CN117460432A

CN117460432A - Aerosol-generating device for use with a consumable having a plurality of cartridges

Info

Publication number: CN117460432A
Application number: CN202280041157.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·埃米特; E·萨迪·拉托雷; S·菲利普斯; B·伦弗鲁
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2021-06-18
Filing date: 2022-06-17
Publication date: 2024-01-26
Also published as: JP2024522652A; WO2022263653A1; US20240260658A1; EP4355143A1; KR20240023109A

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (700) for use with a consumable (100) comprising a plurality of cartridges (1) arranged in succession to form an elongate strip of cartridges, each of the elongate strips of cartridges comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising: an air inlet (708) and an aerosol outlet (710), the air inlet being in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path (712); an aerosolization zone (716) for aerosolizing the aerosol-forming substrate included in each cartridge, wherein at least a portion of the aerosolization zone is disposed within the airflow path; a holder (706); and an indexing mechanism (718) for advancing the elongate strip of cartridges a predetermined distance toward the aerosolization zone in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device (700); wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to arrange the cartridge transversely across the airflow path when the cartridge is located in the aerosolization zone.

Description

Aerosol-generating device for use with a consumable having a plurality of cartridges

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device for use with a consumable having a plurality of cartridges. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a hand-held electrically operated aerosol-generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol and for delivering the aerosol into the mouth of a user. The present disclosure also relates to a consumable having a plurality of cartridges and to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and a consumable.

Background

Aerosol-generating devices that heat an aerosol-forming substrate to produce an aerosol are known in the art. These devices may be adapted for use with consumables comprising a plurality of discrete amounts or doses of an aerosol-forming substrate. Such consumables may allow a user to more accurately monitor how much aerosol they are consuming than devices having a single larger volume or reservoir of aerosol-forming substrate upon which the user may continuously aspirate or inhale.

However, devices suitable for use with consumables having multiple discrete amounts or doses of aerosol-forming substrate are generally larger in volume and more complex to use than devices having a single larger volume or reservoir of aerosol-forming substrate. This is due to the need to store multiple doses of consumables, which are typically larger than a single reservoir volume. There is also a need to provide a mechanism by which individual discrete amounts or doses of aerosol-forming substrate can be sequentially delivered to a location where the aerosol-forming substrate can be aspirated or inhaled by a user.

A known arrangement for storing such multi-dose consumables is in a circular cartridge or carousel in which discrete doses of aerosol-forming substrate are arranged at different angular positions around the cartridge. The cartridge is typically offset from the airflow path of the device through which the user draws or inhales the generated aerosol. Each time the user wishes to draw on the aerosol-generating device, the cartridge must be moved to the next available dose position. It is then necessary to place the dose of aerosol-forming substrate in communication with the airflow path and aerosolize such that it may be inhaled or inhaled by the user. Such devices require complex and accurate drive mechanisms to deliver the aerosol-forming substrate to the user, which increases the complexity and cost of manufacture.

Disclosure of Invention

It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device for use with a consumable having a plurality of discrete amounts or doses of an aerosol-forming substrate that is simpler and more compact to use and manufacture.

It is desirable to provide a consumable with multiple discrete amounts or doses of aerosol-forming substrate that allows for a simpler, more compact and easier to manufacture device to be used.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for use with a consumable. The consumable may comprise a plurality of cartridges. The cartridges may be arranged in succession to form an elongate strip of cartridges. Each of the elongate strips of cartridges may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an air inlet. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosol outlet. The air inlet may be in fluid communication with the aerosol-outlet to define an airflow path through the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an aerosolization zone for aerosolizing an aerosol-forming substrate comprised in each cartridge. At least a portion of the aerosolization zone may be disposed within the airflow path. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a holder for receiving and holding the elongate strip of the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an indexing mechanism for advancing the elongate strip of cartridges a predetermined distance towards the aerosolization zone. The indexing mechanism may advance the elongate strip of cartridges in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device towards the aerosolization region such that each cartridge sequentially enters the aerosolization region.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating device for use with a consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges arranged in succession to form an elongate strip of cartridges. Each of the elongate strips of cartridges includes an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device comprises an air inlet and an aerosol outlet. The air inlet is in fluid communication with the aerosol-outlet to define an airflow path through the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises an aerosolization zone for aerosolizing an aerosol-forming substrate comprised in each cartridge. At least a portion of the aerosolization zone is disposed within the airflow path. The aerosol-generating device comprises a holder for receiving and holding an elongate strip of the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device comprises an indexing mechanism for advancing the elongate strip of cartridges a predetermined distance towards the aerosolization zone in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device such that each cartridge successively enters the aerosolization zone.

Advantageously, the indexing mechanism of the aerosol-generating device advances the elongate strip of cartridges in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device towards the aerosolization zone. This allows a simple linear actuator to be used for a simpler operation of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, the elongate strip of cartridges may be stored along the length of the aerosol-generating device, which helps reduce the overall size of the device and enables a compact design.

As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers to a container or support holding a predetermined amount of aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the term "cartridge" includes a physical container that encloses or encapsulates an aerosol-forming substrate as well as a region of a support or carrier that holds the aerosol-forming substrate or the aerosol-forming substrate deposited or impregnated thereon. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of a solid, a liquid and a gel.

As used herein, the terms "distal" and "proximal" are used to describe the relative positions of components or portions of components of an aerosol-generating device or consumable and are not intended to be limiting. An aerosol-generating article or device according to the present disclosure has a proximal end through which, in use, aerosol exits the article or device for delivery to a user and has an opposite distal end. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the mouth end. In use, a user inhales on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," and the like are used to describe the relative positions of components or portions of components of an aerosol-generating device or consumable as seen in the figures of the present disclosure, and are not intended to be limiting.

The predetermined distance that the elongate strip of cartridges is advanced may correspond to the length of an individual cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the consumable. Advantageously, this allows a single actuation of the indexing mechanism to position the cartridge in the aerosolization zone; it is not necessary to actuate the indexing mechanism multiple times to position a single cartridge. This improves the ease of operation of the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to arrange the cartridge transversely across the airflow channel when the cartridge is located in the aerosolization zone. This improves entrainment of the generated aerosol in the gas stream.

The airflow path of the aerosol-generating device may be arranged to be in fluid communication with the airflow path of the cartridge when the cartridge is located in the aerosolization zone. This allows the airflow to pass through the cartridge and improves entrainment of the generated aerosol in the airflow.

At least a portion of the airflow path may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. At least a portion of the airflow path may be laterally offset from a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. This allows other components such as a power supply or control circuitry to be arranged alongside the airflow path, resulting in a more compact design.

The holder may comprise a first elongate guide for holding a first portion of the elongate strip of the cartridge. The first portion of the elongate strip of cartridges may comprise unused cartridges, i.e. cartridges comprising an aerosol-forming substrate to be aerosolized. The first elongate guide provides a convenient means for receiving and storing a consumable comprising an elongate strip of cartridges. A plurality of unused cartridges may be stored on the first elongate guide until they are ready for use. Furthermore, consumables may be stored along the length of the elongate guide, which helps reduce the overall size of the device and enables a compact design.

The first elongate guide may be arranged to guide the unused cartridge towards the aerosolization zone. This allows unused cartridges to be fed sequentially into the aerosolization zone for aerosolization.

The holder may comprise a second elongate guide for holding a second portion of the elongate strip of the cartridge. The second portion of the elongate strip of cartridges may comprise cartridges that have been used, i.e. cartridges that have passed through the aerosolization zone and in which at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate has been aerosolized. The second elongate guide allows the used cartridge to be stored separately from the unused cartridge, which may help reduce the risk of the used cartridge contaminating or degrading the unused cartridge retained on the first elongate guide. The used cartridge may conveniently be stored on the second elongate guide until the user is ready to push it out of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, the used cartridges may be stored along the length of the elongate guide, which helps reduce the overall size of the device and enables a compact design.

The second elongate guide may be arranged to guide a used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone. This provides a means to remove a used cartridge from the aerosolization zone and move it away from the aerosolization zone to make room for a subsequent cartridge.

The aerosolization zone may be arranged downstream of the first elongate guide with respect to the direction of airflow through the aerosol-generating device. This arrangement may help reduce the risk of aerosol generated in the aerosolization zone contaminating unused cartridges held on the first elongate guide.

The aerosolization zone may be disposed between the first elongate guide and the second elongate guide. This arrangement of the aerosolization zone has been found to be particularly advantageous because it allows unused cartridges to be fed continuously into the aerosolization zone along the first elongate guide and then fed immediately and continuously out of the aerosolization zone along the second elongate guide once the cartridges have been used without having to break the elongate strip of cartridges.

