changes that occur when a consumer draws on the aerosol-generating device. The pressure sensor may comprise a pressure gauge in fluid communication with an air inlet of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, or in combination, the pressure gauge may be in fluid communication with an air outlet of the aerosolgenerating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a capacitive sensor configured to detect when a consumer contacts the aerosol-generating device with their lips in order to draw on the aerosol-generating device. For example, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a capacitive sensor arranged in proximity to a mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating system. The controller may be electrically connected to the capacitive sensor. Alternatively or in combination, the controller may by operatively coupled to an actuation mechanism that may be activated by a consumer to indicate a consumer inhalation. For example, the actuation mechanism may comprise a switch that may be pressed by a consumer to indicate a consumer inhalation.

The controller may comprise or be electrically connected to a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuitry capable of providing control. The controller may have a controller circuitry comprising further electronic components. For example, the controller circuitry may comprise one or more sensors, one or more switches, one or more display elements or any combination thereof.

The controller may be configured to activate the transport unit only when the clamp is in the open configuration. This may allow reducing the risk of tearing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet by preventing a motion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet as long as the clamp is not in the open configuration.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an indexing unit configured to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the aerosolization element. The indexing unit may be configured to synchronize the transport unit and the clamp in function to the position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the aerosolization element. The indexing unit may be configured to activate the transport unit in response to a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet determined by the indexing unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect, further comprising an aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise a plurality of segments. The plurality of segments may be interconnected consecutively to form the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. Each junction interconnecting two successive segments may be provided with a recess or an aperture formed in the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a sensor configured to detect the recesses or the apertures of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. The sensor may be an ultrasonic transducer. The sensor may be an optical sensor. Each segment of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may have a width and length substantially greater than the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosolgenerating substrate sheet may be initially wound in the shape of a bobbin. A length of a segment along the motion direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may correspond to a greatest dimension of the clamp. A length of a segment along the motion direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may correspond to a greatest dimension of the at least one aerosolization element. In each segment, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a thickness comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters, in particular between 0.1 millimeters and 0.3 millimeters. A thickness of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet of each segment may be greater than a thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet at each junction located between successive segments, in particular, is at least 10%, in particular 50% greater.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising the steps of: (A) moving the clamp in the closed configuration to clamp the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, (B) activating an aerosolization element to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, (C) moving the clamp in the open configuration to release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and (D) after the step (C), moving the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet through the clamp for a predefined distance. The predefined distance may be at least equal to the length of the aerosolization element in a movement direction of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. The length of the aerosolization element may be the greatest dimension of the aerosolization element projected in a plane of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The step (A) or the step (B) of the method may be triggered by the detection of a consumer inhalation. The method may comprise a step of de-activating the at least one aerosolization element between the step (B) and the step (C). The aerosolization element may not be consuming energy when the aerosolization element is de-activated. The step of de-activating the at least one aerosolization element may be triggered after a predefined delay from the activation of the at least one aerosolization element at step (B). The step of de-activating the at least one aerosolization element may be triggered by the detection of a pressure drop. The detection of a pressure drop may be carried out by means of a flow sensor coupled to a controller of the aerosol-generating device. The step (C) may be carried out after a predefined delay from the detection of a pressure drop, in particular after less than 10 seconds of the detection of a pressure drop. Alternatively, or in combination, the step (C) may be carried out after a predefined pressure threshold is detected. Upon a next detection of a consumer inhalation, the step (D) may be followed by a new cycles of steps (A) to (D). The motions carried out in step (A), step (C) and step (D) may be actuated by means of a common rotary motor of the aerosol-generating device. The motions carried out in step (A), step (C) and step (D) may be mechanically decoupled from one another, in particular by means of a free-wheel assembly of the aerosol-generating device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a clamp in an aerosol-generating device for restricting a movement of an aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp for keeping the aerosol-generating substrate sheet still while generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising: at least one aerosolization element configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosolgenerating substrate sheet, a transport unit configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the aerosolization element, and an indexing unit configured to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element; wherein the indexing unit is coupled to the transport unit such that a movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element is stopped after the indexing unit has determined that the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet moved for a predefined distance. The indexing unit may be configured to aerosolize a same portion of the aerosol-generating sheet substrate only once. The transport unit may be driven by at least one motor, in particular an electric motor, more in particular a rotary electrical motor. The predefined distance may be defined such that the amount of aerosol generated provides sufficient inhalable aerosol for an individual puff to a consumer.

The predefined distance is at least equal to the length of the aerosolization element in a movement direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The predefined distance may be the minimum distance required for avoiding to heat more than once a same portion of the aerosol-generating sheet substrate. The predefined distance may be greater than the length of the aerosolization element. The predefined distance may be comprised between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters, in particular between 8 millimeters and 15 millimeters, more in particular between 9 millimeters and 12 millimeters. The value of the predefined distance may be adjusted by means of a controller of the aerosol-generating device.

The indexing unit may be coupled to the at least one aerosolization element for sequentially aerosolizing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

The indexing unit may be configured to activate the at least one aerosolization element after the indexing unit determined that the aerosol-generating substrate sheet moved for a predefined distance. The at least one aerosolization element may be configured to be activated only for generating an aerosol, i.e. only when it is required for the use of the aerosol-generating device. The consumption of energy of the aerosol-generating device may be reduced by activating the at least one aerosolization element only when the indexing unit determines that the aerosol-generating substrate sheet has been moved for a predefined distance.

The transport unit may comprise at least one driving element configured to move the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet, and the indexing unit may be configured to detect a position of the at least one driving element. The driving element may comprise at least one roller. The indexing unit may be configured to detect a position of the at least one roller, in particular an angular position of the at least one roller. The transport unit may comprise a first pair of rollers arranged upstream of the aerosolization element with respect to the transportation direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The transport unit may comprise a second pair of rollers being arranged downstream of the aerosolization element with respect to the transportation direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

The indexing unit may comprise an encoder assembly. The encoder assembly may be configured to detect an angular position of the at least one roller with an accuracy below 1 degree, in particular below 0.5 degree, more in particular below 0.3 degree.

The encoder assembly may comprise a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor may be activated by the presence of an external magnetic field.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a clamp configured to clamp and release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, the transport unit being configured to move the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet with respect to the at least one aerosolization element through the clamp. The clamp may have a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp is restricted, and an open configuration in which the transport unit can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp. By restricting the movement of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet through the clamp, the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be kept still while generating the aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. An unwanted or unintentional displacement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be advantageously prevented in the closed configuration. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be held with respect to the at least one aerosolization element. In particular, the at least one aerosolization element remains stationary with respect to the aerosol-generating substrate sheet during a puff. Thus, allows to more thoroughly subject the portion of the substrate to the aerosolization element to aerosolize a majority of the aerosolizable content of the substrate during a puff.

The indexing unit may comprise a first position marker and a second position marker, the first position marker indicating a first position corresponding to the closed configuration of the clamp and the second position marker indicating a second position corresponding to the open configuration of the clamp. The position marker may be a magnetic marker or an optical marker. In particular, the position marker may be one of: a magnetoresistive marker, a magneto-optical marker, a retro-reflective marker and an infrared reflective marker.

The transport unit may be configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element only when the clamp is in an open configuration. This may allow reducing the risk of tearing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The transport unit may be configured to lock a movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element in the closed configuration of the clamp. The clamp may comprise at least two clamping elements, wherein at least one of the clamping elements being configured to be moved in relation to the other. In the closed configuration of the clamp, an aerosolization chamber may be formed in between the at least two clamping elements.

The encoder assembly may be configured to detect an angular position of a rotating shaft connected to one of the at least two clamping pieces. The encoder assembly may be configured to detect whether the clamp is in the closed configuration or in the open configuration.

The indexing unit may be activated by a sensor configured to detect a distance between the sensor and the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The activation of the indexing unit may be independent from an angular rotation of a roller of the transport unit. This may allow that an incorrect reading caused by a slippage between the roller and the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be prevented. The sensor may be one of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gyroscopic sensor and a capacitive sensor. The sensor may be arranged upstream of the at least one aerosolization element with respect to the direction of transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

The sensor may be arranged upstream of the aerosolization element with respect to the direction of motion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The sensor may be arranged to sense a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet that has not been aerosolized by the at least one aerosolization element.

The sensor may be an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer may be configured to detect a recess or an aperture of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The ultrasonic transducer may be configured to use sound waves to detect the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The ultrasonic transducer may be configured to emit ultrasounds and to measure the duration for the ultrasounds to return to a receiver of the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer may be configured to detect a distance between the sensor and the aerosol-generating substrate sheet independently from the aerosol-generating substrate sheet colour or transparency. Advantageously, ultrasonic transducers are typically adapted to work in dark environments, such as inside the housing of an aerosol-generating device. The ultrasonic transducer may comprise a transceiver. By combining the transmitter and the receiver in one single component, this may allow advantageously reducing the number of elements constituting the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the ultrasonic transducer may comprise at least one emitter and at least one receiver. The at least one emitter and the at least one receiver may be arranged so as to face a same side of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. Alternatively, the at least one emitter and the at least one receiver may be arranged so as to respectively face opposite sides of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to the fifth aspect and further comprising an aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments being interconnected consecutively to form the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and wherein each junction interconnecting two successive segments may be provided with a recess or an aperture formed in the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a sensor configured to detect the recesses or the apertures of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The sensor may be an ultrasonic transducer. Each segment of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may have a width and length substantially greater than the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be initially wound in the shape of a bobbin. A length of a segment along the motion direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may correspond to a greatest dimension of the clamp. A length of a segment along the motion direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may correspond to a greatest dimension of the at least one aerosolization element. In each segment, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a thickness comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters, in particular between 0.1 millimeters and 0.3 millimeters. The thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet of each segment may be greater than the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet at each junction located between successive segments, in particular, is at least 10%, in particular 50% greater.

A sensor of the indexing unit may be configured to detect the respective recess or aperture of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet such that the indexing unit may be configured to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element. The sensor may be configured to determine the position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element independently from the aerosol-generating substrate sheet colour or The sensor may be an ultrasonic transducer.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for advancing an aerosol-generating substrate sheet in an aerosol-generating device, comprising at least: determining the position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to an aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device, and moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element for a predefined distance as a function of the determined position, stopping the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet after the aerosol-generating substrate sheet moved for the predefined distance. The step of determining the position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise reading an output of a sensor of the aerosol-generating device. The step of determining the position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise measuring an angular displacement of at least one driving element a transport unit for advancing of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. The method may comprise activating the aerosolization element only when the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element is stopped. This may reduce the energy consumption of the aerosol-generating device. The method may comprise detecting a battery level of the aerosol-generating device, as well as improve the consistency of the aerosol generated. The method may comprise activating the aerosolization element only when the detected battery level is above a predefined threshold.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of an indexing unit in operative connection with a transport unit in an aerosol-generating device for determining a position of an aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to an aerosolization element and for sequentially moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element in response to the determined position.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device, comprising an aerosol-generating substrate sheet and a housing. The housing comprises a first compartment and a second compartment for respectively receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating article further comprises: an access port provided between the first compartment and the second compartment. The access port is adapted for receiving at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article is configured to be used with an aerosol-generating device which is free of aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating device may be re-usuable, in particular with different aerosol-generating articles. The aerosol-generating article configured to be with the aerosol-generating device may be replaceable.

The access port may be in fluid communication with an inside of the housing. The access port may be dimensioned to enable that the at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device may be received inside the housing. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be stored as a bobbin in the first compartment. The first compartment may be provided with a pin, in particular with a circular pin, around which the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be wound. The internal volume of the second compartment may be greater than the volume of the first compartment, in particular at least 10 percent, in particular 50 percent greater. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be in a solid state.

The access port of the housing of the article may be further configured to be placed in fluid communication with an air channel connected to a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may be free of a mouthpiece. The aerosol-generating article may be free of electronic components. This may allow simplifying the manufacturing of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be disposal. The aerosol-generating article may be recyclable. The housing of the aerosol-generating article may be a substantially closed housing configured to retain the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in the housing. The housing may be configured to prevent exposing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet to the outside of the aerosol-generating device. This may allow preserving longer the characteristics of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, like its humidity content. The housing of the aerosol-generating article may be made by plastic injection molding. The housing may be easily manufacturable and at relatively low cost. The housing of the aerosol-generating article may be made of a recycled material, a recyclable material or both. The housing of the aerosol-generating article may be made of cardboard. The housing of the aerosol-generating article may be made of corrugated fiberboard or paperboard. The housing of the aerosol-generating article may be made in a transparent material. This may enable a visual indication about the use state of the aerosol-generating article.

The housing of the aerosol-generating article may comprise an air inlet. The number of air inlet is not limitative. The air inlet may be defined by a slot provided in the housing of the aerosol-generating article. The air inlet slot may be formed distinctly form the access port. The air inlet slot may be smaller than the access port. The air inlet slot may be provided in the housing of the aerosol-generating article geometrically opposite to the access port. The air inlet and the access port may face one another. The air inlet and the access port may at least partially overlap with one another. The air inlet and the access port may be substantially aligned with one another.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device, comprising an aerosol-generating substrate sheet and a housing. The housing comprises a first compartment and a second compartment for respectively receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The housing may join the first compartment to the second compartment by means of a tunnel. The tunnel may be dimensioned so that the aerosol-generating substrate may be transported flat in the tunnel. The tunnel may be dimensioned to prevent a folding of the aerosol-generating substrate in the tunnel. A with or a diameter of the tunnel may be greater than a width of the aerosol-generating substrate. The at least one aerosolization element may be configured to aerosolize a flat portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. This may contribute to a uniform aerozolisation of the aerosol-generating substrate. The tunnel may have a rectangular and hollow transversal cross-section with respect to the direction of transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, the tunnel may have an oblong, oval or circular hollow cross-section. The tunnel may be made in a transparent material. The tunnel may be adapted for allowing a visual inspection of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

A length of the tunnel extending between the first compartment and the second compartment may be comprised between 2 millimeters and 50 millimeters.

The first compartment may be a supply compartment of aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The second compartment may be a waste storage compartment for the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. By storing the used aerosol-generating substrate sheet sufficiently away from the unused aerosolgenerating substrate sheet, contamination of the unused aerosol-generating substrate sheet by the used aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be advantageously prevented. The housing defining the first compartment, the second compartment and the tunnel may be formed by two or more parts assembled with one another, in particular by means of an interference fit connection. Alternatively or in combination, the two or more parts may be assembled with one another by means of an adhesive connection.

The tunnel may have a restricted volume relative to the volume of the first compartment and/or the second compartment to inhibit transfer of any used portions of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet back into the first compartment. In addition, or alternatively, the tunnel may comprise one or more waste catching elements (such as one or more nets and/or recessed portions) for inhibiting transfer of any used portions of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet back into the first compartment.

The access port may be provided on a wall of the tunnel.

The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a moving mechanism configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet from the first compartment to the second compartment. The moving mechanism may be configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet inside the aerosol-generating article. The moving mechanism may be provided in the tunnel of the aerosolgenerating article. The moving mechanism may comprise one roller or more rollers. The moving mechanism may comprise a pair of rollers. The aerosol-generating article may be configured such that the aerosol-generating substrate sheet can pass between the rollers of the pair of rollers. The aerosolgenerating article may comprise a first moving mechanism and a second moving mechanism. The first moving mechanism may be arranged upstream of the access port of the aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction of transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate. The second moving mechanism may be arranged downstream of the access port of the aerosol-generating article with respect to the direction of transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate. The access port may be arranged between the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism.

The moving mechanism may be configured to receive a driving torque from an aerosol-generating device. The moving mechanism, in particular at least one of the rollers of the moving mechanism, may be configured to engage with a respective drive of the aerosol-generating device. The respective drive of the aerosol-generating device may be actuated by means of a motor of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may be free of motor. The at least one drive of the aerosol-generating device may engage a roller of the aerosol-generating article. The moving mechanism may be configured to advance the aerosol-generating substrate sheet by friction. The at least one drive of the aerosolgenerating device may be configured to transfer a torque smaller than a torque allowing to unwound the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, which may be stored as a bobbin.

In an initial state of the aerosol-generating article, that is to say in a state prior to any use of the aerosol-generating article, a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may pass through the moving mechanism. In particular, in the initial state of the aerosol-generating article, a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may pass between the rollers of each pair of rollers constituting the moving mechanism.

