WO2025202020A1

WO2025202020A1 - Aerosol-generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2025202020A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/057640
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel BESSANT; Onur DAYIOĞLU; Serge LOPEZ; Teemu Henrik MÄÄTTÄNEN
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2024-03-26
Filing date: 2025-03-20
Publication date: 2025-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-26

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol-generating device (200) for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising a container. The aerosol-generating device (200) comprises a recess (204) for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device (200) comprises a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The recess (204) comprises one or more air inlets (211) and one or more aerosol outlets (212). An airflow pathway (224) is provided through the recess (204) being defined between the one or more air inlets (211) and the one or more aerosol outlets (212). A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets (211) to any of the one or more aerosol outlets (212) is non-parallel to each of a width (221) of the recess and a length (222) of the recess (204) and a depth (223) of the recess (204).

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosolgenerating article. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device having a recess comprising one or more air inlets and one or more aerosol outlets. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article.

Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. In heated aerosolgenerating articles, the aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

One type of aerosol-generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems typically comprise an aerosol-generating device comprising a rechargeable battery, control electronics and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article designed specifically for use with the aerosol-generating device. In some examples, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug, and the heater contained within the aerosol-generating device is inserted into or located around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

A heating element may be provided in an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat the aerosol-generating substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article without burning the aerosol-generating substrate. In doing so, the aerosol-generating substrate may generate an aerosol which may be delivered to a user.

Such aerosol-generating articles may take the form of a conventional cigarette. Where this is the case, the aerosol-generating substrate may be wrapped in cigarette paper. This approach may be appropriate where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises strands or spaghettis of material, for example strands of cast leaf tobacco or strands of shredded tobacco.

However, this approach may not effectively retain other forms of aerosol-generating substrate, such as granulated or powdered aerosol-generating substrate. Such aerosolgenerating articles may be prone to leakage of the aerosol-generating substrates during storage, handling and use thereof. Leakage of the aerosol-generating substrates may be exacerbated by high environmental temperatures and humidities. Loss of aerosol-generating substrates through leakage may disadvantageously reduce the lifespan of the aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate. Leakage of aerosol-generating substrates may negatively impact the overall performance of the aerosol-generating article. For example, leakage of aerosolgenerating substrates may negatively impact the consistency of the inhalable aerosol generated by an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article.

In order to provide an aerosol-generating article in which loss or leaking of the aerosolgenerating substrate is reduced or prevented even when the aerosol-generating article is heated to the temperatures required to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating article comprising a container may be provided. Such an aerosol-generating article may be able to retain different forms of aerosol-generating substrate, such as granulated or powdered aerosol-generating substrate. Such an aerosol-generating article comprising a container may be readily handled and manipulated by a consumer when it is being used in combination with a suitable aerosol-generating device.

However, aerosol-generating devices of the prior art may not be suitable for heating aerosol-generating articles comprising a container. For example, inserting a heating element into an aerosol-generating article comprising a container may disadvantageously cause the aerosolgenerating substrate to leak out of the container. In addition, existing heaters configured to externally heat aerosol-generating articles may not provide efficient heating sufficient to generate a consistent aerosol from an aerosol-generating article comprising a container.

There is a need to provide an aerosol-generating device which is suitable for use with an aerosol-generating article, such as an aerosol-generating article comprising a container.

In addition, during use of aerosol-generating systems of the prior art, parts of the aerosolgenerating substrate of an aerosol-generating article may receive less airflow than other parts of the aerosol-generating substrate when used with an aerosol-generating device. For example, an aerosol-generating device may be configured such that an airflow pathway through the aerosolgenerating device does not contact parts of an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosolgenerating article. This may be a particular issue when the aerosol-generating article comprises a container because the aerosol-generating substrate may be distributed throughout the container.

As a result, when used with such an aerosol-generating device, uneven depletion of an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article may occur due to air not flowing evenly through all parts of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. As a result, a proportion of the aerosol-generating substrate may not be utilised to generate an aerosol. Furthermore, sufficient resistance to draw through an aerosol-generating device when used with the aerosol-generating article may not be achieved because the airflow pathway may only pass through a portion of the aerosol-generating substrate.

As a result, release of active ingredients into an aerosol, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from some parts of an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article may be reduced when used with an aerosol-generating device. Consequently, poor aerosol generation and delivery may occur during a user experience when the parts of an aerosolgenerating substrate of an aerosol-generating article which have the most contact with the airflow pathway through the aerosol-generating device are depleted. Depletion of parts of an aerosolgenerating substrate of an aerosol-generating article which have the most contact with the airflow pathway through the aerosol-generating device may be rapid. Therefore, in particular, at the end of the user experience poor aerosol generation and delivery to the user may occur.

There is a need to provide an aerosol-generating device configured such that a greater proportion of the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article used with the aerosol-generating device can be utilised to generate an aerosol.