The first elongate guide may guide the unused cartridge in a first direction toward the aerosolization zone. The second elongate guide may guide the used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone in a second direction. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. This arrangement helps reduce the overall length of the device and provides a compact and space efficient design.

The first direction and the second direction may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. This helps to store both unused cartridges and used cartridges with the length of the aerosol-generating device and to provide a compact and space efficient design.

The first and second elongate guides may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. This has been found to be a particularly space or size efficient arrangement.

The indexing mechanism may include a slide configured to engage an indexing member on the consumable. The slide may be user-actuatable to advance the cartridge into the aerosolization zone. The slide may be manually actuated by a user. The slide may be automatically actuated. The slider may be automatically actuated in response to a user's suction or inhalation detected by the aerosol-generating device. The slider may be automatically actuated (e.g., by activating a switch) in response to a user input at the user interface. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an actuator for automatically actuating the slider. The slider is simple to manufacture and operate. Furthermore, since the elongate strip of the cartridge is advanced towards the aerosolization zone in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device, the slider may be a simple linear actuator which helps further reduce manufacturing complexity and cost and provides ease of operation.

The slider may be resiliently biased toward the first position. The slider may be movable against the resilient bias to a second position. In the second position, the unused cartridge may be located within the aerosolization zone. The resilient bias allows the aerosol-generating device to reset the slider to the first position after the slider has positioned the cartridge within the aerosolization zone. The resilient bias also maintains the slider in the first position when not in use so as to reduce unwanted movement of the slider. The resilient bias may be provided by a resilient element such as a spring or a resilient member.

The slider may comprise an electrical connector for electrical contact with the heating element. This allows the slider to be used as a connector or switch so that a specific position of the slider can be used to allow electrical contact between the heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate and the power supply. Advantageously, this allows controlling the power supply such that power is only supplied to the heating element when the slider is in a predetermined position, for example when the cartridge is in the aerosolization zone. Furthermore, it provides an arrangement in which power can be supplied to only a single cartridge at a time to avoid accidental heating of other cartridges in the consumable.

The airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may be flexible. This allows the portion of the airflow path through the aerosol-generating device between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization region to deform or compress to accommodate moving parts within the device, such as a slider.

The airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may comprise a bellows. This has been found to be an effective way of providing a flexible portion of the airflow path. For example, the bellows may be compressed to accommodate movement of the slider.

Alternatively, the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may comprise a flexible tube with straight side walls. This has been found to be an effective way of providing a flexible portion of the airflow path. For example, the flexible tube may bend or otherwise deform to accommodate movement of the slider. The flexible tube may comprise any suitable material, such as a polymer or elastomer. The flexible tube may comprise silicone.

A first end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may be connected to the aerosol outlet. The second end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone may be connected to a slider. This arrangement allows the slider to move the airflow path away when the cartridge is loaded into the aerosolization zone.

In one example, the holder may include a spool for holding the elongate strip of cartridges. It has been found that the reel is a convenient means for storing the consumable comprising the elongate strip of cartridges.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an indexing spool for advancing the elongate strip of cartridges a predetermined distance towards the aerosolization zone. The predetermined distance that the elongate strip of cartridges is advanced may correspond to the length of an individual cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the consumable. Advantageously, this allows a single actuation of the indexing mechanism to position the cartridge in the aerosolization zone; it is not necessary to actuate the indexing mechanism multiple times to position a single cartridge. This improves the ease of operation of the aerosol-generating device.

The elongate strip of cartridges may be wound as a continuous loop around an indexing spool and a tensioning spool.

Alternatively, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a first spool for storing unused cartridges. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second spool for storing the used cartridge.

The holder may be part of the cartridge. The consumable may be part of a cartridge. The cartridge may be removably attachable to an aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source or power source for supplying power to the heating element. The power source may be any suitable power source, such as a DC voltage source. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery or a lithium based battery, such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate or lithium polymer battery.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be any heating element described below in relation to the consumable.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to inductively heat the cartridge of the consumable. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor for inductively heating the cartridge of the consumable. The inductor may be an induction coil.

The aerosol-generating device is preferably a hand-held aerosol-generating device that is comfortably held between the fingers of a single hand by a user.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a control circuit configured to control the supply of electrical power to the heating element. The control circuit may comprise a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, microcontroller, or Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The control circuit may comprise further electronic components. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuitry may include any of a sensor, a switch, a display element. The control circuit may comprise a sensor for detecting a user suction or pressure drop within the aerosol-generating device. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses, for example by means of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a device housing. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable for an aerosol-generating device. The consumable may comprise a plurality of cartridges. Each cartridge may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. Multiple cartridges may be interconnected in series to form an elongate strip of cartridges.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable for an aerosol-generating device. The consumable includes a plurality of cartridges. Each cartridge includes an aerosol-forming substrate. Multiple cartridges are serially interconnected to form an elongate strip of cartridges.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a material or component that releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when heated in an aerosol-generating device.

Advantageously, by providing a consumable comprising an elongate strip of cartridges, the consumable may be advanced towards the aerosolization zone of the aerosol-generating device in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. This allows a simple linear actuator to be used for a simpler operation of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, the elongate strip of cartridges occupies less space than other larger volume types of consumables and may be stored along the length of the aerosol-generating device, which helps reduce the overall size of the device and enables a compact design.

Adjacent cartridges may be pivotally connected to one another. It has been found that a pivotal connection is an effective way of interconnecting the barrels. Furthermore, it provides flexibility to the elongate strip of the cartridge so that the elongate strip of the cartridge may be guided through the aerosol-generating device in a space-saving configuration.

Each barrel may be substantially flat or planar. Each cartridge may comprise a support element for supporting the aerosol-forming substrate. Each cartridge may comprise a frame for supporting an aerosol-forming substrate. The frame may be substantially flat or planar. The frame may include an aperture. The aperture may pass through the thickness of the frame. An aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the aperture. The framework has been found to be a compact and efficient method of supporting an aerosol-forming substrate. The aperture in the frame provides a convenient means of storing the aerosol-forming substrate until it is aerosolized.

The orifice may define an airflow path through the cartridge when the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized. The airflow path through the aperture may be in communication with or be part of the airflow path through the aerosol-generating device.

The consumable may comprise a plurality of support housings. Each support housing may hold a cartridge. Multiple support housings have been found to be an effective way to hold cartridges of consumables.

Adjacent support housings may be interconnected by a pivot. This allows pivotal movement of the cartridge relative to other cartridges of the consumable. Alternatively, each barrel may be directly pivotally connected to its adjacent barrel.

Each support housing may include an orientation element for correctly orienting the cartridge relative to the support housing. The orientation element reduces the likelihood of the cartridge being incorrectly positioned in the support housing.

The elongate strip of cartridges may comprise a continuous elongate flexible strip. The continuous elongated flexible strip may be divided into a plurality of sections along its length. Each section may define a barrel. The elongate flexible strip provides a plurality of interconnected cartridges, one of which is movable relative to the other so that the consumable may follow a non-linear path through the aerosol-generating device.

The elongate flexible strip may be fluid permeable. The aerosol-forming substrate may be impregnated within a fluid permeable elongate flexible strip. The aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on a fluid permeable elongate flexible strip. The elongate flexible strip may comprise a fluid permeable material. The elongate flexible strip may comprise a mesh. The elongate flexible strip may include a plurality of perforations for allowing fluid to pass through the elongate flexible strip. In these arrangements, the fluid permeable elongate flexible strip provides mechanical support for holding the aerosol-forming substrate, but also allows air to pass through the elongate flexible strip to assist in entraining aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate in the airflow.

The elongate flexible strip may comprise a membrane. Each section of the membrane defining the cartridge may include an aperture. An aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the aperture. This has been found to be an effective arrangement for providing an elongate flexible strip of cartridges.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable for an aerosol-generating device. The consumable may comprise a continuous elongate flexible strip. The elongate flexible strip may be divided into a plurality of sections along its length. Each section of the elongate flexible strip may define a barrel. Each cartridge may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a consumable for an aerosol-generating device. The consumable comprises a continuous elongated flexible strip. The elongated flexible strip is divided into a plurality of sections along its length. Each section of the elongate flexible strip defines a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

In examples where the elongate flexible strip comprises a mesh, the aerosol-forming substrate may be impregnated within the mesh. The aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on a mesh. Webs have been found to be effective materials for supporting or retaining aerosol-forming substrates. The strands of the mesh provide mechanical support for the aerosol-forming substrate. The interstices in the mesh may store or hold the aerosol-forming substrate. Further, the mesh is fluid permeable when the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized and the airflow path may be directed through the mesh.