Alternatively or in combination, the moving mechanism may be provided in one of the first compartment and the second compartment of the aerosol-generating article. A moving mechanism may be arranged in the first compartment and another moving mechanism may be arranged either in the tunnel or in the second compartment.

The aerosol-generating article may be adapted for receiving a sensor of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may be free of sensor. This may advantageously allow reducing the complexity and the production cost of the aerosol-generating article. The tunnel of the aerosolgenerating article may be provided with an opening to receive the sensor.

The aerosol-generating article may be adapted for receiving the sensor between the aerosolization element and the first compartment. The sensor may be arranged to sense a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet that has not been previously aerosolized by the at least one aerosolization element. The access port for receiving at least one aerosolization element and the opening for receiving the sensor may be arranged on two different locations of the tunnel, in particular on two different sides of the tunnel.

The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise a plurality of segments of aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. The plurality of segments may be interconnected consecutively to form a sheet of segments. The sheet of segments may be provided with a recess or an aperture at each junction between successive segments.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a sensor configured to detect the recesses or the apertures of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The sensor may be an ultrasonic transducer. Each segment of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may have a width and length substantially greater than the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be initially wound in the shape of a bobbin. A length of a segment along the motion direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may correspond to a greatest dimension of the clamp. A length of a segment along the motion direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may correspond to a greatest dimension of the at least one aerosolization element. In each segment, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a thickness comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters, in particular between 0.1 millimeters and 0.3 millimeters. The thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet of each segment may be greater than the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet at each junction located between successive segments, in particular, is at least 10%, in particular 50% greater.

The housing may be provided with at least one locking element configured to be reversibly locked in an aerosol-generating device. The locking element may be configured to realize a snap-fit connection with the aerosol-generating device. The locking element may comprise a latching pin that is configured to engage with a corresponding latching slot provided in the aerosol-generating device. The locking element may be magnetic. The magnetic locking element may be configured to be attracted by a magnetic force generated by a magnet assembly of the aerosol-generating device. The magnetic locking element may be configured to be to guide the positioning of the housing in the aerosol-generating device by means of the magnetic force.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a first compartment and a second compartment in an aerosol-generating article respectively to supply aerosol-generating substrate sheet to an access port in between the compartments and to receive aerosol-generating substrate sheet afterthe aerosol-generating substrate sheet was subjected to an aerosolization element in the access port.

According to a eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article having an aerosol-generating substrate sheet, the aerosol-generating device comprises a mouthpiece and further comprises: at least one aerosolization element, wherein the aerosolization element is configured to be inserted in an access port of the aerosolgenerating article to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate, and wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to reversibly receive the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating device is provided with a drive configured to drive the aerosol-generating substrate sheet within the aerosol-generating article. This may allow providing an aerosol-generating device that may be free of aerosol-generating substrate, as the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be contained in the aerosol-generating article only. The aerosol-generating device may be reusable. The aerosol-generating device may have a receptacle for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The receptacle of the aerosolgenerating device may be formed by a recess in the aerosol-generating device, and the recess may have a shape complementary to the housing of the aerosol-generating article. The receptacle of the aerosol-generating device may extend from a first plane of a lateral side of the aerosol-generating device to a second plane of the aerosol-generating device. The first plane may be parallel to the second plane. The second plane may form the bottom of the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle may be substantially flat. The depth of the receptacle may correspond to the distance between the first plane and the second plane. The depth of the receptacle may be comprised in between 5 millimeters and 50 millimeters, in particular between 10 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a closing element configured to close reversibly a receptacle for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The closing element may be formed by one or more of: a hinged lid, a sliding lid, a foldable lid and a rotating lid. The closing element may comprise a transparent material. The closing element may have an external side provided with a gripping surface. The closing element may be configured to seal the receptacle of the aerosol-generating device. The closing element may be configured to prevent a liquid from entering the receptacle of the aerosolgenerating device. The closing element may be configured to seal hermetically the receptacle of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the closing element may comprise an aperture. The aperture of the closing element may be configured to be in fluid communication with an air inlet of an aerosolgenerating article, in particular an air inlet slot of the aerosol-generating article.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising at least one of the aerosol-generating article according to the ninth aspect of the present invention and the aerosol-generating device according to eleventh aspect of the present invention. In the aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating article may be received in a receptacle of the aerosol-generating device and the at least one aerosolization element of the aerosolgenerating device may be received in the access port of the aerosol-generating article. A moving mechanism of the aerosol-generating article may be engaged with a driving assembly of the aerosolgenerating device. A clamp of the aerosol-generating device may be inserted in the access port. The clamp may comprise at least two clamping elements which are configured to be move from a closed configuration to an open configuration inside the housing of the aerosol-generating article, in particular inside the tunnel of the housing of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a sensor configured to detect a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the tunnel of the housing of the aerosol-generating article. The sensor may be an ultrasonic transducer.

The aerosol-generating article may be electrically coupled with the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be provided with a first electrical contact. The aerosol-generating article may be provided with a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact may be electrically coupled with the second electrical contact when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosolgenerating device. The aerosol-generating article may be free of any power source. The aerosolgenerating article may be configured to receive energy from a power source of the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact generates a visual signal, an auditory signal, a vibrational signal or a combination thereof.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling an aerosol-generating article with an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising engaging the aerosol-generating article in the aerosol-generating device, such that an aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device is received in an access port of the aerosol-generating article. The engagement may be realized by means of a snap-fit connection between the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device, comprising: an aerosolization chamber, wherein the aerosolization chamber is at least partially defined by a hollow receptacle, a transport unit configured to move an aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the hollow receptacle, and an aerosolization element configured to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, the aerosolization element is arranged in the aerosolization chamber such that: a first side of the aerosolization element is configured to face the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and a second side of the aerosolization element, opposite to the first side, is configured to face the inside of the hollow receptacle. The aerosolization element may be a heater, in particular an electric heater. The aerosolization chamber, in particular a wall of the hollow receptacle, may comprise a susceptor for electromagnetic induction heating of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be free of a susceptor. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be free of metallic material. The aerosolization chamber may provide a volume for receiving the generated aerosol. The aerosolization element may be fluid permeable.

The hollow receptacle may be movable with respect to the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The hollow receptacle may be defined by a concave surface. The hollow receptacle may be formed by a support structure provided with a cavity. The support structure may have a length and a width in a first plane and a height perpendicularto the first plane, the length and the width being greaterthan the height. The hollow receptacle may be approximately square shaped in the first plane. The cavity may be substantially circular in the first plane. The cavity may be substantially square or rectangular in the first plane. The cavity may be substantially oval in shape in the first plane. The cavity may be located centrally in the support structure. The cavity may extend form the first plane. The cavity may extend in the support structure along the height of the support structure only partially. The hollow receptacle may have a peripheral edge surrounding the cavity of the hollow receptacle. An outer surface of the peripheral edge may extend in the first plane. The external corners of hollow receptacle hollow receptacle in the first plane may be rounded.

The hollow receptacle may comprise a heat-resistant polymer. For example, the hollow receptacle may comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or liquid crystal polymer (LCP) or both. Alternatively, the hollow receptacle may comprise a ceramic. For example, hollow receptacle may comprise alumina. In another example, the hollow receptacle may comprise zirconia.

The volume of the aerosolization chamber may be at least 5 cubic millimeters, in particular 10 cubic millimeters, more in particular 20 cubic millimeters. The volume of the aerosolization chamber may be less than 1000 cubic millimeters, in particular less than 100 cubic millimeters, more in particular less than 100 cubic millimeters, even more in particular less than 50 cubic millimeters.

The aerosolization element may comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, iron-chromium alloys, super alloys and combinations thereof. In particular, the aerosolization element may be made of stainless steel. The aerosolization element may comprise a ferromagnetic material. The aerosolization element may be coated with a corrosion resistant material. In particular, the aerosolization element may be coated with a ceramic material. Advantageously, this may increase the lifespan of the aerosolization element and aerosol-generating device. The aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to be reusable. The total resistance of the aerosolization element may be between 0.1 Ohms and 5 Ohms, in particular between 0.2 Ohms and 1 .5 Ohms, more in particular between 0,5 Ohms and 1.2 Ohms.

At least the first side of the aerosolization element may be planar. Advantageously, this may increase the surface contact area between the aerosolization element and the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The first side and the second side of the aerosolization element may be planar.

The aerosolization element may comprise a wound conductor. The aerosolization element may be fluid permeable. The aerosolization element may comprise spaces between segments of the wound conductor. The aerosolization element may be configured such that aerosol generated by the aerosolization element may pass through the wound conductor. The wound conductor may comprise parallel segments. Parallel segments of the conductor may be respectively spaced from each other by a distance comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters. A width of the aerosolization element may be comprised between 1 millimeters and 50 millimeters, in particular between 3 millimeters and 30 millimeters, more in particular between 5 millimeters and 10 millimeters.

A width of the respective segments of the aerosolization element may be comprised between 0.4 millimeters and 1 millimeters, in particular between 0.6 millimeters and 1 millimeters. A width of the respective passages of the aerosolization element may be comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters, in particular between 0.15 millimeters and 0.4 millimeters.

A length of the respective segments of the aerosolization element may be comprised between 1 millimeters and 60 millimeters, in particular between 3 millimeters and 30 millimeters, more in particular between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters.

The aerosolization element may comprise five to ten conductor segments. The respective segments of the aerosolization element may have a thickness comprised between 0.02 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters, in particular between 0.05 millimeters and 0.3 millimeters, more in particular between 0.08 millimeters and 0.15 millimeters.

The aerosolization element may comprise a wound conductor arranged into a serpentine shape. The serpentine shape may resemble a single Latin letter ‘S’, or multiple Latin letter ‘S’ connected end to end. The serpentine shape may be flat. Alternatively or in combination, the aerosolization element may be made of a porous conductive material wherein the pores have a size adapted to allow the generated aerosol to pass through the aerosolization element. The aerosolization element may be formed by a conductive mesh, like a metal mesh, or a conductive foam, like a metal foam.

An outer surface of a peripheral edge of the hollow receptacle may extend in the same plane as the first side of the aerosolization element. The first side of the aerosolization element may not protrude beyond the outer surface of a peripheral edge of the hollow receptacle.

The hollow receptacle may be provided with the aerosolization element. This may allow simplifying the construction of the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosolization element may be removably attached to the hollow receptacle. The aerosolization element may be replaceable without the need to change the hollow receptacle of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosolization element may be removably attached to the hollow receptacle by means of a fastener, in particular by a threaded fastener. Alternatively or in combination, the aerosolization element may be removably attached to the hollow receptacle by means of a snap-fit connection. Alternatively, the aerosolization element may be overmoulded to the hollow receptacle. This may prevent a motion between the aerosolization element and the hollow receptacle. Advantageously, overmoulding may provide a robust connection between the aerosolization element and the hollow receptacle.

The hollow receptacle may be electrically insulating. The hollow receptacle may be configured to prevent heat loss. The hollow receptacle may have a thermal conductivity of 1 Watt per Meter per Kelvin or less.

The aerosolization chamber may be formed by at least two hollow receptacles. At least one of the hollow receptacles may be movable with respect to the other. The at least two hollow receptacles may form a clamp configured to clamp and release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet between the at least two hollow receptacles. The at least two hollow receptacle may be moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The aerosolization chamber may be formed when the at least two hollow receptacles are in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the at least two hollow receptacles may face each other to form the aerosolization chamber. Only one of the least two hollow receptacles may be provided with an aerosolization element. In the closed configuration, the at least two hollow receptacles may be configured to clamp therebetween an aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The at least two hollow receptacles may have the same shape and the same volume. Alternatively, the at least two hollow receptacles have the same volume but different shape.

Alternatively or in combination, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a tensioning mechanism configured to arrange the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the aerosolization element. The tensioning mechanism may be configured to bring the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in surface contact with the first side of the aerosolization element. The tensioning mechanism may comprise at least two tensioning rollers which allow moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element. The transport unit may be in operative connection with the tensioning mechanism, in particular via a controller of the aerosol-generating device.

Each hollow receptacle may comprise a peripheral edge and the respective peripheral edges of the hollow receptacles may be configured to face each other to form the aerosolization chamber. The hollow receptacles may be arranged with respect to one another so that the respective cavity of the hollow receptacles partially overlap with one another. In particular, the hollow receptacles may be arranged with respect to one another so that the respective cavity of the hollow receptacles fully overlap with one another. This may enable reducing unwanted heat loss from the aerosolization chamber.

An outer surface of the peripheral edge of the hollow receptacle may be provided with a sealing element. The sealing element may be a friction increasing means, in particular a silicon rubber joint. The silicone rubber may be a heat-insulating material. This may allow reducing unwanted heat loss between the aerosol-generating sheet substrate and the at least one aerosolization element. The silicone rubber may provide further friction to the aerosol-generating sheet substrate. This may allow improving the positioning of the aerosol-generating sheet substrate in the closed configuration.

At least one air inlet and at least one air outlet may be formed by a passage connecting an inside of the aerosolization chamber to an outside of aerosolization chamber. The passage may be formed by a through hole provided in the hollow receptacle.

At least one air inlet and at least one air outlet may be respectively defined by a recess provided in the hollow receptacle. The at least one air inlet may be configured to enable air flow into the aerosolization chamber. The at least one air outlet may be configured to enable aerosol flow out of the aerosolization chamber. Several air inlets or air outlets or both may be provided. The number of air inlets may be different from the number of air outlets. The recess may extend perpendicularly from an outer surface of the peripheral edge of the hollow receptacle. A first recess may define an air inlet of the aerosolization chamber. A second recess may define an air outlet of the aerosolization chamber.

A temperature sensor may be configured to measure a temperature in the aerosolization chamber. The temperature sensor may be disposed within the aerosolization chamber.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to fourteenth aspect of the present invention, and further comprising an aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an aerosol-generating device to generate an inhalable aerosol, comprising: moving an aerosolgenerating substrate sheet such that a segment of aerosol-generating substrate sheet faces a hollow receptacle, activating an aerosolization element facing the hollow receptacle to generate an inhalable aerosol in the hollow receptacle from the segment of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The hollow receptacle may be in fluid communication with a mouthpiece. The aerosolization element may be activated in response to a consumer inhalation.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a hollow receptacle for defining an aerosolization chamber in an aerosol-generating device, wherein an aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device is arranged in the aerosolization chamber such that: a first side of the aerosolization element is configured to face an aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and a second side of the aerosolization element, opposite to the first side, is configured to face the inside of the hollow receptacle.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosolgenerating device comprising at least one aerosolization element configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a transport unit configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the at least one aerosolization element. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a clamp configured to clamp and release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The transport unit may be configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp. The clamp may have a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp is restricted. The clamp may have an open configuration in which the transport unit can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an indexing unit configured to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the at least one aerosolization element. The indexing unit may be coupled to the transport unit such that a movement of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet relative to the at least one aerosolization element is stopped after the indexing unit determined that the aerosol-generating substrate sheet moved for a predefined distance. The at least one aerosolization element may be configured to be inserted in an access port of an aerosolgenerating article to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to reversibly receive an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may be provided with a drive configured to drive the aerosol-generating substrate sheet within an aerosolgenerating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosolization chamber, wherein the aerosolization chamber may be at least partially defined by a hollow receptacle. The transport unit may be configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the hollow receptacle. The at least one aerosolization element may be arranged in the aerosolization chamber such that: a first side of the at least one aerosolization element is configured to face the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and a second side of the at least one aerosolization element, opposite to the first side, is configured to face the inside of the hollow receptacle.

The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may be configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the at least one aerosolization element by a predefined substrate movement distance. The substrate movement distance may be defined such that the amount of aerosol generated from the predefined distance of aerosol-generating substrate sheet provides sufficient inhalable aerosol for a single puff to a consumer. The substrate movement distance may be at least equal to the length of the at least one aerosolization element in a movement direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The substrate movement distance may at least be equal to the greatest dimension of the hollow receptacle in the first plane. The substrate movement distance may be comprised between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters, in particular between 8 millimeters and 15 millimeters, more in particular between 9 millimeters and 12 millimeters.