There is a need to provide an aerosol-generating device which improves release of active ingredients into an aerosol, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from an aerosolgenerating article used with the aerosol-generating device. There is a need to provide an aerosolgenerating device which improves delivery to a user of active ingredients, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from an aerosol-generating article used with the aerosol-generating device.

There is a need to provide an aerosol-generating device which is able to provide more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to a user from an aerosol-generating article used with the aerosol-generating device.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosolgenerating device for use with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a container. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a recess for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The recess may comprise one or more air inlets and one or more aerosol outlets. An airflow pathway through the recess may be defined between the one or more air inlets and the one or more aerosol outlets. A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets may be non-parallel to a width of the recess. A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets may be non-parallel to a length of the recess. A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets may be non-parallel to a depth of the recess. A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets may be non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess. A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets may be non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device comprises a recess for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The recess comprises one or more air inlets and one or more aerosol outlets. An airflow pathway through the recess is defined between the one or more air inlets and the one or more aerosol outlets. A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising a container. The aerosol-generating device comprises a recess for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The recess comprises one or more air inlets and one or more aerosol outlets. An airflow pathway through the recess is defined between the one or more air inlets and the one or more aerosol outlets. A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess.

Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess may increase the airflow path length through the recess.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess may increase the airflow path length through the recess.

Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess may increase the contact between airflow through the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received in the recess. Advantageously, as a result, resistance to draw through the aerosol-generating device when an aerosol-generating article is received in the recess may be increased.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess may increase the contact between airflow through the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received in the recess. Advantageously, as a result, resistance to draw through the aerosol-generating device when an aerosol-generating article is received in the recess may be increased.

Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess may result in a greater proportion of an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess that can be utilised to generate an aerosol.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess may result in a greater proportion of an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess that can be utilised to generate an aerosol.

Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess may increase the release of active ingredients into an aerosol, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess. Advantageously, aerosol generation and delivery throughout a user experience may be improved. In particular, advantageously, aerosol generation and delivery at an end of the user experience may be improved.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess may increase the release of active ingredients into an aerosol, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess. Advantageously, aerosol generation and delivery throughout a user experience may be improved. In particular, advantageously, aerosol generation and delivery at an end of the user experience may be improved.

Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess may improve release of active ingredients into an aerosol, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess. Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess may improve delivery to a user of active ingredients, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosolgenerating article received within the recess.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess may improve release of active ingredients into an aerosol, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess. Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess may improve delivery to a user of active ingredients, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosolgenerating article received within the recess. Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess may provide more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to a user from an aerosol-generating article received within the recess.

In the particularly preferred embodiment, advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess may provide more consistent aerosol generation and delivery to a user from an aerosol-generating article received within the recess.

It will be appreciated that the feature “a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess” refers to there being no air inlets for which a shortest line joining any of the air inlets to any of the aerosol outlets is parallel to a width of the recess and there being no air inlets for which a shortest line joining any of the air inlets to any of the aerosol outlets is parallel to a length of the recess. It follows that this also refers to a shortest line joining any of the one or more aerosol outlets to any of the one or more aerosol inlets being non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess. In other words, there may be no line parallel to a width of the recess that intersects both an inlet and an outlet of the recess, and that there may be no line parallel to a length of the recess that intersects both an inlet and an outlet of the recess. In other words, there may be no straight line that joins an inlet and an outlet of the recess which is parallel to a width of the recess, and there may be no straight line that joins an inlet and an outlet of the recess which is parallel to a length of the recess.

It will be appreciated that the feature “a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess” refers to there being no air inlets for which a shortest line joining any of the air inlets to any of the aerosol outlets is parallel to a width of the recess and there being no air inlets for which a shortest line joining any of the air inlets to any of the aerosol outlets is parallel to a length of the recess and there being no air inlets for which a shortest line joining any of the air inlets to any of the aerosol outlets is parallel to a depth of the recess. It follows that this also refers to a shortest line joining any of the one or more aerosol outlets to any of the one or more aerosol inlets being non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess. In other words, there may be no line parallel to a width of the recess that intersects both an inlet and an outlet of the recess, and that there may be no line parallel to a length of the recess that intersects both an inlet and an outlet of the recess, and that there may be no line parallel to a depth of the recess that intersects both an inlet and an outlet of the recess. In other words, there may be no straight line that joins an inlet and an outlet of the recess which is parallel to a width of the recess, and there may be no straight line that joins an inlet and an outlet of the recess which is parallel to a length of the recess, and there may be no straight line that joins an inlet and an outlet of the recess which is parallel to a depth of the recess.

A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of one or both of the recess and the aerosol-generating device. In other words, the one or more air inlets and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be offset from each other relative to a longitudinal axis of one or both of the recess and the aerosol-generating device.

It will be appreciated that the terms “aerosol outlet” and “air outlet” may be used interchangeably.