The elongate flexible strip may comprise a membrane. Each section of the membrane may define a cartridge. Each cartridge may include an aperture. An aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the aperture. Films have been found to be effective materials for elongate flexible strips. The aperture in the membrane provides a convenient means of storing the aerosol-forming substrate until it is aerosolized. Furthermore, the aperture provides an airflow path through the membrane when the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized. The airflow path through the aperture may be in communication with or be part of the airflow path through the aerosol-generating device.

The elongate flexible strip may be made of any suitable flexible material or combination of flexible materials. The elongate flexible strip may comprise a polymer, for example a suitable heat resistant polymer. The elongate flexible strip may comprise a fibrous material. The elongate flexible strip may comprise paper or another cellulosic material. The elongate flexible strip may comprise a fabric. The fabric may be woven or non-woven. The elongate flexible strip may comprise a metal or metal alloy.

The elongate flexible strip may comprise an electrically resistive material such that a section of the elongate flexible strip defining the cartridge may be electrically resistance heated.

The elongate flexible strip may comprise a susceptor. As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to a material capable of converting magnetic energy into heat. The susceptor is heated when it is in a varying magnetic field (e.g., a varying magnetic field generated by an inductor). The heating of the susceptor may be a result of at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor material, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material.

The susceptor may be or may comprise any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to temperatures in excess of 100, 150, 200 or 250 degrees celsius. The preferred susceptor material may be electrically conductive. Suitable susceptor materials include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials may include metals or carbon. Some preferred susceptor materials may be ferromagnetic, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys (e.g., ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles, and ferrites. The susceptor material may comprise at least 5%, at least 20%, at least 50% or at least 90% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptor materials may include or be formed from a 400 series stainless steel (e.g., AISI 410, 420 or 430).

The susceptor may have any suitable form. For example, the susceptor may comprise a powder or particles, a strip, a bar, a wire, a tube, a block, or a sheet. The susceptor may be fluid permeable. The susceptor may be arranged adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor may be arranged within or in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

The elongate flexible strip may comprise a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may be arranged as a laminate. At least one of the plurality of layers of the elongate flexible strip may be arranged to retain an aerosol-forming substrate. At least one layer of the aerosol-forming substrate may be fluid permeable. At least one layer of the aerosol-forming substrate may be held between two other layers of the elongate flexible strip. The at least one layer holding the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a resistive material, such as a metal or metal alloy. The two other layers of the elongate flexible strip may be fluid permeable at least in the region of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The consumable may comprise an indexing member. The indexing members may be engaged to advance the elongate strip of the cartridge in a longitudinal direction of the elongate strip.

Each cartridge may comprise at least one heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Each cartridge may comprise a plurality of heating elements for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the one or more heating elements may be part of an aerosol-generating device.

The one or more heating elements may comprise a resistance heating wire. The resistance heating wire may extend across the aerosol-forming substrate in a curvilinear or serpentine shape.

The one or more heating elements may be disposed adjacent to or in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The at least one heating element may be arranged at a first side of the cartridge of the consumable. The at least one heating element may be arranged at two opposite sides of the cartridge of the consumable, for example by wrapping the at least one heating element around at least one edge of the cartridge. The at least one heating element may be arranged within the aerosol-forming substrate.

The one or more heating elements may comprise an array of wires or a fabric of wires. The one or more heating elements may comprise a mesh. The mesh may be woven or non-woven. The mesh may be formed using different types of woven or mesh structures. The at least one heating element may be constructed from filaments formed as a wire mesh.

The one or more heating elements may comprise a heating plate or membrane in which an array of apertures is formed. The apertures may be formed by any suitable process, for example by etching or machining.

The one or more heating elements may comprise a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, gold-containing alloys, iron-containing alloys, and nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, stainless steel-, time-based alloys ^TM 、Kanthal ^TM As well as other iron-chromium-aluminum alloys, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material may optionally be embedded in the barrier material, encapsulated by the barrier material or coated by the barrier material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties.

The one or more heating elements may be formed using a metal or metal alloy having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. The heating element formed in this way can be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.

The one or more heating elements may comprise susceptors. The susceptor may be or may comprise any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to temperatures in excess of 100, 150, 200 or 250 degrees celsius. The preferred susceptor material may be electrically conductive. Suitable susceptor materials include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials may include metals or carbon. Some preferred susceptor materials may be ferromagnetic, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys (e.g., ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles, and ferrites. The susceptor material may comprise at least 5%, at least 20%, at least 50% or at least 90% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptor materials may include or be formed from a 400 series stainless steel (e.g., AISI 410, 420 or 430).

The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially planar. The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed as a substantially flat tablet. This increases the surface area available for the heated aerosol-forming substrate and helps to increase the evaporation rate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be fluid permeable. This allows the user to draw air through the aerosol-forming substrate during aerosolization to help entrain the generated aerosol in the airflow.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a solid. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a liquid. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gel. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise any combination of two or more of a solid, a liquid and a gel. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a powder. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise aerosol-forming beads.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine, a nicotine derivative or a nicotine analogue. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more nicotine salts. The one or more nicotine salts may be selected from nicotine citrate, nicotine lactate, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine pectate, nicotine alginate and nicotine salicylate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-former. As used herein, an "aerosol-former" is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as monoacetin, diacetin or triacetin; and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and glycerol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may also comprise a fragrance. The perfume may comprise volatile flavour components. The flavour may comprise menthol. As used herein, the term "menthol" refers to the compound 2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol in any of its isomeric forms. The flavoring may provide a flavor selected from menthol, lemon, vanilla, orange, wintergreen, cherry, and cinnamon. The flavour may comprise volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating.

The aerosol-forming substrate may also comprise tobacco or tobacco-containing material. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise any one of the following: tobacco leaves, tobacco rib fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco slurry, cast leaf tobacco, and expanded tobacco. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco powder compressed with an inert material such as glass or ceramic or another suitable inert material.

Where the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a liquid or gel, in some embodiments the cartridge may comprise an absorbent carrier. The aerosol-forming substrate may be coated on or impregnated into the absorbent carrier. For example, the nicotine compound and aerosol former may be combined with water as a liquid formulation. In some embodiments, the liquid formulation may further comprise a fragrance. Such liquid formulations may then be absorbed by an absorbent carrier or coated onto the surface of a carrier. The absorbent carrier may be a sheet of cellulose-based material onto which the nicotine compound and the aerosol former may be coated or absorbed. For example, the absorbent carrier may be a paper sheet or strip.

Each cartridge may comprise a single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein, the term "metered dose" refers to a measured or predetermined amount of aerosol-forming substrate. The metered dose corresponds to the dose of aerosol-forming substrate to be delivered to the user during a single inhalation or aspiration.

The average aspiration volume of an adult user will depend on the type of device and consumable used, but is typically in the range of about 35ml to 550 ml. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise from about 2 to 30mg tobacco, more specifically from about 3 to 20mg tobacco, more specifically from about 3 to 9mg tobacco, and more specifically from about 4 to 8mg tobacco. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise about 80 to 120 μg, more specifically about 90 to 110 μg, and more specifically about 100 μg of nicotine, nicotine derivative or nicotine analog. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise from about 6% to 20% by weight of the aerosol-forming agent. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise about 300 to 1250 μg, and more specifically about 675 to 875 μg of aerosol-forming agent. These have been found to be suitable amounts of tobacco, nicotine and aerosol former for a single puff or inhalation or dose, respectively.

Advantageously, by including a single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate per cartridge, a user is able to accurately determine and control the amount of aerosol-forming substrate that it receives. The user knows how much aerosol-forming substrate the cartridge comprises and thus how much aerosol or how much one or more aerosol components is delivered during a single inhalation or puff. The amount of aerosol generated and thus the aerosol component is determined by the cartridge having a metered dose or a predetermined amount of aerosol-forming substrate.

Each cartridge may be a disposable cartridge. As used herein, the term "disposable" refers to a cartridge that is configured for only a single aspiration or inhalation prior to disposal. Each time a user draws or inhales through the aerosol-generating device, a new cartridge is used. This provides highly repeatable aerosol generation and reduces the variability of aerosol generation that may be encountered in continuous use of an aerosol-generating device having a cartridge or reservoir with sufficient aerosol-forming substrate for more than one use. Disposable cartridges also reduce the need to maintain or monitor components of the aerosol-generating device, such as the heating element, which may degrade over time or become coated with residue.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of the above examples and a consumable according to any of the above examples.