The transport unit of the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may comprise a moving mechanism. The transport unit may comprise a first moving mechanism arranged upstream of the at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device with respect to the direction of transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The transport unit may comprise a second moving mechanism arranged downstream of the at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device with respect to the direction of transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

The transport unit according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may comprise one or more rollers. The first moving mechanism may comprise a roller, in particular a first pair of rollers. The second moving mechanism may comprise a roller, in particular a second pair of rollers. Each roller may have a respective external diameter comprised between 3 millimeters and 15 millimeters, in particular between 4 millimeters and 10 millimeters, more in particular between 4 millimeters and 5 millimeters. The transport unit may be configured for conveying the aerosol-generating substrate sheet between the rollers of the first pair of rollers and between the rollers of the second pair of rollers. The first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers may be respectively actuatable by a motor of the aerosolgenerating device, in particular by a common motor. At least one of the rollers of the moving mechanism may be driven to rotate. A drive assembly may be configured to transfer a torque to the at least one roller. A drive assembly may comprise a driver configured to engage reversibly the at least one roller. The driver may engage the at least one roller by friction. At least one of the rollers of the moving mechanism may be a friction roller. The friction roller may have an outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft that is covered by a frictional layer configured to generate friction. At least one of the rollers of the moving mechanism may be made of or covered by silicon. This may allow to prevent an unwanted slippage of the aerosol-forming sheet with respect to the roller. The friction resistance between the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft and the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may cause the friction roller together with the aerosol-generating substrate sheet to rotate, thereby displacing the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet by frictional drive. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may comprise a synchronization system for actuating simultaneously at least two of: the clamp, the moving mechanism and the aerosolization element. The synchronization system may comprise a gear mechanism powered by a single motor. The gear mechanism may comprise at least one free-wheel bearing configured to decouple the clamp’s motion from the transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may comprise a housing provided with a mouthpiece for consumer inhalations. The aerosol-generating device may be a handheld and portable device. The housing may have a greatest dimension comprised between 80 millimeters and 200 millimeters, in particular between 100 millimeters and 150 millimeters, more in particular between 120 millimeters and 140 millimeters. The aerosol-generating device may be dimensioned to be manipulable by means of one hand of a consumer. The housing may be provided with a base portion, such that the aerosol-generating device may be configured to stay still when the base portion lies on a vertical support. A vertical support may be defined by a support with a surface oriented perpendicularly to the vertical direction. The distance between the base portion and the mouthpiece may correspond to the greatest dimension of the housing. The housing may have a three- dimensional shape with at least one curved face. The housing may have a cylindrical shape, in particular a right circular cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the housing may have a prism shape. A prism shape has no curved surfaces. The mouthpiece may be snapped into place partially inside the housing. The mouthpiece may be replaceable. The mouthpiece may be sanitized. The mouthpiece may be formed from a transparent plastic. The housing may comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. An aerosolization chamber may be formed in the housing between the at least one air inlet and the at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may be in fluid communication with the aerosolization chamber. The aerosolization chamber may comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The at least one air inlet of the aerosolization chamber may be in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet of the housing. The at least one air outlet of the aerosolization chamber may be in fluid communication with the at least one air outlet of the housing. The mouthpiece may define an air outlet of the housing.

The housing of the aerosol-generating device according any one of the first aspect, the fifth aspect and the fourteenth aspect of the present invention may comprise a storage compartment for storing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, in particular for storing a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet upstream of the aerosolization element with respect to the transportation direction of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. The storage compartment may be configured to store a bobbin of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. Storing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in bobbin shape allows saving space. The housing of the aerosol-generating device may comprise a waste compartment for storing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, in particular for storing a portion of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet downstream to the aerosolization element with respect to the transportation direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The housing may comprise a conduit configured to carry the aerosol-generating substrate sheet from the aerosolization element to the waste compartment. The conduit may be hermetically connected to the waste compartment. An end opening of the conduit may be integrally formed or sealed with the waste compartment. The waste compartment may be configured to wound the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in the waste compartment. The waste compartment may be defined by a closed compartment, in particular hermetically closed. This may allow avoiding the propagation of odour from the used aerosol-generating substrate sheet to the rest of the housing. A portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be considered “used” once the portion has already been aerosolized once for generating an aerosol therefrom. To the contrary, a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet that has not yet been aerosolized by the at least one aerosolization element, is considered as an “unused” portion, namely a “fresh” portion, of aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. The waste compartment may be accessible from the outside the aerosolgenerating device by means of a closing element. The waste compartment may be emptied for disposal. The waste compartment may be cleanable. Alternatively or in combination with the closing element, the waste compartment may be removably attached to the aerosol-generating device. This may allow reusing the aerosol-generating device. The first compartment and the second compartment may be accessible independently from one another. The second waste compartment may be configured to be empty without opening of the first compartment. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a sensor, which detects the fill level in the waste compartment. The sensor may trigger an optical signal, an audible signal, like a beep, or a haptic feedback to indicate to a consumer when the waste compartment is full. At least one of the first and second compartments may be provided with a temperature sensor. At least one of the first and second compartments may be provided with a humidity sensor.The aerosolgenerating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may comprise at least one hollow receptacle. The hollow receptacle may comprise a support structure. The support structure may comprise a cavity, in particular one cavity. The support structure may have a length and a width in a first plane and a height perpendicular to the first plane, the length and the width being greater than the height. The hollow receptacle may be approximately rectangular or square shaped in the first plane. The cavity may be located centrally in the support structure. The cavity may extend form the first plane along the height until a second plane. The second plane may be parallel to the first plane. The first plane may define an aperture of the cavity. The second plane may define a bottom of the cavity. The second plane may be substantially flat. Alternatively, the second plane may be a curved surface. The cavity may be delimited by lateral walls joining the first plane to the second plane. The lateral walls may be substantially inclined with respect to the height of the hollow receptacle. The inclination of the lateral wall may be more than 30 degrees with respect to the height of the hollow receptacle. The inclination of the lateral wall may be less than 60 degrees with respect to the height of the hollow receptacle. The bottom of the cavity may have a surface smaller than the aperture of the cavity in the first plane. Alternatively, the lateral wall may extend parallel to the height of the hollow receptacle. In this case, the lateral wall may be perpendicular to the first plane. The hollow receptacle may be mounted on a support. The support may be connected on the bottom side of the cavity. The support may extend along a direction substantially transversal to the first plane. The hollow receptacle and the support may be formed integrally in one piece. The support may be configured to interact, in particular to be mechanically coupled, with at least one bearing of the clamping mechanism.

The at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may be a heating element. The at least one aerosolization element may comprise at least one of: an electric heater, a dielectric heater, a resistive heater, an induction heater, a susceptor and a microwave heater. The aerosolization element may comprise a plurality of heating segments. The aerosolization element may comprise at least one attachment portion, for instance four attachment portions. The plurality of heating segments and the at least one attachment portion may be integrally formed. The aerosolization element may comprise or be made of stainless steel. Advantageously, this may simplify manufacturing and increase the robustness of the aerosolization element. The aerosolization element may comprise at least a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact may be attached to a first end of the aerosolization element. The second electrical contact may be attached to a second end of the aerosolization element. The aerosolization element may form a serpentine continuous electrical path between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. This continuous electrical path may have a total electrical resistance comprised between 0.2 Ohm and 2 Ohm, in particular between 0.5 Ohm and 1 .5 Ohm, more in particular between 0.7 Ohm and 0.8 Ohm. A part of the aerosolization element may overlie the aperture of the cavity of the hollow receptacle. In particular, each of the heating segments may overlie the aperture of the cavity of the hollow receptacle. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may respectively overlie a lateral external wall of the hollow receptacle to allow for electrical connections to external electronics. The at least one attachment portion may be attached to the hollow receptacle by a press-fit connection, in particular in a corresponding recess of the hollow receptacle. Alternatively, or in combination, the at least one attachment portion may be each attached to the hollow receptacle by a snap-fit connection or by means of fastener elements. The aerosolization element may be uncoated. However, the aerosolization element may be coated by a thin layer of a corrosion resistant material. This may increase the life span of the aerosolization element. An example of such material is a ceramic material. The electrical resistance of each heating segments may be higher than the electrical resistance of the at least one attachment portion. The aerosolization element may be provided with a plurality of segments spaced from one another by passages. The aerosolization element may be fluid permeable because an aerosol may pass through the passages of the aerosolization element. The aerosolization element may be serpentine in shape when projected onto the first plane of the hollow receptacle. Advantageously, such arrangements allow for many heating segments to be positioned or packed within a reduced area.

Alternatively, the at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may comprise an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer may be electrically coupled to an ultrasound generator.

The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may comprise a plurality of aerosolization elements of different types. For instance, the aerosol-generating device may comprise an electric heater an ultrasonic transducer.

The at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may be operatively connected to a power supply. The transport unit of the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may be operatively connected to a power supply, in particular to the same power supply than the aerosolization element. The power supply may be provided in the aerosol-generating device. The power supply may be provided by an electrical energy source. The electrical energy source may be a battery, in particular a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-lron-Phosphate, a Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. The battery may be a Nickel metal hydride battery or a Nickel cadmium battery. The power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a port for charging the battery. The charging port may enable to transmit energy and data. The charging port may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, in particular a USB-C port.

The clamp as described with respect to the first aspect of the invention may be provided in the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the other aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the clamp may be configured to clamp and release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The clamp may have a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp is restricted, and an open configuration in which the transport unit can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp. The clamp may comprise at least two clamping elements. The two clamping elements may be configured to be moved in relation to each other.

The indexing unit described with respect to the fifth aspect of the invention may be provided in the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the other aspects of the present invention. Alternatively or in combination, the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the aspects of the present invention may comprise a sensor, like an optical sensor or a capacitive sensor, configured to detect the presence of an aerosol-generating substrate sheet upon its insertion in the first compartment. The sensor may be configured to detect the end of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet provided in the first compartment. The sensor may be configured to detect that no aerosol-generating substrate sheet remains in the transportation unit or in clamp, for instance when a consumer wants to replace the aerosol-generating substrate sheet by a new one.

The aerosol-generating substrate sheet according to any one of the other aspects of the present invention may be a solid substrate, in particular a solid laminar substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may have mechanical and cohesion properties for arranging the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in a bobbin shape. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may have a width and length substantially greater than the thickness of the substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may have a thickness comprised between 0.11 millimeters and 0.38 millimeters, in particular between 0.17 and 0.27 millimeters. The mechanical and cohesion properties of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be such that the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be self-supporting. The self-supporting aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be free of a support structure. The self-supporting aerosolgenerating substrate sheet may be adapted to pass at least 180 degrees around a roller without structural damage in the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be a homogenized sheet of tobacco. The aerosolgenerating substrate sheet may comprise humectants. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise aerosol formers, such as polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1 ,3- butanediol and glycerine; 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. In particular, the aerosol former is different from tobacco material. The aerosolgenerating substrate sheet may comprise at least 3 % per weight, in particular at least 5 %, and more in particular at least 10 % per weight, of aerosol former with respect to the weight of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise a plant-based material.

The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise an alkaloid. The alkaloid may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be tobacco. Instead or in addition to tobacco, other plant-based materials may be part of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be a homogenized sheet of non-tobacco. The aerosolgenerating substrate sheet may be free of component being in a gel state. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be a fiber-based material. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be free of cellulose based film-forming agent. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be free of longitudinally spaced-apart discrete portions disposed on the sheet. This enables the aerosol-generating substrate sheet to be more easily manufactured. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may have a uniform chemical composition throughout the sheet. Any portions of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may comprise the same amount of compounds. This may allow simplifying the production of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be configured, such that any portions of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be aerosolized. Thus may allow simplifying the operation of the aerosol-generating device since it is not necessary that only specific portions of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet interact with the at least one aerosolization element. For the consumer, this may allow a consistent and repeatable experience.

A puff may start when a consumer applies a negative pressure to a mouthpiece of the aerosolgenerating device. A puff may comprise an aerosolization process. The aerosolization process may comprise generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate sheet by means of at least one aerosolization element. The puff may end once a consumer has inhaled at least partially the aerosol generated during the aerosolization process. Alternatively, or in combination, a puff may end when the aerosol-generating device detects a removal of the consumer lip from the mouthpiece of the aerosolgenerating device.

An air inlet of the aerosol-generating device may extend parallel to an air outlet of the aerosolgenerating device. A transversal cross-section of the air outlet of the aerosol-generating device may be greater than a transversal cross-section of the air inlet of the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be dimensioned for covering at least one of the air inlet or the air outlet, or both, of the aerosol-generating chamber.

The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be dimensioned for covering at least one of the air inlet or the air outlet, or both, of the hollow receptacle.

The aerosol-generating substrate sheet may be dimensioned for covering at least one of the air inlet or the air outlet, or both, of the clamping element.

A peripheral edge of the hollow receptacle may be configured to partially contact the aerosolgenerating substrate in the closed configuration. The entire peripheral edge of the hollow receptacle may be configured to contact the aerosol-generating substrate in the closed configuration. This may enable that most of the power delivered by the aerosolization element is received by the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet.

The moving mechanism may comprise a pair of rollers. A first roller of the pair of rollers may be driven by a gear. The gear may be powered by a motor. A second roller of the pair of rollers may be a not power-driven roller. The second roller may be rotate by friction. In particular, the rotation of the first roller may provide a friction drive for rotating the second roller.

The first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism may be configured to operate synchronously with one another. At least one clamping element may be configured to move within a holder of the aerosolgenerating device. At least one clamping element may be configured to be slidable, in particular translationally, within the holder of the aerosol-generating device. The holder may have a hollow receptacle having a shape complementary to the at least one clamping element. The holder may comprise an abutting member configured to stop a movement of the at least one clamping element within the holder. The abutting member may be configured to stop the movement of the at least one clamping element when the clamping element has reached a position in which the clamp is in the closed configuration.

The motor, in particular the common motor, more in particular the common single motor, may be configured to rotate in two opposite rotational directions. A first rotational direction of the motor may be configured to open and close the clamp, in particular by means of an eccentric bearing. The eccentric bearing may be configured to rotate in one rotational direction, in particular in one rotational direction only. The eccentric bearing may be supported by a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft may be coupled to a driving wheel. The driving wheel may be configured to transmit a torque to the eccentric bearing. At least one freewheel, in particular a plurality of freewheels operatively coupled to one another, may be configured to transmit a torque from the motorto the eccentric bearing. A rotation of the eccentric bearing may be configured to open and close the clamp. A second rotational direction of the motor may be configured to activate the moving mechanism. In particular, the second rotational direction of the motor may be configured to transmit torque to at least one roller of the moving mechanism. At least one freewheel, in particular a plurality of freewheels operatively coupled to one another, may be configured to transmit a torque from the motor to the eccentric bearing.

At least one common freewheel, in particular a common plurality of freewheels operatively coupled to one another, may be configured to transmit a torque to the eccentric bearing when the motor rotates in the first rotational direction and to transmit a torque to the moving mechanism when the motor rotates in the second rotational direction.

The aerosol-generating system according to any one of the other aspects of the present invention may comprise a consumable aerosol-generating article and a reusable aerosol generating device.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described here-in.

Example Ex1 : An aerosol-generating device comprising: at least one aerosolization element configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate sheet, a clamp configured to clamp and release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, a transport unit configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the at least one aerosolization element and through the clamp, wherein the clamp has: a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp is restricted, and an open configuration in which the transport unit can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp.

Example Ex2: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex1 , wherein by restricting the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp, the aerosol-generating substrate sheet is kept still while generating the aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex3: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the closed configuration forms a heating configuration for heating the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. Example Ex4: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the clamp comprises at least two clamping elements, wherein at least one of the two clamping elements is configured to be moved in relation to the other clamping element.

Example Ex5: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex4, wherein the transport unit is configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet between the at least two clamping elements.

Example Ex6: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex4 or Ex5, wherein one or both of the at least two clamping elements are arranged in and movable with respect to a housing of the aerosolgenerating device.

Example Ex7: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex4 to Ex6, wherein in the open configuration, the at least two clamping elements are arranged sufficiently apart from one another to allow moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the at least two clamping elements.

Example Ex8: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex4 to Ex7, wherein, in the closed configuration of the clamp, an aerosolization chamber is formed in between the at least two clamping elements.

Example Ex9: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex4 to Ex8, wherein in the closed configuration, the at least two clamping elements are configured to bring in surface contact the at least one aerosolization element with the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex10: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one aerosolization element is mounted to the clamp.

Example Ex11 : The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex4 to Ex10, wherein each of the at least two clamping elements is provided with the at least one aerosolization element.