The one or more air inlets may each comprise an opening having any suitable cross- sectional shape, for example a circular cross-sectional shape.

The one or more aerosol outlets may each comprise an opening having any suitable cross- sectional shape, for example a circular cross-sectional shape.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating substrate” denotes a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating, which can condense to form an aerosol.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol” denotes a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include vapours of substances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature as well as solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating article” denotes an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating device” denotes a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosolgenerating article to generate an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol-generating device heats the aerosol-generating substrate to facilitate release of volatile compounds from the substrate.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating system” refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the “longitudinal” refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device or portion of the aerosol-generating device, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating device or portion of the aerosol-generating device. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative positions of elements, or portions of elements, of the aerosolgenerating device in relation to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating device during use.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum dimension of elements, or portions of elements, of aerosol-generating articles, aerosol-generating devices and aerosol-generating systems according to the disclosure. The length may be defined in the longitudinal direction or along a longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating device. In particular, the length of the recess may refer to the maximum dimension of the recess.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “transverse” is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or the length.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “width” is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of elements, or portions of elements, of aerosol-generating articles, aerosol-generating devices and aerosol-generating systems according to the disclosure. In particular, the width of the recess may refer to the transverse dimension of the recess. The width of the recess is perpendicular to the length of the recess.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “depth” of the recess is used to describe the dimension of elements, or portions of elements, of aerosol-generating articles, aerosol-generating devices and aerosol-generating systems which is defined as perpendicular to the length and the width of the elements, or the portions of elements, of aerosolgenerating articles, aerosol-generating devices and aerosol-generating systems. Reference to a “depth” of a component refers to the location of the component along an axis parallel to the depth. In particular, the depth of the recess is perpendicular to the width and the length of the recess.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “heater assembly” refers to an arrangement configured to generate heat in order to heat an aerosol-generating article received within the recess. The heater assembly may be an electric heater assembly.

The one or more air inlets may be located at a different depth of the recess to the one or more aerosol outlets. In other words, there may be no plane perpendicular to the depth of the recess that intersects both an air inlet and an aerosol outlet of the recess.

The one or more air inlets of the recess may be at a first depth and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be at a second depth. The first depth and the second depth may be different. In other words, the one or more air inlets may lie in a first plane perpendicular to the depth of the recess and the one or more aerosol outlets may lie in a second plane perpendicular to the depth of the recess at a different location along the depth of the recess, such that the first plane and the second plane do not intersect. Advantageously, providing the one or more air inlets at a different depth of the recess to the one or more aerosol outlets may result in an airflow pathway which flows through the recess between different depths of the recess which may increase the airflow path length through the recess.

The one or more air inlets may be located at a different position along the width of the recess to the one or more aerosol outlets. In other words, there may be no plane perpendicular to the width of the recess that intersects both an air inlet and an aerosol outlet of the recess.

The one or more air inlets of the recess may be at a first position along the width of the recess and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be at a second position along the width of the recess. The first position and the second position along the width of the recess may be different. In other words, the one or more air inlets may lie in a first plane perpendicular to the width of the recess and the one or more aerosol outlets may lie in a second plane perpendicular to the width of the recess at a different location along the width of the recess, such that the first plane and the second plane do not intersect.

Advantageously, providing the one or more air inlets at a different position along the width of the recess to the one or more aerosol outlets may result in an airflow path way which flows through the recess between different positions along the width of the recess which may increase the airflow path length through the recess.

The one or more air inlets of the recess may consist of a single air inlet. Alternatively, the one or more air inlets of the recess may comprise a plurality of air inlets. For example, the one or more air inlets of the recess may comprise greater than or equal to 2 air inlets, greater than or equal to 3 air inlets, greater than or equal to 4 air inlets, greater than or equal to 5 air inlets or greater than or equal to 10 air inlets. For example, the one or more air inlets of the recess may comprise less than or equal to 12 air inlets, less than or equal to 8 air inlets, less than or equal to 6 air inlets, less than or equal to 5 air inlets, less than or equal to 4 air inlets or less than or equal to 3 air inlets.

The one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may consist of a single aerosol outlet. Alternatively, the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may comprise a plurality of aerosol outlets. For example, the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may comprise greater than or equal to 2 aerosol outlets, greater than or equal to 3 aerosol outlets, greater than or equal to 4 aerosol outlets, greater than or equal to 5 aerosol outlets, or greater than or equal to 10 aerosol outlets. For example, the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may comprise less than or equal to 12 aerosol outlets, less than or equal to 8 aerosol outlets, less than or equal to 6 aerosol outlets, less than or equal to 5 aerosol outlets, less than or equal to 4 aerosol outlets or less than or equal to 3 aerosol outlets.