Features described with respect to one of the above examples are equally applicable to other examples of the present disclosure.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more 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 comprising: an air inlet in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the aerosol-generating device; an aerosolization zone for aerosolizing an aerosol-forming substrate included in each cartridge, wherein at least a portion of the aerosolization zone is disposed within the airflow path; a holder for receiving and holding a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex2: the aerosol-generating device of example Ex1, wherein the holder is configured to receive and hold a consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges arranged in series to form an elongate strip of cartridges, each of the elongate strips of cartridges comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex3: an aerosol-generating device according to example Ex1 or Ex2, comprising an indexing mechanism for advancing an elongate strip of cartridges toward the aerosolization zone in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device by a predetermined distance such that each cartridge successively enters the aerosolization zone.

Example Ex4: the aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the predetermined distance corresponds to a length of a single cartridge in a longitudinal direction of the consumable.

Example Ex5: an aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to arrange a cartridge transversely across the airflow channel when the cartridge is located in the aerosolization zone.

Example Ex6: an aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device is arranged to be in fluid communication with an airflow path of a cartridge when the cartridge is located in the aerosolization zone.

Example Ex7: an aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the holder comprises a first elongate guide for holding a first portion of an elongate strip of the cartridge, the first portion comprising an unused cartridge.

Example Ex8: an aerosol-generating device according to example Ex7, wherein the first elongate guide is arranged to guide unused cartridges towards the aerosolization zone.

Example Ex9: an aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the holder comprises a second elongate guide for holding a second portion of the elongate strip of cartridges, the second portion comprising a used cartridge.

Example Ex10: an aerosol-generating device according to example Ex9, wherein the second elongate guide is arranged to guide a used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone.

Example Ex11: the aerosol-generating device of example Ex9 or Ex10, wherein the aerosolization region is disposed between the first elongate guide and the second elongate guide.

Example Ex12: the aerosol-generating device of example Ex10 or Ex11, wherein the first elongate guide directs the unused cartridge in a first direction toward the aerosolization zone and the second elongate guide directs the used cartridge in a second direction away from the aerosolization zone, the second direction being opposite the first direction.

Example Ex13: an aerosol-generating device according to example Ex12, wherein the first direction and the second direction are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex14: an aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex9 to Ex13, wherein the first elongate guide and the second elongate guide are arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex15: the aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex1 to Ex14, wherein the indexing mechanism comprises a slider configured to engage an indexing member on the consumable, wherein the slider is actuatable by a user to advance a cartridge into the aerosolization zone.

Example Ex16: the aerosol-generating device of example Ex15, wherein the slider is resiliently biased toward a first position, and wherein the slider is movable against the resilient bias to a second position in which an unused cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone.

Example Ex17: the aerosol-generating device of example Ex15 or Ex16, wherein the slider comprises a contact pad for electrical contact with the heating element.

Example Ex18: the aerosol-generating device of any of examples Ex1 to Ex17, wherein the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is flexible.

Example Ex19: the aerosol-generating device of any of examples Ex1 to Ex18, wherein the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone comprises a bellows.

Example Ex20: the aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex15 to Ex19, wherein a first end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is connected to the aerosol outlet and a second end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is connected to the slider.

Example Ex21: the aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the holder comprises a spool for holding an elongate strip of the cartridge.

Example Ex22: an aerosol-generating device according to example Ex21, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises an indexing spool for advancing the elongate strip of the cartridge a predetermined distance towards the aerosolization zone.

Example Ex23: the aerosol-generating device of example Ex22, wherein the elongate strip of cartridges is wound as a continuous loop around an indexing spool and a tensioning spool.

Example Ex24: the aerosol-generating device of example Ex21 or Ex22, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a first spool for storing unused cartridges and a second spool for storing used cartridges.

Example Ex25: the aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex1 to Ex24, wherein the holder is contained within a cartridge, wherein the cartridge is removably attached to the aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex26: a consumable for an aerosol-generating device, the consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges, each cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex27: the consumable of example Ex26, wherein the plurality of cartridges are continuously interconnected to form an elongate strip of cartridges.

Example Ex28: the consumable of example Ex27, wherein adjacent cartridges are pivotally connected to each other.

Example Ex29: an aerosol-generating device according to any of examples Ex26 to Ex28, wherein each cartridge comprises a frame having an aperture through a thickness of the frame, and wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the aperture.

Example Ex30: the consumable of example Ex29, wherein the orifice defines an airflow path through the cartridge when the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized.

Example Ex31: the consumable of example Ex29 or Ex30, comprising a plurality of support housings, wherein each support housing holds a cartridge.

Example Ex32: the consumable of example Ex31, wherein adjacent support housings are interconnected by a pivot.

Example Ex33: the consumable of example Ex31 or Ex32, wherein each support housing comprises an orientation element for correctly orienting the cartridge relative to the support housing.

Example Ex34: the consumable of any one of examples Ex 26-Ex 28, wherein the elongate strip of the cartridge comprises a continuous elongate flexible strip divided into a plurality of sections along its length, wherein each section defines a cartridge.

Example Ex35: the consumable of example Ex34, wherein the elongate flexible strip is fluid permeable and the aerosol-forming substrate is impregnated within or deposited on the fluid permeable elongate flexible strip.

Example Ex36: the consumable of example Ex34 or Ex35, wherein the elongate flexible strip comprises a web.

Example Ex37: the consumable of example Ex34, wherein the elongate flexible strip comprises a membrane and each section of the membrane defining a cartridge comprises an aperture, and wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the aperture.

Example Ex38: a consumable for an aerosol-generating device, the consumable comprising a continuous elongate flexible strip, wherein the elongate flexible strip is divided into a plurality of sections along its length, and wherein each section of the elongate flexible strip defines a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex39: the consumable of example Ex38, wherein the elongate flexible strip is fluid permeable and the aerosol-forming substrate is impregnated within or deposited on the fluid permeable elongate flexible strip.

Example Ex40: the consumable of example Ex38 or Ex39, wherein the elongate flexible strip comprises a web.

Example Ex41: the consumable of example Ex38, wherein the elongate flexible strip comprises a membrane and each section of the membrane defining a cartridge comprises an aperture, and wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the aperture.

Example Ex42: the consumable of any one of examples Ex 26-Ex 41, wherein the consumable comprises an indexing member that can be engaged to advance an elongate strip of the cartridge in a longitudinal direction of the elongate strip.

Example Ex43: the consumable of any one of examples Ex 26-Ex 42, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is substantially planar.

Example Ex44: the consumable of any one of examples Ex 26-Ex 43, wherein each cartridge comprises at least one heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex45: the consumable of example Ex44, wherein the at least one heating element comprises a resistance heating wire or mesh.

Example Ex46: the consumable of any one of examples Ex 26-Ex 45, wherein each cartridge comprises a single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex47: an aerosol-generating system comprising: the aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex 25; and consumable according to any one of examples Ex26 to Ex 46.

Drawings

Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1A is a perspective view of a cartridge for a consumable in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. In fig. 1A, the cartridge is shown in a disassembled form.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 1A, showing the cartridge in an assembled form.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a consumable comprising a plurality of interconnected cartridges according to an example of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the consumable of fig. 2A.

Figures 3A to 3D illustrate different ways of interconnecting cartridges of consumables.

Fig. 4A shows another example of a consumable comprising a plurality of interconnected cartridges.

Fig. 4B is an enlarged view of the portion of the consumable surrounded by the circle labeled a in fig. 4A, and shows the interconnection between the two cartridges in more detail.

Fig. 5A is a schematic plan view of the interior of an aerosol-generating device according to an example of the disclosure.

Fig. 5B is a schematic longitudinal view of the interior of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 5A.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view from above of a holder for an aerosol-generating device according to an example of the disclosure.

Fig. 6B is an enlarged view of the proximal end of the holder of fig. 6A, wherein the holder holds a consumable.

Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 5A, illustrating the indexing mechanism in a first position.

Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 5A, illustrating the indexing mechanism in a second position.

Fig. 8A to 8D are a series of schematic diagrams showing the advancement of two cartridges of consumable product through the aerosolization zone of an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 9A is a view from the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 5A with the mouthpiece removed.

Fig. 9B is a perspective view of an exemplary electrical connector for making electrical contact with a heating element of a cartridge.

Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a consumable according to another example of the present disclosure, where the consumable comprises an elongated flexible strip.

Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a consumable according to another example of the present disclosure, where the consumable comprises an elongated flexible strip.

Fig. 12A shows a schematic perspective view of a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device, wherein the cartridge comprises the consumable of fig. 11.