Example Ex12: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex4 to Ex11 , wherein at least one of the clamping elements has a cavity.

Example Ex13: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex12, wherein the at least one aerosolization element is arranged in a manner that, in the closed configuration of the clamp, a first side of the aerosolization element is configured to contact the aerosol-generating substrate sheet and a second side of the aerosolization element, opposite to the first side, is configured to face the cavity in the clamping element.

Example Ex14: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex12 or Ex13, wherein a perimeter of at least one of the clamping elements surrounding the cavity is at least partially provided with a friction increasing means, in particular silicon rubber.

Example Ex15: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex12 to Ex14, wherein a perimeter of at least one of the clamping elements surrounding the cavity is at least partially provided with a sealing element.

Example Ex16: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex14 and Ex15, wherein the friction increasing means and the sealing element may be one same element.

Example Ex17: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex4 to Ex16 comprising a housing provided with a mouthpiece for consumer inhalations, and only one of the at least two clamping elements is fixedly mounted to the housing of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex18: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the housing of the aerosol-generating device comprises a storage compartment for storing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, in particular for storing a segment of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet upstream of the aerosolization element.

Example Ex19: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex18, wherein the storage compartment is configured to store a bobbin of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex20: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex18 or Ex19, wherein the housing of the aerosol-generating device further comprises a waste compartment for storing the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet, in particular for storing a segment of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet downstream to the aerosolization element.

Example Ex21 : The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex4 to Ex16 or any one of the Ex18 to Ex20, comprising a housing provided with a mouthpiece for consumer inhalations, and each of the at least two clamping elements are movably mounted to the housing of the aerosolgenerating device.

Example Ex22: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex21 , wherein both of the at least two clamping elements are actuable by means of a common actuator.

Example Ex23: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex21 or Ex22, wherein at least one the clamping elements is actuable by means of an elastic element, in particular a compression spring or a torsion spring.

Example Ex24: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the transport unit comprises a first moving mechanism and a second moving mechanism, and the clamp is arranged between the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism, and the clamp, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are respectively actuatable by a common motor.

Example Ex25: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex24, wherein the first moving mechanism is arranged upstream of the aerosolization element and the second moving mechanism is arranged downstream of the aerosolization element.

Example Ex26: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex24 or Ex25, wherein the first moving mechanism comprises a first pair of rollers and the second moving mechanism comprises a second pair of rollers.

Example Ex27: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex26, wherein the rollers of the first pair of rollers and the rollers of the second pair of rollers have a respective external diameter comprised between 3 millimeters and 6 millimeters, in particular between 4 millimeters and 5 millimeters, more in particular between 4,6 millimeters and 4,8 millimeters.

Example Ex28: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex26 or Ex27, wherein the first pair of rollers and the second pair of rollers are respectively actuatable by a motor, in particular by a common motor.

Example Ex29: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex4 to Ex28, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises an eccentric bearing arranged to move at least one of the at least two clamping elements.

Example Ex30: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex4 to Ex29, wherein a direction of transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet by means of the transport unit is inclined, in particular substantially perpendicular, to a motion direction of the at least two clamping elements between the closed configuration and the open configuration. Example Ex31 : The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex26 to Ex28, wherein the actuation of the clamp, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are mechanically decoupled from one another, in particular by means of a free-wheel bearing.

Example Ex32: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex28, Ex29 and Ex31 , wherein a first free-wheel bearing is arranged between the motor and the eccentric bearing.

Example Ex33: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex28, Ex29 and Ex31 , wherein a second free-wheel bearing is arranged between the motor and the first moving mechanism.

Example Ex34: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex28, Ex29 and Ex31 , wherein a third free-wheel bearing is arranged between the motor and the second moving mechanism.

Example Ex35: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding example, wherein a controller is configured to activate the transport unit between successive consumer inhalations.

Example Ex36: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a controller, or the controller according to Ex35, is configured to activate the at least one aerosolization element to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in response to a consumer inhalation.

Example Ex37: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a flow sensor to detect a consumer inhalation.

Example Ex38: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex37, wherein the flow sensor is arranged upstream of an air inlet of the aerosolization chamber.

Example Ex39: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex37 or Ex38, wherein the flow sensor comprises a pressure gauge in fluid communication with an air inlet of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex40: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex35 or Ex36, the controller is configured to activate the transport unit only when the clamp is in the open configuration.

Example Ex41 : The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising an indexing unit configured to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the aerosolization element.

Example Ex42: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex41 , wherein the indexing unit is configured to activate the transport unit in response to a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet determined by the indexing unit.

Example Ex43: An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device of any one of Ex1 to Ex42, further comprising an aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex44: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex43, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet comprises a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments being interconnected consecutively to form the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and wherein each junction interconnecting two successive segments is provided with a recess or an aperture formed in the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet.

Example Ex45: A method for operating an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising the steps of: (A) moving the clamp in the closed configuration to clamp the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, (B) activating an aerosolization element to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, (C) moving the clamp in the open configuration to release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and (D) after the step (C), moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp for a predefined distance.

Example Ex46: The method according to Ex45, wherein the predefined distance is at least equal to the length of the aerosolization element in a movement direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex47: The method according to Ex45 or Ex46, wherein the step (A) or the step (B) is triggered by the detection of a consumer inhalation.

Example Ex48: The method according to any one ofthe Ex45 to Ex47, wherein the method further comprises a step of de-activating the at least one aerosolization element between the step (B) and the step (C).

Example Ex49: The method according to Ex48, wherein said step of de-activating the at least one aerosolization element is triggered after a predefined delay from the activation of the at least one aerosolization element at step (B).

Example Ex50: The method according to Ex48 or Ex49, wherein said step of de-activating the at least one aerosolization element is triggered by the detection of a pressure drop.

Example Ex51 : The method according to any one of the Ex45 to Ex50, wherein the step (C) is carried out after a predefined delay from the detection of a pressure drop, in particular after less than 10 seconds of the detection of a pressure drop.

Example Ex52: The method according to any one of the Ex45 to Ex51 , wherein, upon a next detection of a consumer inhalation, the step (D) is followed by a new cycles of steps (A) to (D).

Example Ex53: The method according to any one of the Ex45 to Ex52, wherein the motions carried out in step (A), step (C) and step (D) are actuated by means of a common rotary motor of the aerosol-generating device, and the motions carried out in step (A), step (C) and step (D) are mechanically decoupled from one another, in particular by means of a free-wheel assembly of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex54: Use of a clamp in an aerosol-generating device, in particular in an aerosolgenerating device according to any of the Ex1 to Ex44, for restricting a movement of an aerosolgenerating substrate sheet through the clamp for keeping the aerosol-generating substrate sheet still while generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex55: An aerosol-generating device comprising: at least one aerosolization element configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substrate sheet, a transport unit configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the aerosolization element, and an indexing unit configured to determine a position ofthe aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element; wherein the indexing unit is coupled to the transport unit such that a movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element is stopped after the indexing unit has determined that the aerosol-generating substrate sheet moved for a predefined distance.

Example Ex56: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex55, wherein the transport unit is driven by a motor, in particular an electric motor, more in particular a rotary electrical motor.

Example Ex57: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex55 or Ex56, wherein the predefined distance is at least equal to the length of the aerosolization element in a movement direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, in particular the predefined distance is comprised between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters, more in particular the predefined distance is comprised between 8 millimeters and 15 millimeters, more in particular comprised between 9 millimeters and 12 millimeters.

Example Ex58: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex55 to Ex57, wherein the indexing unit is coupled to the at least one aerosolization element so as to sequentially aerosolize segments of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex59: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex55 to Ex58, wherein the indexing unit is configured to activate the at least one aerosolization element after the indexing unit determined that the aerosol-generating substrate sheet moved for a predefined distance.

Example Ex60: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex55 to Ex59, wherein the transport unit comprises at least one driving element configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and the indexing unit is configured to detect a position of the at least one driving element.

Example Ex61 : The aerosol-generating device according to Ex60, wherein the driving element is a roller, and the indexing unit is configured to detect a position of the roller, in particular an angular position of the roller.

Example Ex62: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex55 to Ex61 , wherein the transport unit comprises a first pair of rollers arranged upstream of the aerosolization element and a second pair of rollers being arranged downstream of the aerosolization element.

Example Ex63: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex55 to Ex62, wherein the indexing unit comprises encoder assembly.

Example Ex64: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex63, wherein the encoder assembly comprises a Hall sensor.

Example Ex65: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex55 to Ex63, further comprising a clamp configured to clamp and release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, the transport unit being configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the at least one aerosolization element through the clamp.

Example Ex66: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex65, wherein the clamp has a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp is restricted, and an open configuration in which the transport unit can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp.

Example Ex67: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex66, wherein the indexing unit comprises a first position marker and a second position marker, the first position marker indicating a first position corresponding to the closed configuration of the clamp and the second position marker indicating a second position corresponding to the open configuration of the clamp.

Example Ex68: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex67, wherein the position marker is a magnetic marker or an optical marker.

Example Ex69: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex65 to Ex68, wherein the transport unit is configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element only when the clamp is in an open configuration.

Example Ex70: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex65 to Ex69, wherein the clamp comprises at least two clamping elements, at least one of the clamping elements being configured to be moved in relation to the other. Example Ex71 : The aerosol-generating device according to Ex70, wherein, in the closed configuration of the clamp, an aerosolization chamber is formed in between the at least two clamping elements.

Example Ex72: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex63 in combination with Ex70 or Ex71 , wherein the encoder assembly is further configured to detect an angular position of a rotating shaft connected to one of the at least two clamping elements.

Example Ex73: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex55 to Ex72, wherein the indexing unit is activated by a sensor configured to detect a distance between the sensor and the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex74: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex73, wherein the sensor is one of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a gyroscopic sensor and a capacitive sensor.

Example Ex75: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex73 or Ex74, wherein the sensor is arranged upstream of the aerosolization element with respect to the direction of motion of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet.

Example Ex76: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex73 or Ex75, wherein the sensor is an ultrasonic transducer.

Example Ex77: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex76, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to detect a recess or an aperture in the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex78: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the Ex55 to Ex72, wherein the indexing unit is activated by a manual actuator, in particular a spring return actuator.

Example Ex79: An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device of any one of the Ex55 to Ex78, and further comprising an aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex80: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex79, wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet comprises a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments being interconnected consecutively to form the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and wherein each junction interconnecting two successive segments is provided with a recess or an aperture formed in the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet.

Example Ex81 : The aerosol-generating system according to Ex80, wherein each segment has a width and length substantially greater than the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex82: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex80 or Ex81 , wherein the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet is initially wound in the shape of a bobbin.

Example Ex83: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex80, Ex 81 or Ex82, wherein a length of a segment along the motion direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet corresponds to the incremental step generated by the indexing unit.

Example Ex84: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex80 to Ex83, wherein the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet of each segment is greater than the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet at each junction located between successive segments, in particular is at least 10% greater, more in particular is at least 50% greater.

Example Ex85: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex80 to Ex84, wherein, in each segment, the aerosol-generating substrate may have a thickness comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters, in particular between 0.1 millimeters and 0.3 millimeters. Example Ex86: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex80 to Ex85, wherein a sensor of the indexing unit is configured to detect the respective recess or aperture of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet such that the indexing unit is configured to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element.

Example Ex87: A method for advancing an aerosol-generating substrate sheet in an aerosolgenerating device, comprising at least: determining the position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to an aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device, and moving the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element for a predefined distance as a function of the determined position, stopping the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet after the aerosol-generating substrate sheet moved for the predefined distance.

Example Ex88: The method according to Ex87, wherein determining the position of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet comprises measuring an angular displacement of at least one driving element a transport unit for advancing of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex89: The method according to Ex87 or Ex88, comprising activating the aerosolization element only when the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element is stopped.

Example Ex90: A use of an indexing unit in operative connection with a transport unit in an aerosol-generating device for determining a position of an aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to an aerosolization element and for sequentially moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element in response to the determined position.

Example Ex91 : An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device, comprising: an aerosol-generating substrate sheet, a housing, wherein the housing comprises a first compartment and a second compartment for respectively receiving at least a portion of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet, and the aerosol-generating article further comprises: an access port provided between the first compartment and the second compartment, and wherein the access port is adapted for receiving at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex92: The aerosol-generating article according to Ex91 , wherein the access port is in fluid communication with an inside of the housing.

Example Ex93: The aerosol-generating article according to Ex91 or Ex92, wherein the access port is dimensioned to enable that the at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device may be received inside the housing.

Example Ex94: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex93, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate sheet is stored as a bobbin in the first compartment.

Example Ex95: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex94, wherein the internal volume of the second compartment is greater than the volume of the first compartment, in particular at least 10 percent, in particular 50 percent greater.

Example Ex96: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex95, wherein the access port of the housing of the article is further configured to be placed in fluid communication with an air channel connected to a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex97: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex96, wherein the aerosol-generating article is free of a mouthpiece. Example Ex98: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex97, wherein the aerosol-generating article is free of electronic components.

Example Ex99: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex98, wherein the housing of the aerosol-generating article is a substantially closed housing configured to retain the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in the housing.

Example Ex100: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex99, wherein the housing joins the first compartment to the second compartment by means of a tunnel, and the access port is provided on a wall of the tunnel.

Example Ex101 : The aerosol-generating article according to Ex100, wherein a length of the tunnel extending between the first compartment and the second compartment is comprised between 2 millimeters and 50 millimeters.

Example Ex102: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex101 , further comprising a moving mechanism configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet from the first compartment to the second compartment.

Example Ex103: The aerosol-generating article according to Ex102, wherein the moving mechanism comprises a first rolling mechanism arranged in the tunnel.

Example Ex104: The aerosol-generating article according to Ex103, wherein the moving mechanism comprises a second rolling mechanism arranged in the tunnel, and the access port is located between the first rolling mechanism and the second rolling mechanism.

Example Ex105: The aerosol-generating article according to Ex103 or Ex104, wherein the respective rolling mechanism comprises a pair of rollers.

Example Ex106: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex107, wherein the article is adapted for receiving a sensor of an aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex107: The aerosol-generating article according Ex106 in combination with Ex100, wherein the tunnel is provided with an opening to receive the sensor.

Example Ex108: The aerosol-generating article according Ex106 or Ex107, wherein the aerosolgenerating article is adapted for receiving the sensor between the aerosolization element and the first compartment.

Example Ex109: The aerosol-generating article according to Ex107, wherein the access port for receiving at least one aerosolization element and the opening for receiving the sensor are arranged on two different locations of the tunnel, in particular on two different sides of a wall defining the tunnel.

Example Ex110: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex109, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate sheet comprises a plurality of segments of aerosol-generating substrate sheet, wherein the plurality of segments are interconnected consecutively to form a sheet of segments, and wherein the sheet of segments is provided with a recess or an aperture at each junction between successive segments.

Example Ex111 : The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex91 to Ex1 10, wherein the housing is provided with at least one locking element configured to be reversibly locked in an aerosolgenerating device.

Example Ex112: A use of a first compartment and a second compartment in an aerosolgenerating article respectively to supply aerosol-generating substrate sheet to an access port in between the compartments and to receive aerosol-generating substrate sheet after the aerosol-generating substrate sheet was subjected to an aerosolization element in the access port.

Example Ex113: An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article having an aerosol-generating substrate sheet, the aerosol-generating device comprises a mouthpiece and further comprises: at least one aerosolization element, wherein the aerosolization element is configured to be inserted in an access port of the aerosol-generating article to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate, and wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to reversibly receive the aerosolgenerating article, and the aerosol-generating device is provided with a drive configured to drive the aerosol-generating substrate sheet within the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex114: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex113, wherein the aerosolgenerating device has a receptacle for receiving of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex115: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex113 or Ex114, further comprising a closing element configured to close reversibly a receptacle for receiving the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex116: An aerosol-generating system comprising at least one of the aerosol-generating article according to any of Ex91 to Ex111 and the aerosol-generating device according to Ex113, Ex114 or Ex115, such that the aerosol-generating article is received in a receptacle of the aerosol-generating device and the at least one aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device is received in the access port of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex117: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex116, wherein a moving mechanism of the aerosol-generating article is engaged with a driving assembly of the aerosolgenerating device.