The recess may comprise a single air inlet and a plurality of aerosol outlets. Alternatively, the recess may comprise a plurality of air inlets and a single aerosol outlet. The recess may comprise a plurality of air inlets and a plurality of aerosol outlets. Alternatively, the recess may comprise single air inlet and a single aerosol outlet.

Advantageously, providing one or both of a plurality of air inlets and a plurality of aerosol outlets may increase the contact between the airflow through the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received in the recess.

Each of the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may have a greater diameter than each of the one or more air inlets of the recess.

Advantageously, providing each of the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess having a greater diameter than each of the one or more air inlets of the recess allows the one or more air inlets to provide sufficient resistance to draw during use such that the the one or more aerosol outlets may be made large enough to prevent undesirable premature condensation of the aerosol.

The recess may have a length of at least 10 millimetres. For example, the recess may have a length of at least 12 millimetres, at least 14 millimetres, at least 16 millimetres, or at least 18 millimetres.

The recess may have a length of no more than 30 millimetres. For example, the recess may have a length of no more than 28 millimetres, no more than 25 millimetres, no more than 20 millimetres, or no more than 18 millimetres.

The recess may have a length of between about 10 millimetres and about 30 millimetres, between about 12 millimetres and about 28 millimetres, between about 14 millimetres and about 25 millimetres, or between about 20 millimetres and about 16 millimetres.

The recess may have a length of about 14 millimetres. The recess may have a length of about 16 millimetres. The recess may have a length of about 18 millimetres.

The heater assembly may comprise a resistive heating element. During use, an electrical current may be supplied to the resistive heating element to generate heat by resistive heating to heat an aerosol-generating article received within the recess.

Suitable materials for forming the resistive heating element include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically “conductive” ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys.

The heater assembly may comprise an inductive heating element. During use, the inductive heating element may inductively heat at least one susceptor material to heat an aerosol- generating article received within the recess. The inductive heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil extending around at least a portion of the recess.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a planar wall. The planar wall and the recess may define a heating chamber.

The planar wall may be a heating wall. The heating wall may comprise a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating article received within the recess to generate an aerosol. The heating wall may comprise a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element. The heating assembly may comprise the heating wall.

The distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the planar wall may be less than the distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the planar wall. In other words, the one or more air inlets of the recess may be closer to the planar wall than the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess.

Advantageously, providing a distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the planar wall that is less than the distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the planar wall may increase the airflow path length through the recess.

Alternatively, the distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the planar wall may be less than the distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the planar wall. In other words, the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be closer to the planar wall than the one or more air inlets of the recess.

Advantageously, providing a distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the planar wall that is less than the distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the planar wall may increase the airflow path length through the recess.

The recess may comprise a base wall and at least one sidewall. The base wall and the at least one sidewall of the recess and the planar wall may define a heating chamber.

The one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be provided in the at least one sidewall of the recess.

The one or more air inlets of the recess may be provided in the at least one sidewall of the recess.

For example, the one or more air inlets and the one or more aerosol outlets may be provided in the at least one sidewall of the recess.

The at least one sidewall of the recess may comprise an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall. The one or more air inlets may be provided in the upstream sidewall. The one or more aerosol outlets may be provided in the downstream sidewall.

The distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the base wall may be less than the distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the base wall. In other words, the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be closer to the base wall than the one or more air inlets of the recess. Advantageously, providing a distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the base wall that is less than the distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the base wall may increase the airflow path length through the recess.

Alternatively, the distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the base wall may be less than the distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the base wall. In other words, the one or more air inlets of the recess may be closer to the base wall than the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess.

Advantageously, providing a distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the base wall that is less than the distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the base wall may increase the airflow path length through the recess.

The one or more air inlets of the recess may be provided in the base wall of the recess. Alternatively, the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be provided in the base wall of the recess.

The one or more air inlets of the recess may comprise a plurality of air inlets in the form of a plurality of openings in the base wall of the recess. Alternatively, the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may comprise a plurality of openings in the base wall of the recess in the form of a plurality of openings in the base wall of the recess.

The one or more air inlets of the recess may be provided in the base wall of the recess and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be provided in the at least one sidewall of the recess. For example, the one or more air inlets of the recess may comprise a plurality of air inlets provided in the base wall of the recess and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may be provided in the downstream sidewall of the recess.

Advantageously, providing a plurality of air inlets in the base wall of the recess may increase the contact between the airflow through the aerosol-generating device and an aerosolgenerating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received in the recess.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a device housing. The device housing may comprise a first device housing portion and a second device housing portion. The second device housing portion may be movable relative to the first device housing portion. The second device housing portion may be slidable relative to the first device housing portion.

The second device housing portion may comprise the recess. The second device housing portion may be movable relative to the first device housing portion between a closed position in which the recess is substantially closed by the first device housing portion, and an open position to allow access to the interior of the recess.