Fig. 12B shows a schematic perspective cut-away view of an aerosol-generating device configured for use with the cartridge of fig. 12A, according to another example of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1A, a cartridge 1 is shown in a disassembled form. The cartridge 1 comprises a single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate 2 and a frame 4 which acts as a mechanical support or support element for holding the aerosol-forming substrate 2. In this example, a single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate 2 corresponds to the dose of aerosol-forming substrate to be delivered to the user during a single inhalation or puff. The aerosol-forming substrate 2 is provided in flattened or tablet form to increase the surface area available for the aerosol-forming substrate to be heated and to make it more easily vaporisable. The frame 4 is flattened or pallet-shaped and in this example is shaped and dimensioned like a SIM (subscriber identity module) card of a mobile phone. The frame 4 comprises an aperture 6 through the thickness of the frame 4 to provide fluid communication between the first major side 4a of the frame 4 and the second major side 4b of the frame 4. When the cartridge 1 is assembled, the aerosol-forming substrate 2 is received within the aperture 6.

Although fig. 1A shows the aerosol-forming substrate 2 as a preformed tablet for insertion into the aperture 6, it should be appreciated that the aerosol-forming substrate may be received in the aperture 6 in different ways. For example, the orifice may act as a mould and the aerosol-forming substrate 2 may be poured as a liquid slurry into the mould where it may set or solidify to form a solid, or the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a viscous liquid or gel which is held in the orifice by its own viscosity or by the cartridge 1. Alternatively, the orifice 6 may receive the aerosol-forming substrate 2 in the form of a powder or bead.

The cartridge 1 also comprises a heating element 8 for vaporising the aerosol-forming substrate 2. In fig. 1A, the heating element 8 is a stainless steel mesh wrapped around one side of the cartridge 1 to cover both the first and second major surfaces 4a, 4b of the frame 4. This arrangement allows the heating element 8 to heat both sides of the aerosol-forming substrate 2 to help increase the evaporation rate of the aerosol-forming substrate 2. It will be appreciated that other forms of heating elements may be used, such as resistive wires. The heating element 8 also helps to provide mechanical support to retain the aerosol-forming substrate 2 in the cartridge 1.

A groove or recess 10 is formed in one side of the frame 4. The recess 10 is arranged to cooperate with an orientation element formed on another part or component of the consumable or aerosol-generating device to orient the cartridge correctly with respect to the consumable or aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 1B shows the cartridge 1 of fig. 1A in assembled form. The heating element 8 has been wrapped around the frame 4 and covers the aperture 6 holding the aerosol-forming substrate 2 and the frame 4 (except for the portion of the frame 4 containing the recess 10). In the example of fig. 1B, the aperture 6 is not centrally arranged within the frame but is offset towards the edge of the frame 4. The heating element 8 comprises an electrical contact area 12 for electrical contact with the heating element 8. The electrical contact area 12 of the heating element 8 covers a portion of the frame 4 between the recess 10 and the aperture 6.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a consumable 100 comprising a plurality of cartridges 1 that are continuously interconnected to form an elongate strip of cartridges 1. The consumable 100 includes a plurality of cartridge housings or support housings 102. Each support housing holds a cartridge 1 as described above generally with reference to fig. 1A and 1B, although for clarity the aerosol-forming substrate and heating element of the cartridge 1 are not shown in fig. 2A. Furthermore, in fig. 2A, only one cartridge 1 is shown to allow the details of the support housing 102 to be seen. However, it should be appreciated that each support housing 102 may hold a cartridge 1. As can be seen in fig. 2A, there are eight support housings 102, and thus the consumable of this particular example is able to hold eight cartridges 1 and provide eight inhalations or puffs of aerosol to the user.

Fig. 2B shows an enlarged view of a portion of the consumable 100 of fig. 2A in greater detail. The cartridge 1 is arranged within the support housing 102 a. As discussed above with reference to fig. 2A, only one cartridge is shown in fig. 2B. However, it should be appreciated that each support housing 102 may hold a cartridge 1. For clarity, the cartridge 1 in fig. 2B is shown without its aerosol-forming substrate and heating element.

Each support housing 102 comprises a substantially flat or planar structure or tray-like structure having raised rims 103 disposed about its perimeter. The raised rim 103 defines a countersink or recessed area 105 for receiving the cartridge 1. The periphery of each cartridge 1 forms an interference fit with the inner surface of the raised rim of each support housing 102 to retain the cartridge 1 in the support housing 102. Each support housing 102 includes a housing aperture 104 arranged such that it aligns with the aperture 6 located in the cartridge 1 when the cartridge is received in the support housing 102.

The front edge of each support housing 102 comprises an indexing member 106 arranged to engage or cooperate with an indexing mechanism of the aerosol-generating device such that the consumable 100 can be advanced a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate strip of cartridges 1. As used herein, the term "leading edge" refers to the foremost edge in the intended direction of travel. As used herein, the term "trailing edge" refers to the trailing edge that faces away from the intended direction of travel. Each support housing 102 also comprises an orientation element 108 for correctly orienting each cartridge 1 with respect to its corresponding support housing 102. Each orientation element 108 comprises a key or spline formed in the raised rim 103 of each support housing and configured to engage or cooperate with the groove 10 formed in each cartridge 1. The orientation element 108 prevents the cartridge 1 from being inserted into the support housing 102 in an incorrect orientation. The orientation elements 108 also apply inward pressure toward the cartridge 1 and help retain it within its respective support housing 102.

Each support housing 102 is pivotally connected to an adjacent support housing 102 by means of a pivot 110. In any pair of adjacent support housings 102, the front edge of one support housing 102 is pivotally connected to the rear edge of an adjacent support housing 102 by means of a pivot. The pivotal connection between adjacent support housings 102 allows the support housing 102 to rotate relative to its adjacent support housing 102 about an axis parallel to the interconnected front and rear edges of the support housing 102. This allows the consumable 100 to be deformed and guided through the aerosol-generating device in a space efficient manner. A portion of each pivot 110 extends laterally outward from the side of the consumable to provide a series of protrusions that may be used to engage components of an aerosol-generating device, as discussed further below.

Figures 3A to 3D illustrate different ways of interconnecting the cartridges or support housings of the consumables. Figures 3A to 3D will be described with reference to the manner in which the cartridges are interconnected, but it will be appreciated that these techniques may be equally applied to support housings for holding the cartridges.

Fig. 3A shows a portion of an arrangement 200 comprising a first barrel 202 and a second barrel 204 interconnected by means of a pivot 206. The front edge of the second barrel 204 has a pair of arms 208 (only one arm is shown in fig. 3A) extending on either side of the front edge of the second barrel 204. The arms 208 cooperate with corresponding recesses (only one recess is shown in fig. 3A) formed on the rear edge of the first barrel 202. The pivot 206 is in the form of a pin that passes through the arm 208 and the rear portion of the first barrel 202.

Fig. 3B shows a portion of an arrangement 300 comprising a first barrel 302 and a second barrel 304 interconnected by means of a pivot 306. In fig. 3B, the first barrel 302 is shown in transparent outline such that the pivot 306 is visible. The front edge of the second barrel 304 has a pair of recesses 310 (only one recess is shown in fig. 3B) formed on either side of the front edge of the second barrel 304. The first barrel 302 has a pair of arms (only one arm is shown in fig. 3B) that extend on either side of the rear edge of the first barrel 302 and cooperate with the recess 310. The pivot 306 is in the form of a hemispherical protrusion extending from a laterally outward facing side surface of the recess 310 and engaging a corresponding recess formed on a laterally inward facing surface of the arm 308.

Fig. 3C shows a portion of an arrangement 400 comprising a first barrel 402 and a second barrel 404, which are interconnected by means of separate links 403 on either side of the barrels (only one link is shown in fig. 3C). A recess 408 (only one recess is shown in fig. 3C) is formed on either side of the rear edge of the first barrel 402, and a corresponding recess 410 (only one recess is shown in fig. 3C) is formed on either side of the front edge of the second barrel 404. One end of the link 403 is located in the recess 408 and the other end of the link is located in the recess 410. Each end of the link 403 is pivotally connected to its respective barrel by a pivot pin 406.

Fig. 3D shows a portion of an arrangement 500 comprising a first barrel 502 and a second barrel 504 interconnected by means of a flexible strap 606. The flexible strip 506 is made of a flexible material (e.g., a suitable polymer or elastomer). One end of the flexible strap 506 is connected to the rear edge of the first barrel 502 and the other end of the flexible strap 506 is connected to the front edge of the second barrel 504. The flexible strap is capable of deforming and thus providing pivotal movement about the axis of interconnection of the first barrel 502 and the second barrel 504.

Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram of another example of a consumable 600 comprising a plurality of interconnected cartridges 602. The lower surface (not shown) of each cartridge 602 is mounted to a flexible elongate strip or tape backing. Any suitable mounting technique, such as adhesive, may be used. The webbing backing is relatively flexible compared to the drums 602 and provides pivotal movement of the drums about the interconnection line between the drums.

Fig. 4B is an enlarged view of the portion of the consumable surrounded by the circle labeled a in fig. 4A, and shows the interconnection between the two cartridges in more detail. As can be seen in fig. 4B, the cartridges 602 are mounted on a webbing backing 604 that allows the consumable 600 to deform by providing pivotal movement between the cartridges about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the consumable 600.

Fig. 5A is a schematic plan view of the interior of an aerosol-generating device 700 for use with a consumable 100 comprising a plurality of cartridges 1 arranged in series to form an elongate strip of cartridges 1. The consumable 100 used in the example of fig. 5A is the same as the consumable described above with respect to fig. 2A and 2B. The aerosol-generating device 700 comprises a main housing or body portion 702 and a mouthpiece 704. The body portion 702 includes a holder 706 for receiving and holding an elongate strip of cartridges 1.

The aerosol-generating device 700 comprises an air inlet 708 arranged at the distal end of the body portion 702 and an aerosol outlet 710 arranged at the proximal end of the mouthpiece 704. The airflow channel 712 connects the air inlet 708 with the aerosol outlet 710 and provides fluid communication between the air inlet 708 and the aerosol outlet 710. The airflow channel 712 defines an airflow path 713 through the aerosol-generating device 700. A power supply 714 for supplying power to a heating element (not shown) of each of the cartridges 1 is also provided within the body portion 702. In this example, the power source 714 is a lithium ion battery, although other suitable types of batteries may be used. In addition, the aerosol-generating device comprises a control circuit (not shown) for controlling the supply of electrical power from the power source 714 to the heating element of each cartridge. The airflow channel 712 is offset from the central longitudinal axis X-X of the aerosol-generating device 700. This allows the power source 714 to be housed within the holder 706 alongside the airflow channel 712, which helps reduce the overall size of the aerosol-generating device 700 and enables a compact design.

An aerosolization zone 716 for aerosolizing an aerosol-forming substrate (not shown) included in each cartridge 1 is provided at the proximal end of the holder 706. An aerosolization zone 716 is disposed within the airflow path 713 and is in fluid communication with the airflow channel 712. As can be seen in fig. 5A, the airflow channel 712 is aligned with the aperture 6 of each cartridge 1. When the cartridge 1 is located in the aerosolization zone 716, the aperture 6 of the cartridge is disposed within the airflow channel 712, and air is able to flow through the aperture 6 to entrain the generated aerosol in the airflow as the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized. The aerosol is then conveyed along an airflow channel 712 to an aerosol outlet 710 in the mouthpiece 704.

The aerosol-generating device 700 further comprises an indexing mechanism 718 for advancing the elongate strip of cartridges 1 along the holder 706 a predetermined distance towards the aerosolization zone 716 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the aerosol-generating device 700 such that each cartridge 1 successively enters the aerosolization zone 716. The indexing mechanism 718 includes a slider 720 configured to engage the elongate strip of cartridges 1 to advance the cartridges into the aerosolization zone 716 in a stepwise manner, as discussed in more detail below. The slider 720 includes a button 722 that protrudes from the upper surface of the slider 720 and can be actuated by a user. The button 722 is received within a slot 724 (shown in phantom outline in fig. 5A) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the aerosol-generating device 700 and formed in an upper portion of the housing of the body portion 702. Button 722 is constrained to move within slot 724 and acts as a linear actuator for moving the elongate strip of cartridge 100 along holder 706.

The final section of the air channel 712 between the aerosolization zone 716 and the aerosol outlet 710 is formed as a flexible bellows 726. The distal end of flexible bellows 726 is connected to slider 720. The flexible bellows 726 is compressible or otherwise deformable to accommodate linear movement of the slider 722. It will be appreciated that flexible conduits other than flexible bellows may be used in aerosol-generating devices. For example, straight flexible tubing (such as silicone tubing) has also been found to be effective.

Fig. 5B is a schematic longitudinal view of the interior of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 5A. The holder 706 includes a first elongate guide 728 for holding a portion of a consumable (not shown in fig. 5B but see fig. 5A) that includes an unused cartridge. A first elongate guide 728 is disposed in an upper portion of the holder 706 (as shown in fig. 5B) and is arranged to guide unused cartridges toward the aerosolization zone 716. The holder 706 also includes a second elongate guide 730 for holding a portion of the consumable including the used cartridge. A second elongate guide 730 is disposed in a lower portion of the holder 706 (as shown in fig. 5B) and is disposed to guide a used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone 716. Thus, once the cartridge has been used by aerosolizing its aerosol-forming substrate within the aerosolization zone 716, the cartridge may be pushed out of the aerosolization zone 716 and the used cartridge may be stored along the second elongate guide 730 until all of the cartridges within the consumable have been consumed.

The airflow channel 712 of the aerosol-generating device 700 is arranged to reduce the risk of aerosol generated in the aerosolization region 716 contaminating an unused cartridge held on the first elongate guide 728 of the holder 706. The aerosolization zone 716 is arranged downstream of the first elongate guide 728, which further helps to reduce the risk of aerosol generated in the aerosolization zone 716 contaminating unused cartridges that are held on the first elongate guide 728. In addition, the used cartridges are stored on a second elongate guide 730 that is separate and spaced apart from the first elongate guide 728, which helps reduce the risk of the used cartridges contaminating unused cartridges that are retained on the first elongate guide 728.

The first and second elongate guides 728, 730 are arranged parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device 700. Because of the flexible nature of consumable 100, once cartridge 1 has passed through aerosolization zone 716, its direction of travel is reversed and it passes along second elongate guide 730 in the opposite direction to the direction of travel along first elongate guide 728. This represents a particularly space efficient arrangement and helps to reduce the overall length of the aerosol-generating device 700.

The slider 720 is resiliently biased toward the first or rest position by a spring 732. The slider 720 is movable against the resilient bias of the spring 732 to a second or advanced position in which the unused cartridge is located within the aerosolization zone 716. This action is discussed in more detail below. The button 722 of the slider 720 extends over a recess formed in the upper portion of the housing of the body portion 702 so that it can be actuated by a user.

Fig. 6A shows a perspective view from above of the holder 706 of the aerosol-generating device 700 of fig. 5A and 5B in more detail. The holder 706 includes a first elongate guide 728 disposed in an upper portion of the holder 706 to receive unused cartridges and guide the unused cartridges toward the aerosolization zone 716. The holder 706 also includes a second elongate guide 730 (not visible in fig. 6A) disposed in a lower portion of the holder 706 to receive a used cartridge and guide the used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone 716. The aerosolization region 716 is disposed between the first elongate guide 728 and the second elongate guide 730 at a proximal end of the portion of the airflow channel 712 that passes through the holder 706. In the aerosolization zone, a cartridge (not shown) engages the proximal end of the portion of the airflow channel 712 through the holder 706.

The first elongate guide 728 includes a first or upper support surface 734 that supports an unused cartridge (not shown) of the consumable. The second elongate guide 728 includes a second or lower support surface (not shown) that supports a used cartridge (not shown) of the consumable. The side walls 736 of the holder 706 extend above the first support surface 734 and below the second support surface to provide a pair of longitudinally extending tracks around the perimeter of the holder 706, which help to retain the consumable on the first support surface 734 and the second support surface 736. The inwardly facing surfaces of the side walls 736 extending above and below the first and second support surfaces 734 and 736, respectively, include grooves (not shown, but see fig. 7A) that extend parallel to the perimeter of the side walls 736. The groove receives the outwardly protruding pivot 110 of the consumable 100 of fig. 2B and helps guide the consumable in a path around the holder 706.

Fig. 6B shows an enlarged view of the proximal end of retainer 706 of fig. 6A. The holder holds the consumable 100. In fig. 6B, five support housings 102, 102B of the consumable 100 are visible. For simplicity, only two support housings 102 hold the cartridges 1, 1b. The four support housings 102 rest on the first support surface 734 of the first elongate guide 728 and wait to be advanced into an aerosolization zone (not visible, but see fig. 6A). The fifth support housing 102b is positioned in the aerosolization zone such that its cartridge is connected to an air flow channel (not visible) through the holder 706. In the aerosolization zone, the cartridge 1b is arranged transversely across the airflow channel 712 and the aperture 6 of the cartridge 1b is aligned with the airflow channel 712 to entrain aerosol in the airflow. It will be appreciated that the aperture 6 of the cartridge 1B is not visible in fig. 6B, as it is covered by the heating element 8.