Example Ex118: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex116 or Ex117, wherein a clamp of the aerosol-generating device is inserted in the access port.

Example Ex119: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex118, wherein the clamp comprises at least two clamping elements which are configured to be move from a closed configuration to an open configuration inside the housing of the aerosol-generating article, in particular inside the tunnel of the housing of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex120: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex116 to Ex119, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a sensor configured to detect a position of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet relative to the tunnel of the housing of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex121 : The aerosol-generating system according Ex120, wherein the sensor is an ultrasonic transducer.

Example Ex122: The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Ex116 to Ex121 , wherein the aerosol-generating device is provided with a first electrical contact, and the aerosol-generating article is provided with a second electrical contact, the first electrical contact being electrically coupled with the second electrical contact when the aerosol-generating article is received in the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex123: The aerosol-generating system according to Ex122, wherein the aerosolgenerating device is configured such that the electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact generates a visual signal, an auditory signal, a vibrational signal or a combination thereof. Example Ex124: A method for assembling an aerosol-generating article with an aerosolgenerating device, the method comprising engaging the aerosol-generating article in the aerosolgenerating device, such that an aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device is received in an access port of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex125: The method according to Ex124, wherein the engagement is realized by means of a snap-fit connection between the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex126: An aerosol-generating device, comprising: an aerosolization chamber, wherein the aerosolization chamber is at least partially defined by a hollow receptacle, a transport unit configured to move an aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the hollow receptacle, and an aerosolization element configured to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, the aerosolization element is arranged in the aerosolization chamber such that: a first side of the aerosolization element is configured to face the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and a second side of the aerosolization element, opposite to the first side, is configured to face the inside of the hollow receptacle.

Example Ex127: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex126, wherein the aerosolization chamber, in particular a wall of the hollow receptacle, comprises a susceptor for electromagnetic induction heating of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex128: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex126 or Ex127, wherein the hollow receptacle is defined by a concave surface.

Example Ex129: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex128, wherein the volume of the aerosolization chamber is at least of 10 cubic millimeter.

Example Ex130: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex129, wherein the hollow receptacle is movable with respect to the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex131 : The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex130, wherein at least the first side of the aerosolization element is planar.

Example Ex132: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex131 , wherein the aerosolization element comprises a wound conductor, in particular arranged into a serpentine shape.

Example Ex133: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex133, wherein parallel segments of the conductor are respectively spaced from each other by a distance comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters.

Example Ex134: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex133, wherein an outer surface of a peripheral edge of the hollow receptacle extends in the same plane as the first side of the aerosolization element.

Example Ex135: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex134, wherein the hollow receptacle is provided with the aerosolization element.

Example Ex136: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex135, wherein the aerosolization element is removably attached to the hollow receptacle, in particular by means of a fastener, like a threaded fastener, or by means of a snap-fit connection.

Example Ex137: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex135, wherein the aerosolization element is overmoulded to the hollow receptacle.

Example Ex138: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex137, wherein the hollow receptacle is electrically insulating. Example Ex139: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex138, wherein the hollow receptacle has a thermal conductivity of 1 Watt per Meter per Kelvin or less.

Example Ex140: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex139, wherein the aerosolization chamber is formed by at least two hollow receptacles, wherein at least one of the hollow receptacles is movable with respect to the other.

Example Ex141 : The aerosol-generating device according to Ex140, wherein the at least two hollow receptacle may be in a closed configuration and an open configuration, such that the aerosolization chamber is formed when the at least two hollow receptacles are in the closed configuration.

Example Ex142: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex140 or Ex141 , wherein only one of the least two hollow receptacles is provided with an aerosolization element.

Example Ex143: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex141 , wherein, in the closed configuration, the at least two hollow receptacles are configured to clamp therebetween an aerosolgenerating substrate sheet.

Example Ex144: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex140 to Ex143, wherein each hollow receptacle comprises a peripheral edge and the respective peripheral edges of the hollow receptacles are configured to face each other to form the aerosolization chamber.

Example Ex145: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex144, wherein an outer surface of the peripheral edge of the hollow receptacle is provided with a sealing element.

Example Ex146: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex145, wherein the sealing element is a friction increasing means, in particular a silicon rubber joint.

Example Ex147: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex146, wherein at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet are respectively defined by a recess provided in the hollow receptacle.

Example Ex148: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex147, wherein the recess extends perpendicularly from an outer surface of the peripheral edge of the hollow receptacle.

Example Ex149: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex147 or Ex148, wherein a first recess defines an air inlet of the aerosolization chamber and a second recess defines an air outlet of the aerosolization chamber.

Example Ex150: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex149, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprising a tensioning mechanism configured to bring in contact the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with the first side of the aerosolization element.

Example Ex151 : The aerosol-generating device according to Ex150, wherein the transport unit is in operative connection with the tensioning mechanism, in particular via a controller of the aerosolgenerating device.

Example Ex152: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex150 or Ex151 , wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises at least two tensioning rollers which allow moving the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet relative to the heater element.

Example Ex153: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex152, wherein a temperature sensor is disposed within the aerosolization chamber.

Example Ex154: An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex126 to Ex153, and further comprising an aerosol-generating substrate sheet. Example Ex155: A method for operating an aerosol-generating device to generate an inhalable aerosol, comprising: moving an aerosol-generating substrate sheet such that a segment of aerosolgenerating substrate sheet faces a hollow receptacle, activating an aerosolization element facing the hollow receptacle to generate an inhalable aerosol in the hollow receptacle from the segment of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex156: The method according to Ex155, wherein the hollow receptacle is in fluid communication with a mouthpiece.

Example Ex157: The method according to Ex155 or Ex156, wherein the aerosolization element is activated in response to a consumer inhalation.

Example Ex158: A use of a hollow receptacle for defining an aerosolization chamber in an aerosol-generating device, wherein an aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device is arranged in the aerosolization chamber such that: a first side of the aerosolization element is configured to face an aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and a second side of the aerosolization element, opposite to the first side, is configured to face the inside of the hollow receptacle.

Example Ex159: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples of aerosol-generating devices or the aerosol-generating system according to any one of the preceding examples of aerosol-generating systems, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate sheet is configured to be moved by a predefined distance, in particular by a predefined distance being at least equal to the length of the aerosolization element in a movement direction of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, more in particular by a predefined distance is comprised between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters, in particular between 8 millimeters and 15 millimeters, more in particular between 9 millimeters and 12 millimeters.

Example Ex160: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples of aerosol-generating devices, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a clamp configured to clamp and release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

Example Ex161 : The aerosol-generating device according Ex160, wherein the clamp has a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp is restricted, and an open configuration in which the transport unit can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp.

Example Ex162: The aerosol-generating device according Ex160 or Ex161 , wherein the clamp comprises at least two clamping elements and the two clamping elements are configured to be moved in relation to each other.

Example Ex163: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples of aerosol-generating devices, wherein the aerosolization element is operatively connected to an electrical energy source of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex164: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples of aerosol-generating devices, wherein the aerosolization element is one of: an electric heater, a dielectric heater, a resistive heater and a microwave heater.

Example Ex165: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples of aerosol-generating devices, wherein the aerosolization element is an ultrasonic transducer.

Examples of embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates a front section view of an aerosol-generating device.

Figure 2 illustrates schematically the transport unit and the aerosolization unit of the aerosolgenerating device.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device.

Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section view of the aerosol-generating device wherein the clamp is in the closed configuration.

Figure 5 illustrates the aerosolization module of the aerosol-generating device.

Figures 6 to 11 illustrate successive steps of a method for operating the aerosol-generating device.

Figure 12 illustrates schematically and partially another aerosol-generating device.

Figure 13 illustrates schematically and partially another aerosol-generating device.

Figure 14 illustrates a front section view of another aerosol-generating device.

Figure 15 illustrates an exploded view and an assembled view of a clamping element.

Figure 16 illustrates a partially transparent view of an aerosol-generating article for the aerosolgenerating device.

Figure 17 illustrates a front view and a back view of a system of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device.

Figure 18 illustrates a transversal view of the system of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device.

Figure 19 illustrates an enlarged view of the clamp in the system.

Figure 20 illustrates schematically examples of sensor of an indexing unit and an example of aerosol-generating substrate.

Several features of the embodiments may form either individually or in different combinations, solutions according to the present invention. The following described embodiments thus can be considered either alone or in combination.

Figure 1 illustrates a front section view of an aerosol-generating device 1000. The aerosolgenerating device 1000 comprises an external housing 50. The external housing 50 is provided with several units 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, which are described thereafter. The aerosol-generating device 1000 comprises a power source (not shown in figure 1), like a battery, to power one or more of the several units 10, 20, 30, 40, 60. The aerosol-generating device 1000 may comprise at least one controller (not shown in figure 1), which is electrically connected with one or more of the several units 10, 20, 30, 40, 60. The aerosol-generating device 1000 comprises an airflow unit 10 comprising an airflow channel 11. The external housing 50 is provided with a mouthpiece 12 for consumer inhalation. The airflow channel 11 is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 12. The aerosol-generating device 1000 further comprises a transport unit 20. The transport unit 20 is configured to move an aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 with respect to the external housing 50. In the non-limitative example of Figure 1 , the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 is wound in a bobbin shape and is stored in a first compartment 30. The first compartment 30 is a storage compartment 30 configured to store the bobbin of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 . The first compartment 30 is arranged upstream to the transport unit 20, with respect to the direction of motion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 generated by the transport unit 20. The transport unit 20 is configured to gradually unwound the bobbin of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 stored in the first compartment 30. The first compartment 30 is provided with a circular pin 32, around which the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 is initially wound. The aerosol-generating device 1000 further comprises a second compartment 40. The second compartment 40 is a waste compartment 40 for storing the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 , in particular for storing a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet downstream to the transport unit 20. A conduit 41 is configured to carry the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 from the transport unit 20 to the second compartment 40. One end of the conduit 41 is connected to the second compartment 40. A used portion, i.e. a portion from which aerosol was generated, of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 can be collected in the second compartment 40 via the conduit 41 for disposal. The second compartment 40 is defined by a closed compartment, in particular hermetically closed. In the non- limitative example of Figure 1 , the first storage compartment 30 is arranged above the second waste compartment 40 with respect to a longitudinal direction 100. The longitudinal direction 100 may be vertical. In the non-limitative example of Figure 1 , the aerosol-generating device 1000 is configured to stay upright when a base portion 51 of the external housing 50 lies on a vertical support. Figure 1 illustrates the aerosol-generating device 1000 in the upright position. In the upright position of the aerosol-generating device 1000, the mouthpiece 12 is positioned above the base portion 51 along the longitudinal direction 100. The units 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 are respectively provided between the mouthpiece 12 and the base portion 51 . A greatest dimension 52 of the aerosol-generating device 1000 is defined along the longitudinal direction 100 between the mouthpiece 12 and the base portion 51. The greatest dimension 52 is adapted so that the aerosol-generating device 1000 is manipulable and portable.

The aerosol-generating device 1000 comprises an aerosolization unit 60. The aerosolization unit 60 comprises at least one aerosolization element configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 . The aerosolization unit 60, together with the transport unit 20, is further illustrated and described thereafter in reference to Figure 2.

Figure 2 illustrates schematically the transport unit 20 and the aerosolization unit 60 of the aerosol-generating device 1000. The transport unit 20 comprises a track 280 for transporting an unwound portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . The aerosolization unit 60 comprises an aerosolization element 201 configured to generate an aerosol from a portion 311 of aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosolization element 201 may be an electric heater 201. The transport unit 20 comprises a first moving mechanism 2100 and a second moving mechanism 2000. The first moving mechanism 2100 comprises an upper roller 210 and a lower roller 211 . The second moving mechanism 2000 comprises an upper roller 208 and a lower 209. The terms “upper” and “lower” are defined with respect to the longitudinal direction 100 when the aerosol-generating device 1000 is in the upright position. The first moving mechanism 2100, namely the rollers 210, 211 , is arranged upstream the aerosolization element 201. The second moving mechanism 2000, namely the rollers 208, 209, is arranged downstream the aerosolization element 201 . The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are defined with respect to the transportation direction 312 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 , which is movable from the first moving mechanism 2100 towards the second moving mechanism 2000.

The aerosolization unit 60 of the aerosol-generating device 1000 further comprises a clamp 202. The clamp 202 is configured to clamp and release the portion 311 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . The clamp 202 is arranged between the first moving mechanism 2100 and the second moving mechanism 2000. The transport unit 20 is configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 with respect to the aerosolization element 201 and through the clamp 202. The aerosolization element 201 is mounted to the clamp 202. The clamp 202 has an open configuration, as shown in Figure 2, in which the transport unit 20 can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 through the clamp 202. The clamp 202 further has a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 through the clamp 202 is restricted. In the non-limitative example of Figure 2, the clamp 202 comprises two clamping elements 261 , 262, wherein the first clamping element 261 is configured to be moved in relation to the second clamping element 262. In this non-limitative example, the first clamping element 261 is arranged movable with respect to the housing (not visible in Figure 2) of the aerosol-generating device 1000 and the second clamping element 262 is stationary with respect to the housing of the aerosol-generating device 1000, as schematized by the hatched lines on Figure 2. The transport unit 20 is configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 between the two clamping elements 261 , 262. As shown in Figure 2, in the open configuration, the two clamping elements 261 , 262 are arranged sufficiently apart from one another to allow moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 relative to each clamping elements 261 , 262.

As shown in Figure 2, the track 280 is provided upstream the first moving mechanism 2100 with respect to the transportation direction 312. The track 280 is not provided between the rollers 210, 211 of the first moving mechanism 2100. This may allow transporting the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 through the rollers 210, 21 1 . The track 280 is further provided between the first moving mechanism 2100 and the clamp 202. The track 280 is not provided between the two clamping elements 261 , 262. This may allow clamping the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 between the two clamping elements 261 , 262. The track 280 is further provided between the clamp 202 and the second moving mechanism 2000. The track 280 is not provided between the rollers 208, 209 of the second moving mechanism 2000. This may allow transporting the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 through the rollers 208, 209. Finally, the track 280 is provided downstream the second moving mechanism 2000 with respect to the transportation direction 312.

In the non-limitative example of Figure 2, the aerosolization element 201 is mounted to the clamp element 262 only. Alternatively, each of the clamp elements 261 , 262 may be provided with an aerosolization element. The aerosolization element 201 is provided with a plurality of segments 263 spaced from one another by passages 264. The aerosolization element 201 is fluid permeable because an aerosol may pass through the passages 264 of the aerosolization element 201 . As shown in the example of Figure 2, each clamping element 261 , 262 has a respective cavity 265. Each clamping element 261 , 262 has the shape of a hollow receptacle 268. The aerosolization element 201 is arranged in a manner that, in the closed configuration of the clamp 202, a first side 266 of the aerosolization element 201 is configured to contact the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 and a second side 267 of the aerosolization element 201 , opposite to the first side 266 along the longitudinal direction 100, is configured to face the cavity 265 in the clamping element 262, namely to face the inside of the hollow receptacle 268 of the clamping element 262. In the closed configuration of the clamp 202, an aerosolization chamber (not visible in the open configuration of Figure 2) may be formed in between the clamping elements 261 , 262. In particular, the aerosolization chamber may be partly defined by the respective cavity 265 of the clamping elements 261 , 262. When a portion 311 of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 is positioned in correspondence of the aerosolization element 201 , the movable clamping element 261 is moved towards the aerosolization element 201 , which is mounted to the clamping element 262. Advantageously, this may ensure an optimal contact between the aerosol- generating substrate sheet portion 311 and the aerosolization element 201 . A direction of transportation 312 of the portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 by means of the transport unit 20 is substantially perpendicularto a motion direction of the clamping element 261 towards the other clamping element 262 between the closed configuration and the open configuration. The motion direction of the clamping elements 261 is substantially parallel the longitudinal direction 100.

In the non-limitative example of Figure 2, the clamp 202, the first moving mechanism 2100 and the second moving mechanism 2000 are respectively actuatable by a common motor 203. The actuation of the clamp 202, the first moving mechanism 2100 and the second moving mechanism 2000 are mechanically decoupled from one another as explained in the following.