The first device housing portion may comprise the planar wall. The first device housing portion may comprise the heating wall. In the closed position the heating wall of the first device housing portion may be in contact with an aerosol-generating article received in the recess. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a pressure sensor for detecting airflow through the device.

The first device housing portion may comprise the pressure sensor and the second device housing portion may comprise the recess. A sealed air channel between the first device housing portion and the second device housing portion may be provided. The pressure sensor may measure the pressure through the sealed air channel.

Advantageously, providing a first device housing portion comprising the pressure sensor and a second device housing portion comprising the recess may allow electrical components associated with the pressure sensor to be provided in the first device housing portion. Advantageously, this may reduce the electrical connections required between the first device housing portion and the second device housing portion. Advantageously, this may simplify a connection between the first device housing portion and the second device housing portion.

Alternatively, the second device housing portion may comprise the pressure sensor and the recess. The pressure sensor may be provided in a sensor holder.

Advantageously, providing a second device housing portion comprising the pressure sensor and the recess may improve sealing of the pressure sensor to the locations in the second device housing portion in which the pressure is measured by the pressure sensor. Advantageously, this may improve the accuracy of measurements made by the pressure sensor.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a contact sensor configured to detect when the second device housing portion is in the closed position relative to the first device housing portion.

Preferably, the second device housing portion comprises the contact sensor. Preferably, the second device housing portion comprises the pressure sensor and the contact sensor.

It will be appreciated that the contact sensor may be any sensor configured to generate an electrical signal when the second device housing portion is in the closed position relative to the first device housing portion such as, for example, electrically conductive pins on the second device housing portion configured to contact a conductive region on the first device housing portion.

Advantageously, providing a contact sensor configured to detect when the second device housing portion is in the closed position relative to the first device housing portion may improve control of the aerosol-generating device, such as control of the heating element, and may improve the accuracy and reliability of other sensors, where present, such as a pressure sensor.

In addition to the one or more air inlets of the recess, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a device air inlet for allowing air to enter the aerosol-generating device. The device air inlet of the aerosol-generating device may be in fluid communication with the air inlet of the recess. The device air inlet may be located on the first device housing portion or the second device housing portion. In addition to the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a device aerosol outlet for allowing aerosol to exit the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece may be provided as part of the second device housing portion. The mouthpiece may be removably attachable to the second device housing portion. The device aerosol outlet may be provided in the mouthpiece. The device aerosol outlet may be in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet of the recess.

The pressure sensor may be configured to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more air inlets of the recess.

Advantageously, configuring the pressure sensor to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more air inlets of the recess may reduce the risk of condensation along the airflow path measured by the pressure sensor. Advantageously, configuring the pressure sensor to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more air inlets of the recess may reduce complexity of the pressure sensor arrangement.

The pressure sensor may be configured to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess.

Advantageously, configuring the pressure sensor to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess may improve the reliability of the measurement made by the pressure sensor.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a power supply. The power supply may be located in the device housing. The power supply may be located in the first device housing portion.

The power supply may be a DC power supply. The power supply may be a battery. The power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, a lithium-iron-phosphate or a lithium-polymer battery. The power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of enough energy for one or more user operations, for example one or more aerosol-generating experiences.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a controller. The controller may be arranged to control the supply of power from the power supply to the heater assembly, for example, in response to a measurement by a pressure sensor indicating airflow through the aerosol-generating device. The controller may be located in the device housing. The controller may be located in the first device housing portion.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the heater assembly or the temperature of an aerosolgenerating article received in the recess. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the heater assembly based on a measurement taken by the temperature sensor.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect of the disclosure; and an aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may be received within the recess of the aerosolgenerating device.

The aerosol-generating article may be any aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a container. The container may comprise a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and second wall may together define a substrate compartment. An aerosol-generating substrate may be provided in the substrate compartment.

The first wall may comprise a different material to the second wall. The first wall may comprise a flexible cellulosic material. The second wall may have a higher stiffness than the first wall. Alternatively, the first wall may have a higher stiffness than the second wall.

At least a portion of the first wall may be porous. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “cellulosic material” refers to a material which is made from or is a derivative of cellulose.

The first wall may comprise any cellulosic material. The first wall may comprise a nonwoven material.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “non-woven” refers to a manufactured sheet, web or batt of directionally or randomly orientated fibres, bonded by friction, and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch- bonded incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needled. The fibres may be of natural or man-made origin.

The first wall may comprise a moulded paper material.