Fig. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional side views of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 5A, illustrating the function of the indexing mechanism 718 in more detail. As can be seen in fig. 7A, the consumable 100 comprising a plurality of interconnected cartridges 1, 1b rests on the first support surface 734 of the holder 706, and the first proximal-most cartridge 1b waits to be advanced into the aerosolization zone 716.

In fig. 7A, slide 720 of indexing mechanism 718 is shown in a first or rest position. As discussed above with reference to fig. 5A, the slider 720 is resiliently biased toward the first position by a spring (not shown in fig. 7A). The slider 720 includes a detent 738 that is arranged to engage the indexing member 106 of the consumable 100. Pawl 738 is toothed and has a square front edge and a tapered rear edge. In fig. 7A, the square front edge of the pawl 738 engages the indexing member 106 on the rear edge of the first barrel 1 b. By moving the slider 720 towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device 700, actuating the button 722 on the upper side of the slider 720, the consumable 100 can be advanced towards the aerosolization region 716. The outwardly protruding pivot 110 of the consumable 100 is received in a recess 740 formed in the inwardly facing surface of the side wall 736 of the holder 706. As consumable 100 is advanced by slider 720, outwardly protruding pivot 110 of consumable 100 follows groove 740, which guides the consumable in a path around holder 706.

In fig. 7B, slide 720 of indexing mechanism 718 is shown in a second or fully advanced position. The slider 720 has been moved against the resilient bias of a spring (not shown) in the direction of arrow B to its fully advanced position and the first cartridge 1B is located within the aerosolization zone 716. The distance between the first position of the slider 720 as shown in fig. 7A and the second position of the slider 720 as shown in fig. 7B corresponds to the length of one cartridge 1 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device 700. In the aerosolization zone 716, the cartridge 1b is arranged transversely across the airflow channel 712 and the aperture 6 of the cartridge 1b is aligned with the airflow channel 712 to entrain aerosol in the airflow.

Once the cartridge 1, 1b has been located in the aerosolization zone 716, the slider 720 is returned to its first or rest position under the resilience of a spring (not shown) and the square front edge of the pawl 738 engages the indexing member 106 of the next cartridge 1 to enter the aerosolization zone 716. The return of the slider 720 to its first position is facilitated by the tapered edge of the pawl 738, which allows the pawl 738 and slider 720 to move past the indexing member 106 of the next barrel as the slider returns.

The slider 720 has a downwardly extending slider arm 742 that is connected to the distal end of a flexible bellows (see fig. 5A and 5B) that thus moves with the slider 720. The slider arm 742 compresses the flexible bellows to provide space for the cartridge 1, 1b to move into the aerosolization zone 716 when the slider 720 moves to the second position. When the slider 720 returns to its first position, the flexible bellows returns to its uncompressed state.

Fig. 8A to 8D show a series of schematic views of two cartridges 1a, 1B of consumable products being advanced stepwise through an aerosolization zone 716 of an aerosol-generating device (e.g. aerosol-generating device 700 of fig. 5A and 5B).

In fig. 8A, the first cartridge 1a and the second cartridge 1b are not in use and the first cartridge 1a is advancing towards the aerosolization zone 716. This may be achieved, for example, by actuating the slider 720 in fig. 5A. The front edge of the first cartridge 1a follows the curved groove 740 of the holder 706 and rotates about the pivot point 110 towards the aerosolization zone 716. The second cartridge 1b is held on the first elongate guide 728 and is waiting to be advanced in the aerosolization zone 716.

In fig. 8B, a first cartridge 1a is engaged in the aerosolization zone 716 and arranged laterally across the airflow channel (not shown). In this position, the aerosol-forming substrate in the first cartridge 1a may be aerosolized so that a user may take a first inhalation or puff.

In fig. 8C, the second cartridge 1b is not in use and is advancing toward the aerosolization zone 716. This may be achieved, for example, by actuating the slider 720 in fig. 5A second time. The advancement of the second cartridge 1b disengages the first cartridge 1a from the aerosolization zone 716. The first cartridge 1a has been used. The first cartridge 1a begins to leave the aerosolization zone 716 and is being directed towards the second elongate guide 730. The pivot point 110 follows the curved groove 740 of the retainer 706.

In fig. 8D, a second cartridge 1b is engaged in the aerosolization zone 716 and arranged laterally across the airflow channel (not shown). In this position, the aerosol-forming substrate in the second cartridge 1b may be aerosolized so that a second inhalation or puff may be made by the user. The first cartridge 1a that has been used is held on the second elongate guide 730.

Fig. 9A is a view from the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device 700 of fig. 5A with the mouthpiece 704 removed. As discussed above with respect to fig. 5A, the aerosol-generating device 700 comprises: a power supply 714 for supplying power to the heating element of each cartridge 1; and control circuitry 744 for controlling the supply of power from the power source 714 to the heating elements. Together, the power source 714 and control circuit 744 form a power delivery system that cooperates with the indexing mechanism 718 to supply power to the cartridge 1 when the cartridge is located in the aerosolization zone 716.

As discussed above with respect to fig. 7A and 7B, the slider 720 includes a slider arm 742 that extends away from the slider 720 on the opposite side of the slider from the button 722. The slider arm 742 has an electrical connector 746 mounted on the distal facing side of the slider arm 742, i.e., on the side of the slider arm 742 facing the cartridge when the cartridge is in the aerosolization zone 716. The electrical connector 746 is mounted so as to contact an electrical contact area on the cartridge 1, for example, the electrical contact area 12 of the cartridge 1 of fig. 1B. Because the electrical connector 746 is mounted on the spring-loaded slider 720, once the user has positioned the cartridge 1 in the aerosolization zone 716 by pushing the slider 720 into the second position shown in fig. 7B, a spring (not shown) pushes the slider back into the first position shown in fig. 7A, such that the electrical connector 746 establishes an electrical connection with the heating element of the cartridge 1 positioned in the aerosolization zone 716. In this state, the aerosol-generating device 700 is ready to generate an aerosol.

Fig. 9B shows a perspective view of an exemplary electrical connector 746 for making electrical contact with the heating element of the cartridge. The electrical connector 746 includes a connector support 748 and a plurality of electrical contacts 750 arranged in a row along the connector support 748. In this example, the electrical contact 750 is a pogo pin.

In use, a user inserts a consumable 100 into the aerosol-generating device 700, which is received and held on the first elongate guide 728. The user then actuates indexing mechanism 718 to advance cartridge 1 of consumable 100 into aerosolization zone 716 by sliding button 722 of slider 720 from the first position to the second position. This positions the cartridge 1 in the aerosolization zone 716 such that the aperture 6 of the cartridge 1 is aligned with the airflow channel 712. The user then places mouthpiece 704 into his mouth and activates the device to provide power from power source 714 to the heating element of the cartridge, for example by pressing a button or by the device detecting user inhalation or aspiration. This heats the aerosol-forming substrate and generates an aerosol that may be drawn into the mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 704. When the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized, air may be drawn through the airflow channel 712, through the aperture 6 of the cartridge 1, and to the aerosol outlet 716 in the mouthpiece 704 under the inhalation or suction action of the user. Subsequent actuation of indexing mechanism 718 will push a used cartridge out of aerosolization zone 716 and load an unused cartridge into aerosolization zone 716 ready for another user inhalation or aspiration. The used cartridge will be stored on the second elongate guide 730.

Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a consumable 800 according to another example of the present disclosure. Consumable 800 includes a continuous elongated flexible strip 802. The elongate flexible strip 802 comprises a polymer film and is divided into a plurality of sections along its length. Each section of the elongate flexible strip 802 defines a barrel 804 and includes an orifice 806 containing a single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate 808. In alternative arrangements, the elongate flexible strip 802 may comprise a mesh and the aerosol-forming substrate 808 may be deposited onto or impregnated into the mesh in the region occupied by the apertures in the example of fig. 10. Each cartridge also includes a heating element (not shown) which may be in the form of a resistive wire or mesh disposed within or over the aperture 806. Alternatively, the consumable 800 may not include a heating element for the cartridge 804, and the heating element may be disposed within the aerosol-generating device.

Consumable 800 includes an indexing member that can be engaged to advance elongate strip 802 of cartridge 804 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of elongate strip 802. In the example of fig. 10, the indexing member includes a series of holes 810 formed on one side of the flexible elongate strip 802 and arranged to engage teeth (not shown) formed on the indexing spool 812. For simplicity, only a few holes 810 are shown in fig. 10. However, it should be appreciated that the aperture 10 will be formed along the entire length of the flexible elongate strip 802.