The clamp 202, in particular the clamping element 261 , and the moving mechanisms 2000, 2100 are driven by a step-advancement system actuated by the motor 203. The motor 203 cooperates with a first gear mechanism (not represented) configured to drive an eccentric element 207 which produces a reciprocating movement of the clamping element 261 to which it abuts. The eccentric element 207 pushes the clamping element 261 towards the other clamping element 262 against resistance of elastic elements 212, 213. In the example of Figure 2, the elastic elements 212, 213 are two springs 212, 213, in particular two compression springs 212, 213. The motor 203 actuates a further respective gear mechanism (not represented) for driving the rollers 210, 211 of the first moving mechanism 2100 and the rollers 208, 209 of the second moving mechanism 2000 for transporting the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31. More in particular, the transport unit 20 comprises a free wheel bearing 206 interposed between the motor 203 and the eccentric element 207. A first free wheel bearing 204 is arranged between the motor 203 and the pair of rollers 208, 209 of the second moving mechanism 2000. A second free wheel bearing 205 is arranged between the motor 203 and the pair of rollers 210, 211 of the first moving mechanism 2100. The freewheel bearings 204, 205 enable to decouple the movement of the clamp 202 from the conveying of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . The third free wheel bearing 206 is arranged between the motor 203 and the eccentric bearing 207. Freewheel bearings are known per se from the state of the art. The type of freewheels selected for the aerosol-generating device 1000 may comprise spring-loaded rollers, in particular steel rollers, positioned inside a driving wheel. Rotating in one direction, the rollers lock with the driving wheel making it rotate in unison. Rotating in the other direction, the rollers just slip inside the driving wheel. The freewheel bearings may comprise springs to ensure a tight contact between rollers and driving wheel.

In a variant, the mechanical decoupling of the actuation of the clamp 202, the first moving mechanism 2100 and the second moving mechanism 2000 may be achieved by means of a different configurations than the one illustrated by Figure 2.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device 1000. The motor 203 is a motor. The motor 203 engages on a driving wheel 214. The driving wheel 214 is coupled to a rotatable shaft 2071 which comprises the eccentric element 207 in correspondence to the clamping element 261 . The third freewheel bearing 206 is arranged at an interface between the driving wheel 214 and the rotatable shaft 2071. The third freewheel 206 may allow avoiding a backward rotation of the eccentric shaft 207 when the portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 is moved forward. Although it is not visible from Figure 3, it is noted that the freewheels 204, 205 bearings are arranged on their respective shafts. The third freewheel bearing 206 has the function of allowing motion transmission between the driving wheel 214 and the rotatable shaft 2071 only in one rotational direction, and precluding transmission in the other. As shown in Figure 3, the eccentric element 207 abuts on bearings 216 in which a clamping element base 219 is arranged. The provision of bearings 216 advantageously reduces the friction between the clamping element base 219 and the eccentric element 207. The rotation of the driving wheel 214, in one direction, produces a reciprocating motion of the clamping element 261 : upwards to ensure an optimal contact between the aerosol-generating substrate sheet and the aerosolization element 201 , and downwards to allow a used portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet to be replaced by an adjacent fresh portion by transporting the aerosol-generating substrate 31 through the pair of rollers 210, 211 and the pair of rollers 208, 209 (not visible in the figure 3). The action of the eccentric element 207 on the clamping element 261 is controlled by the reaction of the springs 212 and 213 that may serve as return springs. The springs 212, 213 provide a flexible connection between the clamp 202 and the clamping element base 219. The springs 212, 213 have also the function of lowering the clamp element 261 . A rod spring (not visible in Figure 3) may ensure the contact between the clamping element base 219 and the eccentric element 207.

The driving wheel 214 engages on a gear 215, which in turn drives at least one of the rollers 210, 211 (not visible in figure 3). At the same time, the driving wheel 214 engages on a further gear (not visible in Figure 3) configured to drive at least one of the rollers 208, 209 (not visible in Figure 3). A transmission shaft is arranged between the gear 215 and the pair of rollers 210, 211 . Similarly, a transmission shaft is arranged between the other gear (not visible in Figure 3) and the pair of rollers 208, 209. A freewheel bearing (not visible in Figure 3) is provided between the transmission shaft arranged between the gear 215 and the pair of rollers 208, 209 to allow rotation of the rollers 208, 209 only in one direction. Similarly, a freewheel bearing (not visible in Figure 3) is provided between the transmission shaft arranged between the other gear (not visible in Figure 3) and the pair of rollers 210, 211 to allow rotation of the rollers 210, 21 1 only in one direction.

In the non-limitative example of Figure 3, the aerosol-generating device 1000 may comprise an indexing unit 70. The indexing unit 70 may comprise an encoder 217. The encoder 217 is mounted on the rotatable shaft 2071 for reading its angular position. The encoder 217 is configured to send the measured angular position to a control system (not shown). The encoder 217 may be a magnetic encoder that includes a Hall sensor and a custom encoder ring with two magnets which gives two absolute angular positions, like open and closed.

The motor 203 is activated by a puff sensor assembly 103 which is mounted adjacent to an inlet airflow channel 104. Air is drawn into the aerosol-generating device 1000, during the occurrence of a puff, through an air inlet 105. Then the air runs through the aerosolization unit 60 (shown in Figure 1) where aerosol is generated. The aerosol then exits the aerosol-generating device 1000 via an exit channel 101 and is finally inhaled by the consumer through the mouthpiece 12.

The airflow path is better visible with reference to Figure 4, which illustrates a cross-section view of the aerosol-generating device 1000 wherein the clamp 202 is in the closed configuration. The puff sensor assembly 103 comprises a pressure gauge 1033 disposed in fluid communication with the inlet airflow channel 104 to detect a pressure variation in the inlet airflow channel 104 due to the airflow associated to the occurrence of a puff. The pressure gauge 1033 is electrically connected to a circuit board 1032 for collecting and sending signals received from the pressure gauge 1033 to a controller (not shown). The controller is in turn configured to control operations of the motor 203. The circuit board 1032 is mounted via a flange 1031 to an aerosolization module 2010. The aerosolization module 2010 is part of the aerosolization unit 60. The structure of the aerosolization module 2010 will be further described in reference to figure 5.

As visible in the figure 4, an aerosolization chamber 218 is formed in the closed configuration of the clamp 202 because of the respective concavity 265 of the clamping elements 261 , 262. Thereby, the aerosolization chamber 218 is defined by the respective hollow receptacle 268 of the clamping elements 261 , 262 in the closed configuration of the clamp 202. In other words, the aerosolization chamber 218 is formed by the two hollow receptacles 268, wherein the hollow receptacle 268 of the clamping elements 261 is movable with respect to the hollow receptacle 268 of the clamping elements 262.

During a puff, air flows to the aerosolization chamber 218. The portion 311 of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 21 is aerosolized by means of the aerosolization element 201 and generates an aerosol in the aerosolization chamber 18. The generated aerosol then flows outside the aerosolization chamber 218 via the exit channel 101 and is exited through the mouthpiece 12 for inhalation.

Figure 5 illustrates different parts of the aerosolization module 2010 of the aerosol-generating device 1000. On the left side, Figure 5 illustrates a top part of the aerosolization module 2010 which comprises at least the clamping element 262, the aerosolization element 201 mounted on the clamping element 262 and the flange 1031 . The hollow receptacle 268 of the clamping element 262 is provided with the aerosolization element 201 . The aerosolization element 201 may be an electric heater 201 . The aerosolization element 201 comprises a wound conductor forming a plurality of segments 263, in particular arranged into a serpentine shape as shown in the non-limitative of Figure 5. The parallel conductor segments 263 may be respectively spaced from each other by a distance comprised between 0.1 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters, forming the passages 264. Therefore, the aerosol generated by the electric heater 201 may pass through the passages 264.

In the non-limitative example of Figure 5, the aerosolization element 201 is removably attached to the hollow receptacle 268 of the clamping element 262 by means of a fastener.

In the non-limitative example of Figure 5, the first side 266 of the aerosolization element 201 is planar. An outer surface 269 of a peripheral edge 2091 of the hollow receptacle 268 extends in the same plane as the first side 266 of the aerosolization element 201 . This may render the aerosolization module 2010 more compact and improves the surface contact area between the segments 263 of the aerosolization element 201 and the aerosol-generating substrate sheet in the closed configuration of the clamp 202.

On the right side, Figure 5 illustrates a bottom part of the aerosolization module 2010 which comprises the clamping element 261. In the non-limitative example of Figure 5, the clamping element 261 has a different construction than the clamping element 262. The clamping element 261 is formed by a support structure, like a hollow receptacle 268, provided with a cavity 265. The support structure 268 may have a length and a width in a first plane 269 and a height 273 perpendicular to the first plane 269, the length and the width being greater than the height 273. The hollow receptacle 268 is approximately square shaped in the first plane 269. The cavity 265 is located centrally in the support structure 268. The cavity 265 extends form the first plane 269 along the height 273 until a second plane 274. The second plane 274 is parallel to the first plane 269. The first plane 269 defines an aperture of the cavity 265. The second plane 274 defines a bottom of the cavity 265. The second plane 274 is substantially flat. The cavity 265 is delimited by lateral walls joining the first plane 269 to the second plane 274. The lateral walls are substantially inclined with respect to the height 243 of the hollow receptacle 268. In this non-limitative illustrated example, the inclination of the lateral wall is less than 60 degrees. In particular, the bottom of the cavity 265 has a surface smaller than the aperture of the cavity 265 in the first plane. The hollow receptacle 268 has a peripheral edge 2090 surrounding the cavity 265 of the hollow receptacle 268. An outer surface 269 of the peripheral edge 2090 may extend in the first plane 269, and thereby are defined by a common reference sign 269. The clamping element 261 may comprise a sealing element 2021 , like a silicon rubber joint 2021 , provided along the peripheral edge

2090 (indicated by dashed line in Figure 5). In the closed configuration of the clamp 202, the peripheral edge 2090 of the clamping element 261 is configured to contact a portion 311 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31. This may allow ensuring a tight contact between the aerosol-generating substrate sheet and the aerosolization element 201 mounted on the other clamping element 262. The sealing element 2021 may reduce heat loss from the aerosolization chamber 218 in the closed configuration. Advantageously, this may ensure a satisfying resistance-to-draw (RTD) levels. Alternatively, the peripheral edge 2090 of the clamping element 261 may be free of any sealing element. This may reduce the frictional force between the aerosol-generating substrate sheet and the peripheral edge 2090, which is advantageous for moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The hollow receptacle 268 of the clamping element 261 is mounted on a support 275 as shown in Figure 5. The support 275 extends substantially transversally from the first plane 269 and the second plane 274. The support 275 is configured to interact, in particular to be mechanically coupled, with the bearing 216 and the springs 213, 213 (visible in Figure 2).

As described above with respect to Figure 5, each hollow receptacle 268 of the clamping elements 261 , 262 comprises a respective peripheral edge 2090, 2091 . The respective peripheral edges 2090,

2091 of the hollow receptacles 268 are configured to face each other to form the aerosolization chamber 218. The hollow receptacle 268 of each of the clamping elements 261 , 262 may be electrically insulating. Each hollow receptacle 268 may have a thermal conductivity of 1 Watt per Meter per Kelvin or less.

Advantageously, the clamping element 261 is formed in a way to ensure a tight contact between the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 and the aerosolization element 201 and, at the same time, limiting heat losses. This is achieved by the concavity 265 (defining the hollow receptacle 268) of the clamping element 261 and the fact that clamping element 261 is configured to clamp the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 only in correspondence of the peripheral edge 2090 of the clamping element 261 . In this way, it is ensured that almost all the power delivered by the aerosolization element 201 is actually received by the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 for aerosolization. This may allow improving the aerosolization efficiency of the aerosol-generating device 1000.

A width of the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 1 may be substantially equal to the width the aerosolization element 201. This may allow ensuring that, in the closed configuration, the whole portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 positioned in the aerosolization chamber 218 receives the energy, for example the heat, generated by the aerosolization element 201 . The perimeter 2090 of the clamping element 261 may defines an area which matches the portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 in contact with the aerosolization element 201 during the puff for the aerosolization. The width of the portion aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 may be less than a width of the clamping element 261 to allow for airflow inlet and outlet. The width of the portion aerosol- generating substrate sheet 311 may be less than a width of the sealing element 2021 , to avoid that generated aerosol would be collected by the airflow.

Figures 6 to 11 illustrate successive steps of a method for operating the aerosol-generating device 1000. As further detailed thereafter in reference to Figures 6 to 11 , the method comprises a step of moving the clamp 202 in the closed configuration to clamp the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 , a step of activating the aerosolization element 201 to aerosolize the clamped portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 , a step of moving the clamp 202 in the open configuration to release the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 , and, after, a step of moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 through the clamp 32 for a predefined distance.

Figure 6 shows the configuration of the device 1000 before and during an inhalation. The clamp 202 is in the closed configuration such that the clamped portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 is in firm contact against the aerosolization element 201 . This is ensured by means of the springs 212, 213 (shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4) pushing the clamping element 261 against the clamping element 262. In the closed configuration, the springs 212, 213 brings in contact the eccentric element 207 and the bearing 216 arranged around the clamping element base 219. When a consumer applies a negative pressure on the mouthpiece 12, namely by taking a puff, the puff sensor assembly 103 detects the inlet airflow channel 104 and sends a signal to a controller (not represented). Thereby, the controller activates the aerosolization element 201 in order to aerosolize the clamped portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 . The rollers 208, 209, 210, 211 of the transport unit 20 does not move and the clamp

202 remains in the closed configuration.

When a puff is approaching the end, or when inlet airflow pressure drop over the puff sensor assembly 103 decreases to a level below a threshold defined for puff sensory activation, the aerosolization element 201 is deactivated by the controller, which in sequence activates the transport unit 20 to first open the clamp 202 and then to advance the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 in order to arrange a fresh portion thereof in correspondence of the aerosolization element 201 for the next puff. If necessary, a delay of up to few seconds, for example 10 seconds, can be applied before opening the clamp 202 after a puff is over. Preferably, the aerosolization activation may be stopped slightly before the end of a puffto ensure that all generated aerosol is drawn by the consumer. This may allow avoiding that aerosol remains in the airflow channel 104, which may cause condensation.

Figure 7 shows a method step wherein the controller triggers a clockwise rotation of the motor

203 which engages on the driving wheel 214 producing a counterclockwise motion. The freewheel bearing 206 associated to a rotatable shaft including the eccentric element 207 is configured to permit transmission of torque, hence rotating the eccentric element 207 counterclockwise and causing descent of the clamping element 261 with respect to the other clamping element 262. The driving wheel 214, simultaneously, drives also the gears 215 and 245 in a clockwise direction which are linked to the pair of rollers 208, 209 and the pair of rollers 210, 211 , respectively. More in particular, the gear 215 is configured to drive the lower roller 209 which in turn drags the upper roller 208 by friction. Similarly, the gear 245 is configured to drive the lower roller 21 1 which in turn drags the upper roller 210 by friction. However, when the gears 215, 245 rotate in clockwise direction, the freewheels bearings 204, 205 (shown in Figure 2) respectively arranged at transmission shafts between gears 215, 245 and the lower rollers 209, 211 are configured to act like standard bearings, almost transmitting no torque to the lower rollers 209, 211. The overall result is the opening of the clamp 202 while the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 remains still with respect to the aerosolization element 201 .

Figure 8 shows the clamp 202 at the end of its stroke wherein the driving wheel 214 has completed a 180° rotation counterclockwise. At this point, the motor 203 stops to rotate as soon as the open configuration of the clamp 202 is detected, in particular by means of the encoder 217.

Figure 9 shows that the clamp 202 is in the open configuration, hence releasing the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 . The transport unit 20 is activated, and the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 can now be advanced by unwinding the bobbin of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 (shown in Figure 1). The aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 is moved through the clamp 202 for a predefined distance 272. The predefined distance 272 is at least equal to a length of the aerosolization element 201 in the direction of transportation 312 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31. The predefined distance 272 may at least be equal to the greatest dimension of the hollow receptacle 268 in the first plane. This may allow avoiding aerosolizing more than once a same portion of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31. The controller is configured to activate the transport unit 20 between successive consumer inhalations. The controller is configured to activate the transport unit 20 only when the clamp 202 is in the open configuration. This may allow avoiding to tear the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . After a defined delay, for example of 0.5 seconds, the motor 203 rotates in the opposite direction, i.e. the counterclockwise direction. Consequently, the driving wheel 214 rotates clockwise such that the freewheel bearing 206 in Fig. 9 does not transmit torque to the eccentric element 207, which then remains motionless. Conversely, the counterclockwise rotation of gears 215 and 245 do transmit torque to rollers 209 and 211 , respectively. As a result, the rotation of the rollers 208, 209; 210, 211 produces via friction a linear motion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31. A transmission of the motion to the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 without slippage may be ensured by rollers 208, 209; 210, 211 with silicone in their contact surface to increase friction with the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . Additionally, the upper rollers 208, 210 of the transport unit 20 are subject to a downward force, in particular a force of 1 .5 Newton, via respective springs 270 and 271 to ensure a good contact with the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . At the end of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 transportation, in particular after a displacement of the predefined distance 272, a fresh portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 1 is displaced in correspondence of the aerosolization element 201 .