The second wall may be non-porous. The second wall may comprise a substantially planar material. The second wall may comprise a paper material.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least one alkaloid.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “alkaloid compound” is used to describe any one of a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain one or more basic nitrogen atoms. Generally, an alkaloid contains at least one nitrogen atom in an amine-type structure. This or another nitrogen atom in the molecule of the alkaloid compound can be active as a base in acid-base reactions. Most alkaloid compounds have one or more of their nitrogen atoms as part of a cyclic system, such as for example a heterocylic ring. In nature, alkaloid compounds are found primarily in plants, and are especially common in certain families of flowering plants. However, some alkaloid compounds are found in animal species and fungi. In the context of the present invention, the term “alkaloid compounds” is used to describe both naturally derived alkaloid compounds and synthetically manufactured alkaloid compounds. Suitable alkaloid compounds for use in an aerosol-generating element in accordance with the invention include, but are not limited to, nicotine and anatabine.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine or anatabine.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “nicotine” is used to describe nicotine, a nicotine base or a nicotine salt. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a nicotine base or a nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine recited herein are the amount of free base nicotine or amount of protonated nicotine, respectively.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more monoprotic nicotine salts.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “monoprotic nicotine salt” is used to describe a nicotine salt of a monoprotic acid.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-former. The aerosolgenerating substrate may contain any amount of aerosol-former. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least 50 weight percent, at least 60 weight percent, or at least 70 weight percent aerosol-former. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise about 80 weight percent aerosol-former.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a polyhydric alcohol.

The polyhydric alcohol acts as the aerosol-former for the aerosol-generating substrate. Polyhydric alcohols suitable for use in the aerosol-generating substrate include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol, and glycerin. Preferably, the polyhydric alcohol is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments the polyhydric alcohol is glycerin.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules. The granules may have any diameter. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of greater than or equal to 100 micrometres, greater than or equal to 250 micrometres, or greater than or equal to 500 micrometres.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of less than or equal to 5 millimetres, less than or equal to 4 millimetres, or less than or equal to 3 millimetres.

The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of between 500 micrometres and 3 millimetres. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of about 1 .5 millimetres. The substrate compartment may contain any mass of aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the substrate compartment may contain at least 80 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, at least 85 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, or at least 90 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate.

The substrate compartment may contain at no more than 300 milligrams of aerosolgenerating substrate, no more than 250 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, or no more than 200 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate.

The substrate compartment may contain between 80 milligrams and 300 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, between 85 milligrams and 250 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, and between 100 milligrams and 200 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate.

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 herein.

Example Ex1 : An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a recess for receiving the aerosol-generating article, a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol, wherein the recess comprises one or more air inlets and one or more aerosol outlets, an airflow pathway through the recess being defined between the one or more air inlets and the one or more aerosol outlets, wherein a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess, preferably wherein the shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets is non-parallel to a depth of the recess.

Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex1 , wherein a depth of the recess is defined as perpendicular to the length and the width of the recess, and wherein the one or more air inlets of the recess are at a first depth and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess are at a second depth, and wherein the first depth and the second depth are different.

Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a planar wall, and wherein the planar wall and the recess define a heating chamber.

Example Ex 4: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex3, wherein the distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the planar wall is less than the distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the planar wall. Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex3, wherein the distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the planar wall is less than the distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the planar wall.

Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the recess comprises a base wall and at least one sidewall.

Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex6, wherein the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess are provided in the at least one sidewall of the recess.

Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex6 or Ex7, wherein the one or more air inlets of the recess are provided in the at least one sidewall of the recess.

Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex6 to Ex8, wherein the one or more air inlets of the recess are provided in the base wall of the recess.

Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex9, wherein the one or more air inlets of the recess comprises a plurality of air inlets in form of a plurality of openings in the base wall of the recess.

Example Ex11 : An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a device housing, the device housing comprising a first device housing portion and a second device housing portion wherein the second device housing portion is movable relative to the first device housing portion.

Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex11 , further comprising a pressure sensor for detecting airflow through the device.

Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex12, wherein the first device housing portion comprises the pressure sensor and the second device housing portion comprises the recess.

Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex13, further comprising a sealed air channel between the first device housing portion and the second device housing portion, wherein the pressure sensor measures the pressure through the sealed air channel.

Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex12, wherein the second device housing portion comprises the pressure sensor and the recess.

Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex12 to Ex15, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a device air inlet for allowing air to enter the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more air inlets of the recess.

Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex12 to Ex15, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises a device air inlet for allowing air to enter the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess. Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex17, wherein the second device housing portion is slidable relative to the first device housing portion.

Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, wherein each of the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess have a greater diameter than each of the one or more air inlets of the recess.

Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example; and an aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex21 : An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex20, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a container.

Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex21 , wherein the container comprises a first wall and a second wall, the first wall comprising a different material to the second wall, the first wall and second wall together defining a substrate compartment, and an aerosol-generating substrate provided in the substrate compartment, wherein the first wall comprises a flexible cellulosic material, and wherein the second wall has a higher stiffness than the first wall.