The elongate flexible strip 802 is flexible enough to be wound and conforms to the indexing spool 812 and any other spools it may be wound around, providing an effective seal. In the example of fig. 10, consumable 800 is wound around indexing reel 812 and tensioning reel 814 and formed into a continuous loop. The indexing spool 812 may be rotated in the direction of arrow C to dispose the cartridge 804 in the aerosolization region 816 where the aerosol-forming substrate may be heated to generate an aerosol. The index spool 812 has a channel or conduit to allow air to pass through the index spool 812. When the aerosol-forming substrate 808 is aerosolized, air is drawn through the spool under the action of a user's inhalation or suction and passes through the apertures 806 of the cartridge 804 located in the aerosolization zone in the direction of arrow D. The index spool 812 may be indexed a number of times corresponding to the number of apertures 806 comprising the aerosol-forming substrate 808.

Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a consumable 900 according to another example of the present disclosure. Consumable 900 includes an elongated flexible strip 902 that is identical to the elongated flexible strip of fig. 10, except that the consumable is not formed as a continuous loop, but rather as a single discrete length wound in a double-coil arrangement. For simplicity, only one orifice 906 containing an aerosol-forming substrate is shown in fig. 11. However, it should be appreciated that a plurality of cartridges each containing an aperture are arranged along the length of the elongate flexible strip 902.

In the example of fig. 11, unused cartridges are stored on the first coil 904 and are deployed from the first coil 904 such that they may be advanced in the direction of arrow E towards the aerosolization zone 910 of the aerosol-generating device. The used cartridge is stored on the second coil 908 after having passed through the aerosolization zone 910 in the direction of arrow F and wound on the second coil 908. The first coil 904 and the second coil 908 are wound on a spool, which has been omitted from fig. 11 for clarity. An indexing spool (not shown) is also provided for advancing the consumable towards the aerosolization zone 910 in a manner similar to that described with respect to fig. 10. The indexing reel may be provided for winding the first coil 904 or the second coil 908 or in the region of the aerosolization zone 910.

Fig. 12A shows a schematic perspective view of a cartridge 1000 for an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge 1000 includes the consumable 900 of fig. 11 and a cartridge housing 1002. The first and second coils (not shown) of the consumable 900 are held within the cartridge housing 1002. The elongate flexible strip 902 of consumable 900 is supported on a holder 1004 that protrudes from the proximal end of cartridge housing 1002. The holder 1004 includes an upper or first elongate guide 1006 and a lower or second elongate guide 1008. The first guide 1006 and the second guide 1008 are arranged parallel to each other and the holder 1004 is bent at its proximal end to allow the elongate flexible strip 902 to track smoothly around the end of the holder 1004.

Cassette 1000 includes an air inlet (not shown) and an air outlet 1010 in fluid communication with each other by means of an air flow channel (not shown) defining an air flow path through the cassette. An air outlet 1010 is disposed at the proximal end of the holder 1004. An indexing mechanism (not shown) is provided for urging the elongate flexible strip 902 towards the aerosolization region of the aerosol-generating device. When the cartridge of elongate flexible strip 902 is disposed in the aerosolization zone, aperture 906 of the cartridge is aligned with air outlet 1010 of cassette 1000. In this arrangement, the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge may be aerosolized so that inhalation or inhalation may be performed by the user. As the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized, air flows through the air outlet 1010 and the orifice 906 to entrain the generated aerosol in the airflow.

Fig. 12B shows a schematic perspective cut-away view of an aerosol-generating device 1100 according to another example of the disclosure. The aerosol-generating device 1100 is configured for use with the cartridge 1000 of fig. 12A. A portion of the cassette 1000 has been cut away and the retainer 1004 of the cassette 1000 has been removed in fig. 12B so that the elongate flexible strip 902 can be seen. It will be appreciated that fig. 12B is schematic and thus certain features such as the power supply, control circuitry and indexing mechanism have been omitted.

The aerosol-generating device 1100 comprises a body portion 1102 having a cavity 1104 arranged at a distal end thereof for receiving the cartridge 1000. The aerosolization region 1110 is disposed at the proximal end of the cavity 1104 such that when the cartridge 1000 is received in the cavity 1104, the proximal end of the holder 1004 of the cartridge 1000 is disposed adjacent the aerosolization region 1110. A mouthpiece 1106 having an aerosol outlet 1108 is disposed at the proximal end of the body portion 1102. The aerosol outlet 1108 is in fluid communication with the air outlet 1010 of the cassette 1000. A first coil 904 and a second coil 908 of the consumable 900 storing unused and used cartridges, respectively, are held within the cartridge housing 1002.

In use, a user inserts the cartridge 1000 into the cavity 1104 of the aerosol-generating device 1100 and actuates the indexing mechanism (not shown) to advance an unused cartridge of the consumable 900 from the first coil 904 into the aerosolization zone 1110. This aligns the bore 906 of the cartridge with the air outlet 1010. The user then places the mouthpiece 1106 into his mouth and activates the device to provide power from the power source to the heating element of the cartridge, for example by pressing a button or by the device detecting user inhalation or suction. This heats the aerosol-forming substrate and generates an aerosol that may be drawn into the mouth of the user through the mouthpiece 1106. When the aerosol-forming substrate is aerosolized, air may be drawn through the cartridge, through the air outlet 1010 and through the aperture 90 to the aerosol outlet 1108 in the mouthpiece 1106 in the direction of arrow G under the inhalation or suction action of the user. Subsequent actuation of the indexing mechanism will push the used cartridge out of aerosolization zone 1110 and load the unused cartridge into aerosolization zone 1110 ready for another user inhalation or aspiration. The used cartridge will be stored on the second coil 908.

For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Moreover, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, the number a is understood to be a± 5%A. In this context, the number a may be considered to include values within a general standard error for the measurement of the property of the modification of the number a. In some cases, as used in the appended claims, the number a may deviate from the percentages recited above, provided that the amount of deviation a does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Moreover, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device for use with a consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges arranged in series to form an elongate strip of cartridges, each of the elongate strips of cartridges comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising:

An air inlet in fluid communication with the aerosol outlet to define an airflow path through the aerosol-generating device;

an aerosolization zone for aerosolizing the aerosol-forming substrate included in each cartridge, wherein at least a portion of the aerosolization zone is disposed within the airflow path;

a holder for receiving and holding an elongate strip of the cartridge; and

an indexing mechanism for advancing an elongate strip of cartridges toward the aerosolization zone a predetermined distance in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device such that each cartridge successively enters the aerosolization zone;

wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to arrange the cartridge transversely across the airflow path when the cartridge is located in the aerosolization zone.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a first elongate guide for holding a first portion of an elongate strip of the cartridge, the first portion comprising an unused cartridge.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the first elongate guide is arranged to guide unused cartridges towards the aerosolization zone.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the holder comprises a second elongate guide for holding a second portion of the elongate strip of cartridges, the second portion comprising a used cartridge.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the second elongate guide is arranged to guide a used cartridge away from the aerosolization zone.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the aerosolization region is disposed between the first elongate guide and the second elongate guide.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first elongate guide and the second elongate guide are arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the indexing mechanism comprises a slider configured to engage an indexing member on the consumable, wherein the slider is actuable by a user to advance a cartridge into the aerosolization zone.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein the slider comprises an electrical connector for electrical contact with the heating element.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is flexible.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone comprises a bellows.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a first end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is connected to the aerosol outlet and a second end of the airflow path between the aerosol outlet and the aerosolization zone is connected to the slider.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a spool for holding an elongate strip of the cartridge.

14. An aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the airflow path passes through the holder.

15. A consumable for an aerosol-generating device, the consumable comprising a plurality of cartridges, each cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the plurality of cartridges are continuously interconnected to form an elongate strip of cartridges; wherein each cartridge comprises a frame having an aperture through a thickness of the frame, and wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the aperture.

16. The consumable of claim 15, wherein adjacent cartridges are pivotally connected to each other.

17. A consumable for an aerosol-generating device, the consumable comprising a continuous elongate flexible strip, wherein the elongate flexible strip is divided into a plurality of sections along its length, and wherein each section of the elongate flexible strip defines a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; wherein the elongate flexible strip comprises a membrane and each section of the membrane defining a cartridge comprises an aperture, and wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed within the aperture.

18. A consumable as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 and wherein each cartridge includes at least one heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

19. The consumable of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said at least one heating element comprises a resistance heating wire or mesh.

20. A consumable as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19 and including an indexing member engageable to advance an elongate strip of the cartridge in a longitudinal direction of the elongate strip.

21. The consumable of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein each cartridge comprises a single metered dose of aerosol-forming substrate.

22. An aerosol-generating system comprising:

an aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 14; and

the consumable of any one of claims 15 to 21.