Figure 10 shows the state of the aerosol-generating device 1000 after a predefined delay, for example of 0.5 seconds, following Fig. 9, wherein the motor 203 rotates in the opposite direction to close the clamp 202. The clamping element 261 is thus pushed towards the clamping element 262. Thereby, in the closed configuration of the clamp 202, a surface contact is established contact between a fresh portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 and the aerosolization element 201 . A surface contact between the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 and the aerosolization element 201 is particularly advantageous when the aerosolization element 201 is a heater, like an electric heater. This may allow improving the heat transfer from the aerosolization element 201 to the portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 . The direction of rotation of the motor 203 is the same (namely clockwise) as the initial method step illustrated by figure 7, with the freewheel bearing 206 transmitting the torque to the eccentric element 207, which rotates such to confer an upward motion to the clamping element 261. The freewheels bearings 204, 205 (shown in Figure 2) respectively coupled with the lower rollers 209, 211 are configured to act like standard bearings, i.e. almost transmitting no torque to the lower rollers 209, 211 . Therefore, the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 in figure 10 remains motionless with respect to the aerosolization element 201 .

Figure 11 shows the aerosol-generating device 1000 having the clamp 202 in the closed configuration with a fresh new portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 311 arranged against the aerosolization element 201 . The motor 203 stops to rotate as soon as the closed configuration of the clamp 202 is detected, by means of the encoder 217 reading the angular position of the associated rotatable shaft. In figure 11 , a fresh portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 is then placed against the aerosolization element 201 and the aerosol-generating device 1000 is ready for a next puff.

Thereby, the aerosol-generating device 1000 relates to a synchronized system comprising a transport unit 20 for moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 through a clamp 202. The clamp 202 ensures optimal contact between the aerosolization element 201 and a portion 311 of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 to be aerosolized.

Figure 12 illustrates schematically and partially another aerosol-generating device 1010. Elements with the same reference numeral already described and illustrated in the previous figures will not be described in detail again but reference is made to their description above.

Like the aerosol-generating device 1000, the aerosol-generating device 1010 comprises an external housing (not represented) provided with an airflow unit (not represented), a transport unit 20 and an aerosolization unit 60. Optionally, the aerosol-generating device 1010 may be provided with the first compartment and the second compartment as described with respect to the aerosol-generating device 1000. The aerosol-generating device 1010 may comprise a power source (not represented), like a battery, to power one or more of the several units 10, 20, 30, 40, 60. The aerosol-generating device 1010 may comprise at least one controller (not represented), which is electrically connected with one or more of the several units 10, 20, 30, 40, 60.

The aerosol-generating device 1010 comprises an aerosolization chamber 218. The aerosolization chamber 218 is at least partially defined by a hollow receptacle 268. The hollow receptacle 268 comprises a cavity 265. The transport unit 20 is configured to move a portion 311 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 with respect to the hollow receptacle 268. The aerosol-generating device 1010 comprises an aerosolization element 201 configured to aerosolize the portion 311 of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . The aerosolization element 201 is arranged in the aerosolization chamber 218. A first side 266 of the aerosolization element 201 is configured to face the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 311 . A second side 267 of the aerosolization element 201 , opposite to the first side 266, is configured to face the inside of the hollow receptacle 268. In the non-limitative example of Figure 12, the aerosolization element 201 is an electric heater 201 , in particular a planar electric heater 201. The aerosolization element 201 is provided with a plurality of segments 263 spaced from one another by passages 264. As the electric heater 201 is planar, the plurality of segments 263 is adapted to be brought in surface contact with the portion 311 of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . The aerosolization element 201 is fluid permeable because an aerosol 1013 may pass through the passages 264 of the aerosolization element 201 .

In the non-limitative example of Figure 12, the transport unit 20 comprises a moving mechanism provided with tension rollers 1011 , 1012. A first tension roller 1011 is arranged upstream of the aerosolization element 201 with respect to the direction of transportation 312. A second tension roller 1012 is arranged downstream of the aerosolization element 201 with respect to the direction of transportation 312. The tension rollers 1011 , 1012 are respectively configured to adjust a portion 311 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 with respect to the aerosolization element 201 . In particular, as shown in Figure 12, the tension rollers 101 1 , 1012 are respectively configured to bring a portion 311 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 in surface contact with the first side 266 of the aerosolization element 201 . Alternatively, the transport unit 20 may comprise a first pair of friction roller arranged upstream the aerosolization element 201. Alternatively, or in combination, the transport unit 20 may comprise a second pair of friction roller arranged downstream the aerosolization element 201 .

The aerosolization chamber 218 of the aerosol-generating device 1010 comprises one air inlet 1014 and one air outlet 1015, which are respectively defined by a recess 1014, 1015 provided in the hollow receptacle 268. Each recess 1014, 1015 respectively extends perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal direction 100 from an outer surface 269 of the peripheral edge 2091 of the hollow receptacle 268.

The aerosol-generating device 1010 may differ from the aerosol-generating device 1000 in that the aerosolization unit 60 may be free of a clamp 202. The aerosol-generating device 1010 may not comprise any clamping elements 261 , 262. Hence, the aerosol-generating device 1010 may provide a simpler construction for an aerosol-generating device. The hollow receptacle 268 of the aerosolgenerating device 1010 may be immovably arranged with respect to the external housing (not represented) of the aerosol-generating device 1010.

In the illustrated example, the aerosol-generating device 1010 differs from the aerosol-generating device 1000 in that the aerosolization chamber 218 is defined by one hollow receptacle 268, instead of two hollow receptacles in the aerosol-generating device 1000. Nevertheless, the number of hollow receptacles defining the aerosolization chamber is not limitative. When the aerosolization unit comprises two or more hollow receptacles, the number of hollow receptacles respectively provided with an aerosolization element is not limitative either.

A method for operating the aerosol-generating device 1010 to generate an inhalable aerosol comprises: moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 such that a segment 31 1 , i.e. a portion, of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 faces the hollow receptacle 268, activating the aerosolization element 201 facing the hollow receptacle 268 to generate an inhalable aerosol 1013 in the hollow receptacle 268, in particular in the aerosolization chamber 218, from the portion 311 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 .

Figure 13 illustrates schematically and partially another aerosol-generating device 1020 according. Elements with the same reference numeral already described and illustrated in the previous figures will not be described in detail again but reference is made to their description above.

Like the aerosol-generating device 1000, the aerosol-generating device 1020 may comprise an external housing 50 provided with an airflow unit 10 having a mouthpiece 12. The aerosol-generating device 1020 comprises an aerosolization element (not represented) configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate sheet (not represented). The aerosolization element is provided in the aerosolization unit 60 of the aerosol-generating device 1020. The aerosolization element may be the identical to the aerosolization element 201 described with respect to the aerosol-generating device 1000, and to which reference is made. The aerosol-generating device 1020 comprises a transport unit 20 configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the aerosolization element. The transport unit 20 of the aerosol-generating device 1020 may be identical to the transport unit 20 described in reference to the aerosol-generating device 1000 or 1010. The aerosol-generating device 1020 may be provided with a first storing compartment 30 and a second waste compartment 40. The second waste compartment 40 may be connected to a conduit 41 configured to carry the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet towards the second waste compartment 40, as described in reference to the aerosol-generating device 1000.

The aerosol-generating device 1020 comprises an indexing unit 70 configured to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element. The indexing unit 70 is coupled to the transport unit 20 such that a movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element is stopped after the indexing unit 70 determined that the aerosol-generating substrate sheet moved for the predefined distance.

The aerosol-generating device 1020 may comprise a power source (not represented), for example a battery, to power one or more of the several units 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 70. The aerosol-generating device 1020 may comprise at least one controller, which is electrically connected with one or more of the several units 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 70.

The aerosol-generating device 1020 may differ from the aerosol-generating device 1000 in that the aerosolization unit 60 of the aerosol-generating device 1020 may be free of a clamp 202. The aerosol-generating device 1020 may not comprise any clamping elements 261 , 262. Hence, the aerosolgenerating device 1020 may provide a simpler construction for an aerosol-generating device.

A method for advancing an aerosol-generating substrate sheet in the aerosol-generating device 1020, comprises: determining the position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element of the aerosolization unit 60, and moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet relative to the aerosolization element for a predefined distance as a function of the determined position, stopping the movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet after the aerosol-generating substrate sheet moved for the predefined distance.

Figure 14 illustrates a front section view of another aerosol-generating device 3000. Elements with the same reference numeral already described and illustrated in the previous figures will not be described in detail again but reference is made to their description above.

The aerosol-generating device 3000 comprises a housing 3001 . The aerosol-generating device 3000 comprises a power source 3020, for example a rechargeable battery. The battery 3020 is rechargeable via a charging port 3002. The housing 3001 is provided with a mouthpiece 3003 for consumer inhalation. The mouthpiece 3003 may be detachably mounted to the housing 3001 . This enables to replace the mouthpiece 3003. The housing 3001 is provided with at least one recess 3004. As shown in Figure 14, the recess 3004 may be provided on a lateral side 3005 on the housing 3001 . The recess 3004 extends from a first plane of the lateral side 3005 to a second plane. The first plane is parallel the second plane. The second plane forms the bottom 3015 of the recess 3004. The bottom of the recess 3004 is substantially flat. The depth of the recess 3004 corresponds to the distance between the first plane and the second plane. The depth of the recess 3004 may be comprised between 5 millimeters and 50 millimeters, in particular between 10 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating device 3000 comprises an aerosolization unit 3006. As shown in Figure 14, the aerosolization unit 3006 protrudes from the base of the recess 3004. In particular, the aerosolization unit 3006 may not protrude beyond the lateral side wall 3005 of the housing 3001 . The aerosolization unit 3006 comprises a clamp 202 formed by two clamping elements 3021 , 3022. The clamp 202 according to the aerosol-generating device 3000may comprise the same clamping elements 261 , 262 than in the aerosol-generating device 1000. However, in the non-limitative example of Figure 14, the clamp 202 comprises two clamping elements 3021 , 3022 which are identical to one another. Hence, the description thereafter related to one the clamping elements (3021 , 3022) also applies to the other clamping element (3021 , 3022).

Figure 15 shows on the left an exploded view of the clamping element 3021 and on the right a view of the clamping element 2021 in an assembled configured.

The clamping element 3021 is formed by a support structure, for example a hollow receptacle 268, provided with a cavity 265. The support structure 268 may have a length and a width in a first plane 269 and a height 273 perpendicular to the first plane 269, the length and the width being greater than the height 273. The hollow receptacle 268 is approximately square shaped in the first plane 269. The cavity 265 extends form the first plane 269 along the height 273 until a second plane 274. The second plane 274 is parallel to the first plane 269. The first plane 269 defines an aperture of the cavity 265. The second plane 274 defines a bottom 274 of the cavity 265. The bottom 274 of the cavity is substantially flat. The cavity 265 is delimited by lateral walls 276 joining the first plane 269 to the second plane 274. In the illustrated non-limitative example, the lateral walls 276 are substantially perpendicular to the second plane 274. Accordingly, the bottom 274 of the cavity 265 has substantially a same surface than the aperture of the cavity 265 in the first plane 269. The hollow receptacle 268 has a peripheral edge 2090 surrounding the cavity 265 of the hollow receptacle 268. An outer surface 269 of the peripheral edge 2090 may extend in the first plane 269, and thereby are defined by a common reference sign 269.

The clamping element 3021 further comprises an aerosolization element 201 . The aerosolization element 261 is a heating element 201 . As shown on the right side of Figure 15, the heating element 201 is parallel to the first plane 269. The heating element 261 comprises a plurality of heating segments 263, and at least one attachment portion 275. In the non-limitative example shown by Figure 15, the heating element 201 comprises four attachment portions 275. In the non-limitative example shown by Figure 15, the plurality of heating segments 263 and at least one attachment portions 275 are integrally formed, and comprise a stainless steel. Advantageously, this may simplify manufacturing and increase the robustness of the heating element 201 . The heating element 201 comprises at least a first electrical contact 276 and a second electrical contact 277. The first electrical contact 276 is attached to a first end of the heating element 201. The second electrical contact 277 is attached to a second end of the heating element 201 . The heating element 201 forms a serpentine continuous electrical path between the first electrical contact 276 and the second electrical contact 277. This continuous electrical path has a total electrical resistance of approximately 1 Ohm. A part of the heating element 201 overlies the aperture of the cavity 265. In particular, each of the heating segments 263 overlies the aperture of the cavity 265. The first electrical contact 276 and the second electrical contact 277 respectively overlie a lateral external wall 278 of the hollow receptacle 268 to allow for electrical connections to external electronics. The attachment portions 275 are each attached to the hollow receptacle 268 by a press-fit connection in a respective recess 279 of the hollow receptacle 268. Alternatively, or in combination, the attachment portions 275 may be each attached to the hollow receptacle 268 by a snap-fit connection or by means of fastener elements. In this non-limitative example, the heating element 201 is uncoated, however the heating element 201 may be coated by a thin layer of a corrosion resistant material to increase the life span of the clamping element 3021. An example of such material is a ceramic material. The electrical resistance of each heating segments 263 may be higher than the electrical resistance of each attachment portion 275. The aerosolization element 201 is provided with a plurality of segments 263 spaced from one another by passages 264. The aerosolization element 201 is fluid permeable because an aerosol may pass through the passages 264 of the aerosolization element 201 . The heating element

201 is serpentine in shape when projected onto the first plane 269. Advantageously, such arrangements allow for many heating segments 263 to be positioned or packed within a reduced area.

In another example (not represented), at least a part of the heating element 201 may be co-planar with the first plane 269 of the hollow receptacle 268. The plurality of segments 263 may be substantially co-planar with the first plane 269 of the hollow receptacle 268. The heating element 201 may be serpentine in shape in the first plane 269.

The hollow receptacle 268 further comprises three air inlets 281 and three air outlets 282 defined by a recess provided in the hollow receptacle 268. The respective number of air inlets and air outlets is not limitative. The number of air inlets may be different form the number of air outlets. A depth of each recess 281 , 282 extends perpendicularly from the first plane 169. Each recess 281 , 282 extends from an internal lateral wall 276 to an external lateral wall 278 of the hollow receptacle 282. Each air inlet 281 is respectively aligned with an air outlet 282. In the assembled configuration of the clamping element

3021 , as shown in the right side of Figure 15, the air inlets 281 , 282 allow fluid communication between the cavity 265 and the outside of the clamping element 3021. The air inlets 281 , 282 are provided on two opposite external walls 278 of the hollow receptacle 268. On two different opposite external wall 278 of the hollow receptacle 268, is respectively provided a first contact pad 283 and a second contact pad 284. Each contact pad 283, 284 extends perpendicularly from an external wall 278 of the hollow receptacle 268 along their respective height. Each contact pad 283, 284 has substantially a right circular cylinder shape. A transversal cross-section of the first contact pad 283 is greater than a transversal cross-section of the second contact pad 284. The contact pad 283, 284 have substantially the same height. The first contact pad 283 of the hollow receptacle 268 is configured to form a form-fit connection with an elastic mechanism, as it will be further described in relation to Figure 19.