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

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a recess of an aerosol-generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a recess of an aerosol-generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a recess of an aerosol-generating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosolgenerating device according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosolgenerating device of Figure 2 and the aerosol-generating article of Figure 5.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present invention. The aerosol-generating device 100 is intended for use with an aerosolgenerating article (not shown in Figure 1). The device 100 comprises a device housing 101. The device housing 101 comprises a first device housing portion 102 and a second device housing portion 103. The second device housing portion 103 is movable relative to the first device housing portion 102. The second device housing portion 103 comprises a recess 104 for receiving an aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a planar wall 105. The planar wall 105 and the recess 104 define a heating chamber.

The device housing 101 comprises a heater assembly 106 configured to heat an aerosolgenerating article when it is received in the recess 104.

The device housing 101 comprises a device air inlet (not shown). The device housing 101 comprises a pressure sensor 107 for detecting airflow through the aerosol-generating device 100. In particular, the first device housing portion 102 comprises the pressure sensor 107. However, it will be appreciated that the pressure sensor may alternatively be located in the second device housing portion 103.

The recess 104 comprises one or more air inlets and one or more aerosol outlets (not shown in Figure 1).

A mouthpiece 108 is provided at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating device 100, the mouthpiece 108 comprises a device aerosol outlet (not shown).

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a recess 204 of an aerosol-generating device 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating device 200 comprises all of the features of the aerosol-generating device 100 discussed above for Figure 1.

The recess 204 comprises an air inlet 211 and an aerosol outlet 212.

A width 221 of the recess 204, a length 222 of the recess 204 and a depth 223 of the recess 204 are shown.

The shortest line 224 joining the air inlet 211 and the aerosol outlet 212 is non-parallel to the width 221 of the recess 204. The shortest line 224 joining the air inlet 211 and the aerosol outlet 212 is non-parallel to the length 222 of the recess 204. The shortest line 224 joining the air inlet 211 and the aerosol outlet 212 is non-parallel to the depth 223 of the recess 204.

The air inlet 211 is at a first depth and the aerosol outlet 212 is at a second depth. The first depth and the second depth are different.

The recess 204 comprises a base wall 205 and sidewalls. The sidewalls comprise an upstream sidewall 206 and a downstream sidewall 207.

The air inlet 211 is provided in the upstream sidewall 206. The aerosol outlet 212 is provided in the downstream sidewall 207.

The distance between the aerosol outlet 212 and the base wall 205 is less than the distance between the air inlet 211 and the base wall 205.

The distance between the air inlet 211 and the planar wall (not shown) is less than the distance between the aerosol outlet 212 and the planar wall.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a recess 304 of an aerosol-generating device 300 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating device 300 comprises all of the features of the aerosol-generating device 100 discussed above for Figure 1.

The recess 304 comprises an air inlet 311 and an aerosol outlet 312.

A width 321 of the recess 304, a length 322 of the recess 304 and a depth 323 of the recess 304 are shown.

The shortest line 324 joining the air inlet 311 and the aerosol outlet 312 is non-parallel to the width 321 of the recess 304. The shortest line 324 joining the air inlet 311 and the aerosol outlet 312 is non-parallel to the length 322 of the recess 304. The shortest line 324 joining the air inlet 311 and the aerosol outlet 312 is non-parallel to the depth 323 of the recess 304.

The air inlet 311 is at a first depth and the aerosol outlet 312 is at a second depth. The first depth and the second depth are different.

The recess 304 comprises a base wall 305 and sidewalls. The sidewalls comprise an upstream sidewall 306 and a downstream sidewall 307.

The air inlet 311 is provided in the upstream sidewall 306. The aerosol outlet 312 is provided in the downstream sidewall 307.

The distance between the air inlet 311 and the base wall 305 is less than the distance between the aerosol outlet 312 and the base wall 305.

The distance between the aerosol outlet 312 and the planar wall (not shown) is less than the distance between the air inlet 311 and the planar wall.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a recess 404 of an aerosol-generating device 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating device 400 comprises all of the features of the aerosol-generating device 100 discussed above for Figure 1.

The recess 404 comprises a plurality of air inlets including a first air inlet 411 , a second air inlet 412, and a third air inlet 413.

The recess 404 comprises a single aerosol outlet 414.

A width 421 of the recess 404, a length 422 of the recess 404 and a depth 423 of the recess 404 are shown.

A shortest line joining any of the plurality of air inlets to the aerosol outlet 414 is non- parallel to each of a width 421 of the recess 404 and a length 422 of the recess 404.

In other words, the shortest line 424 joining the first air inlet 411 and the aerosol outlet 414 is non-parallel to the width 421 of the recess 404, and the shortest line 424 joining the first air inlet 411 and the aerosol outlet 414 is non-parallel to the length 422 of the recess 404. Also, the shortest line 425 joining the second air inlet 412 and the aerosol outlet 414 is non-parallel to the width 421 of the recess 404, and the shortest line 425 joining the second air inlet 412 and the aerosol outlet 414 is non-parallel to the length 422 of the recess 404. Also, the shortest line 426 joining the third air inlet 413 and the aerosol outlet 414 is non-parallel to the width 421 of the recess 404, and the shortest line 426 joining the third air inlet 413 and the aerosol outlet 414 is non-parallel to the length 422 of the recess 404.