Going back to Figure 14, each clamping element 3021 , 3022 is provided with a respective aerosolization element 261 in this non-limitative example. This may allow heating both sides of an aerosol-generating substrate sheet. In another example (not represented), only one of the two clamping elements 3021 , 3022 may be provided with an aerosolization element 261 . In the illustrated example of Figure 14, the clamping elements 3021 , 3022 may be moved from the open configuration of the clamp

202 to the closed configuration of the clamp 202 by means of elastic mechanisms 3007. The elastic mechanisms 3007 may be a spring, in particular a compression spring or a torsion spring. In the illustrated example of Figure 14, an actuator 3008 is configured to actuate the clamping element 3021 . The actuator 3008 may be driven by a gear mechanism 3009. The gear mechanism 3009 may comprise similar gears than illustrated and described with respect to Figure 2 to which reference is made. As the elastic mechanisms 3007 couple mechanically the clamping element 3021 with the clamping element

3022, a relative motion between the two clamping elements 3021 , 3022 is driven by the common actuator 3008. The elastic mechanism 3007 is further described in reference to Figure 19. The clamp 3022 can be moved from the closed configuration, suitable for aerosolization of an aerosol-generating substrate, to the open configuration, allowing transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate between the clamping elements 3021 , 3022.

The recess 3004 of the aerosol-generating device 3000 is further provided with drives 3010, 3011 configured to drive the aerosol-generating substrate sheet or to drive a moving mechanism of an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The aerosolization unit 3006 is arranged between the two drives 3010, 3011. In the non-limitative example of Figure 14, the drives 3010, 3011 are roller drivers. The aerosolization unit 3006 and the drives 3010, 3011 are arranged in a first recess region 3012 of the recess 3004. The first recess region 3012 joins a second recess region 3013 with a third recess region 3014. In the first plane of the lateral side 3005, the shape of the first recess region 3012 is substantially rectangular. In the first plane of the lateral side 3005, the shape of the second recess region 3013 may be substantially oblong, oval or circular. In the first plane of the lateral side 3005, the shape of the third recess region 3014 is substantially rectangular. The recess 3004 - in particular its recess regions 3012, 3013, 3014 - defines a receptacle 3004 which is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 4000. The aerosol-generating article 4000 will be further described in reference to Figure 16.

As shown in Figure 14, the lateral side 3005 on the housing 3001 may be provided with at least one hinge support 3015. The hinge support 3015 may be used to pivotally mount a closing element (not represented) to the housing 3001. The closing element may be configured to close reversibly the receptacle 3004. The closing element of the aerosol-generating device 3000 may be pivoted into an open position to allow the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 4000 in the receptacle 3004. Then, once the aerosol-generating article 4000 is accommodated inside the aerosol-generating device 3000, the closing element of the aerosol-generating device 3000 may be closed. Hence, once the closing element is closed, the aerosol-generating article 4000 may not be directly accessible to a consumer. The aerosol-generating article 4000 may be replaced. The aerosol-generating device 3000 may be reusable.

Figure 16 shows a transparent view of the aerosol-generating article 4000 for use with the aerosol-generating device 3000. The aerosol-generating article 4000 comprises a housing 4001 . The housing 4001 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31. The housing 4001 of the aerosolgenerating article 4000 is a substantially closed housing 4001 configured to retain the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 in the housing 4001. More precisely, the housing 4001 comprises a first compartment 4002 and a second compartment 4003 for respectively receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . The aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 may be stored as a bobbin in the first compartment 4002. The first compartment 4002, like the first compartment 30 of the aerosol-generating article 1000, may be provided with a circular pin 32, around which the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 is initially wound. The second compartment 4003 is a waste compartment for storing the portion of aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 that has been aerosolized. The internal volume of the second compartment 4003 is greater than the volume of the first compartment 4002. The aerosol-generating article 4000 further comprises an access port 4004 provided between the first compartment 4002 and the second compartment 4003. The access port 4004 is only visible by transparency in the view of figure 16 and is therefore showed by dotted lines. The access port 4004 is in fluid communication with an inside ofthe housing 4001 . The access port 4004 is adapted for receiving the aerosolization unit 3006, in particular the aerosolization elements 261 , of the aerosol-generating device 3000. Thereby, the access port 4004 is dimensioned to enable that the clamp 202 of the aerosolgenerating device 3000 is receivable inside the housing 4001. In the example shown by figure 16, the aerosol-generating article 3000 is free of a mouthpiece. Instead, the mouthpiece 3003 is provided on the aerosol-generating device 3000. Moreover, in the example shown by figure 16, the aerosolgenerating article 3000 is free of electronic components, like battery, sensor or controller.

The housing 4001 is formed that the first compartment 4002 is joined to the second compartment 4003 by means of a tunnel 4005. A length 4007 of the tunnel 4005 extending between the first compartment 4002 and the second compartment 4003 may be comprised between 2 millimeters and 50 millimeters. In the non-limitative example of Figure 16, a transversal cross-section of the tunnel is rectangular. The access port 4004 is provided on a wall of the tunnel 4005. An opposite wall of the tunnel 4005 is provided with two air inlet slots 4006. The two air inlet slots 4006 overlies a portion of the access port 4044. The aerosol-generating article 4000 further comprises a moving mechanism configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 from the first compartment 4002 to the second compartment 4003. The moving mechanism is arranged inside the tunnel 4005. In the non- limitative example illustrated by Figure 16, the moving mechanism comprises a first pair of rollers 4008, 4009 arranged in the tunnel 4005 between the access port 4004 and the first compartment 4002. The moving mechanism further comprises a second pair of rollers 4010, 4011 arranged in the tunnel 4005 between the second compartment 4003 and the access port 4004. The rollers 4008, 4009; 4010, 4011 may be friction rollers configured to engage and move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 by friction. The moving mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 from the first compartment 4002 to the second compartment 4003 in the direction of transportation 312. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 is configured to pass between the rollers 4008, 4009 of the first pair of rollers. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 is also configured to pass between the rollers 4010, 4011 of the second pair of rollers. At least one of the rollers of each pair of rollers 4008, 4009; 4010, 4011 is configured to engage a respective drive 3010, 3011 of the aerosol-generating device 3000, when the aerosol-generating article 4000 is inserted in the receptacle 3004 of the aerosolgenerating device 3000. The engagement of the rollers of the aerosol-generating article 4000 with a respective drive 3010, 3011 of the aerosol-generating device 3000 enables transmitting the torque of a respective drive 3010, 3011 to at least one of the rollers 4008, 4009; 4010, 4011. In the illustrated example of Figure 16, the roller 4009 is configured to engage the drive 3010 (shown in Figure 14) and the roller 4011 is configured to engage the drive 3011 (shown in Figure 14).

Advantageously, the tunnel 4005 may be further provided with an opening 4012 for receiving a sensor. The opening 402 is provided between the first pair of rollers 4008, 4009 and the first compartment 4002. In particular, the opening 4012 may enable to position an ultrasonic transducer (not shown) for indexing the transportation of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . Alternatively, or in combination, the aerosol-generating device 3000 may be provided with an encoder (not shown) for reading an angular position of the drive 3010, 3011 . The encoder may be configured to read an angular position of a rotating shaft associated with the actuator 3008.

Advantageously, the housing 4001 of the aerosol-generating article 4000 may be provided with at least one locking element (not shown) configured to be reversibly locked in the aerosol-generating device 3000. Figure 17 shows two opposite lateral views of the system comprising the aerosol-generating device 3000 and the aerosol-generating article 4000. The left side of Figure 17 illustrates the battery 3020 of the aerosol-generating device 3000. The battery 3020 is rechargeable via the charging port 3002. The aerosol-generating device 3000 comprises a gear mechanism 3023 powered by a motor (not visible) to actuate respectively the drives 3010 and 3011. In turn, the drive 3010 engages with and transfers torque to the roller 4008 of the aerosol-generating article 4000. The rotation of the lower roller 4008 generates the rotation of the upper roller 4009, in particular by friction. Similarly, the drive 3011 engages with and transfers torque to the roller 4010 of the aerosol-generating article 400. The rotation of the lower roller 4010 generates the rotation of the upper roller 4011 , in particular by friction. The rotation of rollers of the first pair of rollers 4008 and the second pair of rollers 4010, 4011 allows moving the aerosol-generating substrate 31 through the clamping elements 3021 , 3022 along the transportation direction 312, namely from the first compartment 4001 towards the second compartment 4002. An unused portion 31 of aerosol-generating substrate 31 may thus be unwound and move between the clamping elements 3021 , 3022 for aerosolization. A used portion 33 of aerosol-generating substrate 31 may be moved to the second compartment 4002.

The gear mechanism 3023 may be similar, or even identical, to the gear mechanism described in relation to the aerosol-generating device 1000, and to which reference is made.

As can be seen from the left view of figure 17 only, the aerosol-generating device 3000 comprises an air channel 3024 in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 3003. In the illustrated example, the air channel 3024 is formed by a curved conduit. An airflow sensor 3025 is arranged along the air channel 3024. The airflow sensor 3025 is configured to detect the occurrence of a puff and activate the motor (not visible) to actuate the gear mechanism 3023.

Like in the aerosol-generating device 1000, the motor configured to actuate the gear mechanism 3023 aerosol-generating device 3000 may be configured to move the clamping elements 3021 , 3022 of the clamp 202, in particular in a manner wherein the actuation of the clamp 202, the drive 3010 and the drive 3011 are mechanically decoupled from one another.

Figure 18 shows an enlargement of the system of figure 17 wherein the exemplary internal architecture of the aerosol-generating device 3000 is partly visible. The gear mechanism 3023 comprises a rotating shaft 3026. The rotating shaft 3026 may be actuated by a motor (not visible). The rotating shaft 3026 is configured to transfer torque to a first drive wheel 3027 of the gear mechanism 3023. The first drive wheel 3027 is configured to transfer torque to a second drive wheel 3027. The gear mechanism 3023 comprises a plurality of drive wheels 3027 configured to drive synchronously by transferring torque to one another. Ultimately, one of the drive wheels 2027 transfers torque to the drive 3010 and one other drive wheel 2027 transfers torque to the drive 301 1 , which is not visible in the cutview of Figure 18.

As can be seen in the cut-view of Figure 18, the portion 31 of aerosol-generating substrate is sandwiched between the aerosolization element 261 of the clamping element 3021 and the aerosolization element 261 of the clamping element 3022. An end 3026 of the air channel 3024 faces the lateral external wall 278 of the receptacle 268 which is provided with the air outlets 282. The aerosol generated in the aerosolization chamber 218 formed by the cavities 265 of the clamping elements 3021 , 3022 can flow through the air outlets 282, reaches the air channel 3024 and then the mouthpiece 3003 for inhalation. Air can entered via the air inlet slots 4006 of the aerosol-generating article 4000 (visible in figure 16) and entered the aerosolization chamber 218 via the air inlets 281 of the receptacle 268 (visible in figure 15).

As can also be seen in the cut-view of Figure 18, the air channel 3024 is provided with the airflow sensor 3025. Moreover, in the non-limitative illustrated example, the aerosol-generating device 4000 further comprises an ultrasonic transducer 27. The ultrasonic transducer 27 is configured to sense a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 .

Figure 19 shows a view wherein the one the elastic mechanism 3007 of the aerosol-generating device 3000 is better visible than in figure 14. The elastic mechanism 3007 comprises two arms 3028. The two arms 3028 are respectively joined together at one common end 3029 of the arms 3038. The opposite free end 3030 of each arm 3038 is provided with a through aperture 3031 , in particular a circular through aperture 3031 . The size and dimension of each through aperture 3031 is complementary from the size and dimension of the first contact pad 283 of the hollow receptacle 268 (see figure 15). For each arm 3028, a form fit connection is formed by the engagement of the first contact pad 283 in the through aperture 3031 . A form fit connection is also formed at the common end 3029 of the arms 3028 by the engagement of a contact pad 3032 of aerosol-generating device 3000 in a through aperture 3033. The contact pad 3032 and the through aperture 3033 respectively have a circular cross-section. A surface of each arm 3028 of the elastic mechanism 3007 is configured to be movable with respect to the second contact pad 284 of the hollow receptacle 268 (see figure 15). The displacement of the respective arm 3028 with respect to the second contact pad 284 of the hollow receptacle 268 is configured to move the clamping elements 3021 , 3022 in relation to one another between the open configuration and the closed configuration of the clamp 202. In particular, the actuator 3008 (visible in Figure 14) of the aerosol-generating device 3000 is configured to push the clamping elements 3021 towards the clamping elements 3022 by means of the elastic connection between the clamping elements 3021 and the clamping elements 3022 provided by the elastic mechanism 3007.

In another example (not represented), the clamping elements 3021 , 3022 may be moved with respect to one another by means of a different mechanism.

Figure 20 represents schematically on the left side of figure 20 an arrangement of a sensor for an indexing unit that may be integrated in an aerosol-generating device, in particular in any one of the aerosol-generating devices 1000, 1010, 1020 and 3000, in relation to an aerosol-generating substrate sheet shown on the right side of figure 20.

The sensor 5000 is configured to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 , in particular relative to an aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device (not represented) The sensor 5000 may be an ultrasonic transducer for indexing a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31. The ultrasonic transducer 5000 is configured to emit ultrasounds and to measure the time for the ultrasound to return.

In a first example, the ultrasonic transducer 5000 is arranged in the aerosol-generating device and comprises an emitter/receiver unit 5001 , 5002 sending ultrasounds to the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 . In an example system comprising the aerosol-generating device 3000, the ultrasonic device 5001 may be configured to send and receive ultrasounds via the opening 4012 of the aerosolgenerating article 4000. The opening 4012 is indicated in Figure 16. Alternately, in a second example, an ultrasonic transducer 5003 comprises an emitter unit 5004 and a receiver unit 5005 placed with respect to a same side of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31.

Still alternatively, an ultrasonic transducer 5006 comprises an emitter unit 5007 and a receiver unit 5008 arranged on opposite sides of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 .

Correspondingly, the aerosol-generating substrate 31 may be advantageously provided a pattern adapted for ultrasonic detection. Figure 20 shows in the right side a portion 311 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 according to one example. The aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 comprises a plurality of segments 313 of aerosol-generating substrate sheet. The plurality of segments 313 are interconnected consecutively to form a sheet of segments 31 . The sheet 31 of segments 313 is provided with an aperture 314 at each junction 315 between successive segments 313. Each junction 315 interconnects two successive segments 313. As shown in Figure 20, the thickness of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 of each segment 313 is greater than the thickness of the aerosolgenerating substrate sheet 31 at each junction 315 located between successive segments 313.

The sensor of the indexing unit is configured to detect an aperture 314 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31. This may allow the indexing unit to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 , in particular relative to the aerosolization element of the aerosol-generating device. A length 316 of a segment 313 along the motion direction 312 of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet 31 may corresponds to an incremental step generated by the indexing unit.

For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 % of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: at least one aerosolization element configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosolgenerating substrate sheet, a clamp configured to clamp and release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, a transport unit configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the at least one aerosolization element and through the clamp, wherein the clamp has: a closed configuration in which movement of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp is restricted, and an open configuration in which the transport unit can move the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the clamp comprises at least two clamping elements, wherein at least one of the two clamping elements is configured to be moved in relation to the other clamping element.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein, in the closed configuration of the clamp, an aerosolization chamber is formed in between the at least two clamping elements.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one aerosolization element is mounted to the clamp.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one of the clamping elements has a cavity.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 2 to 5, comprising a housing provided with a mouthpiece for consumer inhalations, and only one of the at least two clamping elements is fixedly mounted to the housing of the aerosol-generating device.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 2 to 5, comprising a housing provided with a mouthpiece for consumer inhalations, and each of the at least two clamping elements are movably mounted to the housing of the aerosol-generating device.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport unit comprises a first moving mechanism and a second moving mechanism, and the clamp is arranged between the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism, and the clamp, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are respectively actuatable by a common motor.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the actuation of the clamp, the first moving mechanism and the second moving mechanism are mechanically decoupled from one another.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a controller is configured to activate the transport unit between successive consumer inhalations.

11 . The aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to activate the transport unit only when the clamp is in the open configuration.

12. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an indexing unit configured to determine a position of the aerosol-generating substrate sheet with respect to the aerosolization element.

13. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an aerosol-generating substrate sheet.

14. A method for operating an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising the steps of:

(A) moving the clamp in the closed configuration to clamp the aerosol-generating substrate sheet,

(B) activating an aerosolization element to aerosolize the aerosol-generating substrate sheet,

(C) moving the clamp in the open configuration to release the aerosol-generating substrate sheet, and

(D) after the step (C), moving the aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp for a predefined distance.

15. Use of a clamp in an aerosol-generating device, in particular in an aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 12, for restricting a movement of an aerosol-generating substrate sheet through the clamp for keeping the aerosol-generating substrate sheet still while generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate sheet.