A shortest line joining any of the plurality of air inlets to the aerosol outlet 414 is nonparallel to a depth 423 of the recess 404.

The first air inlet 411 , the second air inlet 412 and the third air inlet 413 are at a first depth and the aerosol outlet 414 is at a second depth. The first depth and the second depth are different.

The recess 404 comprises a base wall 405 and sidewalls. The sidewalls comprise an upstream sidewall 406 and a downstream sidewall 407.

The first air inlet 411 , the second air inlet 412 and the third air inlet 413 are provided in the base wall 405. The aerosol outlet 414 is provided in the downstream sidewall 407.

The distance between the aerosol outlet 414 and the planar wall (not shown) is less than the distance between the air inlets and the planar wall. In particular, the distance between the aerosol outlet 414 and the planar wall is less than the distance between the first air inlet 411 and the planar wall. The distance between the aerosol outlet 414 and the planar wall is less than the distance between the second air inlet 412 and the planar wall. The distance between the aerosol outlet 414 and the planar wall is less than the distance between the third air inlet 413 and the planar.

Figure 5 shows an aerosol-generating article 500 for use with an aerosol-generating device of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the aerosol-generating article may be used with any of the embodiments of aerosol-generating device discussed herein.

The aerosol-generating article 500 comprises a container 510. The container 510 comprises a first wall 511 and a second wall 512 which together define a substrate compartment 513. An aerosol-generating substrate 514 is provided in the substrate compartment 513.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the first wall 511 is formed from a non-woven cotton material. The first wall 511 comprises between 85 weight percent and 90 weight percent cellulose, between 7 weight percent and 16 weight percent hemicellulose, and between 1 weight percent and 3 weight percent lignin. The first wall 511 is porous.

The second wall 512 comprises paper. The second wall 512 has a grammage of about 35 gsm. The second wall 512 is non-porous.

The second wall 512 is substantially planar. The second wall 512 has a higher stiffness than the first wall 511. In this way, the first wall 511 may generally form a bag shape which is closed by the second wall 512.

An aerosol-generating substrate 514 is provided in the substrate compartment 513. The aerosol-generating substrate 514 comprises granules of homogenised tobacco material, and an aerosol-former. The aerosol-former comprises glycerine. The substrate compartment 513 contains about 150 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate 514. Figure 6 shows an aerosol-generating system 600 comprising the aerosol-generating article 500 and the aerosol-generating device 200. Only a part of the aerosol-generating device 200 is shown.

In use, a heater assembly 216 heats the aerosol-generating substrate 514 leading to the generation of an aerosol. Air enters the aerosol-generating device 200 through a device air inlet (not shown). Air then enters the recess 204 through the air inlet 211 and passes through the porous first wall 511 into the substrate compartment 513 where it becomes entrained with the aerosol. The air and the aerosol then pass out of the substrate compartment 513 through the porous first wall 511 , and out of the recess 204 through the aerosol outlet 212. The airflow pathway defined between the air inlet 211 and the aerosol outlet 212 involves air flowing through the recess between the first depth of the air inlet 211 and the second depth of the aerosol outlet 212. The aerosol then exits the aerosol-generating device 200 through a device aerosol outlet of a mouthpiece (not shown) at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating device 200. The aerosol is then inhaled by a user.

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". In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 percent 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

Claims:

1. An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising a container, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a recess for receiving the aerosol-generating article, a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol, wherein the recess comprises one or more air inlets and one or more aerosol outlets, an airflow pathway through the recess being defined between the one or more air inlets and the one or more aerosol outlets, wherein a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess and a depth of the recess.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more air inlets of the recess are at a first depth and the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess are at a second depth, and wherein the first depth and the second depth are different.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aerosolgenerating device further comprises a planar wall, and wherein the planar wall and the recess define a heating chamber.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the planar wall is less than the distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the planar wall.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the distance between the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess and the planar wall is less than the distance between the one or more air inlets of the recess and the planar wall.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the recess comprises a base wall and at least one sidewall.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess are provided in the at least one sidewall of the recess.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the one or more air inlets of the recess are provided in the at least one sidewall of the recess.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the one or more air inlets of the recess are provided in the base wall of the recess.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the one or more air inlets of the recess comprises a plurality of air inlets in form of a plurality of openings in the base wall of the recess.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosolgenerating device comprises a device housing, the device housing comprising a first device housing portion and a second device housing portion wherein the second device housing portion is movable relative to the first device housing portion.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 11 , further comprising a pressure sensor for detecting airflow through the device.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the one or more aerosol outlets of the recess have a greater diameter than each of the one or more air inlets of the recess.

14. An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim; and an aerosol-generating article.

15. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 14, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a container.